Holiday Bequia 2016 Edition
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Your Complimentary Guide
Dear Visitors,<br />
Welcome to our very special island!<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> has been described in the press as “the perfect Caribbean Island”<br />
and few who have visited would disagree with this assessment! Far from being<br />
just another Caribbean island resort, it is instead a big little island with friendly<br />
independent-minded people, lush green hills, fertile valleys, stunning views and<br />
above all, a unique, magical charm that captivates everyone.<br />
During the high season, don’t miss our annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks<br />
Celebration, the <strong>Bequia</strong> Tourism Association’s annual four-day <strong>Bequia</strong> Mount Gay<br />
Music Fest at the end of January and of course the world famous <strong>Bequia</strong> Easter<br />
Regatta.<br />
While you are here, we hope you will visit our <strong>Bequia</strong> Tourism office, located at<br />
the end of the main jetty in Port Elizabeth. This cool haven is the ideal place to get<br />
advice and information about <strong>Bequia</strong>, pick up copies of invaluable free publications<br />
such as “<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong>”, and “<strong>Bequia</strong> This Week”, purchase stamps, postcards,<br />
and water as well as souvenir items.<br />
The <strong>Bequia</strong> Tourism Association is committed to making <strong>Bequia</strong> even more<br />
“perfect” for everyone and we work hard to achieve this goal. Our official website<br />
www.bequiatourism.com is constantly updated and is the number one online<br />
source of information about the island.<br />
We hope that you enjoy reading this latest edition of <strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong>, and most<br />
of all that you enjoy your stay and will come back to <strong>Bequia</strong> soon!<br />
With best wishes.<br />
Sabrina Mitchell<br />
President, <strong>Bequia</strong> Tourism Association<br />
P.O. Box 146 BQ, <strong>Bequia</strong>, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, W.I.<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3286 | Fax: (784) 458 3964 | bequiatourism@vincysurf.com<br />
Open 7 days a week throughout the year<br />
www.bequiatourism.com<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
1
Contents<br />
This magazine has been created to give<br />
you a glimpse of the welcoming hotels<br />
and guesthouses, restaurants, beautiful<br />
scenery, numerous activities, rich culture<br />
and the special warmth which <strong>Bequia</strong> has<br />
to offer all its visitors. It is presented to<br />
you with our compliments.<br />
Calendar of Events . ............ 2<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Easter Regatta . ....... 4-5<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Mount Gay Music Fest . 8-9<br />
Simple Facts ................. 10<br />
Getting Here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14<br />
Where to Stay . ............... 17<br />
Dining & Nightlife . . . . . . . . . . . . 21<br />
Shopping . ................... 26<br />
Sightseeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28<br />
Yacht Services ............... 34<br />
Land & Water Sports .......... 38<br />
Calendar of Special Events & Public <strong>Holiday</strong>s <strong>2016</strong><br />
* Denotes Public <strong>Holiday</strong><br />
January 1*<br />
January 21 - 24<br />
January 22<br />
March 14*<br />
March 24 - 28<br />
March 25*<br />
March 28*<br />
May 2*<br />
June 6*<br />
June 18 - 21<br />
New Year’s Day<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Mount Gay<br />
Music Fest<br />
Mustique Blues Festival<br />
in <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
National Heroes Day<br />
Rotary Interschool<br />
Sport’s Day<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Easter Regatta<br />
Good Friday<br />
Easter Monday<br />
Labour Day<br />
Whit Monday<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Carnival<br />
June 24 - July 5<br />
July 4*<br />
July 5*<br />
July 9<br />
August 1*<br />
October 27*<br />
December<br />
December 25*<br />
December 26*<br />
December 31<br />
St. Vincent Carnival<br />
(Vincy Mas)<br />
Carnival<br />
Carnival<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Rotary Club<br />
Fisherman’s Day<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Basketball<br />
Tournament<br />
Emancipation Day<br />
Independence Day<br />
Nine Mornings Festival<br />
Christmas Day<br />
Boxing Day<br />
New Year’s Eve<br />
Fireworks Display<br />
2<br />
With special thanks to the <strong>Bequia</strong> Tourism Association<br />
which has helped make the publication of this edition of<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong> possible, and to Hermus Ashton (Trembler)<br />
and Gideon and Bronte Ollivierre for all the ‘behind the<br />
scenes’ hard work in getting the magazine cleared and<br />
distributed. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or<br />
in part of this publication without written permission is<br />
strictly prohibited. Whilst every effort has been made to<br />
ensure correct information, neither the Publishers nor the<br />
BTA can be held responsible for any errors, omissions or<br />
changes. The advertising content is the sole responsibility<br />
of the advertiser and the Publishers accept no responsibility<br />
for any statements or claims made therein.<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong> is published by<br />
West Indies Publishing Ltd.,<br />
P.O. Box W883, Woods Centre,<br />
St. John’s, Antigua<br />
Tel: (268) 461 0565 | Fax: (268) 461 9750<br />
wip@candw.ag | www.westindiespublishing.com<br />
Copyright © 2015<br />
West Indies Publishing Ltd.<br />
Photography by Wilfred Dederer unless indicated<br />
Cover photo: Wilfred Dederer
Simple Facts<br />
Location & Physical Features<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> is situated at approximate latitude<br />
13°17’ north and longitude 61°8’ west,<br />
between St. Vincent (to its north), and<br />
Mustique (to its south). The total area is<br />
seven square miles, and is of very varied<br />
topography. Originally a volcanic island,<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> has fertile plains in Friendship, Spring<br />
and Industry which are the sites of former<br />
plantations. Excellent beaches are located on<br />
both the windward (east and south-east) and<br />
leeward (west) sides.<br />
Capital<br />
Port Elizabeth<br />
Population<br />
4,851 (2001 Census)<br />
Time Zone<br />
Atlantic Standard<br />
Language<br />
English is the official and working language.<br />
There are several businesses, especially<br />
amongst those serving the yacht industry,<br />
where French or German are also spoken.<br />
Currency<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> uses the Eastern Caribbean<br />
dollar, which is exchanged at the rate of<br />
US$1 to about EC$2.67 ($2.60 in hotels<br />
and stores). Both US and EC dollars are<br />
accepted by stores, restaurants and hotels,<br />
as are travellers’ cheques and most major<br />
credit cards. Check if credit cards can be<br />
used when making reservations for meals<br />
or accommodation and enquire at retail<br />
establishments before you buy.<br />
Business/Tourism Information<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Tourism Association (BTA)<br />
Box 146 BQ, Port Elizabeth<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3286<br />
bequiatourism@vincysurf.com<br />
www.bequiatourism.com<br />
The BTA is located at the end of the Main<br />
Ferry Dock. Opening hours: Nov-June: Mon-<br />
Fri 8.30am-6.00pm; Sat 9.00am-2.00pm;<br />
Sun and public holidays 9.00am-12.00 noon.<br />
July-Oct: Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.30pm; Sat<br />
9.00am-1.00pm; Sun and public holidays 9.00-<br />
11.00am. “<strong>Bequia</strong> This Week”, published by<br />
Outhouse Graphics Inc., is available from the<br />
BTA office, hotels, bars, and restaurants and<br />
also online via the BTA website.<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3649<br />
outhouse@vincysurf.com<br />
SVG Tourism Authority<br />
2nd Floor, NIS Building, Upper Bay St.<br />
Kingstown<br />
Tel: (784) 452 2100<br />
www.discoversvg.com<br />
Climate<br />
Winter temperatures range between 70°F<br />
and 85°F (21°C and 29°C), summer between<br />
75°F and 90°F (24°C and 32°C). Winters are<br />
dry, summers showery.<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
3
BEQUIA EASTER REGATTA<br />
MARCH 24-28, <strong>2016</strong><br />
4<br />
For more information contact: The <strong>Bequia</strong> Sailing Club<br />
Email: bequiasailingclub@gmail.com<br />
www.bequiaregatta.com
Thirty-four unbroken years of dedicated<br />
direction by the all-volunteer <strong>Bequia</strong> Sailing<br />
Club has seen the legendary <strong>Bequia</strong> Easter<br />
Regatta evolve from a small, local sailing gettogether<br />
into the biggest sporting and tourism<br />
event in the country.<br />
Success breeds success, and with the vital<br />
support of its sponsors, the regatta has<br />
continued to grow. Regatta 2013 saw the<br />
Sailing Club celebrate a record-breaking<br />
entry of 54 yachts and 29 local “doubleenders”,<br />
emphatically affirming <strong>Bequia</strong>’s status<br />
as the largest yacht regatta in the southern<br />
Caribbean. In fact, <strong>Bequia</strong>’s four-day Easter<br />
Regatta is renowned the world over for its<br />
unique blend of thrilling local boat racing,<br />
exciting, superbly-run yacht racing and the<br />
warm, small-island hospitality that is <strong>Bequia</strong>’s<br />
