Holiday Bequia - Toni Mills Graphic Design

Dear Visitors,
Welcome to our very special island!
Bequia was recently described in the press as “the perfect Caribbean Island” and few who
have visited would disagree with this assessment! Far from being just another Caribbean island
resort, it is instead a big little island with friendly independent-minded people, lush green hills,
fertile valleys, stunning views and above all, a unique, magical charm that captivates everyone.
During the high season, don’t miss our annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration, the Bequia
Tourism Association’s annual four-day Bequia Mount Gay Music Fest at the end of January and
of course the world famous Bequia Easter Regatta.
While you are here, we hope you will visit our Bequia Tourism office, located at the end of
the main jetty in Port Elizabeth. This cool haven is the ideal place to get advice and information
about Bequia, pick up copies of invaluable free publications such as Holiday Bequia, and “Bequia
This Week”, purchase stamps, postcards, water and phone cards as well as souvenir items.
The Bequia Tourism Association is committed to making Bequia even more “perfect” for
everyone and we work hard to achieve this goal. Our official website www.bequiatourism.com
is constantly updated and is the Number One online source of information about the island.
We hope that you enjoy reading this latest edition of Holiday Bequia, and most of all that you
enjoy your stay and will come back to Bequia soon!
With best wishes.
Antoinette Cozier-Simmons
Chairperson, Bequia Tourism Association
P.O. Box 146 BQ, Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, W.I.
Tel: (784) 458 3286 Fax: (784) 458-3964 info@bequiatourism.com
Open 7 days a week throughout the year
www.bequiatourism.com
1
Contents
This magazine has been created to give you a glimpse of the welcoming hotels and guesthouses,
restaurants, beautiful scenery, numerous activities, rich culture and the special warmth which
Bequia has to offer all its visitors. It is presented to you with our compliments.
Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Bequia Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Simple Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Getting Here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Where to Stay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Dining & Nightlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Bequia Mount Gay Music Fest . . . . . . 28
Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Sightseeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Bequia Heineken Easter Regatta . . . .40
Yacht Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Land & Water Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
2
With special thanks to the Bequia Tourism
Association which has helped make the publication of this edition of Holiday Bequia possible, and
to Hermus Ashton (Trembler) and Gideon and
Bronte Ollivierre for all the ‘behind the scenes’ hard
work in getting the magazine cleared and distributed. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or
in part of this publication without written permission is strictly prohibited. Whilst every effort has
been made to ensure correct information, neither
the Publishers nor the BTA can be held responsible for any errors, omissions or changes. The
advertising content is the sole responsibility of the
advertiser and the Publishers accept no responsibility for any statements or claims made therein.
Holiday Bequia is published by
West Indies Publishing Ltd.,
P.O. Box W883, Woods Centre,
St. John’s, Antigua
Tel: (268) 461 0565 or 463 5550
Fax: (268) 461 9750 wip@candw.ag
www.westindiespublishing.com
Copyright © 2012
West Indies Publishing Ltd.
Photography by Wilfred Dederer
Cover photo: De Reef, Lower Bay
Regatta Yacht Racing
Calendar of Special Events
& Public Holidays 2012/2013
2012
December
December 25*
December 26*
December 31
2013
January 1*
January 24 - 27
January 25
* Denotes Public Holiday
Nine Mornings Festival
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
New Year’s Eve
Fireworks Display
sponsored by the
Bequia Community
New Year’s Day
Bequia Mount Gay
Music Fest
Mustique Blues Festival
in Bequia
March 29*
April 1*
Good Friday
Easter Monday
May 1*
May 20*
Labour Day
Whit Monday
June
June 28- July 9
Bequia Carnival
St. Vincent Carnival
(Vincy Mas)
Monday, July 8*
Tuesday, July 9*
July 13
Bequia Rotary Club
Fisherman’s Day
Bequia Basketball
Tournament
August 1*
Emancipation Day
October 27*
Independence Day
March 14*
National Heroes Day
Rotary Interschool
Sport’s Day
March 28 - April 1 Bequia Heineken
Easter Regatta
Gingerbread Café, Belmont Walkway
Holiday Bequia
3
Yacht Garbage
Disposal
M
Fuel Dock
AI
Belmont Walkway
US
T
T
ADMIRALTY BAY
B
Y
OS
IND
Customs & Immigration P R I N G A N D
N
Post Office
RO
Library
AD
Clive Tannis
$
$
Playing Field
BACK STREE
Market Square
Tender Jetty
Public Restrooms
Bequia Tourism Office
Main Jetty
Almond Tree
Main Dinghy Dock
R OA D
TR
Port Elizabeth
Seventh Day
Adventist Church
Anglican
Church
Northwes
Point
Dinghy Dock
Hamilton
Battery
Rocky
Bay
LEGEND
CARIBBEAN SEA
Main Roads
Secondary Roads
Ad
Princes
Be
Churches
Forts
Points of Interest
Gas Stations
Police Stations
Medical Clinic
Hospitals
Airports
4
Lower
Bay
Belle Point
Beaches
Upper Bright
LOWER
Lower Bright
Moon Hole
Big Cay
West Cay
PAGET FARM
Adams Bay
James F. Mitchell Airport
LA POM
Bequia
Man Point
L’Anse
Chemin
LONGUE
CHEMIN
Bullet
Cay
Bullet Bay
Bends Bay
Diable Point
Shark Bay
The Old Hegg
Turtle Sanctuary
PARK
INDUSTRY
SPRING
CINNAMON
GARDEN
Spring
Plantation
Spring Bay
HAMILTON
Hamilton
Battery
REFORM
O’CAR
Bequia Maritime PARADISE
Museum
Anse La Coite
PORT
ELIZABETH
HOPE
Hope Bay
Admiralty Bay
Princess Margaret
Beach
Mount Pleasant
BELMONT
Lower
Bay
LOWER BAY
Mount Pleasant Bay
FRIENDSHIP
Rocky Bay
Ravine Bay
FARM
LA POMPE
Park Bay
Industry Bay
Northwest
Point
Rocky
Bay
Brute Point
Friendship
Bay
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Saint Hilaire Point
© West Indies Publishing 2012. Map not to scale.
5
Simple Facts
Location & Physical Features
Bequia is situated at approximately latitude
13°17’ north and longitude 61°8’ west, between
St. Vincent (nine miles to its north), and
Mustique (to its south). The total area is seven
square miles, and is of very varied topography.
Originally a volcanic island, Bequia has fertile
plains in Friendship, Spring and Industry which
are the sites of former plantations. Excellent
beaches are located on both the windward
(east and south-east) and leeward (west) sides.
Capital
Port Elizabeth
Population
4,851 (2001 Census)
Time Zone
Atlantic Standard
Language
English is the official and working language.
There are several businesses, especially
amongst those serving the yacht industry,
where French or German are also spoken.
Currency
Bequia uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar,
which is exchanged at the rate of US$1 to
about EC$2.67 ($2.60 in hotels and stores).
Both US and EC dollars are accepted by stores,
restaurants and hotels, as are travellers’ cheques
and most major credit cards. Check if credit
cards can be used when making reservations
for meals or accommodation and enquire at
retail establishments before you buy.
Business/Tourism Information
Bequia Tourism Association (BTA)
Box 146 BQ, Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3286
bequiatourism@vincysurf.com
www.bequiatourism.com
6
The BTA is located at the end of the main Ferry
Wharf. Opening hours: Nov-June: Mon-Fri
8.30am-6.00pm; Sat 9.00am-2.00pm; Sun and
public holidays 9.00am-12.00 noon. July-Oct:
Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.30pm; Sat 9.00am-1.00pm;
Sun and public holidays 9.00am-12.00 noon.
“Bequia This Week”, published by Outhouse
Graphics Inc., is available from the BTA office,
hotels, bars, and restaurants and also online
via the BTA website.
Tel: (784) 457 3649 outhouse@vincysurf.com
SVG Tourism Authority
2nd Floor, NIS Building, Upper Bay St
Kingstown
Tel: (784) 452 2100 www.discoversvg.com
Climate
Winter temperatures range between 70°F
and 85°F (21°C and 29°C), summer between
75°F and 90°F (24°C and 32°C). Winters are
dry, summers showery.
Electricity
Electricity is 220V, 50 cycles AC. 110V
appliances may be used with an appropriate
transformer.
Clothes
Casual, lightweight resort wear is appropriate
all year round. Bathing suits are considered
inappropriate in the town. Visitors are requested to dress accordingly. Topless swimming and sunbathing causes offence to the
people of Bequia and visitors are asked to
respect this.
Customs & Immigration
Located in the Revenue Building in Port
Elizabeth directly across the road from the
main Ferry Wharf. Tel: (784) 458 3769
Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am-6.00pm (Overtime
(OT) 4.00pm-6.00pm), Sat 8.30am-12noon
(OT 3.00pm-6.00pm), Sun and public holidays
9.00am-12noon and 3.00pm-6.00pm (all OT).
For yacht clearance refer to Yacht Services Section
on page 42.
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS TO THE ISLAND OF BEQUIA
www.justbequia.co.uk
Tel:+44(0)1373814244
info@justbequia.co.uk
•Hotels,Villas,ApartmentsandGuestHouses
•CompetitivelypricedflightsfromtheUK
•Two-centreholidayscombiningBequiawithourother
islands:Grenada,Barbados,StLucia,StKittsandNevis
•Fullybondedholidaysforyour100%financialprotection
Just Bequiaispartoftheaward-winingUKtravelcompany,theJustGrenadaGroup.We
have25years’experienceofarrangingsuccessfulholidaysinEuropeandtheCaribbean
andwestartedworkinginthebeautifulislandofBequiain2010.Wenowofferholidays
to Bequia in a wide variety of properties, from simple apartments to luxurious hotels
andvillasandweknoweachpropertypersonally.Wewouldbedelightedtodiscuss
yourownpersonalholidayplans,whetheritisforanothervisittoBequiaormaybeatrip
includingavisittooneofourotherislands.Havealookatourwebsiteandcontactus
byphoneoremail–welookforwardtohearingfromyou.
