Port Elizabeth, capital of Bequia in The Grenadines
Your luxurious yacht charter will take you to Bequia in The Grenadines. This old-school Caribbean vestige is an island without traffic or shopping malls. There are no casinos or mega-resorts. Simply idyllic beaches tucked away in charming coves are excellent for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. Bequia is the second largest of the 32 Grenadines islands, home to about 5000 amiable and hospitable Bequia residents. After the Arawak and Carib Amerindians lived here, a long period of French and British rule followed. It is officially still part of the British Commonwealth. The capital is Port Elizabeth, with its scenic harbor. Bequia has a long boat-building and whaling heritage. Yes, whaling is still legal here. But only by using age-old non-mechanical methods. The local currency is the East Caribbean dollar, and English is the native language. Bequia is “The Big Little Island” with so much to do.
Weather
Bequia’s daytime temperatures consistently average between 79F and 86F throughout the year. The average hours of sunshine are pretty consistent for each month. Late December/January to late April/early May are the driest months. You will experience primarily clear sunny skies and wonderful sailing breezes. The humidity is low, and there is minimal rainfall. Rain usually falls in brief, very heavy showers from June to November. Tradewinds bring pleasantly cooling breezes for most of the year. Bequia is located far south in the hurricane belt, but tropical storms will occasionally approach in the peak months of August to October.
Catamaran Cool Runnings, your luxurious home while sailing Bequia and the Grenadines
Places to See | Bequia
Port Elizabeth – Bequia’s capital. Small in size but big on charm. The central location for shops of all types and restaurants. A quaint waterfront lined with bars, restaurants, craft shops, and art galleries.
The Bequia Heritage and Boat Museum – Discover Bequia’s proud seafaring heritage overlooking Friendship Bay. It showcases Bequia’s famed maritime history. particularly shipbuilding and whaling.
Annex – Friendship Bay. Interesting display of Amerindian pottery and artifacts, almost all of which were found on Bequia.
Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary – Park Beach. Where a native skin-diving fisherman has been trying to save one of the beautiful sea turtles, the hawksbill turtle, from extinction.
Fort Hamilton – Located north of Admiralty Bay. It was built in the late 18th Century by the French to protect the harbor approach from the English. The French and English cannons you will see here are authentic period relics. You will have a fantastic view over Admiralty Bay towards Port Elizabeth.
Things to Do | Bequia
Shopping in Port Elizabeth – Select from Caribbean artwork, brightly colored clothing, handmade jewelry, and scrimshaw. You can find all this at stalls and stores along Front Street. Make sure to bring some handcrafted wooden boats back home as souvenirs. These exquisitely crafted models are an integral part of the Bequia boat-building tradition.
Hiking – Princess Margaret Trail. The trail stretches from Fort Hamilton to Lower Bay. You will love walking along this coast-hugging boardwalk. Hike up to Bequia’s highest point, Ma Peggy’s Rock, where you will be rewarded with fantastic views over Admiralty Bay, from Mustique, Petit Nevis, and St Vincent.
Firefly Plantation tour – Since this is a working sugar cane plantation, taking the tour is a fun and educational way to learn about Bequia. You will see the ruins of a historic 280-year-old sugar mill. Then, you get to crush your sugar cane to make juice. Sample many fruits and vegetables in season.
Hawksbill Turtle as can be seen while snorkeling or diving in Bequia
Swim and walk on gorgeous beaches – Princess Margaret Beach. Named to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s sister who swam here in the 1950s. It is Bequia’s most beautiful beach. Pristine white sand and also crystal clear calm waters are waiting for you. It’s perfect for snorkeling and swimming. At Lower Bay Beach, the on-shore reef creates shallow calm pools, making it an especially ideal beach for families with small children. Spring Bay Beach is a very tranquil beach on the island’s windward side. It is protected from rough waves by an outer reef.
More Things to Do | Bequia
Windsurf – Industry Bay. Great location, even for beginners.