trademark.<br />
On the yacht side, the <strong>Bequia</strong> Easter<br />
Regatta’s CSA-accredited series of races<br />
continue to draw sailors from near and far to<br />
take part in this hugely popular event. Yachts<br />
are divided into Racing Class, two Cruising<br />
Classes (including one for live-aboards and<br />
cruisers who are not regular competitors),<br />
and two One-Design Classes. The biggest<br />
draw in recent years has been <strong>Bequia</strong>’s J/24<br />
One-Design Class whose six-race series in<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> also decides the annual J24 Southern<br />
Caribbean Championship.<br />
The regatta’s eagerly anticipated local boat<br />
races draw ever greater crowds of followers<br />
each year. The design of the traditional <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
double-ender or “two-bow” boat is based on<br />
that of the 26-foot New England whaleboats<br />
which regularly visited the Grenadine waters<br />
during the first half of the 19th century. Today’s<br />
double-ender boats are now built purely to<br />
race, but within the fleet there is one notable<br />
exception. The fully restored and rebuilt 140-<br />
year old Iron Duke - cornerstone of “Old Bill”<br />
Wallace’s legendary <strong>Bequia</strong> whaling fleet in<br />
the late 19th century - continues to proudly<br />
compete in the regatta to this day.<br />
Lay Day Sunday is when most yachtsmen<br />
take the chance to relax and enjoy the start of<br />
Sunday’s local boat races and the ever-popular<br />
Sandcastle Competition, or just to chill out<br />
with the landlubbers on one of <strong>Bequia</strong>’s many<br />
beautiful beaches. A fearless few however<br />
choose to compete in Easter Sunday’s “Round<br />
the Island” single-handed Yacht Race - the<br />
ultimate seamanship challenge for the solo<br />
sailor and his yacht.<br />
Easter in <strong>Bequia</strong> marks a major peak in the<br />
tourism season. Hotels, villas and apartments<br />
are booked far in advance, restaurants and<br />
bars prepare to welcome hundreds of visitors,<br />
and a variety of shore-based activities are<br />
organised. Regatta fever is in the air and<br />
just about everyone is infected with the<br />
excitement of being in <strong>Bequia</strong> to celebrate<br />
tradition and excellence in sailing on the<br />
island’s biggest weekend of the year.<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
5
St. Michael’s<br />
Catholic Church<br />
Dinghy<br />
Dock<br />
Fuel Dock<br />
Market Square<br />
Market Dock<br />
Public Restrooms<br />
Tranquil Garden on the Shoreline<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Tourism Office<br />
Main Ferry Dock<br />
Almond Tree<br />
Main Dinghy Dock<br />
Belmont Walkway<br />
Yacht Garbage<br />
Disposal<br />
ADMIRALTY BAY<br />
FRONT STREET<br />
Post Office, Customs<br />
& Immigration<br />
ROAD TO SPRING AND INDUSTRY<br />
St. Mary’s<br />
Anglican<br />
Church<br />
BACK STREET<br />
Library<br />
Pharmacy<br />
Police Station<br />
Seventh Day<br />
Adventist Church<br />
Clive Tannis<br />
Playing Field<br />
Dinghy Dock<br />
Northw<br />
Point<br />
LEGEND<br />
Main Roads<br />
Secondary Roads<br />
Churches<br />
Forts<br />
CARIBBEAN SEA<br />
Hamilt<br />
Batter<br />
Rocky<br />
Bay<br />
A<br />
Prince<br />
Points of Interest<br />
Beaches<br />
Gas Stations<br />
Police Stations<br />
Medical Clinic<br />
Hospitals<br />
Airports<br />
Lower Bright<br />
Moon Hole<br />
Big Cay<br />
West Cay<br />
Belle Point<br />
Upper Bright<br />
PAGET FARM<br />
Adams Bay<br />
James F. Mitchell Airport<br />
Lowe<br />
Bay<br />
LOW<br />
LA P<br />
Banks<br />
6
Man Point<br />
L’Anse<br />
Chemin<br />
LONGUE<br />
CHEMIN<br />
Bullet<br />
Cay<br />
Bullet Bay<br />
Bends Bay<br />
Diable Point<br />
Shark Bay<br />
Northwest<br />
Point<br />
HAMILTON<br />
Hamilton<br />
Battery<br />
Rocky<br />
Bay<br />
PORT<br />
ELIZABETH<br />
CINNAMON<br />
GARDEN<br />
REFORM<br />
SPRING<br />
Spring<br />
Plantation<br />
O’CAR<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Maritime<br />
PARADISE<br />
Museum<br />
The Old Hegg<br />
PARK Turtle Sanctuary<br />
INDUSTRY<br />
Park Bay<br />
Industry Bay<br />
Spring Bay<br />
Anse La Coite<br />
HOPE<br />
Brute Point<br />
Admiralty Bay<br />
Hope Bay<br />
Princess Margaret<br />
Beach<br />
BELMONT<br />
Mount Pleasant<br />
Lower<br />
Bay<br />
Mount Pleasant Bay<br />
LOWER BAY<br />
FRIENDSHIP<br />
Rocky Bay<br />
FARM<br />
LA POMPE<br />
Friendship<br />
Bay<br />
Ravine Bay<br />
ATLANTIC OCEAN<br />
Saint Hilaire Point<br />
© West Indies Publishing 2014. Map not to scale.<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
7
13th ANNIVERSARY<br />
BEQUIA MOUNT GAY<br />
MUSIC FEST<br />
8<br />
JANUARY 21 – 24, <strong>2016</strong>
Top quality acts with broad-based appeal<br />
for all musical tastes at a variety of venues,<br />
consistently excellent presentation and<br />
outstanding support from Title Sponsor<br />
Mount Gay Rum and other local sponsors<br />
have all led to <strong>Bequia</strong>’s unique musical event<br />
proudly reaching its twelfth anniversary this<br />
year.<br />
Built around the hugely popular annual<br />
“one-night-only” <strong>Bequia</strong> performance of Basil<br />
Charles’ Mustique Blues Festival, the <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
Tourism Association’s <strong>Bequia</strong> Music Fest<br />
consistently earns rave reviews.<br />
The event, held over four days at the end<br />
of January, is well established as a major<br />
fixture on the season’s calendar, with a loyal<br />
following of regular visitors captivated by the<br />
informal, up-close-and-personal atmosphere<br />
and the range of truly top quality music.<br />
Yachtsman put it on their itineraries, visitors<br />
book their holidays to catch it and spread the<br />
word to others and residents of <strong>Bequia</strong> and<br />
St. Vincent can’t wait for January to come<br />
around.<br />
The main venue for <strong>Bequia</strong> Music Fest is at<br />
‘De Reef’ right on the beach at Lower Bay,<br />
with performances on Friday and Saturday<br />
night and all afternoon on Sunday.<br />
Other venues showcase artistes on a more<br />
intimate scale throughout the weekend<br />
including opening night with a steel pan<br />
orchestra at the Frangipani Hotel on<br />
Thursday and a Saturday afternoon “Blues<br />
and Jazz Jam and Lime” by the beach at<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Beach Hotel in Friendship Bay.<br />
Last year, the exciting young Bajan band<br />
‘Nj3O’, UK chart toppers ‘Cover Drive’ and<br />
soca giants ‘Soka Kartel’ drew huge crowds<br />
to Saturday night’s six-hour show, keeping the<br />
audience on their feet till after 2am.<br />
You can be sure that <strong>Bequia</strong>’s 12th<br />
anniversary Music Fest in January 2015 will<br />
be another winning formula, with old and<br />
new friends coming together to create a<br />
very special weekend of great music, great<br />
performances and great vibes!<br />
Niles<br />
For more information visit www.bequiatourism.com/bequiamusicfest<br />
or email musicfest@bequiatourism.com<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
9
Simple Facts<br />
Princess Margaret Beach<br />
Electricity<br />
Electricity is 220V, 50 cycles AC. 110V<br />
appliances may be used with an appropriate<br />
transformer.<br />
Clothes<br />
Casual, lightweight resort wear is appropriate<br />
year round. Bathing suits are considered<br />
inappropriate in the town. Visitors are<br />
requested to dress accordingly. Topless<br />
swimming and sunbathing causes offence to<br />
the people of <strong>Bequia</strong> and visitors are asked to<br />
respect this. Camouflage clothing is illegal.<br />
Customs & Immigration<br />
Located in the Revenue Building in Port<br />
Elizabeth directly across the road from the<br />
Main Ferry Dock.<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3769 Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am-<br />
6.00pm (Overtime (OT) 4.00pm-6.00pm),<br />
Sat 8.30am-12noon (OT 3.00pm-6.00pm),<br />
Sun and public holidays 9.00am-12noon and<br />
3.00pm-6.00pm (all OT). For yacht clearance<br />
refer to Yacht Services page 38.<br />
Police Station<br />
Port Elizabeth (behind hospital)<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3350<br />
VHF Channel 16 “ZedQS<strong>Bequia</strong>”<br />
Local bookshop<br />
Coastguard<br />
Tel: (784) 457 4578<br />
VHF Channel 16 “Juliet8Foxtrot”<br />
Revenue Office/Post Office<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3211<br />
Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-12noon and 1.00pm-<br />
3.00pm. Foreign exchange accepted in US<br />
dollars only and change provided in EC dollars.<br />
Stamps are always available at the BTA office.<br />
Banks & Financial Institutions<br />
Full banking services are available in <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
from The Bank of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.<br />
ATM machines accept Visa and Mastercard.<br />
Bank of St. Vincent & the Grenadines<br />
Port Elizabeth<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3700<br />
info@bosvg.com<br />
www.bosvg.com<br />
Mon-Thur 8.00am-2.00pm; Fri 8:00am-5:00pm<br />
MoneyGram – Money Transfers<br />
Bayshore Mall<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3062<br />
Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm<br />
Consulates, Embassies & Foreign<br />
Government Representatives<br />
British High Commission – Barbados<br />
Tel: (246) 430 7800<br />
www.ukinbarbados.fco.gov.uk<br />
Canadian High Commission – Barbados<br />
Tel: (246) 629 3550<br />
