Bequia

Bequia is a charming small island, part of the Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Access is just difficult enough to maintain its uniqueness. There are no high rise hotels, casinos, visiting large cruise ships, or tacky pirate ships. What you will find is a relaxed, friendly island were you can be a welcomed part of the local community.  At seven square miles in size you can walk to most destinations if you wish, and meet some of the several thousand friendly residents and expats that call Bequia home.

LOCATION Bequia is located less than an hour by air from our main gateway island of Barbados in the southeastern Caribbean. Convenient flights connect to Bequia several times a day. The Grenadine Air Alliance of Mustique Airways, SVGAir, and TIA 2000, flies Twin Otter aircraft directly into Bequia from Barbados. Alternately you may choose to fly into St. Vincent on LIAT Airways  from San Juan, Puerto Rico or Barbados and take one of the ferries to Bequia, a short distance of nine miles and about one hour pier to pier.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Life in Bequia is centered around the sea and offers the island visitor many opportunities to experience our waters. Scuba diving is excellent with healthy corals and an abundance of fishes, many not seen in other parts of the Caribbean. Most dives are within a ten minute boat ride from the dive shops. Snorkeling can be done from several of our beaches in calm waters or ask the dive operators for available space on their boats.

Bequia has a number of white sand beaches, each with different characteristics but one thing in common, they are never crowded. So why not explore them all! Some have small beach bars/restaurants and some are more remote where you may have the beach all to yourself.

Sailing is a popular pastime in Bequia and there are a number of charter boats available for both day and multi-day cruises. The island schooner Friendship Rose does day sails to the beautiful Tobago Cays for snorkeling and fun. The schooner was hand built on the beach right below La Lezardière and was our mail boat for many years before retiring to a life of tourism. Trips are also offered to St. Vincent and Mustique. Deep sea fishing charters as well as day trips to deserted islands for snorkeling and beach barbecue's are also available.

Guided or self guided nature hikes are popular with our visitors and who can resist a trip to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary where hatchling sea turtles are reared to give them a head start prior to being released in the wild. It's an educational experience as well as fun for the whole family.

Free music can be heard most nights at the various hotels and restaurants. An informal rotation keeps the variety of music and location fresh for the island visitor. A weekly schedule is available from the Tourism Office in the harbor. Reggae, folk, jazz, calypso, steel band, string band, country western, and classical can all be heard at different times. Some of the musicians are excellent local bands as well as international touring acts. The Bequia Music Festival in January features blues as well as an assortment of local acts.

Restaurant hopping is a fun way to wind down in the evening after a day in the sun. There is a wide assortment of restaurants from simple to somewhat elegant but all informal. Experience our French/Creole restaurant L'Auberge des Grenadines for fine dining and delicious local lobsters from our own lobster pool. Other offerings are Caribbean, Italian, Mexican, Seafood, Pizza, Swedish/Caribbean, and local fast foods like roti. Bring your appetite and your adventure and try something new and different.  Bon Appétit!