Dear Visitors, Welcome to our very special island! Bequia was recently described in the press as “the perfect Caribbean Island” and few who have visited would disagree with this assessment! Far from being just another Caribbean island resort, it is instead a big little island with friendly independent-minded people, lush green hills, fertile valleys, stunning views and above all, a unique, magical charm that captivates everyone. During the high season, don’t miss our annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration, the Bequia Tourism Association’s annual four-day Bequia Mount Gay Music Fest at the end of January and of course the world famous Bequia Easter Regatta. While you are here, we hope you will visit our Bequia Tourism office, located at the end of the main jetty in Port Elizabeth. This cool haven is the ideal place to get advice and information about Bequia, pick up copies of invaluable free publications such as Holiday Bequia, and “Bequia This Week”, purchase stamps, postcards, water and phone cards as well as souvenir items. The Bequia Tourism Association is committed to making Bequia even more “perfect” for everyone and we work hard to achieve this goal. Our official website www.bequiatourism.com is constantly updated and is the number one online source of information about the island. We hope that you enjoy reading this latest edition of Holiday Bequia, and most of all that you enjoy your stay and will come back to Bequia soon! With best wishes.
Antoinette Cozier-Simmons Chairperson, Bequia Tourism Association P.O. Box 146 BQ, Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, W.I. Tel: (784) 458 3286 Fax: (784) 458-3964 info@bequiatourism.com Open 7 days a week throughout the year
www.bequiatourism.com
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Contents
This magazine has been created to give you a glimpse of the welcoming hotels and guesthouses, restaurants, beautiful scenery, numerous activities, rich culture and the special warmth which Bequia has to offer all its visitors. It is presented to you with our compliments.
Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Bequia Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Simple Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Getting Here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Where to Stay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Dining & Nightlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Bequia Mount Gay Music Fest . . . . . . 28 Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Sightseeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Bequia Easter Regatta . . . . . . . . . . .40 Yacht Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Land & Water Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
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Friendship Bay
Calendar of Special Events & Public Holidays 2013/2014 * Denotes Public Holiday
2013
December December 25* December 26* December 31
2014
January 1* January 23 - 26 January 24
March 14*
April 17 - 21
Nine Mornings Festival Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display sponsored by the Bequia Community
April 18* April 21*
Good Friday Easter Monday
May 1*
Labour Day
June 9*
Whit Monday Bequia Carnival St. Vincent Carnival (Vincy Mas)
June 27 - July 8 New Year’s Day Bequia Mount Gay Music Fest Mustique Blues Festival in Bequia
July 7* July 8* July 12
National Heroes Day Rotary Interschool Sport’s Day
Carnival Carnival Bequia Rotary Club Fisherman’s Day Bequia Basketball Tournament
August 1*
Emancipation Day
Bequia Easter Regatta
October 27*
Independence Day
With special thanks to the Bequia Tourism Association which has helped make the publication of this edition of Holiday Bequia possible, and to Hermus Ashton (Trembler) and Gideon and Bronte Ollivierre for all the ‘behind the scenes’ hard work in getting the magazine cleared and distributed. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of this publication without written permission is strictly prohibited. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure correct information, neither the Publishers nor the BTA can be held responsible for any errors, omissions or changes. The advertising content is the sole responsibility of the advertiser and the Publishers accept no responsibility for any statements or claims made therein.
Holiday Bequia is published by West Indies Publishing Ltd., P.O. Box W883, Woods Centre, St. John’s, Antigua Tel: (268) 461 0565 or 463 5550 Fax: (268) 461 9750 wip@candw.ag www.westindiespublishing.com Copyright © 2013 West Indies Publishing Ltd. Photography by Wilfred Dederer Cover photo: Admiralty Bay, Bequia
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Dinghy Dock
Yacht Garbage Disposal
FR
Market Square Market Dock Public Restrooms Bequia Tourism Office Main Ferry Dock Almond Tree Main Dinghy Dock
O N Post Office, Customs T & Immigration
TO
SPRI
IN NG AND
RE ET
Police Station
Pharmacy
BACK STREE
Belmont Walkway
T
ADMIRALTY BAY
Y
S DU
Clive Tannis Playing Field
Library
ST
Fuel Dock
R OA D
TR
Port Elizabeth
St. Michael’s Catholic Church
Seventh Day Adventist Church
St. Mary’s Anglican Church
Dinghy Dock
LEGEND Main Roads
CARIBBEAN SEA
Secondary Roads Churches Forts Points of Interest
Belle Point
Beaches Gas Stations Police Stations Medical Clinic Hospitals Airports Banks
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Upper Bright Lower Bright Moon Hole Big Cay West Cay
PAGET FARM Adams Bay
James F. Mitchell Airport
Bequia
Man Point
L’Anse Chemin
LONGUE CHEMIN
Bullet Cay Bullet Bay Bends Bay Diable Point Shark Bay
The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary
PARK INDUSTRY SPRING
CINNAMON GARDEN
Spring Plantation
Spring Bay
HAMILTON Hamilton Battery
REFORM O’CAR
Bequia Maritime PARADISE Museum
Anse La Coite
PORT ELIZABETH
HOPE Hope Bay
Admiralty Bay Princess Margaret Beach
Mount Pleasant
BELMONT Lower Bay
LOWER BAY
Mount Pleasant Bay
FRIENDSHIP
Rocky Bay Ravine Bay
LA POMPE
Park Bay Industry Bay
Northwest Point
Rocky Bay
Brute Point
Friendship Bay
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Saint Hilaire Point © West Indies Publishing 2013. Map not to scale.
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Simple Facts Location & Physical Features
Bequia is situated at approximate latitude 13°17’ north and longitude 61°8’ west, between St. Vincent (to its north), and Mustique (to its south). The total area is seven square miles, and is of very varied topography. Originally a volcanic island, Bequia has fertile plains in Friendship, Spring and Industry which are the sites of former plantations. Excellent beaches are located on both the windward (east and south-east) and leeward (west) sides.
restaurants and hotels, as are travellers’ cheques and most major credit cards. Check if credit cards can be used when making reservations for meals or accommodation and enquire at retail establishments before you buy.
Business/Tourism Information
Bequia Tourism Association (BTA) Box 146 BQ, Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 458 3286 bequiatourism@vincysurf.com www.bequiatourism.com
Atlantic Standard
The BTA is located at the end of the Main Ferry Dock. Opening hours: Nov-June: MonFri 8.30am-6.00pm; Sat 9.00am-2.00pm; Sun and public holidays 9.00am-12.00 noon. JulyOct: Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.30pm; Sat 9.00am1.00pm; Sun and public holidays 9.00-11.00am. “Bequia This Week”, published by Outhouse Graphics Inc., is available from the BTA office, hotels, bars, and restaurants and also online via the BTA website. Tel: (784) 457 3649 outhouse@vincysurf.com
Language
SVG Tourism Authority
Capital
Port Elizabeth
Population
4,851 (2001 Census)
Time Zone
English is the official and working language. There are several businesses, especially amongst those serving the yacht industry, where French or German are also spoken.