bridgetown@international.gc.ca<br />
Canadian High Commission – Trinidad<br />
Tel: (868) 622 6232<br />
pspanconsular@international.gc.ca<br />
(for visa applications)<br />
10
France, Honorary Consul – St. Vincent<br />
François Truchot<br />
Tel: (784) 457 2136<br />
Emergency Tel: (784) 493 3995<br />
ftruchot@vincysurf.com<br />
German Embassy – Trinidad<br />
Tel: (868) 628 1630/1/2<br />
Emergency: (868) 460 9687<br />
info@ports.diplo.de<br />
Kingdom of the Netherlands, Honorary<br />
Consul – St. Vincent Camille H. Crichton<br />
Tel: (784) 456 2822<br />
stvincent@nlconsulate.com<br />
Republic of China (Taiwan) Embassy –<br />
St. Vincent<br />
Tel: (784) 456 2431<br />
rocemsvg2@gmail.com<br />
Venezuelan Embassy – St. Vincent<br />
Tel: (784) 456 1374<br />
embassyofvenezuela-sanvicente@<br />
vincysurf.com<br />
Religions<br />
Anglican, Roman Catholic, Evangelical,<br />
Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness,<br />
Spiritual Baptist, Pentecostal and others are<br />
represented on the island.<br />
Driving<br />
Driving is on the LEFT.<br />
Visitors wishing to drive a rented vehicle<br />
must obtain a local driving permit, available<br />
from the Revenue Office in Port Elizabeth on<br />
production of a valid international or national<br />
driving licence from their own country, and<br />
payment of a fee of EC$65. It is valid for six<br />
months.<br />
United States of America Embassy –<br />
Barbados<br />
Routine Queries (246) 227 4193<br />
Emergency (246) 227 4000<br />
bridgetownacs@state.gov<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong> 11
Simple Facts<br />
Medical Facilities<br />
Emergency: Tel: 999<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Casualty Hospital and Clinic<br />
Port Elizabeth<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3294<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Clinic<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3328<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Hospital Doctor’s Quarters<br />
After hours and private visits<br />
Tel: (784) 454 3514<br />
Milton Cato Memorial Hospital<br />
Kingstown, St. Vincent<br />
Tel: (784) 456 1185<br />
Gabriel Glynn<br />
Homeopathic Practitioner and Therapist<br />
O’Car Reform<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3462/530 8529 (cell)<br />
Gabrielglynn@yahoo.com<br />
Holistic Physiotherapy Ltd.<br />
Andrea Battermann<br />
Physiotherapist Colourful and Shiatsu boutique, Practitioner Port Elizabeth<br />
Tel: (784) 528 2525<br />
info@holisticphysiotherapy.org<br />
Dr. Gregory Thomas, Chiropractor<br />
Port Elizabeth, upstairs <strong>Bequia</strong> Venture<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3937<br />
Emergencies: (784) 457 3785<br />
Imperial Pharmacy<br />
Port Elizabeth (at entrance to hospital)<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3373<br />
Mon-Thurs 8.00am-7.00pm; Fri 8.00am-<br />
6.00pm; Sat 6.00-8.00pm Sun and Public<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong>s 9.00am-12.00pm<br />
12
Veterinary Services (small animals)<br />
Unique Animal Care<br />
Port Elizabeth behind Port Hole restaurant.<br />
Pet supplies and medications. Dr. Colin Boyle,<br />
veterinary surgeon, holds clinics once per<br />
week on Fridays.<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3538<br />
Couriers<br />
DHL Worldwide Express<br />
Agent: ACS Computer Services, upstairs GYE<br />
O’Car Reform<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3967/457 1172<br />
Federal Express<br />
Agent: Solana’s Boutique, Port Elizabeth<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3554<br />
Telecommunications<br />
Full telecommunications service (fixed line,<br />
mobile and internet) is provided by LIME (St.<br />
Vincent & the Grenadines) Ltd. SIM cards<br />
are available. The LIME office in <strong>Bequia</strong> is on<br />
Front Street opposite the vegetable market.<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3999<br />
Mobile services are also provided by Digicel<br />
(GSM network) with 30 day SIM cards for<br />
visitors – available from the Digicel Office at<br />
the <strong>Bequia</strong> Technology Centre.<br />
Tel: (784) 532 9574/458 3045<br />
Karib Cable is now a fixed line provider.<br />
Their offices are located on Back Street,<br />
opposite Doris Fresh Food.<br />
Tel: (784) 570 3903.<br />
Prepaid phone cards are sold at a number<br />
of outlets at the end of the main jetty, in<br />
denominations of EC$10 up to EC$200.<br />
Internet Services<br />
There are a number of internet service<br />
establishments with most internet facilities<br />
offer additional services including fax,<br />
photocopying, scanning, printing and<br />
lap top plug-in. Please refer to www.<br />
westindiespublishing.com for a more<br />
detailed listings.<br />
Health, Beauty & Fitness<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> offers a number of establishments<br />
specializing Fitness, Massage Therapy,<br />
Reflexology, and Beauty Salons. Please refer<br />
to www.westindiespublishing.com for a more<br />
detailed listings.<br />
Marriages<br />
Sometimes we just cannot help ourselves<br />
and we decide to take the plunge on a<br />
whim or there are others that would<br />
like to plan an island wedding. <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
provides the opportunity for both. Visitors<br />
must be resident in St. Vincent & the<br />
Grenadines for one full day before they<br />
are entitled to apply for a special marriage<br />
licence which will permit them to marry<br />
during their visit. There are two wedding<br />
planners on the island, please refer to<br />
www.westindiespublishing.com for a more<br />
detailed listings.<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
13
Getting Here<br />
Travel by Air<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> can be reached via Puerto Rico,<br />
Barbados, St. Lucia (Hewanorra Airport),<br />
Martinique, Grenada and Trinidad. There<br />
are scheduled flights to and from these<br />
international gateways. Same day connections<br />
from Barbados to <strong>Bequia</strong>’s small modern<br />
airport can be made through Mustique<br />
Airways, SVG Air or Grenadine Air Alliance<br />
As an alternative to flying directly into<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong>, or if travelling from gateways other<br />
than Barbados, visitors may fly into St. Vincent’s<br />
E. T. Joshua Airport on LIAT, then take the ferry<br />
from St. Vincent to <strong>Bequia</strong>.<br />
Please note that the airport in <strong>Bequia</strong> is not<br />
open after dark. Check your travel agent, the<br />
relevant airlines or ferry companies for current<br />
schedules.<br />
Domestic Flights – Mustique Airways/SVG<br />
Air (Grenadine Air Alliance) fly between St.<br />
Vincent, Canouan, Union and <strong>Bequia</strong> returning<br />
twice daily (early morning/late afternoon).<br />
SVG Air also offers a private jet service<br />
throughout the Caribbean.<br />
There is a departure tax of EC$50 (US$19)<br />
payable when leaving St. Vincent or any of the<br />
Grenadines on international flights.<br />
Regional Carriers<br />
Grenadine Air Alliance (GAA)<br />
E.T. Joshua Airport, St. Vincent<br />
Tel: (784) 456 6793<br />
LIAT<br />
E.T. Joshua Airport, St. Vincent<br />
Tel: (784) 458 4841<br />
www.liat.com<br />
Mustique Airways<br />
Tel: (784) 458 4380<br />
info@mustique.com<br />
www.mustique.com<br />
SVG Air<br />
Tel: (784) 457 5124/5777 and 458 3713<br />
res@svgair.com<br />
fltops@svgair.com<br />
www.svgair.com<br />
Vincy Aviation Services<br />
Tel: (784) 456 5600<br />
www.vincyaviation.com<br />
NOTE: All regional carriers require reconfirmation<br />
of flights 24-48 hours before travel.<br />
Ferries<br />
A regular and efficient ferry service operates<br />
between <strong>Bequia</strong> and St. Vincent. Sailing time<br />
jetty to jetty is about one hour. Three<br />
companies, Admiralty Transport, (784) 458<br />
3348, <strong>Bequia</strong> Express (784) 457 3539 and<br />
Jaden Inc. (784) 451 2192 offer frequent and<br />
convenient sailings. An air-conditioned ferry<br />
terminal is located at the Kingstown Wharf.<br />
If requested in advance, <strong>Bequia</strong> Express will<br />
delay departure Monday to Friday of their last<br />
ferry service at 6:00pm to accommodate late<br />
flight arrivals.<br />
Island Hopping with The Friendship Rose<br />
This traditional sailing schooner offers a<br />
regular schedule of cruises to Mustique and<br />
the Southern Grenadines. One way tickets<br />
can be purchased making island hopping<br />
easy. The Friendship Rose offers connections<br />
to the following islands: Canouan, Mayreau,<br />
Palm, Union and Petit St. Vincent.<br />
Tel: (784) 529 8046/455 0969<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3888 Harbour Office<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3739 Belmont Office<br />
www.friendshiprose.com<br />
14
Port Elizabeth shops<br />
Inter Island Ferries<br />
MV Barracuda<br />
Tel: (784) 455 9835<br />
Mon & Thurs – Sails from Kingstown to<br />
Canouan, Mayreau and Union<br />
Tues & Fri – Sails from Union to Mayreau,<br />
Canouan and Kingstown<br />
MV Gem Star<br />
Tel: (784) 526 1158<br />
Tues & Fri – Sails from Kingstown to Canouan,<br />
Mayreau and Union<br />
Wed & Sat – Sails from Union to Mayreau,<br />
Canouan and Kingstown<br />
There are no scheduled stops in <strong>Bequia</strong>.<br />
However, by special arrangement, the ‘Gem<br />
Star’ will call in to <strong>Bequia</strong>, if there are passengers.<br />
This is an interesting, old fashioned and<br />
inexpensive way to see the Grenadines.<br />
MV Jaden Sun<br />
Tel: (784) 451 2192<br />