Snorkel and Dive – You will find 28 dive sites around Bequia and several wrecks and shallow caves accessible to advanced divers. Your below-the-sea experience will reward you with 225 varieties of fish, sea turtles, lobsters, rays, and eels. The crew of your Bequia – The Grenadines Yacht Charter will provide you with snorkel gear and make diving arrangements.
Annual Festivals and Events
Annual Bequia Music Festival
Bequia Music Festival – Scheduled for the end of January 2022. This 4-day event offers a wide range of international and regional artists. All musical genres will be presented. A fun feast of entertainment.
April – Bequia Easter Regatta. A fabulous weekend when the entire island is caught up in regatta fever.
June – Carnival. Takes place at the end of June. An altogether delightful assortment of beautiful costumes, steel drum bands, and fabulous music.
July – Fisherman’s Day. A day to celebrate the skill of harvesting the sea’s bounty. The biggest catch by weight wins. There are also various categories for the different types of fishing. Spectators then have the opportunity to buy as much fish as they want.
December – Nine Mornings. Indeed a truly unique Vincentian cultural tradition. For the nine nights before Christmas, Bequians partake in music, singing, and revelry in an exuberant countdown to Christmas.
Gastronomy Highlights | Bequia
Native and Special Foods
Seafood – Lobster, fish, octopus, etc. Baked, fried, stewed, or grilled.
Buljol – Stew prepared with salt fish and tomatoes, hot peppers, and onions. Served mainly for breakfast.
Roasted Breadfruit and fried Jackfish – Often served with a sauce made of onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
Madango dumpling – Prepared using the island’s native arrowroot and mixed with nutmeg and coconut.
Callaloo soup – Made from callaloo leaves. It also includes okra, yams, potatoes, chicken, or beef.
Ducana – A dessert similar to bread pudding. It may also include nutmeg, ginger, raisins, and vanilla.
Notable Restaurants
Bagatelle at Bequia Beach Hotel – Friendship Bay. Caribbean, seafood, international. Bagatelle is located in the Bequia Beach hotel on the edge of a fabulous beach. The lobster night is a must. Live entertainment on Wednesday evenings with live reggae music. Saturday’s are “Lobster Nights” when you will be entertained by local steel pan players or traditional Bequia string music.
Jack’s Beach Bar – Princess Margaret Beach. Local cuisine, Caribbean, seafood, international. Excuisite original cocktails. Located on what many call one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Bohemian beach-chic charm.
Fernando’s Hideaway – Set up the hill above Lower Bay. Caribbean and seafood. Certainly a favorite among locals and visitors. The restaurant is on a terrace outside Fernando’s house. About 8 to 10 tables. However, there is no set menu. Fernando serves what he catches earlier in the day.
Mac’s Pizza & Kitchen – Port Elizabeth. Between the harbor and Princess Margaret Beach. Local cuisine, Caribbean, pizza, vegetarian friendly. Located right on the marina. The setting, right on the seafront, is fabulous. You should also try the chocolate ice cream and the apple strudel.
Bar One – Bequia’s only floating bar! Have the crew of your chartered yacht take you there in the dinghy. You will be greeted warmly by owner and bartender Ivor Simpson. Here you will meet the locals and yachties enjoying the magnificent setting. Savor a cocktail while enjoying a complete 360-degree view of the island. Watch the sun sink into the Caribbean Sea. A fantastic evening to remember.
Marinas and Anchorages | Bequia
Port Elizabeth is a Port of Entry. All vessels should clear with Customs and Immigration on arrival.
Marinas
The Yacht Club at Bequia Marina – Admiralty Bay, an area known as Oscar. Three permanent sterns to dockage posts for yachts up to 160 ft in length. Maximum draft of 15ft.
Anchorages
Admiralty Bay – The island’s natural harbor. A favorite anchoring spot. Moorings are available. Anchoring space is plentiful. Stay clear of the ferry dock and Belmont Shoal.
Friendship Bay – A very picturesque anchorage and a good starting point to begin a cruise to Mustique.