Currency
Bequia uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar, which is exchanged at the rate of US$1 to about EC$2.67 ($2.60 in hotels and stores). Both US and EC dollars are accepted by stores, Young Bequia sailors
2nd Floor, NIS Building, Upper Bay St Kingstown Tel: (784) 452 2100 www.discoversvg.com
Climate
Winter temperatures range between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C), summer between 75°F and 90°F (24°C and 32°C). Winters are dry, summers showery.
Electricity
Electricity is 220V, 50 cycles AC. 110V appliances may be used with an appropriate transformer.
Clothes
Casual, lightweight resort wear is appropriate year round. Bathing suits are considered inappropriate in the town. Visitors are requested to dress accordingly. Topless swimming and sunbathing causes offence to the people of Bequia and visitors are asked to respect this. Camouflage clothing is illegal.
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Customs & Immigration
Located in the Revenue Building in Port Elizabeth directly across the road from the Main Ferry Dock. Tel: (784) 458 3769 Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am-6.00pm (Overtime (OT) 4.00pm-6.00pm), Sat 8.30am-12noon (OT 3.00pm-6.00pm), Sun and public holidays 9.00am-12noon and 3.00pm-6.00pm (all OT). For yacht clearance refer to Yacht Services page 42.
Police Station
Grenadines. Both banks have ATM machines which accept Visa and Mastercard. RBTT also takes Plus and Cirrus bank cards. Bank of St. Vincent & the Grenadines Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 458 3700 info@bosvg.com www.bosvg.com Mon-Thur 8.00am-2.00pm; Fri 8:00am-5:00pm
Port Elizabeth (behind hospital) Tel: (784) 458 3350 VHF Channel 16 “ZedQSBequia”
MoneyGram – Money Transfers Bayshore Mall Tel: (784) 458 3062 Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm
Coastguard
RBTT Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 458 3845 Donnet.simmons@rbc.com www.rbtt.com Mon-Thurs 8.00am-2.00pm; Fri 8.00am- 5.00pm
Tel: (784) 457 4578 VHF Channel 16 “Juliet8Foxtrot”
Revenue Office
Tel: (784) 458 3211 Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-12noon and 1.00pm3.00pm. Foreign exchange accepted in US dollars only and change provided in EC dollars.
Banks & Financial Institutions
Full banking services are available in Bequia from RBTT and Bank of St. Vincent & the
Western Union – Money Transfers Agent: GECCU Upstairs the bookshop Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 458 3535 Crescent Beach
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Simple Facts
Consulates, Embassies & Foreign Government Representatives
British High Commission – Barbados Tel: (246) 430 7800 www.ukinbarbados.fco.gov.uk Canadian High Commission – Barbados Tel: (246) 629 3550 bdgtn@international.gc.ca Canadian High Commission – Trinidad Tel: (868) 622 6232 pspan@international.gc.ca (for visa applications)
Princess Margaret Beach
Republic of China (Taiwan) Embassy – St. Vincent Tel: (784) 456 2431 rocemsvg2@gmail.com United States of America Embassy – Barbados Routine Queries (246) 227 4193 Emergency (246) 227 4000 bridgetownacs@state.gov Venezuelan Embassy – St. Vincent Tel: (784) 456 1374 embassyofvenezuela-sanvicente@vincysurf.com
France, Honorary Consul – St. Vincent François Truchot Tel: (784) 457 2136 Emergency tel: (784) 493 3995 ftruchot@vincysurf.com
Religions
German Embassy – Trinidad Tel: (868) 628 1630/1/2 Emergency: (868) 460 9687 germanembassy@tstt.net.tt
Driving
Kingdom of the Netherlands, Honorary Consul – St. Vincent Camille H. Crichton. Tel: (784) 456 2822 netherlandsconsulate@vincysurf.com
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Anglican, Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness, Spiritual Baptist, Pentecostal and others are represented on the island. Driving is on the LEFT. Visitors wishing to drive a rented vehicle must obtain a local driving permit, available from the Revenue Office in Port Elizabeth on production of a valid international or national driving licence from their own country, and payment of a fee of EC$65. It is valid for six months.
Medical Facilities
Emergency: Tel: 999 Bequia Casualty Hospital and Clinic Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 458 3294 Bequia Hospital Doctor’s Quarters After hours and private visits Tel: (784) 454 3514 Milton Cato Memorial Hospital Kingstown, St. Vincent Tel: (784) 456 1185 Mary Castle Homeopathic Practitioner Mt. Pleasant Tel: (784) 528 0052 (cell) bushmast@hotmail.com Gabriel Glynn Homeopathic Practitioner and Therapist O’Car Reform Tel: (784) 457 3462 or 530 8529 (cell) Gabrielglynn@yahoo.com Holistic Physiotherapy Ltd. Andrea Battermann Physiotherapist and Shiatsu Practitioner Tel: (784) 528 2525 abattermann@gmx.eu
Dr. Gregory Thomas, Chiropractor Port Elizabeth, upstairs Bequia Venture Tel: (784) 458 3937 Emergencies: (784) 457 3785 Imperial Pharmacy Port Elizabeth (at entrance to hospital) Tel: (784) 458 3373 Mon-Thurs 8:00am-7:00pm; Fri 8:00am-6:00pm; Sat 6:00-8:00pm Sun and Public Holidays 9:00am-12:00pm
Veterinary Services (small animals)
Unique Animal Care Port Elizabeth behind Port Hole restaurant. Pet supplies and medications. Dr. Colin Boyle, veterinary surgeon, holds clinics once per week on Fridays. Tel: (784) 457 3538
Post Office
Located in the Revenue Building Tel: (784) 458 3211 Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-12noon and 1.00pm3.00pm. Closed Saturdays but stamps are always available at the BTA office.
Couriers
DHL Worldwide Express Agent: ACS Computer Services, upstairs GYE, O’Car Reform Tel: (784) 458 3967
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Simple Facts Couriers continued
Internet Access
Telecommunications
ACS Computer & Wireless Internet Services O’Car Reform, upstairs GYE and next door to Coco’s Restaurant. Computer sales and accessories; wireless hot spot. Authorized DHL agent. Tel: (784) 458 3967 acs@vincysurf.com
Federal Express Agent: Solana’s Boutique, Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 458 3554 Full telecommunications service (fixed line, mobile and internet) is provided by LIME (St. Vincent & the Grenadines) Ltd. SIM cards are available. The LIME office in Bequia is on Front Street opposite the vegetable market. Tel: (784) 458 3999 Mobile services are also provided by Digicel (GSM network) with 30 day SIM cards for visitors – available from the Digicel Office at the Bequia Technology Centre. Tel: (784) 532 9574 Karib Cable is now a fixed line provider. Their offices are located in the Anglican Church compound. Tel: (784) 570 3903. Prepaid phone cards are sold at a number of outlets including the BTA office at the end of the main jetty, in denominations of EC$10 up to EC$200. .