Inter-island, air conditioned, fast ferry<br />
servicing the Grenadine islands within the<br />
same day.<br />
Be aware that schedules are subject to<br />
change and cancellation without notice, due<br />
to maintenance and other causes.<br />
PLEASE CHECK THE FERRY COMPANIES<br />
FOR FARES and TIMES OF SAILING or call<br />
the BTA at (784) 458 3286.<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
15
Getting Here<br />
Fresh local fruit<br />
Passport/Visas<br />
All visitors must have valid passports and<br />
proof of return or on-going travel plans,<br />
whether by sea or air. Entry is usually granted<br />
for 30 days and is renewable at the discretion<br />
of the Immigration Department.<br />
Visas are not required for most countries.<br />
However, the following countries do require<br />
a visa: Lebanon, Syria, Nigeria, Jordan, Iraq,<br />
Iran and the Dominican Republic. Port<br />
Elizabeth is the port of entry for customs<br />
clearance. Customs and Immigration are<br />
centrally located in the Revenue Office in<br />
Port Elizabeth, along with the Post Office. For<br />
opening times see page 8.<br />
Ports<br />
For those travelling by yacht the official port of<br />
entry is Port Elizabeth.<br />
Duty Free<br />
The following items are duty free but must<br />
be fully declared: wine or spirits not exceeding<br />
one quart in all; tobacco, not over half a<br />
pound; cigars, not more than 50, or cigarettes,<br />
not more than 200.<br />
Restricted items: drugs, arms, ammunition,<br />
spear guns, fresh fruit, vegetables and<br />
uncooked meat.<br />
Health Requirements<br />
No vaccinations are required unless in transit<br />
from, or having visited, an infected area<br />
within six days of arrival. Drinking tap water<br />
is perfectly safe, but bottled, purified and<br />
mineral water are also readily available.<br />
Travel Agencies<br />
Cigi Travel<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3795<br />
gtvl14@hotmail.com<br />
Going Places Travel<br />
Bayshore Mall<br />
Tel/Fax: (784) 458 3062<br />
stvincent@going-places.tv<br />
bequia@going-places.tv<br />
Grenadine Escape<br />
Tel: (784) 433 2488<br />
www.grenadine-escape.com<br />
info@grenadine-escape.com<br />
Grenadine Island Villas (Local flight agents)<br />
Front Street<br />
Tel: (784) 529 8046/455 0969<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3888 Harbour Office<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3739 Belmont Office<br />
www.grenadinevillas.com<br />
Just <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
Tel: 44(0) 1373 814244<br />
info@justbequia.co.uk<br />
www.grenadinevillas.com<br />
Immersion Excursions<br />
Tel: (504) 342 4929<br />
info@imexcursions.com<br />
16
Where to Stay<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> has every type of accommodation to offer, always well run and well kept, with that special<br />
relaxed atmosphere and personal, friendly service which reflects the spirit of the island and its<br />
people. <strong>Bequia</strong> tends to attract the visitor who prefers the tropical delights and laid back living of<br />
the smaller islands, where the beaches are secluded and there are no high-rise hotels to mar the<br />
scenic views. Thankfully the island has not attracted any so-called five-star ‘luxury’ commercial<br />
hotels; instead, the wonderful, friendly accommodation ranges from stylish four-star and comfortable<br />
three-star hotels to well-appointed luxury villas and budget guest houses which include breakfast<br />
and dinner featuring real home-cooking. The larger beach front hotels also have first class restaurants<br />
and bars, offering evening entertainment, a full range of water sports, and other sports such<br />
as tennis. Please note that a 15% government tax is added to hotel rates plus a 10% service charge.<br />
Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is always wise to double check when booking.<br />
The below listed hotels offers any visitor the chance to experience the Caribbean we all dream<br />
of. The <strong>Bequia</strong> Beach Hotel and Firefly Plantation Hotel brings Mustique island quality to <strong>Bequia</strong>.<br />
Need we say more. The Frangipani and Gingerbread Hotels offer you the privilege to experience<br />
traditional Caribbean homes converted into hotels. De Reef Apartments offers you a fabulous and<br />
affordable place to bring the entire family. Finally, Octopus Villas provides the visitor the option to<br />
customize their holiday by providing access to both its ocean front villas and/or 63’ yacht.<br />
Simply stated, <strong>Bequia</strong> offers the visitor a place where modern life has touched only where it<br />
needs to, so that you can still sense, see and breath the true Caribbean ambience. See you soon!<br />
17<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
17
Where to Stay<br />
RECOMMENDED HOTELS:<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Beach Hotel<br />
Friendship Bay<br />
Tel: (784) 458 1600<br />
info@bequiabeach.com<br />
www.bequiabeach.com<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Beach is a luxurious boutique<br />
resort with wonderful beach-front suites.<br />
Experience the true Caribbean at this<br />
secluded, independent hotel, on an<br />
untouched island claimed to be one of the<br />
Caribbean’s best kept secrets.<br />
De Reef Apartments<br />
Lower Bay<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3484/494 3688<br />
dereef@vincysurf.com<br />
Conveniently located, this popular, modern<br />
accommodation, is set in beautiful gardens and<br />
just two minutes from Lower Bay Beach. Six<br />
self-contained, one, two and three bedroom<br />
apartments with living/dining area and fully<br />
fitted kitchens, air-conditioned rooms, ceiling<br />
fans, cable tv, hot and cold showers and<br />
spacious terraces.<br />
Firefly Plantation Hotel <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
Spring<br />
Tel: (784) 488 8414<br />
info@fireflybequia.com<br />
www.fireflybequia.com<br />
A delightful Caribbean boutique hotel, set<br />
within a lush 250 year old plantation with<br />
spectacular views and private balconies. WiFi,<br />
A/C, large swimming pool, great local food,<br />
friendly staff and service. In-house<br />
restaurant and bar. The two bedroom<br />
Plantation Cottage is ideal for families.<br />
The Frangipani Hotel<br />
Belmont<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3255<br />
info@frangipanibequia.com<br />
www.frangipanibequia.com<br />
With spectacular views of Admiralty Bay,<br />
the centrally located Frangipani Hotel, Bar<br />
and Restaurant offers elegant garden units<br />
or charming old-styled rooms in the original<br />
family home. Catering to everyone – an<br />
experience you will never forget.<br />
18
Gingerbread Hotel<br />
Belmont. Tel:<br />
(784) 458 3800<br />
ginger@vincysurf.com<br />
www.gingerbreadhotel.com<br />
Gingerbread’s <strong>Bequia</strong> suites were built to<br />
evoke the design and style of the colonial<br />
days, with covered porches overlooking<br />
Admiralty Bay - all with spacious bathrooms<br />
and full kitchen facilities. There is one<br />
air-conditioned king-sized studio and two<br />
comfortable economy apartments.<br />
Gingerbread also offers an elegant restaurant,<br />
waterfront cafe, barbeque under the trees<br />
and dive shop. A short and pleasant walk<br />
along the bayside takes you to restaurants,<br />
shops and the town of Port Eliza- beth with<br />
spectacular beaches close by.<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
19
Where to Stay<br />
RECOMMENDED VILLA<br />
RENTAL COMPANIES:<br />
Staying in a villa or private home is one of<br />
the best ways to enjoy your stay on <strong>Bequia</strong>.<br />
Homes range from one to five bedrooms<br />
and from simple to absolute luxury. A few<br />
accommodations are on the waterfront –<br />
most others have ocean views. Either way,<br />
you are never more than a few minutes<br />
from the beach.<br />
Octopus Villas<br />
Belmont<br />
Tel: 1 784 432 5201<br />
www.octopus-caribbean.com<br />
hello@octopus-caribbean.com<br />
Staying in these private villas is the perfect<br />
way to relax and unwind. The stylish villas<br />
can be rented individually or combined to<br />
accommodate larger groups. The villas are<br />
set on lush hillside above Admiralty Bay,<br />
commanding stunning views of the ocean<br />
and island. Conveniently located in Belmont,<br />
just a few minute’s drive from Port Elizabeth<br />
and the nearest beaches.<br />
Villas<br />
Villas<br />
Stylish and Unique Villas with<br />
Stunning Ocean Views<br />
www.octopus-caribbean.com<br />
hello@octopus-caribbean.com<br />
1 784 432 5201<br />
20
Dining & Nightlife<br />
B<br />
The harbour, Port Elizabeth<br />
equia may be a small island, but you will be pleasantly surprised at the excellent range of<br />
friendly bars, fine restaurants, informal cafés and pizzerias with lively night-time entertainment<br />
available to suit your every mood. Our recommended restaurants and bars are the best places to<br />
start to discover <strong>Bequia</strong>. We invite you to sample the island’s wonderful mixture of local delicacies,<br />
West Indian, international or even more exotic cuisine. Dine on the waterfront in the harbour, by<br />
the beach with the sea just a few steps away or high up in the hills overlooking the sea and islands<br />
beyond. The following restaurants listed below are guaranteed to satisfy your culinary desires.<br />
Seafood is served fresh daily, with local vegetables and produce. Nightlife is mainly centred around<br />
the hotels, restaurants and bars, which regularly feature local string and steel bands, country music,<br />