UK Travel Company
of the Year
Award Winner
bequia_ad.indd 1
30/07/2012 09:15
Simple Facts
Revenue Office
Tel: (784) 458 3211
Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-12noon and 1.00pm3.00pm. Foreign exchange accepted in US
dollars only and change provided in EC dollars.
Banks & Financial Institutions
Full banking services are available in Bequia
from RBTT and Bank of St. Vincent & the
Grenadines. Both banks have ATM machines
which accept Visa and Mastercard. RBTT also
takes Plus and Cirrus bank cards.
Bank of St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3700
info@bosvg.com
www.bosvg.com
Mon-Thur 8.00am-2.00pm;
Fri 8:00am-5:00pm
MoneyGram - Money Transfers
Bayshore Mall
Tel: (784) 458 3062
Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm
RBTT
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3845
Donnet.simmons@rbc.com
www.rbtt.com
Mon-Thurs 8.00am-2.00pm;
Fri 8.00am- 5.00pm
Western Union – Money transfers
Agent: GECCU
Upstairs the bookshop
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3535
Consulates, Embassies & Foreign
Government Representatives
British High Commission – Barbados
Tel: (246) 430 7800
www.ukinbarbados.fco.gov.uk
8
Canadian High Commission – Barbados
Tel: (246) 629 3550
bdgtn@international.gc.ca
Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
– St. Vincent
Tel: (784) 456 2431
rocemsvg@vincysurf.com
Honorary Consul for France – St. Vincent
François Truchot
Tel: (784) 457 2136
Emergency tel: (784) 493 3995
ftruchot@vincysurf.com
German Embassy – Trinidad
Tel: (868) 628 1630/1/2
Emergency: (868) 687 7953
germanembassy@tstt.net.tt
Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of the
Netherlands – St. Vincent
Camille H. Crichton
Tel: (784) 456 2822
netherlandsconsulate@vincysurf.com
Embassy of United States of America
– Barbados
Tel: (246) 227 4000
http://barbados.usembassy.gov
Embassy of Venezuela – St. Vincent
Tel: (784) 456 1374
embassyofvenezuela-sanvicente@vincysurf.com
Religions
Anglican, Roman Catholic, Evangelical,
Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness,
Spiritual Baptist, Pentecostal and others are
represented on the island.
Driving
Driving is on the LEFT. Visitors wishing to
drive a rented vehicle must obtain a local
driving permit, available from the Revenue
Office in Port Elizabeth on production of a
valid international or national driving licence
from their own country, and payment of a fee
of EC$65. It is valid for six months.
Medical Facilities
Emergency: Tel: 999
Bequia Casualty Hospital and Clinic
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3294
Bequia Hospital Doctor’s Quarters
After hours and private visits
Tel: (784) 458 3213
Milton Cato Memorial Hospital
Kingstown, St. Vincent
Tel: (784) 456 1185
Mary Castle
Homeopathic Practitioner
Mt. Pleasant
Tel: (784) 528 0052 (cell)
bushmast@hotmail.com
Gabriel Glynn
Homeopathic Practitioner and Therapist
O’Car Reform
Tel: (784) 457 3462 or 530 8529 (cell)
Gabrielglynn@yahoo.com
Holistic Physiotherapy Ltd.
Andrea Battermann
Physiotherapist and Shiatsu Practitioner
Tel: (784) 528 2525
abattermann@gmx.eu
Dr. Gregory Thomas, Chiropractor
Port Elizabeth, upstairs Bequia Venture
Tel: (784) 458 3937
Emergencies: (784) 457 3785
Imperial Pharmacy
Port Elizabeth (at entrance to hospital)
Tel: (784) 458 3373
Mon-Thurs 8:00am-7:00pm;
Fri 8:00am-6:00pm;
Sun and Public Holidays 9:00am-12:00pm
Veterinary Services (small animals)
Unique Animal Care
Port Elizabeth behind Port Hole restaurant.
Pet supplies and medications. Dr. Colin Boyle,
veterinary surgeon, holds clinics once per
week on Fridays. Tel: (784) 457 3538
Post Office
Located in the Revenue Building
Tel: (784) 458 3211
Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-12noon and 1.00pm3.00pm. Closed Saturdays but stamps are
always available at the BTA office.
Couriers
DHL Worldwide Express
Agent: ACS Computer Services, upstairs
GYE, O’Car Reform
Tel: (784) 458 3967
Holiday Bequia
9
Simple Facts
Internet Access
Couriers continued
Federal Express
Agent: Solana’s Boutique, Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3554
Telecommunications
Full telecommunications service (fixed line,
mobile and internet) is provided by LIME (St.
Vincent & the Grenadines) Ltd. SIM cards are
available. The LIME office in Bequia is on Front
Street opposite the vegetable market.
Tel: (784) 458 3999
Mobile services are also provided by Digicel
(GSM network) with 30 day SIM cards for
visitors – available from the Digicel Office at
the Bequia Technology Centre.
Tel: (784) 532 9574
Prepaid phone cards for both companies
are sold at a number of outlets including the
BTA office at the end of the main jetty, in
denominations of EC$10 up to EC$200.
Just Relaxing
Most internet access facilities offer additional
services including fax, photocopying, scanning,
printing and lap top plug-in.
ACS Computer & Wireless Internet
Services
O’Car Reform, upstairs GYE and next door
to Coco’s Restaurant. Computer sales and
accessories; wireless hot spot.
Authorized DHL agent.
Tel: (784) 458 3967
acs@vincysurf.com
Bequia Technology Centre
Across the road from the main dinghy dock,
between Handy Andy and Pizza Hut.
Authorized Digicel agent.
Tel: (784) 458 3045
info@bequiatech.com www.bequiatech.com
FS Technology Solutions
Off Back Street.
Turn at Seventh Day Adventist Church
Tel: (784) 457 3837
RMS Internet Services
Across road from fish market jetty
Tel: (784) 458 3556
rms@vincysurf.com
Computer Repair
Sunny Computer
Tradewinds Complex
Tel: (784) 529 4284
Health, Beauty & Fitness
Aqua on Bequia (Gym)
Belmont
On main road above Plantation House
Tel: (784) 458 3761
www.aquaonbequia.com
Fit and Fabulous
Exercise classes at the Rotary Centre,
Lower Bay
Tel: (784) 526 6086
gallag@vincysurf.com
10
Port Elizabeth, Admiralty Bay
Full Body Massage Therapy
Marc Erdrich & Ruth Boerger
By appointment
Tel: (784) 457 5625/430 5763
Val Whitney – Reflexology
Belmont, near Village Apartments
Tel: (784) 458 3883
JSM Beauty Salon
Union Vale above the SDA Secondary School
Tel: (784) 457 3600
jsm3beautysalon@yahoo.com
Visitors must be resident in St. Vincent & the
Grenadines for one full day before they are entitled to apply for a special marriage licence which
will permit them to marry during their visit.
Mr. Bigg’s Barber Shop
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 526 8489
Shades of Beauty Spa
By appointment Tel: (784) 455 9863
Sunny Spa
Princess Margaret Beach
Tel: (784) 529 1607
danielle@collinson.fr
Marriages
A Caribbean Wedding
Spring
Tel: (784) 528 7444
suzanne@acaribbeanwedding.com
www.acaribbeanwedding.com
Grenadine Weddings
Belmont Walkway
Tel: (784) 495 0886/9
grenadinevillas@mac.com
www.grenadineweddings.com
Holiday Bequia
11
Getting Here
Travel by Air
Bequia can be reached via Puerto Rico,
Barbados, St. Lucia (Hewanorra Airport),
Martinique, Grenada and Trinidad. There
are scheduled flights to and from these
international gateways. Same day connections
from Barbados to Bequia’s small modern
airport can be made through Mustique
Airways, SVG Air or Grenadine Air Alliance
As an alternative to flying directly into
Bequia, or if travelling from gateways other
than Barbados, visitors may fly into St. Vincent’s
E. T. Joshua Airport on LIAT, then take the
ferry from St. Vincent to Bequia.
Please note that the airport in Bequia is
not open after dark. Check your travel agent,
the relevant airlines or ferry companies for
current schedules.
12
Domestic Flights – Mustique Airways/
SVG Air (Grenadine Airways) fly between St.
Vincent, Canouan, Union and Bequia returning
twice daily (early morning/late afternoon).
SVG Air also offers a private jet service
operating as far north as Puerto Rico and as
far south as Venezuela.
There is a departure tax of EC$40 (US$16)
payable when leaving St. Vincent or any of the
Grenadines on international flights.
Regional Carriers
Grenadine Air Alliance (GAA)
E.T Joshua Airport, St. Vincent
Tel: (784) 456 6793
LIAT
E.T Joshua Airport, St. Vincent
Tel: (784) 458 4841
www.liat.com
Friendship Bay
Mustique Airways
Tel: (784) 458 4380
info@mustique.com www.mustique.com
SVG Air
Tel: (784) 457 5124/5777
res@svgair.com fltops@svgair.com
www.svgair.com
Vincy Aviation Services
Tel: (784) 456 5600
www.vincyaviation.com
NOTE: All regional carriers require reconfirmation of flights 24-48 hours before travel.
Ferries
A regular and efficient ferry service operates
between Bequia and St. Vincent. Sailing time
jetty to jetty is about one hour. Three companies, Admiralty Transport, (784) 458 3348,
Bequia Express (Tel: 457 3539) and Jaden Inc.
(784) 451 2192 offer frequent and convenient
sailings. An air-conditioned ferry terminal is
located at the Kingstown Wharf. If requested
in advance, Bequia Express will delay departure Monday to Friday of their last ferry service to accommodate late flight arrivals.