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Most internet access facilities offer additional services including fax, photocopying, scanning, printing and lap top plug-in.
Bequia Technology Centre Across the road from the main dinghy dock, between Handy Andy and Pizza Hut. Authorized Digicel agent. Tel: (784) 458 3045 info@bequiatech.com www.bequiatech.com RMS Internet Services Across the road from fish market jetty Tel: (784) 458 3556 rms@vincysurf.com Colourful boutique, Port Elizabeth
Travellers Palm, Gingerbread Café
Computer Repair
Sunny Spa Princess Margaret Beach Tel: (784) 529 1607 danielle@collinson.fr
Health, Beauty & Fitness
Val Whitney – Reflexology Belmont, near Village Apartments Tel: (784) 458 3883
Sunny Computer Tradewinds Complex Tel: (784) 529 4284 Aqua on Bequia (Gym) Belmont On main road above Plantation House Tel: (784) 458 3761 www.aquaonbequia.com Full Body Massage Therapy Marc Erdrich & Ruth Boerger By appointment Tel: (784) 457 5625/430 5763 JSM Beauty Salon Union Vale above the SDA Secondary School Tel: (784) 457 3600 jsm3beautysalon@yahoo.com Mr. Bigg’s Barber Shop Port Elizabeth Shades of Beauty Spa By appointment Tel: (784) 455 9863
Marriages
Visitors must be resident in St. Vincent & the Grenadines for one full day before they are entitled to apply for a special marriage licence which will permit them to marry during their visit. A Caribbean Wedding Spring Tel: (784) 528 7444 suzanne@acaribbeanwedding.com www.acaribbeanwedding.com Grenadine Weddings Belmont Walkway Tel: (784) 495 0886/9 grenadinevillas@mac.com www.grenadineweddings.com
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Getting Here Travel by Air
Bequia can be reached via Puerto Rico, Barbados, St. Lucia (Hewanorra Airport), Martinique, Grenada and Trinidad. There are scheduled flights to and from these international gateways. Same day connections from Barbados to Bequia’s small modern airport can be made through Mustique Airways, SVG Air or Grenadine Air Alliance As an alternative to flying directly into Bequia, or if travelling from gateways other than Barbados, visitors may fly into St. Vincent’s E. T. Joshua Airport on LIAT, then take the ferry from St. Vincent to Bequia. Please note that the airport in Bequia is not open after dark. Check your travel agent, the relevant airlines or ferry companies for current schedules.
Domestic Flights – Mustique Airways/SVG Air (Grenadine Air Alliance) fly between St. Vincent, Canouan, Union and Bequia returning twice daily (early morning/late afternoon). SVG Air also offers a private jet service throughout the Caribbean. There is a departure tax of EC$50 (US$19) payable when leaving St. Vincent or any of the Grenadines on international flights.
Regional Carriers
Grenadine Air Alliance (GAA) E.T Joshua Airport, St. Vincent Tel: (784) 456 6793 LIAT E.T Joshua Airport, St. Vincent Tel: (784) 458 4841 www.liat.com Early morning in the harbour
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Mustique Airways Tel: (784) 458 4380 info@mustique.com www.mustique.com SVG Air Tel: (784) 457 5124/5777 and 458 3713 res@svgair.com fltops@svgair.com www.svgair.com Vincy Aviation Services Tel: (784) 456 5600 www.vincyaviation.com NOTE: All regional carriers require reconfirmation of flights 24-48 hours before travel.
Ferries
A regular and efficient ferry service operates between Bequia and St. Vincent. Sailing time jetty to jetty is about one hour. Three companies, Admiralty Transport, (784) 458 3348, Bequia Express (784) 457 3539 and Jaden Inc. (784) 451 2192 offer frequent and convenient sailings. An air-conditioned ferry terminal is located at the Kingstown Wharf. If requested in advance, Bequia Express will delay departure Monday to Friday of their last ferry service at 6:00pm to accommodate late flight arrivals.
MV Gem Star Tel: (784) 526 1158 Tues & Fri – sails from Kingstown to Mayreau and Union Wed & Sat – sails from Union to Mayreau, Canouan and Kingstown There are no scheduled stops in Bequia. However, by special arrangement, the ‘Gem Star’ will call in to Bequia, if there are passengers. This is an interesting, old fashioned and inexpensive way to see the Grenadines. MV Jaden Sun Tel: (784) 451 2192 Inter-island, air conditioned, fast ferry servicing the Grenadine islands within the same day. Be aware that schedules are subject to change and cancellation without notice, due to maintenance and other causes. PLEASE CHECK THE FERRY COMPANIES FOR FARES and TIMES OF SAILING or call the BTA at (784) 458 3286. Ferry dock, Port Elizabeth
Island Hopping with The Friendship Rose This traditional sailing schooner offers a regular schedule of cruises to Mustique and the Southern Grenadines. One way tickets can be purchased making island hopping easy. The Friendship Rose offers connections to the following islands: Canouan, Mayreau, Palm, Union and Petit St. Vincent. Tel: (784) 529 8046/455 0969 Tel: (784) 457 3888 Harbour Office Tel: (784) 457 3739 Belmont Office www.friendshiprose.com
Inter Island Ferries
MV Barracuda Tel (784) 455 9835 Mon & Thurs – sails from Kingstown to Canouan, Mayreau and Union Tues & Fri – sails from Union to Mayreau, Canouan and Kingstown
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Getting Here Passport/Visas
All visitors must have valid passports and proof of return or on-going travel plans, whether by sea or air. Entry is usually granted for 30 days and is renewable at the discretion of the Immigration Department. Visas are not required for most countries. However, the following countries do require a visa: Lebanon, Syria, Nigeria, Jordan, Iraq, Iran and the Dominican Republic. Port Elizabeth is the port of entry for customs clearance. Customs and Immigration are centrally located in the Revenue Office in Port Elizabeth, along with the Post Office. For opening times see pages 7 and 9.
Ports
For those travelling by yacht the official port of entry is Port Elizabeth.