reggae, ‘ jump ups’ and barbecue nights. If you prefer quiet romantic dining, with just the stars and<br />
the sound of the sea for company, there are some truly memorable locations to choose from. The<br />
following is a selected list; however, it is always advisable to check opening times and entertainment<br />
details beforehand. Most restaurants can also be contacted on VHF Channel 68. VAT (15%) is added<br />
to meal and drink bills. Most restaurants also add a 10% service charge.<br />
21<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
21
For some local luxury<br />
ww
www.bequiabeach.com | +1(784) 458 1600 | Friendship Beach, <strong>Bequia</strong>
Dining & Nightlife<br />
Recommended Hotel Restaurants:<br />
Bagatelle and Blue Tropic<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Beach Hotel, Friendship Bay<br />
Tel: (784) 458 1600/454 8111<br />
Known as the two most elegant restaurants<br />
on the island, The Blue Tropic, set in a<br />
stunning tropical garden, offers delicious<br />
gourmet dishes with a Caribbean Flare.<br />
Bagatelle serves a delightful menu on the<br />
beach where you can sink your toes in the<br />
sand and gaze at the moonlit ocean.<br />
Firefly Plantation Hotel <strong>Bequia</strong> -<br />
Restaurant and Bar<br />
Spring<br />
Tel: (784) 488 8414<br />
Chefs freshly prepare modern Caribbean<br />
dishes using locally sourced ingredients.<br />
Service is friendly and attentive; prices<br />
reasonable. Dine in a smart, casual,<br />
open-air setting with beautiful views of<br />
the Plantation and sea. Excellent cocktails<br />
and wine list. Open for breakfast (highly<br />
recommended), lunch, dinner, cocktails and<br />
drinks. Reservations suggested.<br />
The Frangipani Hotel, Bar and Restaurant<br />
Belmont<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3255<br />
Offering gourmet cuisine with a Caribbean<br />
flavour. To complement this exquisite<br />
dining experience, you can choose from<br />
a wide variety of fine imported wines.<br />
A wonderful place to meet - the Frangi<br />
beach bar also boasts the best cocktails on<br />
the island. Join us for the Thursday night<br />
barbeque and ‘jump up’ with live steelband<br />
music. Reservations recommended.<br />
24
Recommended Restaurants & Bars:<br />
De Reef<br />
Lower Bay<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3958/494 3688<br />
VHF 68<br />
Beach bar and restaurant on this popular but<br />
uncrowded beach. Informal dining for lunch<br />
and dinner. Specializing in seafood and curried<br />
conch. Three course dinner by reservation<br />
only.<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
25
Shopping<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong>’s primary shopping area is in and around the island’s capital, Port Elizabeth, where<br />
flowers bloom in planters and roadside gardens and small brightly painted stores abound along<br />
the waterfront. This delightful heart of the island offers every facility with a simple, intimate charm<br />
and traditional hospitality for which <strong>Bequia</strong> is famous.<br />
Just about everything in Port Elizabeth<br />
is located on its one central, shoreside,<br />
main street reaching the fishing village of<br />
Hamilton in the north, and, just on from<br />
the town’s centre, along the Belmont<br />
Walkway which borders the south shore of<br />
Admiralty Bay.<br />
Shops, boutiques, a pharmacy, grocery<br />
stores, covered markets selling fresh fruit,<br />
vegetables and freshly caught fish, souvenir<br />
stalls, restaurants, cafés and bars, banks,<br />
the Post Office, Customs and Immigration,<br />
the Police Station (off Back Street) and<br />
the BTA office – are all within easy walking<br />
distance.<br />
Just off the Main Ferry Dock are our<br />
public washrooms and showers.<br />
One of the images we all have in mind<br />
when traveling to the Caribbean is relaxing<br />
on the beach with the elusive book we<br />
have been meaning to get to. <strong>Bequia</strong>’s<br />
bookshop will not only open your eyes to<br />
the Caribbean authors but it also carries<br />
the latest best sellers. Besides a good<br />
selection of paperback and hardcover<br />
books, it stocks postcards, courtesy flags,<br />
nautical charts, <strong>Bequia</strong> Ordnance Survey<br />
maps and art work. A cool place to browse<br />
and find that special something. Just off of<br />
Front Street is the charming Sweety Bird,<br />
which offers fresh, local juices and simple<br />
lunches.<br />
During your leisurely walk along Belmont<br />
Parkway – a delightful, partly shaded<br />
water’s edge path which winds alongside<br />
the bay, linking shops, restaurants, hotels<br />
and bars. Just past the the Frangipani<br />
you will find you will discover a number of<br />
stores carrying a full range of beach and<br />
swim gear, hammocks, traditional island<br />
maps, delightful informal clothing including<br />
top quality t-shirts, caps and sandals,<br />
sundresses great gifts and souvenirs,<br />
postcards and art work.<br />
Just a few steps further you will discover<br />
Vintages is a new wine shop in the<br />
26
Gingerbread building and Maranne’s Ice<br />
Cream Parlour. A little further on are the<br />
gaily painted premises of Dive <strong>Bequia</strong>.<br />
Returning to the town centre, the BTA<br />
office, located at the end of the main<br />
ferry jetty is the place to buy water,<br />
stamps, <strong>Bequia</strong> Sailing Club souvenirs and<br />
postcards. You can also pick up your extra<br />
copies of <strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong>, as well as the<br />
invaluable weekly guide to what’s on in<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> – <strong>Bequia</strong> This Week.<br />
Opposite the BTA is the Bayshore Mall<br />
– a small shopping centre which contains<br />
some dozen shops including a Travel<br />
Agency, an ice-cream parlour, stationery<br />
store, delicatessen, and two boutiques.<br />
Further north, past the Revenue Office<br />
and Post Office, is the covered fish and<br />
vegetable market on the water’s edge,<br />
with its own dinghy dock. There are also<br />
a number of small t-shirt, casual wear and<br />
gift boutiques here, plus a bakery outlet<br />
with delicious fresh bread and baked<br />
goods and a small bar. An ancient almond<br />
tree provides welcome shade inside the<br />
market courtyard. Opposite the market is<br />
a boutique that carries bali-style furniture<br />
and gifts. Shipping all over the world is<br />
available.<br />
As an age-old seafaring island, <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
caters exceptionally well for visiting<br />
yachts. There are a number of first-rate<br />
shipwrights, carpenters, repair specialists,<br />
sail lofts and general marine and fishing<br />
supply shops in and around Port Elizabeth,<br />
and a varied selection of grocery stores<br />
and delicatessens which cater for both the<br />
simple necessities and the most refined<br />
gourmet tastes. Deliveries to your yacht or<br />
to your rental villa can easily be arranged.<br />
The building of model boats is a <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
speciality – even H.M. Queen Elizabeth<br />
II has an example in her collection. You<br />
can see both the intricate workmanship<br />
in progress, and the fabulous models<br />
of schooners, brightly-coloured yachts,<br />
traditional ‘double enders’ and <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
whaleboats. Walk past the vegetable<br />
market to find first of two Model Boat<br />
Shops (ask to see the workshop outside,<br />
under the breadfruit tree), and then a little<br />
further along the road, you will find the<br />
second one with its busy workshop right<br />
on the premises. Take your time to look,<br />
choose, and then to look again. The quality<br />
and detail is quite magnificent and the<br />
finished models true works of art.<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
27<br />
27
Sightseeing<br />
Frangipani, Belmont Walkway<br />
Port Elizabeth<br />
Pick up an island map from the BTA Office<br />
at the end of the main jetty and set out to<br />
discover the delights of <strong>Bequia</strong>.<br />
Wander along the quaint waterfront<br />
at Port Elizabeth with its bars, cafés and<br />
fascinating shops spread out along the coastal<br />
main street. Watch a fabulous sunset from a<br />
beachside bar or café.<br />
Just a few minutes stroll from the centre is<br />
the lovely St. Mary’s Anglican Church built of<br />
local limestone and imported ballast bricks.<br />
The church was erected in 1829 on the site<br />
of an earlier structure which was destroyed<br />
by a hurricane in 1798, and houses intriguing<br />
memorial tablets recording the lives of some<br />
of <strong>Bequia</strong>’s earliest settlers.<br />
Continuing on, you will find the meandering<br />
waterfront Belmont Walkway, which has<br />
recently been restored through the fund<br />
raising efforts of the group, Action <strong>Bequia</strong>.<br />
The next fund raising goal is to extend the<br />
walkway into a coastal trail to Princess<br />
Margaret Beach. An interesting and cool<br />
stroll along this edge of Admiralty Bay will<br />
reward you with more unusual shops, dive<br />
shops, bars, cafés and excellent restaurants.<br />
In the opposite direction, taking the main<br />
road north out of Port Elizabeth past the<br />
Revenue Office and Post Office, covered<br />
t-shirt market, vegetable market and small<br />
shops, you will come to <strong>Bequia</strong>’s two Model<br />
Boat-Builders’ Workshops. Watch these<br />
craftsmen continuing your own boat on<br />
commission and have shipped it to you.<br />