MV Gem Star
Tel: (784) 526 1158
Tues & Fri – sails from Kingstown to
Canouan and Union
Wed & Sat – sails from Union to
Canouan and Kingstown
There are no scheduled stops in Bequia.
However, by special arrangement, the
‘Gem Star’ will call in to Bequia, if there are
passengers. This is an interesting, old fashioned
and inexpensive way to see the Grenadines.
MV Jaden Sun
Tel: (784) 451 2192
Inter-island, air conditioned, fast ferry servicing
the Grenadine islands within the same day.
Be aware that schedules are subject to change
and cancellation without notice, due to
maintenance and other causes.
PLEASE CHECK THE FERRY COMPANIES
FOR FARES and TIMES OF SAILING or call
the BTA at (784) 458 3286.
Island Hopping with The Friendship Rose
This traditional sailing schooner offers a
regular schedule of cruises to Mustique and
the Southern Grenadines. One way tickets
can be purchased making island hopping easy.
The Friendship Rose offers connections to the
following islands: Canouan, Mayreau, Palm,
Union and Petit St. Vincent.
Tel: (784) 529 8046/455 0969
Tel: (784) 457 3888 Harbour Office
Tel: (784) 457 3739 Belmont Office
www.friendshiprose.com
Inter Island Ferries
MV Barracuda
Tel (784) 455 9835
Mon, Thurs & Sat – sails from Kingstown
to Canouan, Mayreau and Union
Tues & Fri – sails from Union to
Mayreau, Canouan and Kingstown
Sat – sails from Union non-stop to Kingstown
Holiday Bequia
13
Getting Here
Ports
Passport/Visas
Duty Free
All visitors must have valid passports and
proof of return or on-going travel plans,
whether by sea or air. Entry is usually granted
for 30 days and is renewable at the discretion
of the Immigration Department. Visas are
not required for most countries. However,
the following countries do require a visa:
Lebanon, Syria, Nigeria, Jordan, Iraq, Iran and
the Dominican Republic. Port Elizabeth is the
port of entry for customs clearance. Customs
and Immigration are centrally located in the
Revenue Office in Port Elizabeth, along with
the Post Office. For opening times see page 8.
14
For those travelling by yacht the official port of
entry is Port Elizabeth.
The following items are duty free but must be
fully declared: wine or spirits not exceeding
one quart in all; tobacco, not over half a pound;
cigars, not more than 50, or cigarettes, not
more than 200. Restricted items: drugs, arms,
ammunition, spear guns, fresh fruit, vegetables
and uncooked meat.
Health Requirements
No vaccinations are required unless in transit
from, or having visited, an infected area
within six days of arrival. Drinking tap water
is perfectly safe, but bottled, purified and
mineral water are also readily available.
Welcome Ashore!
Travel Agencies
Cigi Travel
Tel: (784) 458 3795
gtvl14@hotmail.com
Going Places Travel
Bayshore Mall
Tel/Fax: (784) 458 3062
stvincent@going-places.tv
bequia@going-places.tv
Just Bequia
Tel: 44(0) 1373 814244
info@justbequia.co.uk
Looking forward to its third winter season,
Just Bequia is a specialist company in the U.K.
which sends clients to stay at a wide range of
properties from simple guest houses to luxury
hotels on Bequia Our clients love to explore,
eat in local restaurants and mix with the
people of Bequia
Grenadine Island Villas
Local flight agents
Front Street
Tel: (784) 529 8046/455 0969
Tel: (784) 457 3888 Harbour Office
Tel: (784) 457 3739 Belmont Office
www.grenadinevillas.com
Holiday Bequia
15
Where to Stay
B
equia has every type of accommodation to offer, always well run and well kept, with that special
relaxed atmosphere and personal, friendly service which reflects the spirit of the island and its
people. Bequia tends to attract the visitor who prefers the tropical delights and laid back living of the
smaller islands, where the beaches are secluded and there are no high-rise hotels to mar the scenic
views. Thankfully the island has not attracted any so-called five-star ‘luxury’ commercial hotels; instead,
the wonderful, friendly accommodation ranges from stylish four-star and comfortable three star hotels
to well-appointed luxury villas and budget guest houses which include breakfast and dinner featuring
real home cooking. The larger beach front hotels also have first class restaurants and bars, offering
evening entertainment, a full range of water sports, and other sports such as tennis. Please note that
a 10% government tax is added to hotel rates plus a 10% service charge. Credit cards are widely
accepted, but it is always wise to double check when booking.
Beachcombers Hotel
Villa St. Vincent. Tel: (784) 458 4283
beachcombers@vincysurf.com
http: www.beachcombershotel.com
A family run ‘home away from home’ boutique
hotel offering excellent value for money in
a picturesque setting. Rooms range from
standard to presidential suites.
Bequia Beachfront Villas
Friendship Bay. Tel: (784) 457 3423
bequia@fortrecovery.com
Bella Vista
Spring Bay. Tel: (784) 457 3785
cabana@vincysurf.com
http://web.295.ca/cabana/
Deja View Apartments
Belmont
Tel: (705) 897 6537 (Canada)
dejaview2@personainternet.com
www.dejaviewapartments.ca
Two 1 bedroom apartments surrounded by
bougainvilleas and mature fruit trees with a
great panoramic view of Admiralty Bay. Each
comfortable, self-contained apartment includes
A/C in the bedrooms, cell phones, cable
television, ceiling fans and a spacious veranda/
terrace. Close to the beach, dive shops, bars,
restaurants and other amenities.
Bequia Beach Hotel
Friendship Bay. Tel: (784) 458 1600
info@bequiabeach.com, www.bequiabeach.com
Bequia Beach is a luxurious boutique resort
with wonderful beach-front suites. Experience
the true Caribbean at this secluded, independent hotel, on an untouched island claimed to
be one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets.
16
Cinnamon House Apt.
Cinnamon Garden
Tel: (784) 532 1234
cinnamonhouze@yahoo.com
Where to Stay
De Reef Apartments
Lower Bay. Tel: (784) 458 3484/494 3688
dereef@vincysurf.com
Conveniently located, this popular, modern
accommodation is set in beautiful gardens and just
two minutes from Lower Bay Beach. Six, self-contained, one, two and three bedroom apartments,
with living/dining area and fully fitted kitchens, air
conditioned rooms with cable television, ceiling
fans, hot and cold showers and spacious terraces.
Fairmont Apt.
Belmont
Tel: (784) 457 1121/458 4037
esprott@vincysurf.com
Fauvelle Bequia
Spring. Tel: (784) 457 3785
fauvelle@bequia.vc
www.fauvelle.bequia.vc
Fig Tree
Belmont. Tel: (784) 457 3008
Firefly Plantation Hotel Bequia
Spring. P.O. Box 125 BQ
Tel: (784) 458-3414
info@fireflybequia.com
www.fireflybequia.com
Well managed boutique hotel with beautifully spacious and well appointed rooms, large swimming
pool, spectacular views, A/C, WiFi and indoor/
outdoor showers. The two-bedroom self contained Plantation Cottage is ideal for families. Set
in a lush 50 year old working plantation friendly
staff excellent food and attentive service.
Flamingo and Turtle Point Villas
Princess Margaret Beach
Tel: (246) 420 7650
www.bequiavillas.com
The Frangi ani Hotel
Belmont. Tel: (784) 458 3255
info@frangipanibequia.com
www.frangipanibequia.com
With spectacular views of Admiralty Bay,
the centrally located Frangipani Hotel, Bar
and Restaurant offers elegant garden units
or charming old-styled rooms in the original
family home. Catering to everyone – an
experience you will never forget.
Friendship Garden Apartments
Friendship Bay
Tel: (784) 458 3349/530 4737
friendshipgapt@vincysurf.com
www.friendshipgardenapts.com
ingerbread Hotel
Belmont. Tel: (784) 458 3800
ginger@vincysurf.com
www.gingerbreadhotel.com
Gingerbread’s Bequia suites were built to
evoke the design and style of the colonial days,
with covered porches overlooking Admiralty
Bay - all with spacious bathrooms and full
kitchen facilities. There is one air-conditioned
king-sized studio and two comfortable economy apartments. Gingerbread also offers an
18
elegant restaurant, waterfront cafe, barbeque
under the trees and dive shop. A short and
pleasant walk along the bayside takes you to
restaurants, shops and the town of Port Elizabeth with spectacular beaches close by.
Grand View Cottage
La Pompe. Tel: (832) 407 8599
info@grandviewcottage.com
www.grandviewcottage.com
Hibiscus Apartments
Union Vale. Tel: (784) 458 3316
hibiscusapts@vincysurf.com
Hilltop Villa
Lower Bay. Tel: (784) 457 3637/3671
aileen.derrick@yahoo.com
www.hilltopvilla.bequia.net
Island Inn Apartments
Friendship Bay. Tel: (784) 457 3433
islandinn@vincysurf.com
www.islandinnsvg.com
Julie and Isola’s Guest House
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3304
julies2007@hotmail.com
Keegan’s Beach Resort
Lower Bay. Tel: (784) 458 3530
www.keegans-bequia.com
Kingsville Apartments
Lower Bay
Tel: (784) 458 3932/3404
kingsville@vincysurf.com
www.kingsvilleapartments.net
Lime House Villas
Spring
Tel: (784) 457 3092
limehouse@bequiavilla.com
www.bequiavillas.net
Lower Bay Guest House
Lower Bay
Tel: (784) 458 3675
Holiday Bequia
19
Where to Stay
Octopus Villa Rentals
Belmont
Tel: (784) 432 5201
hello@octopus-caribbean.com
www.octopus-caribbean.com
The perfect way to spend your holiday, these
private villas can be rented individually or
combined for larger groups. Set on a lush
hillside above Admiralty Bay with stunning
views of the island and bay. Conveniently
located in Belmont, a few minutes drive from
Port Elizabeth and nearby beaches.
