Private Dark View Falls Tour: Waterfalls, Black Sand & Snorkeling

Summary

St. Vincent Private Taxi Tour: Waterfalls, Beaches & Movie Spots

You’ll get your own private taxi for a full day exploring St. Vincent’s waterfalls, black sand beaches, and even film locations—with time to swim, snorkel, and snap photos along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Sun on my face, I kicked off my sandals at the first beach stop—just locals chatting over dominoes and the faint smell of fried fish drifting from a nearby shack. Our driver, Marcus, had the kind of easy laugh that makes you feel like you’ve known him for years. He pointed out the old Layou Village from a lookout spot; honestly, it’s one of those places where you want to linger for just another minute. The fishing boats bobbed below, and I snapped a photo that still sits as my phone background.

The drive up to Dark View Falls was all winding roads and bursts of green—banana trees everywhere, with tiny rain showers coming and going. You cross this wobbly bamboo bridge (hold onto the rail!) before reaching the falls. There are two cascades here; we soaked in the lower pool while the mist cooled our faces. The rainforest is thick and alive—birds calling out, leaves dripping from last night’s rain. Marcus shared how locals come here on Sundays with picnic baskets and homemade ginger beer.

After drying off, we stopped at a black sand beach where parts of Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed. There’s still an old boat prop stuck in the sand—makes for a fun photo op if you’re into movie trivia. The volcanic sand gets hot by midday, so pack sandals or you’ll be hopping around like I did. Last stop: Buccament Beach for snorkeling. We had about 90 minutes to float above coral patches and spot parrotfish darting between rocks. The water’s warm but not too salty—just right after a day exploring.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dark View Falls and Beaches

• The Beach
• Photo stop at Layou Village
• Visit fishing community, photo opportunity
• Explore Dark View Falls and rainforest
• Visit Pirates of the Caribbean filming site and Black Sand Beach
• Snorkeling at Buccament Beach

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour includes uneven paths and a bamboo bridge at Dark View Falls; moderate fitness is needed and it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues.

How long do we spend at each stop?

It varies—usually 20-30 minutes at viewpoints and beaches, about an hour at Dark View Falls, plus 90 minutes snorkeling at Buccament Beach.

Are there changing facilities at the waterfalls or beaches?

There are basic changing areas near Dark View Falls; beaches have simple facilities but it’s best to bring a towel and change discreetly if needed.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

No gear is provided; please bring your own mask and snorkel for Buccament Beach.

What’s included

Your private taxi comes with air conditioning, WiFi onboard (handy for sharing photos), bottled water to keep you cool, and an experienced local driver who knows all the best spots—and stories—along the way.