Film crews chose Saint Vincent partly because of its dramatic scenery - steep green mountains plunging into a turquoise sea, lush tropical forest everywhere, and the beautiful natural harbour of Wallilabou. The bay is so calm and sheltered that it is also a favourite stop for real sailing yachts making their way through the Grenadines.
When the Pirates of the Caribbean crew arrived, they brought huge wooden ship replicas, rum barrels, market stalls and all sorts of props to turn Wallilabou into the fictional pirate port of 'Port Royal'. After filming, some of these props were left behind, and you can still see old cannon, chains, anchors and wooden structures scattered around the bay.
Making a big film like Pirates of the Caribbean takes an enormous team - hundreds of carpenters, painters, costume designers, camera operators, lighting crew and stunt performers. Many local Vincentians (people from Saint Vincent) worked on the films, learning new skills and earning money that helped their families and communities.
Wallilabou is also a great spot for snorkelling around the rocky edges of the bay, where sergeant major fish, wrasse and small moray eels peek out from crevices in the reef. The bay has a small jetty, a café and a gift shop, making it a popular stop for day-trippers arriving by boat or bus from Kingstown.