The Old Fort
Mt. Pleasant. Tel: (784) 458 3440
info@theoldfort.com
www.theoldfort.com
Royal View Villa
Friendship Bay. Tel: (784) 458 3618
royal_view_villa@yahoo.com
www.royalview.bequia.net
Sea Shells Holiday Apartments
Belmont. Tel: (784) 458 3656
seashellsbq@vincysurf.com
Spring House
Spring Estate. Tel: (784) 483 0381
Stardust Villa
Friendship Bay. Tel: (784) 457 3785
reserveparadise@gmail.com
Sugar Apple Inn
Friendship Bay
Tel: (784) 457 3148
info@sugarappleinn.com
www.sugarappleinn.com
Sunset Cottage, Apartments and Villas
Lower Bay
Tel: (784) 458 3554
www.sunset-cottage.com
Tamarind Villa
Spring
Tel: (784) 457 3232
www.bequiatamarind.com
Taylor’s Apartments
La Pompe
Tel: (784) 458 3458
noelina.taylor@yahoo.com
Traveller’s Inn
Port Elizabeth
c/o Ms. Gita Sargeant
Box 86 BQ
Tel: (784) 457 3411
travellinn@vincysurf.com
The Village Apartments
P.O. Box 49BQ, VC0400, Belmont
Tel: (784) 458 3883/5
tvabqsvg@vincysurf.com
www.villageapartments.bequia.net
These homely, affordable cottages and apartments are located within a few minutes walking distance of beaches, shops, leading Bequia
beachfront restaurants and the ferry dock in
Port Elizabeth. Comfortably appointed, these
spacious, air-conditioned accommodations
range from studio size up to two bedroom. all
with fully equipped kitchenettes, cable television, personal room safes, in-room telephones
and all linen and towels. Maid service is also
available. Free wireless internet is available for
all of our guests.
Villa Alamanda
Mount Pleasant. Tel: (784) 458 3404
www.villa-alamanda.com
20
Villa Casablanca
Lower Bay. Tel: (784) 458 3404
Villa Rental Companies
Staying in a villa or private home is one of
the best ways to enjoy your stay on Bequia.
Homes range from one to five bedrooms and
from simple to absolute luxury. A few accommodations are on the waterfront – most others have ocean views. Either way, you are never more than a few minutes from the beach.
Grenadine Island Villas
Admiralty Bay
Tel: (784) 529 8046
grenadinevillas@mac.com
www.grenadinevillas.com
Beach retreats, classic villas & distinctive houses.
Based in the islands, this friendly team offers
a full service to help you find and enjoy your
perfect island hideaway. With a comprehensive
online guide and swift, responsive service, you can
relax and enjoy your Grenadine villa experience.
Benefit from a team of local chefs, drivers and
helpful services such as provisioning, delicious
picnics, snorkelling equipment, dives and island
adventures arranged by water, land or air.
Grenadine Yachts, Villas & Resorts
Tel: (784) 496 0654/526 2386
lara@grenadine-escape.com
www.grenadine-escape.com
Lime House Villa Rentals
Spring. Tel/Fax: (784) 457 3092
limehouse@bequiavilla.com
www.bequiavillas.net
Real Estate Brokers
Bequia Dreams
Tel: (784) 528 8592
acs@vincysurf.com
Bequia Real Estate
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 457 3209
info@bequia-realestate.com
www.bequia-realestate.com
Grenadine Escape
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 496 0654/526 2386
www.grenadine-escape.com
Grenadine Island Villas
Admiralty Bay & Belmont Walkway
Tel: (784) 529 8046 Cell
Tel: (784) 455 0969 Cell
Tel: (784) 457 3888 Harbour Office
Tel: (784) 457 3739 Belmont Office
grenadinevillas@mac.com
www.grenadinevillas.com
Comprehensive listings of land and villas for
sale on Bequia and beach front properties and
land available throughout the Grenadines.
Old Fort Estates
Box 71, Bequia
quirin@oldfortestates.com
www.oldfortestates.com
Holiday Bequia
21
Dining & Nightlife
B
equia may be a small island, but you will be pleasantly surprised at the excellent range of friendly
bars, fine restaurants, informal cafés and pizzerias with lively night-time entertainment available
to suit your every mood. We invite you to sample the island’s wonderful mixture of local delicacies,
West Indian, international or even more exotic cuisine. ine on the waterfront in the harbour, by the
beach with the sea just a few steps away or high up in the hills overlooking the sea and islands beyond.
eafood is served fresh daily, with local vegetables and produce. ightlife is mainly centred around
the hotels, restaurants and bars, which regularly feature local string and steel bands, country music,
reggae, ‘ jump ups’ and barbecue nights. If you prefer quiet romantic dining, with just the stars and the
sound of the sea for company, there are some truly memorable locations to choose from. The following is a selected list; however, it is always advisable to check opening times and entertainment details
beforehand. ost restaurants can also be contacted on
hannel . T
is added to meal
and drink bills. ost restaurants also add a
service charge
Hotel Restaurants
Bagatelle and Blue Tropic
Bequia Beach Hotel, Friendship Bay
Tel: (784) 458 1600/454 8111
Known as the two most elegant restaurants
on the island, the Blue Tropic, set in a stunning
tropical garden, offers delicious gourmet
dishes with a Caribbean flare. Bagatelle serves
a delightful menu on the beach where you
can sink your toes in the sand and gaze at the
moonlit ocean.
Beachcombers Bar & Restaurant
Villa, St. Vincent
Tel: (784) 458 4283
Offering sumptuous snacks and gourmet meals
with a Caribbean and International flavour for
breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Wednesdays a
proper English Tea is served with petit fours,
quiche and scones with jam and cream, and
which should not be missed.
22
Firefly Plantation Restaurant
Spring, P.O. Box 1 5 B
Tel: (784) 458-3414
Serving fresh homegrown produce with magnificent views of the plantation and sea beyond.
Ingredients are picked daily from the plantation
and guests are invited to do a tour and pick their
own if they want Friendly service, reasonable
prices, excellent wine and cocktail list. Serving
breakfast, lunch and dinner with BB nights.
The Frangipani Hotel, Bar and Restaurant
Belmont. Tel: (784) 458 3 55
Offering gourmet cuisine with a Caribbean
flavour. To complement this exquisite dining
experience, you can choose from a wide
variety of fine imported wines. A wonderful
place to meet - the Frangi beach bar also boasts
the best cocktails on the island. Join us for the
Thursday night barbeque and jump up with live
steelband music. Reservations recommended.
Open Air Dining
Holiday Bequia
23
Holiday Bequia
25
Dining & Nightlife
Gingerbread Hotel, Bar and Restaurant
Belmont
Tel: (784) 458 3800, VHF 68
Overlooking beautiful Admiralty Bay,
Gingerbread’s restaurant offers elegant
dining in a warm tropical setting. Charming
gingerbread fretwork, interesting artwork and
unique architecture provide the ideal setting
for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu
offers gourmet West Indian/International
cuisine, imported steaks, fresh seafood and
the house specialty, Thai and Indian curries.
A fine selection of imported wines available.
Reservations recommended.
Restaurants & Bars
Aqua Cafe
Port Elizabeth (across from the vegetable
market)
Tel: (784) 458 3133
Coco’s Place
O’Car Reform (near to Tradewinds Marina)
Tel: (784) 458 3463
Colombo’s Place
Port Elizabeth (across the road from Bank of
St. Vincent & the Grenadines)
Tel: (784) 457 3881
Dawn’s Creole Beach Bar and Café
Industry
Tel: (784) 458 3715
VHF 68
De Reef
Lower Bay
Tel: (784) 458 3958 VHF 68
Beach bar and restaurant on this popular and
uncrowded beach. Informal dining for lunch
and dinner. Specializing in seafood and curried
conch. Three course dinner by reservation
only. Seafood buffet dinner with band every
other Saturday in season. Don’t miss the
Sunday afternoon jam session.
26
Fernando’s Hideaway
Lower Bay
Tel: (784) 458 3758 (Reservations required)
Fig Tree
Belmont
Tel: (784) 457 3008
The Green Boley
Belmont
Tel: (784) 458 3247
Harbour Café
Front Street beside Knights Supermarket
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3272
Jack’s Bar
Princess Maragaret Beach
Tel: (784) 457 3762
VHF 68
Julie’s Guest House
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3304
Keegan’s
Lower Bay
Tel: (784) 458 3530
L’Auberge des Grenadines
Hamilton on the waterfront
Tel: (784) 457 3555
Mac’s Pizzeria
Belmont
Tel: (784) 458 3474
Mama’s Deli
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3443
Maria’s French Terrace
Admiralty Bay
Tel: (784) 458 3337
Papa’s Bar & Lounge
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 457 3443
Pizza Hut
Front Street, Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3989
The Porthole
Port Elizabeth. Tel: (784) 458 3458
Ice Cream Parlours/Cake Shops
Maranne’s Ice Cream
Belmont
Tel: (784) 458 3041
Sailors’ Beach Café
O’ Car Reform. Tel: (784) 458 3708
Sugar Hill Bar
Mount Pleasant. Tel: (784) 458 3773
Sweety Bird
Port Elizabeth, in the back garden of the
Bequia Book Shop. Tel: (784) 457 3984
Tantie Pearl’s Restaurant
Overlooking Admiralty Bay
Tel: (784) 457 3160
The Whaleboner Bar and Restaurant
Belmont
Tel: (784) 458 3233
Holiday Bequia
27
JANUARY 24 - 27, 2013
10TH ANNIVERSARY
BEQUIA MOUNT GAY MUSIC FEST
Top quality acts with broad-based appeal
for all musical tastes, consistently excellent
organisation and presentation, and outstanding
support from sponsors have all led to Bequia’s
unique musical event proudly reaching its tenth
anniversary this year on a peak of popularity.