A few yards before the Hairoun Beer<br />
Depot, one block in from the main road, is<br />
the <strong>Bequia</strong> Maritime Museum. Opened by<br />
Lawson Sargeant of Sargeant Bros. Model<br />
Boats, and son of one of the great <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
boatbuilding families, it details the peak<br />
period of ship building in <strong>Bequia</strong> with old<br />
photos, boatbuilding families’ memorabilia,<br />
and replicas of some of the great schooners<br />
built on the island.<br />
Continuing along this road, on Admiralty<br />
Bay’s north shore and through the village of<br />
Hamilton, you will come to the site of the<br />
18th century Hamilton Battery, located<br />
high above Admiralty Bay, which guarded<br />
the harbour from attack. From this elevated<br />
lookout point there are wonderful views of<br />
the harbour and across the bay. Enjoy the<br />
nature trail around the point and spot native<br />
birds and reptiles.<br />
If you would rather not walk or hike in such<br />
tropical climes, you can always rent a jeep, or<br />
arrange a taxi tour with one of the open back<br />
vans under the Almond Tree and explore the<br />
island at your leisure. There is much more<br />
than just the beautiful scenery to discover.<br />
Ask at the BTA office for more information<br />
including fares.<br />
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Arts & Crafts<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> has always been rightly famous for<br />
its boatbuilding (both large and very small)<br />
but the island is today also rich in many<br />
other creative skills. Small stalls scattered<br />
along the waterfront in the harbour offer an<br />
amazing variety of local talent from paintings,<br />
needlecraft, crochet, macramé, carvings, black<br />
coral jewellery, papier-mâché and scrimshaw, to<br />
culinary items – homemade preserves, sweets<br />
and cakes. Throughout the island there are<br />
studios and galleries to visit and artists to meet.<br />
(Some studios can be visited by appointment<br />
only, so check with BTA office for details).<br />
Other Points of Interest<br />
For something completely different, and fascinating<br />
for all the family, take the time to visit<br />
The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary (www. turtles.<br />
bequia.net) located in the rugged, northeastern<br />
part of the island, and reached by continuing<br />
on the road north to Park Bay. The drive is<br />
scenic and will take you past Industry Bay and<br />
over the hillside into Park Bay where <strong>Bequia</strong>n<br />
Orton G. ‘Brother’ King has spent most of each<br />
day since August 1995 tending his beloved<br />
and endangered Hawksbill turtles. A retired<br />
professional skin-diving fisherman, Brother King<br />
is a committed, informed and very entertaining<br />
individual. His greatest pleasure is to give<br />
you a fully guided tour and explain his mission<br />
to others. Responsible for having increased<br />
the seriously dwindling turtle population in<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong>, his project is purely a selfless, dedicated<br />
passion and with no financial reward. You will<br />
be made to feel a very welcome visitor to<br />
this worthy and educational sanctuary. There<br />
is an entry fee of EC$10 or US$5 which goes<br />
towards the upkeep and running costs of the<br />
sanctuary. Any donations over and above this<br />
amount are welcomed. Imagine the amount<br />
of fish required to feed 200 hungry growing<br />
turtles!<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> has a long history as a whaling nation<br />
and the Whaling Museum in La Pompe is<br />
worth a visit.<br />
The extraordinary, privately-owned complex<br />
of stone dwellings known as Moonhole is<br />
located on the western tip of the island. Built<br />
in the 1950s by American Tom Johnston, the<br />
complex is an internationally famous architectural<br />
landmark. The Moonhole rock arch and<br />
compound are not open to the public and<br />
may only be viewed from the sea. Please reduce<br />
speed and do not anchor off Moonhole<br />
to avoid damaging the fragile marine environment.<br />
Best Beaches<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> is blessed by an encirclement of<br />
glorious stretches of sandy beaches, some<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
29
Sightseeing<br />
secluded and all clean and uncrowded.<br />
Bathe in the clear, safe waters, perfect for<br />
swimming, snorkelling, sailing, diving and<br />
other water sports.<br />
Princess Margaret Beach is a lovely<br />
ribbon of golden sand, just down from Port<br />
Elizabeth. The beach was formerly known as<br />
Tony Gibbons Beach; until Princess Margaret<br />
enjoyed a dip there in 1958.<br />
There is a cliff pathway linking Princess<br />
Margaret beach to the popular, expansive<br />
Lower Bay. Fringed by fishing boats and nets,<br />
its casual atmosphere is further enhanced<br />
by a number of very good, and reasonably<br />
priced bars and restaurants – including the<br />
world famous De Reef with its popular<br />
Sunday afternoon music jam and Keegan’s<br />
with its delicious, reasonably-priced homecooking<br />
and Saturday night barbecue –<br />
making Lower Bay a favourite location both<br />
during the day and in the evening.<br />
Friendship Bay, only a short ride from<br />
Homemade <strong>Bequia</strong> jams for sale!<br />
town on the south side of the island, offers<br />
a long, wide sweep of beach and excellent<br />
conditions for diving, sailing and snorkelling.<br />
Also on Friendship Bay is the <strong>Bequia</strong> Beach<br />
Hotel’s main restaurant, Blue Tropic, and the<br />
Bagatelle Restaurant & Bar on the beach.<br />
Between the bays of Friendship and Spring<br />
is Hope Bay, with its remote beach. Here<br />
the rather shallow waters and the long lines<br />
of breakers from the Atlantic Ocean make<br />
the spot ideal for first-rate body surfing<br />
and windsurfing. However, the strong<br />
undertow demands that this is for the more<br />
experienced surfers only. With no hotels or<br />
bars in the vicinity, take a friend, something to<br />
drink and maybe a picnic. Look for signposts<br />
or ask for directions.<br />
Along the main road out of the harbour<br />
is the romantic and secluded shallow beach<br />
at Spring Bay, behind which are acres of<br />
tall palm trees and a working Caribbean<br />
plantation which form part of Firefly<br />
Plantation Hotel <strong>Bequia</strong>. A guided tour of<br />
the plantation and ruined sugar mill lasts<br />
approximately 45 minutes. You can sample<br />
fruit and vegetables in season, crush your<br />
own sugar cane juice and learn about<br />
coconuts, bananas and various herbs and<br />
flowers; bookings suggested and children<br />
welcome.<br />
Just north of Spring is the inaptly named<br />
Industry Bay. But fear not, there is no heavy<br />
industry here or anywhere else on the<br />
island. It’s a glorious palm-fringed beach,<br />
wonderful for snorkelling, and with surf<br />
particularly suitable for surfing beginners. A<br />
word of caution – there can be a quite strong<br />
undercurrent at times. Lastly, a short road<br />
walk from Industry Bay over the headland<br />
will bring you to Park, with its palm shaded,<br />
isolated beach, home to the Old Hegg Turtle<br />
Sanctuary. Not so great for swimming, but a<br />
wonderful point from which to explore on<br />
foot the undeveloped northern reaches of<br />
the island.<br />
30
Lower Bay<br />
Taxi Fares<br />
Taxi rides are inexpensive and as all the drivers<br />
are justifiably proud of their island, they will<br />
take you to the most interesting, scenic and<br />
unusual places, all in a leisurely three-hour ride,<br />
or tailored to suit your own time requirements.<br />
Most vehicles are radio operated on VHF 68<br />
and will do airport and ferry pick-ups and<br />
drop-offs.<br />
A recommended list of the local taxi fares<br />
is available from the BTA office. Visitors are<br />
advised to agree the fare in advance as well as<br />
determining whether the charge is in EC or US<br />
dollars.<br />
Recommended Car Hire:<br />
B&G (Gideon’s) Jeep & Moke Rental<br />
Tel/Fax: (784) 458 3760<br />
gideontaxi@vincysurf.com<br />
Challenger Taxi & Rentals<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3811/455 9163<br />
challengertaxi@yahoo.com<br />
DeBest Taxi & Tour Service<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3349/530 4737<br />
friendshipgapt@karibcable.com<br />
Gunno Taxi Service<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3768/497 5659<br />
gunsalvo@hotmail.com<br />
KMG Rental Service<br />
Tel (784) 532 4821/454 9163<br />
kmgrentalservice@gmail.com<br />
Parnell’s Moke Rental Tel: (784) 457 3066<br />
Phil’s Car Rental Tel: (784) 458<br />
3304julies2007@hotmail.com<br />
Sunrise Rentals<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3086/593 3631<br />
Yacht Charters and Off-island Day Tours<br />
The vessels in our listing offer a variety of day<br />
trips, private charters and excursions.<br />
In the course of a <strong>Bequia</strong> holiday, it is well<br />
worth exploring the surrounding Grenadine<br />
islands, and not surprisingly, sailing is the<br />
most popular choice of most visitors. With<br />
regular trade winds, limitless visibility and<br />
the Caribbean Sea’s tidal movements, the<br />
Grenadines offer some of the best blue water<br />
sailing to be found anywhere in the world.<br />
So, for something luxurious, cruising at your<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
31
own pace, sightseeing around the shores of<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> and to other nearby islands, don’t<br />
