Saint Vincent and the Grenadines sit in the southern Windward Islands, where a mix of volcanic terrain and coastal lagoons creates pockets of standing water that matter to local communities and wildlife. Small lakes, brackish ponds and coastal salt pans are scattered across the main island and the Grenadines, each with its own setting and practical uses.
There are 11 Lakes in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, ranging from Ashton Lagoon to The Salt Pond. For each entry I list Island,Type,Notes so you can quickly see location, whether it’s freshwater, brackish or salt, and any handy local details — you’ll find below.
Can I visit these lakes and are they easy to reach?
Many are accessible from roads or short walks, especially coastal lagoons and larger ponds, but some lie on private land or in rough terrain; access depends on the specific site and local permissions. Check maps, ask local guides or tourism offices, and respect signs or property boundaries before visiting.
What do the columns Island,Type,Notes mean and how current is the list?
Island names show where each lake sits, Type indicates freshwater/brackish/salt or lagoon, and Notes include size, access and any distinguishing features; the list is compiled from maps and local records but conditions can change, so verify with recent sources if you need up-to-date access or conservation information.
Lakes in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
| Name | Island | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Soufrière Crater Lake | Saint Vincent | Crater lake | Re-forming in the volcano summit after the 2021 eruption. 13.33°N, 61.18°W. |
| Dalaway Reservoir | Saint Vincent | Reservoir | Major water supply for Kingstown area. Located in Vermont Valley. 13.19°N, 61.22°W. |
| Montreal Reservoir | Saint Vincent | Reservoir | Located near the Montreal Gardens in the Marriaqua Valley. Supplies water to the area. |
| Jennings Reservoir | Saint Vincent | Reservoir | Provides water for the Jennings Valley agricultural and residential areas in central St. Vincent. |
| Brighton Salt Pond | Saint Vincent | Seasonal lagoon | Important Bird Area on the southeast coast. Brackish. Approx. 20 ha. 13.11°N, 61.18°W. |
| Ashton Lagoon | Union Island | Seasonal lagoon | Large, significant brackish lagoon and mangrove ecosystem. Important wildlife habitat. 12.59°N, 61.43°W. |
| Clifton Salt Pond | Union Island | Seasonal lagoon | Small brackish pond located near the main town of Clifton and the airport. |
| Canouan Salt Pond | Canouan | Seasonal lagoon | Large brackish lagoon on the southern part of the island, near the airport. |
| The Salt Pond | Mustique | Seasonal lagoon | The main salt pond on the island, located near Lovell Village. Important for birdlife. |
| Saltwhistle Bay Pond | Mayreau | Seasonal lagoon | Small brackish pond located behind the iconic sandspit beach at Saltwhistle Bay. |
| Industry Bay Salt Pond | Bequia | Seasonal lagoon | Brackish lagoon located behind Industry Bay beach on the island’s east coast. |
Images and Descriptions
La Soufrière Crater Lake
Island: Saint Vincent. Type: volcanic crater lake. Formed inside the summit crater of La Soufrière volcano, this small lake appears after heavy rain and when fumarolic heat allows water to collect. Water is often hot or acidic and the feature changes after eruptions. Include it because it shows that a true crater lake exists on the main island, but access is restricted for safety and by park rules.
Dalaway Reservoir
Island: Saint Vincent. Type: man-made reservoir. Created to store freshwater for local use, Dalaway holds water from upland streams and shows seasonal level changes. It supplies nearby communities and agriculture. Access is usually limited and water quality varies with rainfall.
Montreal Reservoir
Island: Saint Vincent. Type: municipal reservoir. Built by damming a river or stream, Montreal Reservoir provides drinking and irrigation water. It fluctuates with the wet and dry seasons. Access is controlled and the site is a key part of the island’s freshwater supply.
Jennings Reservoir
Island: Saint Vincent. Type: storage reservoir. Located near the town of Jennings, this reservoir stores runoff for local use and farming. Levels drop in dry months and rise after storms. It functions as part of the island water network and is not a recreational lake.
Brighton Salt Pond
Island: Grenadines (small island). Type: coastal salt pond / lagoon. This shallow, brackish pond sits behind a coastal sandbar and fills with seawater and rain. It supports shorebirds and coastal plants and shifts with tides and weather. Include it as an example of Grenadine salt ponds rather than freshwater lakes.
Ashton Lagoon
Island: Grenadines (small island). Type: coastal lagoon/pond. Ashton Lagoon is a shallow, seasonally brackish pool near the shore. It changes size with storms and dry spells and serves as habitat for fish and birds. Access is usually by local beach paths.
Clifton Salt Pond
Island: Union Island (Clifton). Type: salt pond / coastal lagoon. Located near the settlement of Clifton, this pond forms behind the beach and fills with seawater. It supports seabirds and mangroves and may be used historically for salt collection. It illustrates how many Grenadine islands host small coastal ponds.
Canouan Salt Pond
Island: Canouan. Type: salt pond / mangrove lagoon. This shallow pond lies near Canouan’s coast and holds brackish water. It provides habitat for birds and fish and changes with tides and rain. It is included because it is a named standing water feature on a Grenadine island.
The Salt Pond
Island: Grenadines (small island). Type: coastal salt pond. Known locally as a simple salt pond, this shallow body holds a mix of seawater and rain. It varies in size and salinity and supports coastal vegetation and birds. It reflects the common small ponds found across the Grenadines.
Saltwhistle Bay Pond
Island: Mayreau. Type: coastal pond / lagoon. Sited behind Saltwhistle Bay, this shallow pond is affected by waves, rain and groundwater. It supports coastal wildlife and is visible from popular bayside trails. Include it as a clear example of a Grenadine bay pond.
Industry Bay Salt Pond
Island: Grenadines (small island). Type: salt pond / lagoon. Located at or near Industry Bay on a Grenadine island, this pond fills with seawater and rain. It serves as habitat for wading birds and small fish. It shows how many small bays in the Grenadines contain seasonal salt ponds.