Built around the hugely popular annual
“one-night-only” Bequia performance of Basil
Charles’ Mustique Blues Festival showcasing
Dana Gillespie and her London Blues Band
with stellar guest artistes, the Bequia Tourism
Association’s Bequia Mount Gay Music Fest
has been earning rave reviews over the last
nine years.
28
The event, held over four days at the end of
January, is well established as a major fixture
on the season’s calendar, with a loyal following
of both attendees and musicians who can’t
get enough of the unique informal, up-closeand-personal atmosphere. As a result - and
typically for Bequia - a strong “family” feel has
developed over the years between the regular
artistes who eagerly look forward to returning
each year and their fans who demand that
they do! Yachtsman put it on their itineraries,
visitors book their holidays to catch it and
residents of Bequia and St. Vincent can’t wait
for January to come around.
The main venue for Bequia Music Fest is at
‘De Reef’ right on the beach at Lower Bay,
with performances on Friday and Saturday
night and all afternoon on Sunday.
Other venues showcase artistes on a more
intimate scale throughout the weekend at no
charge, including opening night with a steel
pan orchestra at the Frangipani on Thursday
and a Saturday afternoon “Blues and Jazz
Jam” by the beach at Bequia Beach Hotel in
Friendship Bay.
Last year, the legendary saxophonist Arturo
Tappin and Nexcyx, the sensational award-
winning young group from Barbados, drew
record-breaking crowds to Saturday night’s sixhour show, mesmerizing all who experienced
their performances and keeping the audience
on their feet till after 2am.
You can be sure that Bequia’s 10th anniversary
Music Fest in January 2013 will be a celebration
second to none with old and new friends
coming together to create a winning formula
– great music, great performances, great vibes!
For more information visit
www.bequiatourism.com/bequiamusicfest
or email musicfest@begos.com
Holiday Bequia
29
Shopping
B
equia’s primary shopping area is in and around the island’s capital, Port Elizabeth, where flowers
bloom in planters and roadside gardens and small brightly painted stores abound along the
waterfront. This delightful heart of the island offers every facility with a simple, intimate charm and
traditional hospitality for which Bequia is famous.
Just about everything in Port Elizabeth is
located on its one central, shoreside, main
street reaching the fishing village of Hamilton
in the north, and, just on from the town’s
centre, along the Belmont Walkway which
borders the south shore of Admiralty Bay.
Shops, boutiques, a pharmacy, grocery
stores, covered markets selling fresh fruit,
vegetables and freshly caught fish, souvenir
stalls, restaurants, cafés and bars, banks, the
Post Office, Customs and Immigration, the
Police Station (off Back Street) and the BTA
office – are all within easy walking distance.
Across the road from the almond tree,
The Bequia Book Shop, besides a good
selection of paperback and hardcover books,
has postcards, courtesy flags, nautical charts,
Bequia Ordnance Survey maps and art work.
A cool place to browse and find that special
something. Behind that is the charming
Sweety Bird, which offers fresh, local juices
and simple lunches.
The pretty light blue painted wooden building
across from the dingy dock, SAIL RELAX
EXPLORE, carries a full range of snorkel kits,
masks, fins, body vests, underwater cameras,
body boards and booties. The store stocks
a lovely range of handmade natural canvas
items including hammocks, big beach bags and
traditional island maps.
Island Things can be found in the grounds
of St. Mary’s Anglican Church. This quaint and
picturesque boutique sells all things Caribbean
including books, souvenirs and beautifully
hand-painted fabric.
With colourful streamers billowing from
their windows, the breezy one-stop boutique
Local Color can easily be found up some
brightly painted outside stairs. This popular,
inviting store offers delightful informal clothing
including top quality t-shirts, caps and sandals,
swimwear, beach accessories, sundresses
and casual wear, great gifts and souvenirs,
postcards and art work.
Port Elizabeth Vendor
30
From Local Color, continue on
your leisurely stroll along the start of
the Belmont Walkway – a delightful,
partly shaded water’s edge path which
winds alongside the bay, linking shops,
restaurants, hotels and bars. Just past
the Frangipani you will find Whaleboner
Bar which has a boutique attached,
Gingerbread Cafe, Maranne’s Ice
Cream Parlour and Grenadine Travel.
A little further on are the gaily painted
premises of Dive Bequia and then you
come to the Fig Tree Boutique & Gift
Shop which offers a selection of local
handicraft and other interesting items..
Returning to the town centre, the
BTA office, located at the end of the
main ferry jetty is the place to buy
water, phone cards, stamps, Bequia Sailing
Club souvenirs and postcards. You can also
pick up your extra copies of Holiday Bequia,
as well as the invaluable weekly guide to what’s
on in Bequia – Bequia This Week.
Opposite the BTA is the Bayshore Mall –
a small shopping centre which contains some
dozen shops including Going Places Travel,
RBTT Bank, an ice-cream parlour, stationery
store, delicatessen, and two boutiques.
Further north, past the Revenue Office and
Post Office, is the covered fish and vegetable
market on the water’s edge, with its own
dinghy dock. There are also a number of small
t-shirt, casual wear and gift boutiques here,
plus a bakery outlet with delicious fresh bread
and baked goods and a small bar. An ancient
almond tree provides welcome shade inside
the market courtyard. Opposite the market
is the Island Style boutique that carries balistyle furniture and gifts. Upstairs is Aqua Cafe
and to the back is the Bequia Food Store and
Lulley’s Tackle Shop.
On the side street between the gas station
and the vegetable market is Oasis Art Gallery
showcasing a collection of locally made work
including Kingsley ‘Prop’ King model boats
that sail and paintings by artist and curator L.D
Lucy. Fine Things which sells colourful home
accessories is on Back Street diagonally across
from Doris Fresh Food.
Bequia Model Boat
As an age-old seafaring island, Bequia caters
exceptionally well for visiting yachts. There are
a number of first-rate shipwrights, carpenters,
repair specialists, sail lofts and general marine
and fishing supply shops in and around Port
Elizabeth, and a varied selection of grocery
stores and delicatessens which cater for both
the simple necessities and the most refined
gourmet tastes. Deliveries to your yacht or to
your rental villa can easily be arranged.
The building of model boats is a Bequia
speciality – even H.M. Queen Elizabeth II has
an example in her collection. You can see
both the intricate workmanship in progress,
and the fabulous models of schooners,
brightly-coloured yachts, traditional ‘double
enders’ and Bequia whaleboats. Walk past the
vegetable market to find first Mauvin’s Model
Boat Shop (ask to see the workshop outside,
under the breadfruit tree), and then a little
further along the road, Sargeant Brothers
Model Boats, with its busy workshop right on
the premises. Take your time to look, choose,
and then to look again. The quality and detail
is quite magnificent and the finished models
true works of art.
Upstairs Grenadine Yacht & Equipment
(GYE) can be found wireless services and
a wide variety of computer accessories at
ACS Computer Services, who are also the
DHL agents.
Holiday Bequia
31
Sightseeing
Industry Bay
Port Elizabeth
Pick up an island map from the BTA Office
at the end of the main jetty and set out to
discover the delights of Bequia.
Wander along the quaint waterfront at Port
Elizabeth with its bars, cafés and fascinating
shops spread out along the coastal main street.
Watch a fabulous sunset from a beachside bar
or café.
Just a few minutes stroll from the centre is
the lovely St. Mary’s Anglican Church built of
local limestone and imported ballast bricks.
The church was erected in 1829 on the site
of an earlier structure which was destroyed
by a hurricane in 1798, and houses intriguing
memorial tablets recording the lives of some
of Bequia’s earliest settlers.
Continuing on, you will find the meandering
waterfront Belmont Walkway, which has
recently been restored by the group, Action
Bequia, along with the generous help of
donors. An interesting and cool stroll along
this edge of Admiralty Bay will reward you
with more unusual shops, dive shops, bars,
cafés and excellent restaurants.
In the opposite direction, taking the main
road north out of Port Elizabeth past the
Revenue Office and Post Office, covered
t-shirt market, vegetable market and small
shops, you will come to Bequia’s two Model
Boat-Builders’ Workshops (See also Shopping
on page 31). Watch these craftsmen continuing
a centuries-old tradition, and prepare to be
32
captivated by their intricate, skillfully crafted
and highly colourful replicas of existing boats
and traditional double-ended whalers. They
will happily make a model of your own boat
on commission and ship it to you.
A few yards before the Hairoun Beer
Depot, one block in from the main road, is
the Bequia Maritime Museum. Opened by
Lawson Sargeant of Sargeant Bros. Model
Boats, and son of one of the great Bequia boatbuilding families, it details the peak period of
ship-building in Bequia with old photos, boatbuilding families’ memorabilia, and replicas
of some of the great schooners built on
the island.
Continuing along this road, on Admiralty
Bay’s north shore and through the village of
Hamilton, you will come to the site of the 18th
century Hamilton Battery, located high above
Admiralty Bay, which guarded the harbour
from attack. From this elevated lookout point
there are wonderful views of the harbour and
across the bay. Enjoy the nature trail around
the point and spot native birds and reptiles.
If you would rather not walk or hike in such
tropical climes, you can always rent a bicycle,
motor bike or jeep, or arrange a taxi tour with
one of the open back vans under the Almond
Tree and explore the island at your leisure.
There is much more than just the beautiful
scenery to discover. Ask at the BTA office for
more information including fares.
Sightseeing
Arts & Crafts
Bequia has always been rightly famous for
its boat-building (both large and very small)
but the island is today also rich in many
other creative skills. Small stalls scattered
along the waterfront in the harbour offer an
amazing variety of local talent from paintings,
needlecraft, crochet, macramé, carvings, black
coral jewellery, papier-mâché and scrimshaw,
to culinary items – homemade preserves,
sweets and cakes. Throughout the island
there are studios and galleries to visit and
artists to meet. (Some studios can be visited
by appointment only, so check with BTA office
for details).