miss the wide range of fully-crewed yachts<br />
available for day, overnight or term charters.<br />
There are a number of notable yacht charter<br />
operations on <strong>Bequia</strong> and on nearby St.<br />
Vincent. Whether for one day or more, these<br />
all-inclusive trips to the fabulous Grenadines<br />
on first class boats are all available at very<br />
reasonable rates. Their skippers are mostly<br />
local seafarers, with a wealth of sailing and<br />
chartering experience and an intimate<br />
knowledge and love of the region. A private<br />
charter offers just that – privacy, plus superb<br />
cooking, relaxation and the opportunity to<br />
take whichever route you choose.<br />
The large mother-island of St. Vincent is<br />
only nine miles north of <strong>Bequia</strong>, with more<br />
than enough to keep any day-visitor busy. St.<br />
Vincent can be reached via charter flight from<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong>, but most visitors prefer to take the<br />
inexpensive hour-long ferry trip from Port<br />
Elizabeth to Kingstown. Choose to sit up on<br />
deck and take in the sea air and scenery (and<br />
maybe see a school of dolphins) or travel<br />
inside in comfortable air-conditioned saloons.<br />
There is much to see and do in St.Vincent,<br />
and some of the best of it is so remote that<br />
it’s worth spending an overnight if time<br />
is available. For example, the spectacular<br />
La Soufrière Volcano, slumbering but still<br />
steaming (the last major eruption was in<br />
1979) requires a four-wheel drive vehicle and<br />
then a demanding but rewarding three hour<br />
hike to the rim. Magnificent unspoilt nature<br />
trails are a hiker’s and naturalist’s paradise,<br />
and Dark View and Baleine Falls are not to be<br />
missed.<br />
A must visit, especially on Saturday<br />
mornings, is the vibrant and colourful<br />
fruit and vegetable market in downtown<br />
Kingstown.<br />
St. Vincent’s Botanical Gardens are one<br />
of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.<br />
They were founded in 1765, originally for<br />
the production of herbs, spices and plants<br />
for medicinal purposes. The 20 acres of<br />
indigenous and imported tropical trees,<br />
shrubs, fruits and flowers are part of the<br />
National Trust and run by the Forestry<br />
Commission. Among the sights is a 230-year<br />
old baobab tree, planted when the garden<br />
was opened as well as a third generation<br />
breadfruit tree, a sucker from the original<br />
plant brought by Captain William Bligh (of<br />
“Bounty” fame) in 1793.<br />
Just a few minutes away via air charter, or<br />
after a leisurely two hour sail, is the island<br />
of Mustique. Whichever way you choose<br />
to get there, it’s a fascinating day trip to this<br />
privately owned island, famous as a hideaway<br />
for British Royals and international celebrities.<br />
Stop for a drink and/or lunch at one of<br />
Mustique’s famous bars or restaurants.<br />
There are many smaller islands in the<br />
Grenadines – all with beautiful beaches and<br />
stunning turquoise waters. Some, such as<br />
Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent, are privately<br />
owned resort islands, but day, overnight<br />
and weekend visitors are welcome when<br />
accommodation is available. Canouan has a<br />
luxury resort and golf course; Mayreau has<br />
600 inhabitants in a hilltop village and one of<br />
the most beautiful beaches at Salt Whistle<br />
Bay, and of course the Tobago Cays are quite<br />
unforgettable. Union Island is well worth a<br />
visit too!<br />
They can all be reached via sailing charters,<br />
ferries or, in some cases, air charters. Enquire<br />
at your hotel or at the BTA office for more<br />
details.<br />
32
Day/Overnight Charter Boats<br />
Octopus Yacht<br />
Tel: 1 784 432 5201<br />
www.octopus-caribbean.com<br />
hello@octopus-caribbean.com<br />
Island hop aboard our elegant, crewed sailing<br />
yacht from one idyllic island to the next.<br />
Combining exceptional cruising and sailing<br />
performance with comfortable living areas -<br />
perfect for day and overnight charters.<br />
s/y ‘Silent Wings’<br />
Port Elizabeth<br />
Tel: (784) 532-4874<br />
onboard@yacht54.com<br />
www.yacht54.com<br />
Fully-crewed luxury cruises to Mustique,<br />
Tobago Cays, Mayreau, Union Island and<br />
beyond. ‘Silent Wings’ is a limited edition<br />
55-foot sailing yacht, which combines luxury<br />
accommodation with sailing performance.<br />
A flexible range of catering and itinerary<br />
options. Relax, indulge, feel special!<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
33<br />
33
Yacht Services<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong>, with its tradition of love for the sea<br />
welcomes our boating visitors. We hope<br />
that you are able to fulfill all your needs and<br />
enjoy your stay with us. Most <strong>Bequia</strong> marine<br />
service providers monitor VHF ch. 68, and<br />
some ch. 16 as well. and internationally famous<br />
seafaring skills.<br />
Cruise Tax and Charter Licence: Bareboats –<br />
Provided your bareboat charter company has<br />
paid the annual licence fee for the boat, only<br />
the cruise tax of EC$35 per person per month<br />
will be charged. Cruise tax does not apply<br />
to children under 12 or Vincentian nationals.<br />
Crewed Charter Boats – Licence of EC$5 per<br />
ft. per month or EC$30 per ft. per year, plus<br />
cruise tax of EC$35 per passenger per month.<br />
Cruise tax does not apply to children under 12<br />
years, crew or Vincentian nationals.<br />
Boat Length Annual Occasional<br />
Licence Licence<br />
Up to 30ft EC$600 EC$60<br />
31-50ft EC$1000 EC$125<br />
51ft and over EC$1400 EC$140<br />
Private Yachts (defined as a yacht whose<br />
owner is on board and is sailing for pleasure<br />
without fee paying passengers) – no licence<br />
fee. Cruise tax of EC$35 per person per<br />
month, including skipper. Cruise tax does not<br />
apply to children under 12 or Vincentian<br />
nationals.<br />
Immigration<br />
Overtime charges apply Mon-Fri: 4.00-<br />
6.00pm/Sun and public holidays: EC$50.<br />
PLEASE NOTE: It is a violation not to clear<br />
into St. Vincent & the Grenadines.<br />
Port Authority Representative<br />
Johnny Ollivierre<br />
Tel: (784) 494 9241/456 1830<br />
Customs and Immigration<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3769<br />
Located in the Revenue Office directly across<br />
the road from the main Ferry Wharf. Normal<br />
office hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-4:00pm (closed<br />
12 noon-1:00pm); Sat 8.30am-12:00 noon.<br />
As with all Caribbean islands, clearance outside<br />
these office hours is possible, but will incur<br />
overtime charges for both Customs and<br />
Immigration. Yachts are therefore advised to<br />
try to clear in and out within normal office<br />
hours to avoid overtime charges. If you enter<br />
Port Elizabeth during working hours (i.e.<br />
including overtime hours), you must proceed<br />
to Customs & Immigration immediately.<br />
Clearing out can be done up to 24 hours prior<br />
to departure. Current Overtime hours and<br />
charges (per boat):<br />
Mon-Fri: 4.00-6.00pm / Sat 12.00-6.00pm<br />
Customs EC$45.80 + Cruise Tax EC$35 total<br />
EC$80.80 Sun and holidays: 9.00am-12.00<br />
noon; 3.00-6.00pm: Customs EC$63 + Cruise<br />
Tax EC$35, total EC$98.<br />
Annual Licence EC$600<br />
Occasional Licence EC$60<br />
Moorings<br />
Moorings in Admiralty Bay offered for rent are<br />
not authorized by the Port Authority and are<br />
not inspected or insured. Until such time as the<br />
Port Authority regularises this situation, users<br />
rent them at their own risk.<br />
Water Taxis<br />
Boat boys and water taxis are also un-licenced<br />
and their boats un-inspected by the Port<br />
Authority, but the following water taxi services<br />
have reputations for good seamanship and<br />
reliable service. All can be reached on VHF 68.<br />
African Pride<br />
Daffodil Marine<br />
Fat Shag<br />
McCarthy Water Taxi<br />
34
Solid Waste Disposal<br />
Ashore, there is only one place to dispose of<br />
yacht garbage, located near the fish market<br />
jetty next to the vegetable market. These<br />
skips are for the exclusive use of yachtsmen.<br />
Alternatively, yacht garbage may be delivered<br />
‘at sea’ to Daffodil Marine or other reliable<br />
water taxis; a charge per bag applies.<br />
Dumping garbage in unauthorised places is a<br />
prosecutable offence.<br />
Help keep <strong>Bequia</strong> clean and green! Please do<br />
NOT dump yacht garbage in sidewalk garbage<br />
bins, under the Almond Tree or anywhere else.<br />
There is a large skip near the market for this<br />
purpose.<br />
Water & Fuel<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Marina Service Centre VHF 68,<br />
located at <strong>Bequia</strong> Marina Dock, north side of<br />
Admiralty Bay. Diesel fuel, water, ice.<br />
Daffodil Marine<br />
VHF 67 (At sea)<br />
Kingfisher Marine Service<br />
Tel: (784) 532 8006<br />
Located on the north side of the harbour;<br />
provides fuel, water and garbage disposal.<br />
Shell Service Station<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3601<br />
Located on the main road in Port Elizabeth<br />
between the main ferry wharf and fish market<br />
jetty. Fuel only.<br />
Laundry Service<br />
Daffodil Marine VHF 67, pick up and delivery.<br />
Lighthouse Laundry VHF 68,<br />
Located on main road at O’Car, close to the<br />
power station.<br />
Miranda’s Laundry VHF 68<br />
Tel: (784) 530 6865<br />
Papa Mitchie’s Laundry Service<br />