Duty Free
The following items are duty free but must be fully declared: wine or spirits not exceeding one quart in all; tobacco, not over half a pound; cigars, not more than 50, or cigarettes, not more than 200. Restricted items: drugs, arms, ammunition, spear guns, fresh fruit, vegetables and uncooked meat.
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Health Requirements
No vaccinations are required unless in transit from, or having visited, an infected area within six days of arrival. Drinking tap water is perfectly safe, but bottled, purified and mineral water are also readily available.
Travel Agencies
Cigi Travel Tel: (784) 458 3795 gtvl14@hotmail.com Going Places Travel Bayshore Mall Tel/Fax: (784) 458 3062 stvincent@going-places.tv bequia@going-places.tv Grenadine Escape Tel: (784) 526 2386 www.grenadine-escape.com; info@grenadine-escape.com Grenadine Island Villas (Local flight agents) Front Street Tel: (784) 529 8046/455 0969 Tel: (784) 457 3888 Harbour Office Tel: (784) 457 3739 Belmont Office www.grenadinevillas.com Just Bequia Tel: 44(0) 1373 814244 info@justbequia.co.uk
Lower Bay
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Where to Stay
B
equia has every type of accommodation to offer, always well run and well kept, with that special relaxed atmosphere and personal, friendly service which reflects the spirit of the island and its people. Bequia tends to attract the visitor who prefers the tropical delights and laid back living of the smaller islands, where the beaches are secluded and there are no high-rise hotels to mar the scenic views.Thankfully the island has not attracted any socalled five-star ‘luxury’ commercial hotels; instead, the wonderful, friendly accommodation ranges from stylish four-star and comfortable three star hotels to well-appointed luxury villas and budget guest houses which include breakfast and dinner featuring real home cooking.The larger beach front hotels also have first class restaurants and bars, offering evening entertainment, a full range of water sports, and other sports such as tennis. Please note that a 15% government tax is added to hotel rates plus a 10% service charge. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is always wise to double check when booking.
Bella Vista Spring Bay. Tel: (784) 457 3785 cabana@vincysurf.com http://web.295.ca/cabana/ Bequia Beach Hotel Friendship Bay. Tel: (784) 458 1600 info@bequiabeach.com, www.bequiabeach.com Bequia Beach is a luxurious boutique resort with wonderful beach-front suites. Experience the true Caribbean at this secluded, independent hotel, on an untouched island claimed to be one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets. Bequia Beachfront Villas Friendship Bay. Tel: (784) 457 3423 bequia@fortrecovery.com Deja View Apartments Belmont Tel: (705) 897 6537 (Canada) dejaview2@personainternet.com www.dejaviewapartments.ca Two 1 bedroom apartments surrounded by bougainvilleas and mature fruit trees with a great panoramic view of Admiralty Bay. Each comfortable, self-contained apartment includes A/C in the bedrooms, cell phones, cable television, ceiling fans and a spacious veranda/ terrace. Close to the beach, dive shops, bars, restaurants and other amenities. De Reef Apartments Lower Bay Tel: (784) 458 3484/494 3688 dereef@vincysurf.com Conveniently located, this popular, modern accommodation is set in beautiful gardens and just two minutes from Lower Bay Beach. Six, self-contained, one, two and three bedroom apartments, with living/dining area and fully fitted kitchens, air conditioned rooms with cable television, ceiling fans, hot and cold showers and spacious terraces. Fairmont Apt. Belmont Tel: (784) 528 8723/458 4037 esprott@vincysurf.com
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Where to Stay Fauvelle Bequia Spring. Tel: (784) 457 3785 fauvelle@bequia.vc www.fauvelle.bequia.vc
Flamingo and Turtle Point Villas Princess Margaret Beach Tel: (246) 420 7650 www.bequiavillas.com
Fig Tree Belmont. Tel: (784) 457 3008
The Frangipani Hotel Belmont. Tel: (784) 458 3255 info@frangipanibequia.com www.frangipanibequia.com With spectacular views of Admiralty Bay, the centrally located Frangipani Hotel, Bar and Restaurant offers elegant garden units or charming old-styled rooms in the original family home. Catering to everyone – an experience you will never forget.
Firefly Plantation Hotel Bequia Spring. P.O. Box 125 BQ Tel: (784) 458-3414 info@fireflybequia.com www.fireflybequia.com Well managed boutique hotel with beautifully spacious and well appointed rooms, large swimming pool, spectacular views, A/C, WiFi and indoor/ outdoor showers. The two-bedroom self contained Plantation Cottage is ideal for families. Set in a lush 250 year old working plantation; friendly staff; excellent food and attentive service.
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Friendship Garden Apartments La Pompe. Tel: (784) 458 3349/530 4737 friendshipgapt@karibcable.com www.friendshipgardenapts.com
Gingerbread Hotel Belmont. Tel: (784) 458 3800 ginger@vincysurf.com www.gingerbreadhotel.com Gingerbread’s Bequia suites were built to evoke the design and style of the colonial days, with covered porches overlooking Admiralty Bay - all with spacious bathrooms and full kitchen facilities. There is one air-conditioned king-sized studio and two comfortable economy apartments. Gingerbread also offers an elegant restaurant, waterfront cafe, barbeque under the trees and dive shop. A short and pleasant walk along the bayside takes you to restaurants, shops and the town of Port Elizabeth with spectacular beaches close by. Grand View Cottage La Pompe. Tel: (832) 407 8599 info@grandviewcottage.com www.grandviewcottage.com
Julie and Isola’s Guest House Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 458 3304 julies2007@hotmail.com Keegan’s Beach Resort Lower Bay. Tel: (784) 458 3530 www.keegans-bequia.com Kingsville Apartments Lower Bay Tel: (784) 458 3932/3404 kingsville@vincysurf.com www.kingsvilleapartments.net Lime House Villas Spring Tel: (784) 457 3092 limehouse@bequiavilla.com www.bequiavillas.net Beach Bar, Bequia Beach Hotel
Hibiscus Apartments Union Vale. Tel: (784) 458 3316 hibiscusapts@vincysurf.com Hilltop Villa Lower Bay. Tel: (784) 457 3637/3671 aileen.derrick@yahoo.com www.hilltopvilla.bequia.net Island Inn Apartments Friendship Bay. Tel: (784) 458 3706/457 3433 islandinn@vincysurf.com www.islandinnsvg.com