If you want to see artists at work, stop
by and visit Claude Victorine at her atelier
in Lower Bay where her hand-painted silks,
pareos, cushion-covers and wall hangings are
on display. Also in Lower Bay on the road near
the beach, you can see sculpted whales and
other hand carvings from local woods at the
Arts & Crafts Café. On the way to Spring,
make a stop at the Whaleboner Silkscreen
Building Model Boats
34
Factory and Boutique. Agnetta Nanton shows
her beautiful and highly individual batik designs
in her Garden Boutique in Port Elizabeth, and
Pinkie Vaughan-Richards’ mixed media crafts
are on display and for sale at Noah’s Arkade
and Island Style.
Other Points of Interest
For something completely different, and
fascinating for all the family, take the time to
visit The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary (www.
turtles.bequia.net) located in the rugged,
northeastern part of the island, and reached
by continuing on the road north to Park Bay.
The drive is scenic and will take you past
Industry Bay and over the hillside into Park
Bay where Bequian Orton G. ‘Brother’ King
has spent most of each day since August
1995 tending his beloved and endangered
Hawksbill turtles. A retired professional skin
diving fisherman, Brother King is a committed,
informed and very entertaining individual.
His greatest pleasure is to give you a fully
guided tour and explain his mission to others.
Responsible for having increased the seriously
dwindling turtle population in Bequia, his
project is purely a selfless, dedicated passion
and with no financial reward. You will be made
to feel a very welcome visitor to this worthy
and educational sanctuary. There is an entry
fee of EC$10 or US$5 which goes towards the
upkeep and running costs of the sanctuary.
Any donations over and above this amount
are welcomed. Imagine the amount of fish
required to feed 200 hungry growing turtles!
Bequia has a long history as a whaling nation
and the Whaling Museum in La Pompe is
worth a visit.
The extraordinary, privately-owned complex
of stone dwellings known as Moonhole is
located on the western tip of the island. Built
in the 1950s by American Tom Johnston,
the complex is an internationally famous
architectural landmark. The Moonhole rock
arch and compound are not open to the
public and may only be viewed from the sea.
Please reduce speed and avoid anchoring in
the Lower Bight area off Moonhole to avoid
damaging the fragile marine environment.
Lower Bay
Best Beaches
Bequia is blessed by an encirclement of
glorious stretches of sandy beaches, some
secluded and all clean and uncrowded. Bathe
in the clear, safe waters, perfect for swimming,
snorkelling, sailing, diving and other water
sports.
Princess Margaret Beach is a lovely ribbon
of golden sand, just down from Port Elizabeth.
The beach was formerly known as Tony
Gibbons Beach; until Princess Margaret enjoyed
a dip there in 1958. Now featuring Jack’s Bar,
with its private jetty, it can be reached either
by water taxi, or by a very steep road/track
descending from the main road.
There is a cliff pathway linking Princess
Margaret beach to the popular, expansive
Lower Bay. Fringed by fishing boats and nets,
its casual atmosphere is further enhanced by
a number of very good, and reasonably priced
bars and restaurants – including the worldfamous De Reef with its popular Sunday
afternoon music jam and Keegan’s with its
delicious, reasonably-priced home cooking
and Saturday night barbecue – making Lower
Bay a favourite location both during the day
and in the evening. Mango’s is the newest
addition to Lower Bay. A relaxed liming spot
for the who’s who of Bequia featuring the best
hamburgers in town, lobsters in season and
much more. A great place to hang out on the
beach. There is wonderfully safe swimming
and snorkelling, with a natural reef paddling
pool for youngsters.
Friendship Bay, only a short ride from
town on the south side of the island, offers
a long, wide sweep of beach and excellent
conditions for diving, sailing and snorkelling.
Also on Friendship Bay is the Bequia Beach
Hotel’s main restaurant, Blue Tropic, and the
Bagatelle Restaurant & Bar on the beach.
Between the bays of Friendship and Spring
is Hope Bay, with its remote beach. Here
the rather shallow waters and the long lines
of breakers from the Atlantic Ocean make
the spot ideal for first-rate body surfing and
windsurfing. However, the strong undertow
cautions that this is for the more experienced surfers only. With no hotels or bars in
the vicinity, take a friend, something to drink
and maybe a picnic. Look for signposts or ask
for directions.
Holiday Bequia
35
Sightseeing
Along the main road out of the harbour
is the romantic and secluded shallow beach
at Spring Bay, behind which are acres of tall
palm trees and a working plantation which
form part of Firefly Plantation Hotel Bequia.
There are guided tours of the plantation and
an historic sugar mill with 30 acres of lush
orchards producing a variety of wonderful,
exotic crops. Sample the fruit and vegetables
in season and learn about their uses.
Just north of Spring is the inaptly named
Industry Bay. But fear not, there is no heavy
industry here or anywhere else on the island.
It’s a glorious palm-fringed beach, wonderful for
snorkelling, and with surf particularly suitable
for surfing beginners. A word of caution –
there can be a quite strong undercurrent at
times. Lastly, a short road walk from Industry
Bay over the headland will bring you to Park,
with its palm shaded, isolated beach, home to
the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. Not so great
for swimming, but a wonderful point from
which to explore on foot the undeveloped
northern reaches of the island.
Taxi Fares
Taxi rides are inexpensive and as all the
drivers are justifiably proud of their island,
they will take you to the most interesting,
scenic and unusual places, all in a leisurely
three-hour ride, or tailored to suit your own
time requirements. Most vehicles are radio
operated on VHF 68 and will do airport and
ferry pick-ups and drop-offs.
A recommended list of the local taxi fares
is available from the BTA office. Visitors are
advised to agree the fare in advance as well
as determining whether the charge is in EC or
US dollars.
Car Hire
B&G (Gideon’s) Jeep & Moke Rental
Tel/Fax: (784) 458 3760
gideontaxi@vincysurf.com
Challenger Taxi & Rentals
Tel: (784) 458 3811/455 9163
challengertaxi@yahoo.com
Parnell’s Moke Rental
Tel: (784) 457 3066
Phil’s Car Rental
Tel: (784) 458 3304
julies2007@hotmail.com
Sunrise Rentals
Tel: (784) 457 3086/593 3631
Motor Scooter Rentals
Richard Providence
Tel: (784) 526 7087
Yacht Charters and Off-island Day Tours
The vessels in our listing offer a variety of day
trips, private charters and excursions.
In the course of a Bequia holiday, it is well
worth exploring the surrounding Grenadine
islands, and not surprisingly, sailing is the
most popular choice of most visitors. With
regular trade winds, visibility for 30 miles
and the Caribbean Sea tidal movements, the
Grenadines offer some of the best blue water
sailing to be found anywhere in the world.
36
‘Gingerbread’ Decoration
So, for something luxurious, cruising at your
own pace, sightseeing around the shores of
Bequia and to other nearby islands, don’t
miss the wide range of fully-crewed yachts
available for day, overnight or term charters.
There are a number of notable yacht charter
operations on Bequia and on nearby St.
Vincent. Whether for one day or more, these
all-inclusive trips to the fabulous Grenadines
on first class boats are all available at very
reasonable rates. Their skippers are mostly
local seafarers, with a wealth of sailing and
chartering experience and an intimate
knowledge and love of the region. A private
charter offers just that – privacy, plus superb
cooking, relaxation and the opportunity to
take whichever route you choose.
The large mother-island of St. Vincent is
only nine miles north of Bequia, with more
than enough to keep any day-visitor busy. St.
Vincent can be reached via charter flight from
Bequia, but most visitors prefer to take the
inexpensive hour-long ferry trip from Port
Elizabeth to Kingstown. Choose to sit up on
deck and take in the sea air and scenery (and
maybe see a school of dolphins) or travel
inside in comfortable air-conditioned saloons.
There is much to see and do in St. Vincent,
and some of the best of it is so remote that it’s
worth spending an overnight if time is available.
For example, the spectacular La Soufrière
Volcano, slumbering but still steaming (the last
major eruption was in 1979) requires a fourwheel vehicle drive and then a demanding
but rewarding three hour hike to the rim.
Magnificent unspoilt nature trails are a hiker’s
and naturalist’s paradise, and Dark View and
Baleine Falls are not to be missed.
A must see, especially on Saturday mornings,
is the vibrant and colourful fruit and vegetable
market in downtown Kingstown.
St. Vincent’s Botanical Gardens are one
of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
They were founded in 1765, originally for the
production of herbs, spices and plants for
medicinal purposes. The 20 acres of indigenous
and imported tropical trees, shrubs, fruits and
flowers are part of the National Trust and
run by the Forestry Commission. Among the
sights is a 230-year old baobab tree, planted
when the garden was opened as well as a third
generation breadfruit tree, a sucker from the
original plant brought by Captain William Bligh
(of Bounty fame) in 1793.
Montreal Gardens is definitely not to be
missed, boasting a comprehensive array of
exotic flowers, spices and plants.
Just a few minutes away via air charter, or
after a leisurely two hour sail, is the island of
Mustique. Whichever way you choose to get
there, it’s a fascinating day trip to this privately
owned island, famous as a hideaway for British
Royals and international celebrities. Stop for a
drink and/or lunch at one of Mustique’s famous
bars or restaurants.
There are many smaller islands in the Grenadines – all with beautiful beaches and stunning turquoise waters. Some, such as Palm
Island and Petit St. Vincent, are privately
owned resort islands, but day, overnight and
weekend visitors are welcome when accommodation is available. Canouan has a luxury
resort and golf course; Mayreau has 600
Holiday Bequia
37
Sightseeing
inhabitants in a hilltop village and one of the
most beautiful beaches at Salt Whistle Bay,
and of course the Tobago Cays are quite unforgettable. Union Island is well worth a visit
too!
They can all be reached via sailing charters,
ferries or, in some cases, air charters. Enquire at
your hotel or at the BTA office for more details.
