Galley Guys visit Amazona Nest in the St. Vincent Rain Forest

The October issue of Canadian Yachting magazine has long been our annual winter cruising guide and in the 2023 issue, we ran our destination story, Galley Guys (and Gals) Barefootin’ St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

The plan had been to do a bareboat charter with Barefoot Yacht Charters sailing through the glorious tropical islands of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Our host and the owner of Barefoot Yacht Charters was Phillip Barnard whose family bought a large tract of land on the big island of St. Vincent back in the very early 1900s. The land is still unspoiled tropical rain forest and includes a natural fresh water spring well up the mountain, that supplies much of St. Vincent with water. We knew nothing of this when we planned our trip.

In planning our week of sailing the islands and walking the white sand beaches of the grenadines, we were asked to leave the last day open.

As a very special final day treat, Phillip Barnard scheduled an excursion to the rain forest, about an hour drive north of Barefoot Base, to visit Amazona Nest. We needed four-wheel drives to climb the mountain to the Barnard’s ancestoral home, fording several small rivers and almost losing sight of the road driving through the forest. But the reward was a unique and very special lunch of breadfruit, plaintains and all sorts of other spices and ingredients all from the property, including freshly caught “river lobsters” – very big (and tasty) crayfish that our hosts gathered with a small spear gun! 

You can book a trip to visit this yourself.

Part of the land has been set up as a tropical rainforest experience available to a select number of people at any one time. There are basically two cottages plus a camp ground and there are staff who are there tending the gardens and who can assist in learning about the wonders of the tropical rainforest, help with food and who can even make this a unique and memorable learning experience.

At Amazona Nest You will get the real sense of nature at its finest. Relax and unwind with the sound of the river to the amazing sounds of the native birds including wild Parrots, the national bird. The serenity and tranquility of the surroundings is very unique. Get away from the urban hustle, enjoy peace and quiet but keep your camera ready for our whistling feathered friends.

If you were to book with Barefoot Yacht Charters, sail for a week or so then spend a few nights at Amazona Nest. It’s an experience that you will never forget!

All the details are on their website plus a gallery of great photos. Go to https://www.amazonasvg.com/

Spectacular beauty of the rainforest is everywhere we look.
The Amazona Nest sign on the road in.
Our host for the trip and Barefoot Yacht Charters owner Phillip Barnard.
The spacious outdoor kitchen at Amazona Nest, Galley Greg just arriving.
A display of the fruit grown on the property.
The price list for Amazona Farm produce that’s available.
Swimming in the river to catch our “River Lobsters” is Manan who made his own speargun to catch the quick and elusive crayfish.
Manan holding up a fresh-caught “River Lobster”.
A bowl of fresh-caught “River Lobster” being seasoned before the boil.
The other ingredients simmering before the “River Lobster” is added.
Chef Lauron from the Driftwood Restaurant at the Barefoot Yachts Charter base was in charge of the kitchen.
Lauron holds out the bowl of prepared crayfish.
Most cooking is done outdoors on open fires.
Yvette the owner and manager of Amazona Nest holds out a partially peeled breadfruit to be boiled with the River Lobsters.
A Cocoa pod growing in the rain forest.
Coconuts grow in bunches throughout the area.
Lauron holds out a half Breadfruit in preparation for roasting.
Preparing the seasoning and base.
Does it rain in the rain forest? Yes, but only for a few minutes. This is the porch at Bayleaf Cottage, one of the two cottages available to guests.

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