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Where to Stay Lower Bay Guest House Lower Bay Tel: (784) 458 3675
Stardust Villa Friendship Bay. Tel: (784) 457 3785 reserveparadise@gmail.com
The Old Fort Mt. Pleasant. Tel: (784) 458 3440 info@theoldfort.com www.theoldfort.com
Sugar Apple Inn Friendship Bay Tel: (784) 457 3148 info@sugarappleinn.com www.sugarappleinn.com
Royal View Villa Friendship Bay. Tel: (784) 458 3618 royal_view_villa@yahoo.com www.royalview.bequia.net Sea Shells Holiday Apartments Belmont. Tel: (784) 458 3656 seashellsbq@vincysurf.com Spring House Spring Estate. Tel: (784) 483 0381 Along the Belmont Walkway
Sugar Reef Cresent Beach Tel: (784) 458 3400 info@sugarreefbequia.com www.sugarreefbequia.com Sunset Cottage, Apartments and Villas Lower Bay Tel: (784) 458 3554 www.sunset-cottage.com Tamarind Villa Spring Tel: (784) 457 3232 www.bequiatamarind.com Taylor’s Apartments La Pompe Tel: (784) 458 3458 noelina.taylor@yahoo.com The Village Apartments P.O. Box 49BQ, VC0400, Belmont Tel: (784) 458 3883/5 tvabqsvg@vincysurf.com www.villageapartments.bequia.net Villa Alamanda Mount Pleasant. Tel: (784) 458 3404 www.villa-alamanda.com Villa Casablanca Lower Bay. Tel: (784) 458 3404
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Villa Rental Companies / Real Estate Brokers Staying in a villa or private home is one of the best ways to enjoy your stay on Bequia. Homes range from one to five bedrooms and from simple to absolute luxury. A few accommodations are on the waterfront – most others have ocean views. Either way, you are never more than a few minutes from the beach. Bequia Dreams Tel: (784) 528 8592/494 2205 acs@vincysurf.com Bequia Real Estate Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 457 3209 info@bequia-realestate.com www.bequia-realestate.com Grenadine Escape Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 496 0654/526 2386 info@grenadine-escape.com www.grenadine-escape.com Grenadine Island Villas Admiralty Bay/Belmont Walkway Tel: (784) 529 8046 cell; (784) 455 0969 cell; (784) 457 3888 Harbour Office; (784) 457 3739 Belmont Office grenadinevillas@mac.com www.grenadinevillas.com
Beach retreats, classic villas & distinctive houses. Based in the islands, this friendly team offers a full service to help you find and enjoy your perfect island hideaway. With a comprehensive online guide and swift, responsive service, you can relax and enjoy your Grenadine villa experience. Benefit from a team of local chefs, drivers and helpful services such as provisioning, delicious picnics, snorkelling equipment, dives and island adventures arranged by sea, land or air. Grenadine Yachts, Villas & Resorts Tel: (784) 496 0654/526 2386 lara@grenadine-escape.com www.grenadine-escape.com Lime House Villa Rentals Spring. Tel/Fax: (784) 457 3092 limehouse@bequiavilla.com www.bequiavillas.net Octopus Villa Rentals Belmont. Tel: (784) 432 5201 hello@octopus-caribbean.com www.octopus-caribbean.com Old Fort Estates Box 71, Bequia quirin@oldfortestates.com www.oldfortestates.com Poolside, Bequia Beach Hotel
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Dining & Nightlife
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equia may be a small island, but you will be pleasantly surprised at the excellent range of friendly bars, fine restaurants, informal cafés and pizzerias with lively night-time entertainment available to suit your every mood. We invite you to sample the island’s wonderful mixture of local delicacies, West Indian, international or even more exotic cuisine. Dine on the waterfront in the harbour, by the beach with the sea just a few steps away or high up in the hills overlooking the sea and islands beyond. Seafood is served fresh daily, with local vegetables and produce. Nightlife is mainly centred around the hotels, restaurants and bars, which regularly feature local string and steel bands, country music, reggae, ‘ jump ups’ and barbecue nights. If you prefer quiet romantic dining, with just the stars and the sound of the sea for company, there are some truly memorable locations to choose from. The following is a selected list; however, it is always advisable to check opening times and entertainment details beforehand. Most restaurants can also be contacted on VHF Channel 68. VAT (15%) is added to meal and drink bills. Most restaurants also add a 10% service charge. Waterside dining, Hamilton
Hotel Restaurants
Bagatelle and Blue Tropic Bequia Beach Hotel, Friendship Bay Tel: (784) 458 1600/454 8111 Known as the two most elegant restaurants on the island, the Blue Tropic, set in a stunning tropical garden, offers delicious gourmet dishes with a Caribbean flare. Bagatelle serves a delightful menu on the beach where you can sink your toes in the sand and gaze at the moonlit ocean. Firefly Plantation Restaurant Spring, P.O. Box 125 BQ Tel: (784) 458-3414 Serving fresh homegrown produce with magnificent views of the plantation and sea beyond. Ingredients are picked daily from the plantation and guests are invited to do a tour and pick their own if they want! Friendly service, reasonable prices, excellent wine and cocktail list. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with BBQ nights. The Frangipani Hotel, Bar and Restaurant Belmont. Tel: (784) 458 3255 Offering gourmet cuisine with a Caribbean flavour. To complement this exquisite dining experience, you can choose from a wide variety of fine imported wines. A wonderful place to meet - the Frangi beach bar also boasts the best cocktails on the island. Join us for the Thursday night barbeque and jump up with live steelband music. Reservations recommended. Gingerbread Hotel, Bar and Restaurant Belmont. Tel: (784) 458 3800, VHF 68 Overlooking beautiful Admiralty Bay, Gingerbread’s restaurant offers elegant dining in a warm tropical setting. Charming gingerbread fretwork, interesting artwork and unique architecture provide the ideal setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu offers gourmet West Indian/International cuisine, imported steaks, fresh seafood and the house specialty, Thai and Indian curries. A fine selection of imported wines available. Reservations recommended.