Day/Overnight Charter Boats
Balance Me
Tel: (784) 458 3086/495 2617
jsprat@vincysurf.com
Bluescape Sailing & Scuba Diving Adventures
Tel: (784) 528 3051
bluescape adventures@hotmail.co.uk
Facebook - Bluescape-Sailing-and-ScubaDiving-Adventures
www.bluescape.eu
Sail the windward islands aboard Imagination,
a fast, comfortable 46 foot catamaran run by a
British couple. Try a day trip or stay for a week;
maybe catch dinner; snorkel with turtles, or
scuba dive with stingrays. All inclusive, halfboard, or boat only options available.
The Friendship Rose
Tel: (784) 529 8046/455 0969 Cell
Tel: (784) 457 3888 Harbour Office
Tel: (784) 457 3739 Belmont Office
www.friendshiprose.com
100ft traditional sailing schooner offering a
regular schedule of cruises to the Tobago
Cays, Mustique and the tropical coast of
St. Vincent.
Island Hopper
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3722
mitchell1@vincysurf.com
Kiwi
Bequia
Tel: (784) 457 3077/526 2386/528 8418
lcozier@vincysurf.com
38
Michael Tours
Tel: (784) 455 1154
michaeltoursbequia@yahoo.com
Myrick
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3458/458 3636
symyrick@yahoo.com
Nicola IV
44’ C&C sailing yacht
Nicki & Cristina Hazell, Paget Farm
Tel: (784) 457 3986/495 4229/454 3750
nicola111@bequia.net
www.bequia.net
‘Wind in the sail, sail in the wind’. Day trips,
overnight, long-term chartering around the
Grenadine islands.
Octopus Yacht Charter
Belmont
Tel: (784) 432 5201
hello@octopus-caribbean.com
www.octopus-caribbean.com
Island hop aboard your own privately-crewed
yacht from one idyllic island to the next. An
elegant sailing yacht, combining exceptional
cruising and sailing performance with
comfortable living areas. Available for day,
night and long term charters.
Osprey
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3304/455 3004
julies2007@hotmail.com
Quest Ventures SVG Ltd.
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3917
casie1124@hotmail.com
Sail Relax Explore
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 495 0886/9 or 457 3888
sailrelaxexplore@mac.com
www.sailrelaxexplore.com
Yacht charters…land tours…day cruises…
from unique local boats to crewed luxury
yachts and the global services of the Moorings.
Waterfront, Port Elizabeth
Also exceptional one day experiences available
from our friendly Bequia base with private
flights and rendezvous dive arrangements
throughout the Grenadines. Agents for SVG
Air, Mustique Airways and Grenadine Air
Alliance.
Trade Winds Cruise Club
Fleet of catamarans
Tel: (784) 457 3407
info@tradewindscruiseclub.com
www.tradewindscruiseclub.com
Holiday Bequia
39
BEQUIA HEINEKEN
EASTER REGATTA
MARCH 28 - APRIL 1, 2013
Bequia’s four-day Easter Regatta is famous the
world over for its unique blend of traditional
local “double-ender” boat racing, top class
yacht racing and that special small-island
hospitality that is Bequia’s trademark.
Under the dedicated guidance of Bequia’s
all-volunteer Sailing Club and the generous
title sponsorship of Heineken, and major
sponsors, First Citizens Bank, the St. Vincent
Tourism Authority and Mount Gay Rum, the
40
island’s regatta has grown over the last 31
years from a small, local sailing get-together
into the biggest sporting and tourism event in
the country. Remarkably too, for such a tiny
island, Bequia also claims honours for hosting
the largest yacht regatta in the southern
Caribbean!
Vessels of all types and sizes compete in the
two series of races during Regatta weekend
– one for yachts and one for local boats. The
basic design of the traditional Bequia doubleender is based on that of the 26-foot New
England whaleboats which regularly visited
these waters during the first half of the 19th
century. Bequians historically have always loved
to race their whaleboats and fishing boats,
but with those activities now less dominant,
most boats today are built primarily to race.
One notable exception is the 140-year old
Iron Duke, which formed the cornerstone of
“Old Bill” Wallace’s legendary Bequia whaling
fleet in the late 19th century, and which still
races today.
For devotees of the local boat racing it’s a
must to gather early for the starts, taking time
to absorb the build-up of pre-race excitement
and see Bequia’s unique sprit-rigged boats up
close. With the arrival of the Regatta’s new
premier sponsor, First Citizens Bank, in 2012,
Bequia enjoyed its first ever double-ender race
on Easter Friday – the First Citizens Big Boat
Challenge – giving regatta fans and followers a
full four days of thrilling competition.
On the yacht side, Bequia Regatta’s CSAaccredited yacht races continue to draw
racers and sailors from near and far. Yachts are
divided into Racing Class, two Cruising Classes
(including one for live-aboards and regular
cruisers), and two One-Design Classes. The
biggest draw in recent years has been Bequia’s
J/24 One-Design Class whose six-race series
in Bequia also decides the annual J24 Southern
Caribbean Championship.
Lay Day Sunday is when most yachtsmen
take the chance to relax, enjoy the start
of Sunday’s local boat races, the children’s
Sandcastle competition and Crazy Craft
Races, or just chill out on one of Bequia’s many
beautiful beaches. For a few though, Easter
Sunday provides the ultimate seamanship
challenge with the Heineken “Around the
Island” single-handed Yacht Race.
Easter in Bequia is a major peak in the tourism season for the island. Hotels and apartments are booked far in advance; restaurants
and bars prepare to welcome hundreds, if
not thousands, more visitors. Shore-based
activities, including sports, music and traditional events for young and old are there to
entertain residents and visitors alike. Everyone
gets caught up in the atmosphere – some celebrating tradition and excellence in sailing and
sportsmanship, others simply reveling in the
sheer delight of being in Bequia at Easter.
For more information visit:
www.begos.com/easterregatta
or email bsc@vincysurf.com
Holiday Bequia
41
Yacht Services
B
equia, with its tradition of love for the sea and internationally famous seafaring skills, welcomes
our boating visitors. We hope that you are able to fulfil all your needs and enjoy your stay with us.
Most Bequia marine service providers monitor VHF ch. 68, and some ch. 16 as well.
Customs and Immigration
Tel: (784) 458 3769
Located in the Revenue Office directly across
the road from the main Ferry Wharf. Normal
office hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-4:00pm (closed
12 noon-1:00pm); Sat 8.30am-12:00 noon.
As with all Caribbean islands, clearance
outside these office hours is possible, but will
incur overtime charges for both Customs and
Immigration. Yachts are therefore advised to
try to clear in and out within normal office
hours to avoid overtime charges. If you enter
Port Elizabeth during working hours (i.e.
including overtime hours), you must proceed
to Customs & Immigration immediately.
Clearing out can be done up to 24 hours prior
to departure. Current Overtime hours and
charges (per boat):
Mon-Fri: 4:00-6:00pm / Sat 12:00-6:00pm
Customs EC$45.80 + Cruise Tax EC$35
total EC$80.80
Sun and holidays: 9:00am-12:00 noon;
3:00-6:00pm: Customs EC$63 + Cruise Tax
EC$35, total EC$98.
42
Cruise Tax and Charter Licence:
Bareboats – Provided your bareboat charter
company has paid the annual licence fee for
the boat, only the cruise tax of EC$35 per
person per month will be charged. Cruise
tax does not apply to children under 12 or
Vincentian nationals.
Crewed Charter Boats – Licence of EC$5 per
ft. per month or EC$30 per ft. per year, plus
cruise tax of EC$35 per passenger per month.
Cruise tax does not apply to children under 12
years, crew or Vincentian nationals.
Boat Length
Annual
Occasional
Licence
Licence
Up to 30ft
EC$600
EC$60
31-50ft
EC$1000
EC$125
51ft and over
EC$1400
EC$140
Private Yachts (defined as a yacht whose
owner is on board and is sailing for pleasure
without fee paying passengers) – no licence
fee. Cruise tax of EC$35 per person per
month, including skipper. Cruise tax does
not apply to children under 12 or Vincentian
nationals.
Immigration
Overtime charges apply Mon-Fri: 4:006:00pm/Sun and public holidays: EC$50.
PLEASE NOTE: It is a violation not to clear
into St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Port Authority Representative
Johnny Ollivierre
Tel: (784) 494 9241/456 1830
Moorings
Moorings in Admiralty Bay offered for rent are
not authorized by the Port Authority, and are
not inspected or insured. Until such time as
the Port Authority regularises this situation,
users rent them at their own risk.
Water Taxis
Boat boys and water taxis are also un-licenced
and their boats un-inspected by the Port
Authority, but the following water taxi services
have reputations for good seamanship and
reliable service. All can be reached on VHF 68.
African Pride
Daffodil Marine
Fat Shag
God is Good
McCarthy Water Taxi
Solid Waste Disposal
Ashore, there is only one place to dispose of
yacht garbage, located near the fish market
jetty next to the vegetable market. These
skips are for the exclusive use of yachtsmen.
Alternatively, yacht garbage may be delivered
‘at sea’ to Daffodil Marine or other reliable
water taxis; a charge per bag applies.
Dumping garbage in unauthorised places is
a prosecutable offence.
Help keep Bequia clean and green! Please do
NOT dump yacht garbage in sidewalk garbage
bins, under the Almond Tree or anywhere
else. There is a large skip near the market for
this purpose.
Water & Fuel
Bequia Marina Service Centre VHF 68,
located at Bequia Marina Dock, north side of
Admiralty Bay. Diesel fuel, water, ice.
Regatta Yacht Racing
Daffodil Marine VHF 67 (At sea)
Kingfisher Marine Service
Tel: (784) 532 8006
Located on the north side of the harbour;
provides fuel, water and garbage disposal.
Shell Service Station
Tel: (784) 458 3601, located on the main road
in Port Elizabeth between the main ferry
wharf and fish market jetty. Fuel only.
Laundry Service
Daffodil Marine VHF 67, pick up and delivery.
