Holiday Bequia 2016 Edition

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 four-wheel drive vehicle 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 visit, 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.
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 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.
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