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Restaurants & Bars
Coco’s Place O’Car Reform (near to Tradewinds Marina) Tel: (784) 458 3463 Colombo’s Place Port Elizabeth (across the road from Bank of St. Vincent & the Grenadines) Tel: (784) 457 3881 De Reef Lower Bay Tel: (784) 458 3958 VHF 68 Fernando’s Hideaway Lower Bay Tel: (784) 458 3758 (Reservations required)
Fig Tree Belmont Tel: (784) 457 3008 The Green Boley Belmont Tel: (784) 458 3247 Harbour Café Port Elizabeth Near to Brooke’s Hideaway Tel: (784) 458 3272 Jack’s Bar Princess Maragaret Beach Tel: (784) 457 3762 VHF 68 Dining al fresco, Frangipani Hotel
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Dining & Nightlife
Julie’s Guest House Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 458 3304 Keegan’s Lower Bay Tel: (784) 458 3530 L’Auberge des Grenadines Hamilton on the waterfront Tel: (784) 457 3555
Bequia in full bloom
Sugar Hill Bar Mount Pleasant. Tel: (784) 458 3773 Sugar Reef Cresent Beach. Tel (784) 458 3400 Sunset Bar & Restaurant Port Elizabeth Across from the vegetable market Tel: (784) 458 3133
Mac’s Pizzeria Belmont Tel: (784) 458 3474
Sweety Bird Port Elizabeth In the back garden of the Bequia Book Shop Tel: (784) 457 3984
Mama’s Deli Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 458 3443
Tantie Pearl’s Restaurant Overlooking Admiralty Bay Tel: (784) 457 3160
Papa’s Bar & Lounge Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 457 3443
The Whaleboner Bar and Restaurant Belmont Tel: (784) 458 3233
The Porthole Port Elizabeth. Tel: (784) 458 3458
Ice Cream Parlours/Cake Shops
Sailors’ Beach Café O’ Car Reform. Tel: (784) 458 3708
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Maranne’s Ice Cream Belmont Tel: (784) 458 3041
Local produce for sale
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11TH ANNIVERSARY
BEQUIA MOUNT GAY MUSIC FEST JANUARY 23 – 26, 2014
Top quality acts with broad-based appeal for all musical tastes, consistently excellent organisation and presentation and outstanding support from sponsors have all led to Bequia’s unique musical event proudly reaching its eleventh anniversary this year. Built around the hugely popular annual “one-night-only” Bequia performance of Basil Charles’ Mustique Blues Festival showcasing Dana Gillespie and her London Blues Band with stellar guest artistes, the Bequia Tourism Association’s Bequia Music Fest has been earning rave reviews over the last ten years. The event, held over four days at the end of January, is well established as a major fixture on the season’s calendar, with a loyal following of regular visitors and Bequia residents attendees who are delighted by the informal, up-closeand-personal atmosphere and the range of really top quality music. Yachtsman put it on their itineraries, visitors book their holidays to catch it and residents of Bequia and St. Vincent can’t wait for January to come around. The main venue for Bequia Music Fest is at ‘De Reef’ right on the beach at Lower Bay, with performances on Friday and Saturday night and all afternoon on Sunday.
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Other venues showcase artistes on a more intimate scale throughout the weekend including opening night with a steel pan orchestra at the Frangipani on Thursday and a Saturday afternoon “Blues and Jazz Jam and Lime” by the beach at Bequia Beach Hotel in Friendship Bay. Last year, the Caribbean’s legendary “Spice and Company”, plus the award-winning young group Nexcyx from Barbados drew huge crowds to Saturday night’s six-hour show, keeping the audience on their feet till after 2am. You can be sure that Bequia’s 11th anniversary Music Fest in January 2014 will be another winning formula, with old and new friends coming together to create a very special weekend of great music, great performances and great vibes!
For more information visit www.bequiatourism.com/bequiamusicfest or email musicfest@bequiatourism.com
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Shopping
Front Street fashion
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equia’s primary shopping area is in and around the island’s capital, Port Elizabeth, where flowers bloom in planters and roadside gardens and small brightly painted stores abound along the waterfront. This delightful heart of the island offers every facility with a simple, intimate charm and traditional hospitality for which Bequia is famous. Just about everything in Port Elizabeth is located on its one central, shoreside, main street reaching the fishing village of Hamilton in the north, and, just on from the town’s centre, along the Belmont Walkway which borders the south shore of Admiralty Bay. Shops, boutiques, a pharmacy, grocery stores, covered markets selling fresh fruit, vegetables and freshly caught fish, souvenir stalls, restaurants, cafés and bars, banks, the Post Office, Customs and Immigration, the Police Station (off Back Street) and the BTA office – are all within easy walking distance. Souvenirs galore
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Across the road from the almond tree, The Bequia Book Shop, besides a good selection of paperback and hardcover books, has postcards, courtesy flags, nautical charts, Bequia Ordnance Survey maps and art work. A cool place to browse and find that special something. Behind that is the charming Sweety Bird, which offers fresh, local juices and simple lunches. The pretty light blue painted wooden building across from the dingy dock, SAIL RELAX EXPLORE, carries a full range of snorkel kits, masks, fins, body vests, underwater cameras, body boards and booties. The store stocks a lovely range of handmade natural canvas items including hammocks, big beach bags and traditional island maps. Island Things can be found in the grounds of St. Mary’s Anglican Church. This quaint and picturesque boutique sells all things Caribbean including books, souvenirs and beautifully hand-painted fabric. With colourful streamers billowing from their windows, the breezy one-stop boutique Local Color can easily be found up some brightly painted outside stairs. This popular, inviting store offers delightful informal clothing including top quality t-shirts, caps and sandals, swimwear, beach accessories, sundresses and casual wear, great gifts and souvenirs, postcards and art work.
From Local Color, continue on your leisurely stroll along the start of the Belmont Walkway – a delightful, partly shaded water’s edge path which winds alongside the bay, linking shops, restaurants, hotels and bars. Just past the Frangipani you will find Whaleboner Bar which has a boutique attached, Gingerbread Cafe, Vintages which is a new wine shop in the Gingerbread building and Maranne’s Ice Cream Parlour. A little further on are the gaily painted premises of Dive Bequia and then you come to the Fig Tree Boutique & Gift Shop which offers a selection of local handicraft and other interesting items.. Returning to the town centre, the BTA office, located at the end of the main ferry jetty is the place to buy water, phone cards, stamps, Bequia Sailing Club souvenirs and postcards. You can also pick up your extra copies of Holiday Bequia, as well as the invaluable weekly guide to what’s on in Bequia – Bequia This Week. Opposite the BTA is the Bayshore Mall – a small shopping centre which contains some dozen shops including Going Places Travel, RBTT Bank, an ice-cream parlour, stationery store, delicatessen, and two boutiques. Further north, past the Revenue Office and Post Office, is the covered fish and vegetable market on the water’s edge, with its own dinghy dock. There are also a number of small t-shirt, casual wear and gift Fay’s stall, Princess Margaret Beach
boutiques here, plus a bakery outlet with delicious fresh bread and baked goods and a small bar. An ancient almond tree provides welcome shade inside the market courtyard. Opposite the market is the Island Style boutique that carries bali-style furniture and gifts. Upstairs is Sunset Bar and Restaurant and to the back is the Bequia Food Store and Lulley’s Tackle Shop. On the side street between the gas station and the vegetable market is Oasis Art Gallery showcasing a collection of locally made work including Kingsley ‘Prop’ King model boats that sail and paintings by artist and curator L.D Lucy. Fine Things which sells colourful home accessories is on Back Street diagonally across from Doris Fresh Food. As an age-old seafaring island, Bequia caters exceptionally well for visiting yachts. There are a number of first-rate shipwrights, carpenters, repair specialists, sail lofts and general marine and fishing supply shops in and around Port Elizabeth, and a varied selection of grocery stores and delicatessens which cater for both the simple necessities and the most refined gourmet tastes. Deliveries to your yacht or to your rental villa can easily be arranged. The building of model boats is a Bequia speciality – even H.M. Queen Elizabeth II has an example in her collection. You can see both the intricate workmanship in progress, and the fabulous models of schooners, brightly-coloured yachts, traditional ‘double enders’ and Bequia whaleboats. Walk past the vegetable market to find first Mauvin’s Model Boat Shop (ask to see the workshop outside, under the breadfruit tree), and then a little further along the road, Sargeant Brothers Model Boats, with its busy workshop right on the premises. Take your time to look, choose, and then to look again. The quality and detail is quite magnificent and the finished models true works of art. Upstairs Grenadine Yacht & Equipment (GYE) can be found wireless services and a wide variety of computer accessories at ACS Computer Services, who are also the DHL agents.
