Bequia Overview

Although Bequia (pronounced Bek-way) is the second largest of the 32 Grenadine islands, it is only 7 square miles in size.  To give you an idea, London’s Heathrow Airport is slightly bigger!  End to end, it’s around 5 miles long and as little as half a mile wide at it leanest point between the Caribbean Sea of Lower Bay & the Atlantic Ocean at Friendship Bay!  Keen hikers can explore the entire island during their trip, opting for leg power over vehicle rental.  Those who do opt to tackle the well-maintained (but sometimes hilly) roads with a rental vehicle are never more than a few minutes drive from their chosen destination.  This means that visitors can stay in almost any location on the island and never feel isolated.  In short, Bequia is the perfect place for those seeking solitude and that “getting away from it all” feeling, whilst still being within striking distance of the action when required.  For a small island, it packs a real punch!

Bequia is renowned for idyllic & largely deserted beaches, many of which disappear into coves that are excellent for scuba diving, snorkelling & kayaking.  The centre of the island is hilly with lush, green forests, 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, and here visitors can enjoy the quaint waterfront, lined with bars, restaurants, craft shops & art galleries. Isolated enough to remain relatively unspoiled, yet lively enough to be stimulating and entertaining, Bequia provides a blend of the old and new that many find perfect.  Be warned, many visitors are bitten by the Bequia bug and return time & time again!

Wildlife

There is an abundance of wildlife on Bequia, but nothing nasty or dangerous so rest easy!  The island has numerous birds including hummingbirds, booby birds, frigates and osprey.  If you are lucky, you may see an iguana, land turtle or manicou scurrying through the bushes.  Beneath the clear, warm waters of Bequia lie pristine coral reefs and (with over 30 dive sites including shipwrecks just off-shore) is simply heaven for divers & snorkelers.  There are 225 varieties of fish as well as Hawksbill & Green Turtles, Lobsters, Eagle Rays, Moray Eels, Sea Horses & Frog Fish.

Fast Facts

  • Bequia’s population is around 5,000
  • It is part of the country St. Vincent & the Grenadines, located in the Lesser Antilles
  • Rough distance in miles to St. Vincent (10), St. Lucia (50) Barbados (100)
  • 1898 – the date when the last hurricane hit St. Vincent & the Grenadines with full force
  • Visitors can travel the island using leg power, dollar vans or in open-sided pick-up truck taxis
  • Bequia is famous for live music year-round and has its own music festival every January

The appeal of Bequia

  • No big scale resorts, shopping malls, or tourist-packed beaches with annoying hawkers
  • Friendly & welcoming people who have time to wave, smile, greet & chat
  • The chance to hike a volcano, dive on pristine reefs & kayak between coves
  • Eat an abundance of fruit straight from the tree & fresh seafood and lobster from the bay
  • Listen to a variety of live music and enjoy a barefoot dancefloor made of soft sand
  • A break from commercialism, to get away from it all, & lose yourself in a book or the stars
  • A simple, unhurried lifestyle
  • Swaying palms, idyllic beaches & lush green hillsides
  • Unique experiences to create life-long memories.  The real Caribbean

 

Here’s an example of what a typical day could be like in Bequia

Why not start with breakfast at Gingerbread Café on the waterfront or on the terrace at your amazing accommodation option that you have chosen from Blue Grenadines.

Now let’s take the short walk or drive to the beach, but which one?  Will it be Princess Margaret or Lower Bay on the west coast or Crescent Bay, Hope Bay or Friendship Bay on the east? How to choose between some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and all just minutes from your accommodation.

After a stroll on the perfect sands and a laze under the swaying palms, perhaps go for a snorkel or scuba dive on virtually untouched & vibrant coral reefs.  Swim amongst hundreds of neon coloured tropical fish, cruise along with a turtle and spot a lobster hiding in a cave.  See you for dinner later my friend!

Don't like getting that wet? No worries, why not take an island tour on an open-sided taxi and visit the turtle sanctuary or learn to crack a coconut at firefly plantation. Or let’s take a boat trip to the world-famous Tobago Cays or the exclusive private island of Mustique.  Have a Pina Colada with a rock star, supermodel or movie icon?  Just another typical day in the Grenadines.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want a wow wee sunset view, then hike up to Mount (Ma) Peggy from where your breath will be taken away as you gaze out across the Grenadine island chain, strung out like a kite’s tail to the horizon.  Can you also see that propeller plane touching down on the goat-lined airstrip below, bringing in more lucky, smiley people to Bequia!

Now surely, you’ve earnt a sundowner?  Jacks Bar or Plantation Hotel for a beachside Rum Punch as the sun drops into the sea.  Oh yes, don’t mind if I do!

Now freshen up in comfort at your accommodation as it’s time for dinner.  What about some of the most reasonably priced lobster anywhere in the world, available at most eateries across the island (or perhaps arrange for it to be delivered right to your door!).  You know it’s fresh as you only saw it beneath the ocean earlier today.

Then let’s dance the night away to the fabulous live music that Bequia is famous for.  Taxi or walk back, you decide, but don't forget to look up at the stars, perhaps the best you've ever seen?

Have that debate over a nightcap as you reminisce on a great day. Now enjoy a comfortable night's sleep with a content smile on your face.  Only question is, what will tomorrow bring?

 

Weddings and Events

Many people dream of a Caribbean wedding and Bequia is the perfect place to exceed all expectations.  Whether you are looking for a simple ceremony on a secluded & private, white sand beach or an elaborate celebration on a breezy hilltop overlooking the Grenadine islands, we can arrange & tailor a special event to your exact requirements.

We have a relationship with a wedding coordinator based on Bequia to ensure a smooth & stress-free experience.  A range of packages are on offer to include;

  • Marriage license & certificate
  • On-site wedding coordination
  • Church or officiant
  • Flowers & cake
  • Transport & villa accommodation
  • Photography
  • Wedding reception, catering & entertainment

Regardless of the type of wedding or event you have in mind, our experienced team would be more than happy to assist in planning this special occasion for you. Over the years we have assisted in the planning and organisation of numerous weddings and events.  Our unsurpassed knowledge of the island allows us to advise you on the most beautiful and romantic venues, which can be tailored to your highest expectations. From large-scale to intimate, simple to elaborate, we strive to offer you an everlasting & enchanting wedding experience!