VHF 68, across the road from the dinghy dock.<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3722<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
35
Yacht Services<br />
Dockage<br />
The Yacht Club (Tradewinds), at <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
Marina Dock VHF 77; Tel: (784) 457 3407<br />
Slipping/Refurbishing & Management<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Marina Service Centre<br />
At <strong>Bequia</strong> Marina Dock, now part of<br />
Trade Winds’ operation.<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3407<br />
Piper Yacht Service – Donny Lewis<br />
Tel: (784) 495 2272<br />
Chandlers & Marine Suppliers<br />
Grenadine Yacht & Equipment (GYE)<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3347<br />
O’Car Reform on the road to Hamilton, or<br />
accessed via The <strong>Bequia</strong> Marina Boatyard<br />
gye-bequia@vincysurf.com<br />
Lucos General Services<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3632 South of the Anglican<br />
Church on main road.<br />
Lulley’s Tackle Shop, Port Elizabeth<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3420 Upstairs and at the back<br />
of the ‘Missing Link’ building opposite the<br />
vegetable market. lulley@vincysurf.com<br />
Piper Marine Store<br />
on Back Street, downstairs Allick’s Sail Loft<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3856/495 2272 VHF 68<br />
Wallace & Co.,<br />
Near the Anglican Church at the entrance to<br />
Belmont Walkway<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3360 wallco@vincysurf.com<br />
Yacht Provisioners<br />
There are several grocery outlets on<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong>, but the following specialise in yacht<br />
provisioning:<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Food Store<br />
Port Elizabeth, Tel: (784) 457 3928<br />
CK Greaves Supermarkets<br />
Tel: (784) 457 1074<br />
Three locations - Kingstown, Arnos Vale and<br />
Pembroke. A wide selection of local <strong>Bequia</strong> and Marina<br />
imported food available. Free delivery to<br />
Grenadines wharf and yachts. Major credit<br />
cards accepted. ckgreaves@vincysurf.com<br />
Sail Making & Repair<br />
Allick’s Sail Loft<br />
Across the road from the Dinghy Dock,<br />
entrance on Back Street<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3992 (home)<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3040 (loft) VHF 68<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> Canvas, O’Car, next to GYE<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3291 beqcan@vincysurf.com<br />
36
Grenadines Sails & Canvas (North Sails)<br />
On main road to Hamilton, opposite GYE, or<br />
accessed via the <strong>Bequia</strong> Marina boatyard.<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3507/3527(evenings)<br />
VHF 16/68 gsails@vincysurf.com<br />
Engine Repair<br />
Caribbean Diesel Repair Inc.<br />
In the Anglican churchyard, Port Elizabeth<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3114 VHF 68<br />
teronecaesar@hotmail.com<br />
Kerry’s Marine Services<br />
Port Elizabeth, behind old primary school,<br />
on the road to Spring.<br />
Tel: (784) 530 8123/570 7612<br />
VHF 68 ‘KMS’<br />
vanessa_kerry_1@hotmail.com<br />
Simpson Engineering Ltd.<br />
O’Car, behind <strong>Bequia</strong> Maritime Museum<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3962<br />
For further information or assistance,<br />
contact BTA at Tel: (784) 458 3286<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
37
Land & Watersports<br />
The sea has historically played a major part in<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong>’s life and, today, equally appeals to the<br />
visitor. The beckoning crystal clear waters delight<br />
the senses and offer an abundance of treasures<br />
particularly those just waiting to be discovered in<br />
the magical undersea world.<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> is off the better known Caribbean<br />
dive site paths and consequently the reefs are<br />
less disturbed and the marine life richer in<br />
variety. Part of the leeward side of the island<br />
is a designated marine park. Spear fishing,<br />
anchoring, traps and nets are prohibited.<br />
Both experienced divers and those who have<br />
never donned tank, mask and fins before<br />
have the opportunity to explore a superb,<br />
seven mile reef which fringes the island,<br />
where the Atlantic butts up to the Caribbean.<br />
This is very strictly protected and under no<br />
circumstances can even dead coral be taken.<br />
There are excellent dive sites around <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
and the nearby islands, all easily accessible<br />
within 15 minutes by boat. For those who<br />
have never dived before, <strong>Bequia</strong> is the ideal<br />
destination to take a resort diving course.<br />
There is a large variety of marine life to excite<br />
beginners in their<br />
shallow dives, or simply to enjoy some of the<br />
best snorkelling in the Caribbean. There are<br />
some great drift dives with tunnels, caverns,<br />
walls, overhangs and hollows, all resplendent<br />
with varied coral formations, teeming with<br />
reef fish as well as lobsters, shrimp, crabs,<br />
moray eels, barracudas, angelfish, jacks,<br />
seahorses, groupers and the odd nurse shark.<br />
Terrific wreck dives and night diving are also<br />
available. Dive courses leading to certification<br />
are available.<br />
Snorkelling trips are especially good<br />
along the coast to Northwest Point and<br />
in the protected windward side waters of<br />
Friendship Bay. Snorkelling is also safe off any<br />
beach where swimming is enjoyed.<br />
Sports fishing is a popular pastime<br />
providing both excellent sport and a delicious<br />
meal! Spanish mackerel, barracuda, marlin,<br />
38<br />
mahi mahi, tuna, bonito, and kingfish are<br />
just some of the fish available. Hand lining<br />
and trolling are the only methods of fishing<br />
permitted to visitors and catches are<br />
restricted to only enough for your personal<br />
use. No fishing is allowed in protected areas,<br />
particularly the northeast coast and Devil’s<br />
Table. Spearfishing is strictly forbidden to<br />
non-residents throughout St. Vincent & the<br />
Grenadines.<br />
Sailing and sailing skills form a great part of<br />
most <strong>Bequia</strong>ns’ lifestyles. From an early age,<br />
they learn to man the double-enders, both<br />
for pleasure and for earning a livelihood –<br />
skills passed on from father to son and now<br />
via the BYATS (<strong>Bequia</strong> Youth and the Sea)<br />
Programme sponsored by the Rotary Club<br />
of <strong>Bequia</strong>. <strong>Holiday</strong>makers can charter boats<br />
for their sailing pleasure, with or without a<br />
skipper.<br />
You are, of course, welcome to use your<br />
sail-boards and to take full advantage of our<br />
glorious waters and ideal winds.<br />
Jetskis and other powered ‘recreational’<br />
vehicles are strictly forbidden.<br />
If you would rather stay dry, <strong>Bequia</strong> also<br />
offers tennis at various facilities.<br />
<strong>Bequia</strong> is the perfect island to explore on<br />
foot. Starting from any hotel or guest house, a<br />
leisurely walk of a few hours will bring rewards<br />
of beautiful scenery, wonderful flora and fauna,<br />
opportunities to meet friendly <strong>Bequia</strong>ns, and<br />
the chance to discover some of the island’s<br />
interesting little watering holes for local snacks<br />
and thirst-quenching drinks. There are many<br />
old trails and footpaths throughout the island.<br />
Please check with the BTA who will be happy<br />
to assist in recommending a guide.
Diving<br />
Dive <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
Belmont Walkway Office<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3504<br />
Tel: (784) 495 9929 (cell)<br />
cathy@divebequia.com<br />
www.divebequia.com<br />
PADI 5* Dive Centre. Dive <strong>Bequia</strong> provides<br />
guided trips for certified scuba divers and<br />
instruction for beginners. Located on the<br />
Belmont Walkway, we offer a professional,<br />
safe and fun service reflected in our high level<br />
of repeat customers who return year after<br />
year. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent<br />
day/week.<br />
Land Tours<br />
Bushman’s Rough & Ready Hiking<br />
Brent Gooding<br />
Tel: (784) 495 2524<br />
HazEco Tours<br />
St. Vincent<br />
Tel: (784) 457 8634<br />
hazeco@vincysurf.com<br />
www.hazecotours.com<br />
Martine & François<br />
Nature Walk/Hiking Tours<br />
Tel: (784) 457 3898<br />
bay.ebe@gmail.com<br />
Michael Tours<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3782/455 1154<br />
michaeltoursbequia@yahoo.com<br />
Ramblers Hiking Tours<br />
Tel: (784) 430 0555<br />
donnaka.hiking@gmail.com<br />
www.hikingbequia.com<br />
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
39
Land & Watersports<br />
Small Craft Rentals<br />
De Reef Bar/Restaurant<br />
Lower Bay<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3958<br />
Sports Fishing<br />
Balliceaux Charter<br />
Tel: (784) 496 6147<br />
Michael Tours<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3782/455 1154<br />
michaeltoursbequia@yahoo.com<br />
Tennis<br />
Firefly Plantation Hotel <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
Spring Tel: (784) 458 3414<br />
Frangipani Hotel/Gingerbread<br />
Belmont Walkway, Admiralty Bay<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3255 (Frangipani)<br />
Tel: (784) 458 3800 (Gingerbread)<br />
40
<strong>Holiday</strong> <strong>Bequia</strong><br />
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