Bequia,
St Vincent & the Grenadines by Ian Bland
Bequia is one of the largest
in the chain of 32 islands and cays that form the island nation of St.
Vincent and the Grenadines. Sailors have known about the Grenadines for
much longer than most. The area is a favourite spot for yachties and considered
one of the best sailing grounds in the world. As tourists increasingly
search for authentic travel experiences word is slowly getting out about
this beautiful tropical paradise.
Bequia
is a little known vacation retreat. It has remained off the beaten track,
a dot in the ocean, too out of the way for main stream tourism. Little
changed by time, it is an island on which life is completely oriented to
the sea. Its seclusion has ensured it retained its age-old traditions of
boat building and fishing. Isolated enough to remain relatively unspoiled,
yet lively enough to be stimulating and entertaining, it provides a blend
of the old and new that many find perfect.
It is a beautiful lush island
with some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean. It is also a great
place to go on a day sail, go hiking, laze on the beach, or just "lime"
under a coconut tree with your favourite beverage. Lazy days can be spent
on one of the many beaches under the sunny skies of the West Indies.
Bequia tends to attract the
more adventurous type of visitor who prefers the tropical delights and
ambiance of the smaller, more informal islands, where the beaches are secluded
and high rise hotels do not mar the scenery. Regularly featuring in travel
writers top ten picks of the Caribbean yet unheard of by most. Many travel
agents would be hard pressed to pinpoint the island on a map, probably
why it has remained so unspoilt. To get there you have to travel by ferry
from St Vincent or a tiny island hopper service from Barbados.
The island is encircled by
gold-sand beaches, many of which disappear into coves, excellent for sailing,
scuba diving and snorkeling. The centre of the island is hilly and forested,
providing a dramatic backdrop to the bays and beaches. Admiralty Bay, the
island's natural harbour, is a favourite anchoring spot for yachtsmen from
all over the world.
Belmont walkway separates
a narrow strip of sand and the sparkling Caribbean ocean from a handful
of restaurants, bars and hotels along the main town of Port Elizabeth.
Often described as the prettiest harbour in the Caribbean this quant port
provides a number waterfront bars to enjoy the scenery and admire the sunsets.
Ideally situated amongst
the Genadines a number of excursions are available to neighbouring islands.
An hour ferry ride away is St. Vincent, the mainland. This island features
an awe inspiring Volcano that you reach by hiking through rain forest.
A historic fort and lush tropical botanical gardens. A popular day trip
is a sail boat journey to Mustique, home to the rich and famous, with idyllic
beaches and luxury homes.
One trip absolutely not to
be missed is a sail to the Tobago Cays national marine park, one of the
most stunning areas in the entire Caribbean. Deserted islands, a huge coral
reef and dazzling turquoise sea of un-imaginary hues.
If you are looking for something
a little different for your vacation this year. An authentic taste of West
Indian culture and life you be hard pressed to find an island that would
suite your needs better than Bequia in the Grenadines.
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Bequia
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Island - Saint
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