Dark View Falls tour: Waterfall hike and beach swim in Kingstown

Hike to two cascading waterfalls and swim in the natural pools below

A guided tour from Kingstown cruise ship terminal or hotel that drives through the capital's historical sites, follows the leeward coast through fishing villages and colonial landmarks, then hikes to Dark View Falls (two waterfalls stacked one above the other plunging into natural pools) before finishing with an hour to swim or snorkel at Buccament Beach. The tour runs five hours with a professional local guide speaking English, air-conditioned transport, and complimentary water, rum punch and natural juice. Entrance fees at Wallilabou Anchorage and Dark View Falls are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour Kingstown and visit waterfalls and beach

• Start at Kingstown cruise terminal
• Drive through Kingstown city sights
• Pass bustling market square
• Drive past local churches
• Drive on Nelson Mandela Highway
• Photo stop at Buccament Bay
• Photo stop at Layou settlement
• Visit fishing village Barrouallie
• Stop at Wallilabou Bay movie site
• Pass Cumberland Power Development
• Photo stop near Troumaca Primary School
• Pass through Chateaubelair village
• Hike to Dark View Falls
• Return to Buccament Beach for swim/snorkel

The experience

The tour departs from Kingstown cruise ship terminal or your hotel and moves through the capital's historical core (the Central Police Station, Financial Complex, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and Cenotaph) before passing through the bustling market square where vendors sell local produce. You'll drive the church street (locally called "back street") to see the Methodist, Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, then head north on Nelson Mandela Highway past the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, Victoria Park, the Botanical Gardens (the oldest of its kind in the western hemisphere), and the industrial area at Campden Park.

The route follows the leeward coast through settlements with deep colonial and indigenous roots. Layou was one of the first French settlements in the early eighteenth century and shows Carib petroglyphs. Barrouallie, established in 1719, was once the island's capital and remains known for fishing and "blackfish." Wallilabou Bay is where the opening scenes of Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl were filmed. A photo stop near Troumaca Primary School frames La Soufrière Volcano at 4,049 feet above sea level, and on clear days you can see St. Lucia across the water. Chateaubelair, a large fishing village at the foot of the volcano, sits at the edge of the North Leeward region.

Dark View Falls is a short, easy hike through rainforest and across the Richmond River via bamboo or conventional bridge. The first waterfall is tall and accessible. A second, more difficult walk leads to the upper falls directly above it. Both cascade year-round into natural pools where you can swim. After time at the falls, the tour returns to Buccament Beach for one hour to swim or snorkel before heading back to your ship or hotel.

What’s included

• Cruise ship or hotel pickup and drop-off (with possible extra charge for locations outside Kingstown).
• professional local guide speaking English.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• rum punch.
• natural juice.
• one hour at Buccament Beach to swim or snorkel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 09:30

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 26

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 5

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Topdawg Taxi and Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so the commentary on Kingstown's history, the leeward coast settlements and the volcano is accessible to anyone who understands the language. The hike to Dark View Falls is short and easy to the first waterfall, with a more difficult optional walk to the second, so you can choose how far to go based on your comfort level.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Dark View Falls like when you get there?

Dark View Falls consists of two waterfalls stacked one above the other, flowing down high cliff faces and plunging into natural pools. The hike to the first waterfall is short and easy through rainforest. Reaching the second waterfall requires a more difficult walk but both flow year-round from a tributary of the Richmond River.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear or do I need to rent it?

You can walk with your swimming and snorkeling gear as optional items. The tour does not provide or rent equipment, so bring your own if you want to use it at Buccament Beach.

What historical sites does the tour pass through?

The tour drives through Kingstown's historical center including the Central Police Station, Financial Complex, and Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, then follows the leeward coast through Layou (an early French settlement with Carib petroglyphs), Barrouallie (established 1719 and once the island's capital), and Wallilabou Bay (where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed).

Is hotel pickup available if I'm staying outside Kingstown?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, though an additional charge may apply for hotels outside the Kingstown area. Confirm your location when booking.

What's included in the tour price?

Pickup and drop-off from your cruise ship or hotel, professional local guide in English, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, rum punch and natural juice are included. Entrance fees at Wallilabou Anchorage and Dark View Falls are paid separately.