For an island that is so small – just 7 square miles in total – there is a surprising variety of things to do and see, and of course everything you want is not far away!
Bequia has the usual Caribbean climate – bags of sunshine with temperatures around 80°C year round. Like all the islands it has the usual tropical rain showers which generally last for just a few minutes and because you are never far from the sea you will usually benefit from a gentle cooling breeze. The best time to go is mid-November to May. Weather like this obviously leads you to the beach . . .
Bequia is blessed with some fabulous beaches and most have lovely little beach bars where you can dine on delicious snacks too. Lower Bay, Princess Margaret beach and Friendship Bay are all outstanding and Industry Bay, which is usually deserted, is a favourite of ours.
Bequia is home to an amazing turtle sanctuary run by Orton (Brother) King. This extraordinary man has dedicated himself to saving the Hawksbill turtle from extinction and his sanctuary has been in existence since 1997. Only one hatched turtle in a thousand survive in the wild – Orton's work is to rescue threatened hatchlings and raise them in safety for three years then release them into the ocean. So far he has released more than 2,000 thus making huge progress in his bid to save this turtle from extinction. The sanctuary is a must to visit.
The town of Port Elizabeth really is quaint and charming beyond words as it wraps around the beautiful harbour where the ferries come in from St Vincent. The harbour itself is a constant splash of colour, buzz, laughter and activity, with the food and produce market at the heart of it. The main street has wooden buildings of all sizes and colours and there are shops, boutiques, workshops and restaurants in this picture-postcard setting.
This ancient craft is a strong part of Bequia's heritage and there are several workshops on the island which will welcome visitors, as well as a maritime museum with an intriguing collection of historic photographs of bygone days.
Spring Plantation was one of nine plantations operating in the 18th and 19th centuries. Although now in ruins, parts of the plantation are well preserved and give an interesting insight into the history of Bequia. Firefly Plantation can organise interesting tours of the estate withy its abundant crops of delicious produce.