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Sightseeing
Port Elizabeth
Pick up an island map from the BTA Office at the end of the main jetty and set out to discover the delights of Bequia. Wander along the quaint waterfront at Port Elizabeth with its bars, cafés and fascinating shops spread out along the coastal main street. Watch a fabulous sunset from a beachside bar or café. Just a few minutes stroll from the centre is the lovely St. Mary’s Anglican Church built of local limestone and imported ballast bricks. The church was erected in 1829 on the site of an earlier structure which was destroyed by a hurricane in 1798, and houses intriguing memorial tablets recording the lives of some of Bequia’s earliest settlers. Continuing on, you will find the meandering waterfront Belmont Walkway, which has recently been restored through the fund raising efforts of the group, Action Bequia. The next fund raising goal is to extend the walkway into a coastal trail to Princess Margaret Beach, An interesting and cool stroll along this edge of Admiralty Bay will reward you with more unusual shops, dive shops, bars, cafés and excellent restaurants. In the opposite direction, taking the main road north out of Port Elizabeth past the Revenue Office and Post Office, covered t-shirt market, vegetable market and small shops, you will come to Bequia’s two Model Boat-Builders’ Workshops (See also Shopping on page 31). Watch these craftsmen continuing
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Dinghy dock, Admiralty Bay
a centuries-old tradition, and prepare to be captivated by their intricate, skillfully crafted and highly colourful replicas of existing boats and traditional double-ended whalers. They will happily make a model of your own boat on commission and ship it to you. A few yards before the Hairoun Beer Depot, one block in from the main road, is the Bequia Maritime Museum. Opened by Lawson Sargeant of Sargeant Bros. Model Boats, and son of one of the great Bequia boat-building families, it details the peak period of ship-building in Bequia with old photos, boat-building families’ memorabilia, and replicas of some of the great schooners built on the island. Continuing along this road, on Admiralty Bay’s north shore and through the village of Hamilton, you will come to the site of the 18th century Hamilton Battery, located high above Admiralty Bay, which guarded the harbour from attack. From this elevated lookout point there are wonderful views of the harbour and across the bay. Enjoy the nature trail around the point and spot native birds and reptiles. If you would rather not walk or hike in such tropical climes, you can always rent a bicycle, motor bike or jeep, or arrange a taxi tour with one of the open back vans under the Almond Tree and explore the island at your leisure. There is much more than just the beautiful scenery to discover. Ask at the BTA office for more information including fares.
Sightseeing Arts & Crafts
Bequia has always been rightly famous for its boat-building (both large and very small) but the island is today also rich in many other creative skills. Small stalls scattered along the waterfront in the harbour offer an amazing variety of local talent from paintings, needlecraft, crochet, macramé, carvings, black coral jewellery, papier-mâché and scrimshaw, to culinary items – homemade preserves, sweets and cakes. Throughout the island there are studios and galleries to visit and artists to meet. (Some studios can be visited by appointment only, so check with BTA office for details). If you want to see artists at work, stop by and visit Claude Victorine at her atelier in Lower Bay where her hand-painted silks, pareos, cushion-covers and wall hangings are on display. Also in Lower Bay on the road near the beach, you can see sculpted whales and other hand carvings from local woods at the Arts & Crafts Café. In Port Elizabeth, take a turn onto the little street after the gas station for a visit to Oasis Art Gallery. Agnetta Nanton shows her beautiful and highly Homemade Bequia jams for sale!
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individual batik designs in her garden boutique, and Pinkie Vaughan-Richards’ mixed media crafts are on display and for sale at Island Style. On your way to Spring, you must make a stop at the Whaleboner Silkscreen Factory and Boutique.
Other Points of Interest
For something completely different, and fascinating for all the family, take the time to visit The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary (www. turtles.bequia.net) located in the rugged, northeastern part of the island, and reached by continuing on the road north to Park Bay. The drive is scenic and will take you past Industry Bay and over the hillside into Park Bay where Bequian Orton G. ‘Brother’ King has spent most of each day since August 1995 tending his beloved and endangered Hawksbill turtles. A retired professional skin diving fisherman, Brother King is a committed, informed and very entertaining individual. His greatest pleasure is to give you a fully guided tour and explain his mission to others. Responsible for having increased the seriously dwindling turtle population in Bequia, his project is purely a selfless, dedicated passion and with no financial reward. You will be made to feel a very welcome visitor to this worthy and educational sanctuary. There is an entry fee of EC$10 or US$5 which goes towards the upkeep and running costs of the sanctuary. Any donations over and above this amount are welcomed. Imagine the amount of fish required to feed 200 hungry growing turtles! Bequia has a long history as a whaling nation and the Whaling Museum in La Pompe is worth a visit. The extraordinary, privately-owned complex of stone dwellings known as Moonhole is located on the western tip of the island. Built in the 1950s by American Tom Johnston, the complex is an internationally famous architectural landmark. The Moonhole rock arch and compound are not open to the public and may only be viewed from the sea. Please reduce speed and do not anchor off Moonhole to avoid damaging the fragile marine environment.