Lighthouse Laundry VHF 68, located on main
road at O’car Reform, close to the power
station. Pick up and delivery.
Papa Mitchie’s Laundry Service VHF 68,
across the road from the dinghy dock. Do it
yourself or full service. Tel: (784) 458 3722
Dockage
The Yacht Club (Tradewinds), at Bequia
Marina Dock VHF 77; Tel: (784) 457 3407
Slipping/Refurbishing & Management
Bequia Marina Service Centre
At Bequia Marina Dock, now part of Trade
Winds’ operation. Tel: (784) 457 3407
Piper Yacht Service – Donny Lewis
Tel: (784) 495 2272
Holiday Bequia
43
Yacht Services
Chandlers & Marine Suppliers
Grenadine Yacht & Equipment (GYE)
Tel: (784) 458 3347
O’Car Reform on the road to Hamilton, or
accessed via The Bequia Marina boatyard
gye-bequia@vincysurf.com
Lucos General Services
Tel: (784) 457 3632
South of the Anglican Church on main road.
Batteries, primers, paint, epoxy, thinners,
fibreglass and engine oils for boat and auto.
Lulley’s Tackle Shop
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3420
Upstairs and at the back of the ‘Missing Link’
building opposite the vegetable market.
Fishing, diving and scuba gear.
lulley@vincysurf.com
Piper Marine Store, on Back Street,
downstairs Allick’s Sail Loft
Tel: (784) 457 3856/495 2272 VHF 68
Wallace & Co., near the Anglican Church at
the entrance to Belmont Walkway
Tel: (784) 458 3360, wallco@vincysurf.com
Yacht Provisioners
There are several grocery outlets on
Bequia, but the following specialise in yacht
provisioning:
Bequia Food Store
Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 457 3928
CK Greaves Supermarkets
Tel:(784) 457 1074
Three locations - Kingstown, Arnos Vale and
Pembroke. A wide selection of local and
imported food available. Free delivery to
Grenadines wharf and yachts. Major credit
cards accepted. ckgreaves@vincysurf.com
44
Safe Anchorage at Princess Margaret Beach
Doris Fresh Food
Back Street
Tel: (784) 458 3625 VHF 16/68
doris_freshfood@yahoo.com
Gourmet Food
O’Car Reform
Tel: (784) 458 3485 VHF 68
Knight’s Trading/Knight’s Supermarket
Two locations at Front and Back Street
Tel: (784) 458 3218 VHF 68
knightstrad@yahoo.com
In the heart of Port Elizabeth, this supermarket/
hardware store caters to every need - both
for land and yachting communities. If required,
deliveries will be made to the dinghy dock.
Lina’s Delicatessen
Downstairs Bayshore Mall
Tel: (784) 458 3181 VHF 68
Mama’s Deli, Located behind Papa’s Bar &
Lounge. Tel: (784) 458 3443
Select, across the road from the main dinghy
dock, next to De Bistro
Tel: (784) 457 3482
mitchbistro@vincysurf.com
Shoreline Mini-Mart
Belmont Walkway
Tel: (784) 458 3458 VHF 68
noelina.taylor@yahoo.com
Attached to Porthole Restaurant and Bar.
Sail Making & Repair
Allick’s Sail Loft, across the road from the
Dinghy Dock, entrance on Back Street.
Tel: (784) 458 3992 (home)
Tel: (784) 457 3040 (loft) VHF 68
Bequia Canvas, O’Car, next to GYE
Tel: (784) 457 3291
beqcan@vincysurf.com
Grenadines Sails & Canvas (North Sails), on
main road to Hamilton, opposite GYE, or
accessed via the Bequia Marina boatyard.
Tel: (784) 457 3507/3527(evenings) VHF
16/68. gsails@vincysurf.com
Engine Repair
Caribbean Diesel Repair Inc., in the Anglican
churchyard, Port Elizabeth
Tel: (784) 458 3114 VHF 68
teronecaesar@hotmail.com
Kerry’s Marine Services
Port Elizabeth, behind old primary school, on
the road to Spring.
Tel: (784) 530 8123/570 7612 VHF 68 ‘KMS’
vanessa_kerry_1@hotmail.com
Simpson Engineering Ltd., O’car Reform,
behind Bequia Maritime Museum
Tel: (784) 457 3962
For further information or assistance,
contact the BTA which monitors VHF 68
during office hours or Tel: (784) 458 3286
Regatta Yacht Racing
Holiday Bequia
45
Land & Watersports
T
he sea has historically played a major part in Bequia’s life and, today, equally appeals to the
visitor. The beckoning crystal clear waters delight the senses and offer an abundance of treasures
particularly those just waiting to be discovered in the magical undersea world.
Bequia is off the better known Caribbean
dive site paths and consequently the reefs
are less disturbed and the marine life richer in
variety. Part of the leeward side of the island
is a designated marine park. Spear fishing,
anchoring, traps and nets are prohibited.
Both experienced divers and those who have
never donned tank, mask and fins before have
the opportunity to explore a superb, sevenmile reef which fringes the island, where the
Atlantic butts up to the Caribbean. This is very
strictly protected and under no circumstances
can even dead coral be taken. There are
excellent dive sites around Bequia and the
nearby islands, all easily accessible within 15
minutes by boat. For those who have never
dived before, Bequia is the ideal destination
to take a resort diving course. There is a large
variety of marine life to excite beginners in their
46
shallow dives, or simply to enjoy some of the
best snorkelling in the Caribbean. There are
some great drift dives with tunnels, caverns,
walls, overhangs and hollows, all resplendent
with varied coral formations, teeming with
reef fish as well as lobsters, shrimp, crabs,
moray eels, barracudas, angelfish, jacks,
seahorses, groupers and the odd nurse shark.
Terrific wreck dives and night diving are also
available. Dive courses leading to certification
are available.
Snorkelling trips are especially good along
the coast to Northwest Point and in the
protected windward side waters of Friendship
Bay. Snorkelling is also safe off any beach
where swimming is enjoyed.
Sports fishing is a popular pastime providing
both excellent sport and a delicious meal!
Spanish mackerel, barracuda, marlin, mahi
Water Taxi to the Beach
mahi, tuna, bonito, and kingfish are just some
of the fish available. Hand lining and trolling
are the only methods of fishing permitted
to visitors and catches are restricted to only
enough for your personal use. No fishing is
allowed in protected areas, particularly the
northeast coast and Devil’s Table. Spearfishing is strictly forbidden to non-residents
throughout St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Sailing and sailing skills form a great part of
most Bequians’ lifestyles. From an early age,
they learn to man the double-enders, both
for pleasure and for earning a livelihood –
skills passed on from father to son and now
via the BYATS (Bequia Youth and the Sea)
Programme sponsored by the Rotary Club of
Bequia. Holidaymakers can charter boats for
their sailing pleasure, with or without a skipper.
You are, of course, welcome to use your
sail-boards and to take full advantage of our
glorious waters and ideal winds.
Jetskis and other powered ‘recreational’
vehicles are strictly forbidden.
If you would rather stay dry, Bequia also
offers tennis at various facilities.
Bequia is the perfect island to explore on
foot. Starting from any hotel or guest house, a
leisurely walk of a few hours will bring rewards
of beautiful scenery, wonderful flora and fauna,
opportunities to meet friendly Bequians, and
the chance to discover some of the island’s
interesting little watering holes for local snacks
and thirst-quenching drinks. There are many
old trails and footpaths throughout the island.
Please check with the BTA who will be happy
to assist in recommending a guide.
Dive the Islands
Admiralty Bay
Tel: (784) 495 0886/9 or 457 3888
sailrelaxexplore@mac.com
www.sailrelaxexplore.com
Karate
Kiai II Karate
Lower Bay
Tel: (784) 493 7244
Every Wed 4.30 - 6.30pm & Sat 1.30pm
Land Tours
Bushman’s Rough & Ready Hiking
Brent Gooding
Tel: (784) 495 2524
HazEco Tours
St. Vincent
Tel: (784) 457 8634
hazeco@vincysurf.com
www.hazecotours.com
Friendly Service!
Diving
Bequia Dive Adventures
Belmont Walkway, Admiralty Bay
Tel: (784) 458 3826
adventures@vincysurf.com
www.bequiadiveadventures.com
Dive Bequia
Gingerbread Complex, Admiralty Bay
Tel: (784) 458 3504
divebequia@dive-bequia.com
www.dive-bequia.com
Holiday Bequia
47
Land & Watersports
Martine & François
Nature Walk/Hiking Tours
Tel: (784) 457 3898
bay.ebe@gmail.com
Michael Tours
Tel: (784) 458 3782/455 1154
michaeltoursbequia@yahoo.com
www.bequia.net/sunrise/sunset_tours
Small Craft Rentals
Aqua Funn
Lower Bay (next to Mango’s)
Tel: (784) 533 9292
aquafunn@hotmail.com
ww.aquafunn.com
De Reef Bar/Restaurant
Lower Bay
Tel: (784) 458 3958
Marlin’s Water Sports
Tel: (784) 526 6552
marlinws@hotmail.com
48
Sports Fishing
Kiwi
Tel: (784) 457 3077
lcozier@vincysurf.com
Michael Tours
Tel: (784) 458 3782/455 1154
michaeltoursbequia@yahoo.com
www.bequia.net/sunrise/sunset_tours
Tennis
Firefly Hotel Bequia
Spring
Tel: (784) 458 3414
Frangipani Hotel/Gingerbread
Belmont Walkway, Admiralty Bay
Tel: (784) 458 3255 (Frangipani)
Tel: (784) 458 3800 (Gingerbread)
Lower Bay Sports Centre
Lower Bay
Tel: (784) 495 7335
lowerbaysportscenter@gmail.com
Fisherman’s Day
Bequia Tourism Association
“…the perfect Caribbean island...”
Bequia Tourism Association
www.bequiatourism.com
Tel: (784) 458 3286
bequiatourism@vincysurf.com