Snorkeling and beach excursion with only 12 other people it was almost like a private event...the snorkeling would have been better if the sea had been calmer (but not their fault) by the time we reached the beach the sun was glorious and we had a lovely lunch, swim and sail back to town. We were there on a Sunday and much of the port town is closed for Sunday but except for the spice market it's not an overly commercial port anyway...developed but not over developed with some great recreational areas.
It's hard to argue with the white sand beaches, sun and crystal water that we snorkeled in...swimming with sea turtles and then snorkeling over a couple of sunken ships and then time on the beach...it was a great day...about 50 people on the catamaran (so not as tranquil as our snorkeling/beach day in Granada) but a pleasant day none the less (the lunch and rum punch were terrific). The island is much more developed, much more popular and as a result you don't get a sense of peace and quiet like on some of the other islands (for example there were 4 tours all 'swimming with the sea turtles' which is less than ideal). We were there on December 27 and apparently most of downtown was closed (in lieu of Christmas and/or Boxing day)and no one on the ship told anyone that until after they had taken the bus downtown!
Not everyone is going to like this port as it's not very developed (only 50 cruise ships a year) and most of the town seems much poorer than many of the other ports that were a part of the itinerary. That being said, it's a lush, tropical island that is full of stunning views and vistas. We did the tour of the Botanical Garden (in the town) and then a bus ride up to the Montreal Gardens (which is almost indescribable it's so gorgeous). The bus ride took us past many points of interest and we covered a large part of the island on our way up the mountain to the Montreal Gardens...really a joy (and rum punch with a real KICK to it). The people were also really, really friendly and we thoroughly enjoyed our tour and our time on St. Vincent (although it was hot and very, very humid) so pack light;-)
OK the cloudy cool rain didn't help but our 'eco tour' (snorkel, kayak and hike) was run by a collection of not over helpful (or really friendly) people...the tour was advertised as being good for beginners BUT IT'S NOT...over a mile kayak (each way on open water) and the small children on our tour were having NO fun by the time they got to the snorkel site. The town itself is really developed (Wendy's, McDonald's and Hooters) all within walking distance of the ship and since it's one of the the last duty free ports that most ships stop at the 'Diamond International' shops are everywhere (as are liquor stores and perfume shops)...I guess it could be a shoppers dream but it seemed more like a nightmare.
Duty and tax free prices for cologne were better here than at any other port we checked (Antigua and Barbados) BUT they were identical to the prices charged at the boutique on board...so it's not really worth the hassle...just buy on board!
More 