Lower Bay
Best Beaches
Bequia is blessed by an encirclement of glorious stretches of sandy beaches, some secluded and all clean and uncrowded. Bathe in the clear, safe waters, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, sailing, diving and other water sports. Princess Margaret Beach is a lovely ribbon of golden sand, just down from Port Elizabeth. The beach was formerly known as Tony Gibbons Beach; until Princess Margaret enjoyed a dip there in 1958. Now featuring Jack’s Bar, with its private jetty, it can be reached either by water taxi, or by a very steep road/track descending from the main road. There is a cliff pathway linking Princess Margaret beach to the popular, expansive Lower Bay. Fringed by fishing boats and nets, its casual atmosphere is further enhanced by a number of very good, and reasonably priced bars and restaurants – including the worldfamous De Reef with its popular Sunday afternoon music jam and Keegan’s with its delicious, reasonably-priced home cooking and Saturday night barbecue – making Lower
Bay a favourite location both during the day and in the evening. Mango’s is the newest addition to Lower Bay. A relaxed liming spot for the who’s who of Bequia featuring the best hamburgers in town, lobsters in season and much more. A great place to hang out on the beach. There is wonderfully safe swimming and snorkelling, with a natural reef paddling pool for youngsters. Friendship Bay, only a short ride from town on the south side of the island, offers a long, wide sweep of beach and excellent conditions for diving, sailing and snorkelling. Also on Friendship Bay is the Bequia Beach Hotel’s main restaurant, Blue Tropic, and the Bagatelle Restaurant & Bar on the beach. Between the bays of Friendship and Spring is Hope Bay, with its remote beach. Here the rather shallow waters and the long lines of breakers from the Atlantic Ocean make the spot ideal for first-rate body surfing and windsurfing. However, the strong undertow cautions that this is for the more experienced surfers only. With no hotels or bars in the vicinity, take a friend, something to drink and maybe a picnic. Look for signposts or ask for directions.
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Sightseeing Along the main road out of the harbour is the romantic and secluded shallow beach at Spring Bay, behind which are acres of tall palm trees and a working plantation which form part of Firefly Plantation Hotel Bequia. There are guided tours of the plantation and an historic sugar mill with 30 acres of lush orchards producing a variety of wonderful, exotic crops. Sample the fruit and vegetables in season and learn about their uses. Just north of Spring is the inaptly named Industry Bay. But fear not, there is no heavy industry here or anywhere else on the island. It’s a glorious palm-fringed beach, wonderful for snorkelling, and with surf particularly suitable for surfing beginners. A word of caution – there can be a quite strong undercurrent at times. Lastly, a short road walk from Industry Bay over the headland will bring you to Park, with its palm shaded, isolated beach, home to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. Not so great for swimming, but a wonderful point from which to explore on foot the undeveloped northern reaches of the island. Palms at Park Bay
Taxi Fares
Taxi rides are inexpensive and as all the drivers are justifiably proud of their island, they will take you to the most interesting, scenic and unusual places, all in a leisurely three-hour ride, or tailored to suit your own time requirements. Most vehicles are radio operated on VHF 68 and will do airport and ferry pick-ups and drop-offs. A recommended list of the local taxi fares is available from the BTA office. Visitors are advised to agree the fare in advance as well as determining whether the charge is in EC or US dollars.
Car Hire
B&G (Gideon’s) Jeep & Moke Rental Tel/Fax: (784) 458 3760 gideontaxi@vincysurf.com Challenger Taxi & Rentals Tel: (784) 458 3811/455 9163 challengertaxi@yahoo.com DeBest Taxi Service Tel: (784) 458 3349/530 4737 friendshipgapt@karibcable.com KMG Rental Service Tel (784) 532 4821/454 9136 kmgrentalservice@gmail.com Parnell’s Moke Rental Tel: (784) 457 3066 Phil’s Car Rental Tel: (784) 458 3304 julies2007@hotmail.com Sunrise Rentals Tel: (784) 457 3086/593 3631
Motor Scooter Rentals Richard Providence Tel: (784) 526 7087
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Yacht Charters and Off-island Day Tours
The vessels in our listing offer a variety of day trips, private charters and excursions. In the course of a Bequia holiday, it is well worth exploring the surrounding Grenadine islands, and not surprisingly, sailing is the most popular choice of most visitors. With regular trade winds, limitless visibility and the Caribbean Sea’s tidal movements, the Grenadines offer some of the best blue water sailing to be found anywhere in the world. So, for something luxurious, cruising at your own pace, sightseeing around the shores of Bequia and to other nearby islands, don’t miss the wide range of fully-crewed yachts available for day, overnight or term charters. There are a number of notable yacht charter operations on Bequia and on nearby St. Vincent. Whether for one day or more, these all-inclusive trips to the fabulous Grenadines on first class boats are all available at very reasonable rates. Their skippers are mostly local seafarers, with a wealth of sailing and chartering experience and an intimate knowledge and love of the region. A private charter offers just that – privacy, plus superb cooking, relaxation and the opportunity to take whichever route you choose. The large mother-island of St. Vincent is only nine miles north of Bequia, with more than enough to keep any day-visitor busy. St. Vincent can be reached via charter flight from Bequia, but most visitors prefer to take the inexpensive hour-long ferry trip from Port Elizabeth to Kingstown. Choose to sit up on deck and take in the sea air and scenery (and maybe see a school of dolphins) or travel inside in comfortable air-conditioned saloons. There is much to see and do in St. Vincent, and some of the best of it is so remote that it’s worth spending an overnight if time is available. For example, the spectacular La Soufrière Volcano, slumbering but still steaming (the last major eruption was in 1979) requires a four-wheel drive vehicle and then a demanding but rewarding three hour hike to the rim. Magnificent unspoilt nature trails are a hiker’s and naturalist’s paradise, and Dark View and Baleine Falls are not to be missed.
A must visit, especially on Saturday mornings, is the vibrant and colourful fruit and vegetable market in downtown Kingstown. St. Vincent’s Botanical Gardens are one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. They were founded in 1765, originally for the production of herbs, spices and plants for medicinal purposes. The 20 acres of indigenous and imported tropical trees, shrubs, fruits and flowers are part of the National Trust and run by the Forestry Commission. Among the sights is a 230-year old baobab tree, planted when the garden was opened as well as a third generation breadfruit tree, a sucker from the original plant brought by Captain William Bligh (of “Bounty” fame) in 1793. Just a few minutes away via air charter, or after a leisurely two hour sail, is the island of Mustique. Whichever way you choose to get there, it’s a fascinating day trip to this privately owned island, famous as a hideaway for British Royals and international celebrities. Stop for a drink and/or lunch at one of Mustique’s famous bars or restaurants.
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Sightseeing There are many smaller islands in the Grenadines – all with beautiful beaches and stunning turquoise waters. Some, such as Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent, are privately owned resort islands, but day, overnight and weekend visitors are welcome when accommodation is available. Canouan has a luxury resort and golf course; Mayreau has 600 inhabitants in a hilltop village and one of the most beautiful beaches at Salt Whistle Bay, and of course the Tobago Cays are quite unforgettable. Union Island is well worth a visit too! They can all be reached via sailing charters, ferries or, in some cases, air charters. Enquire at your hotel or at the BTA office for more details.
Day/Overnight Charter Boats Balance Me Tel: (784) 458 3086/495 2617 jsprat@vincysurf.com
Bluescape Sailing & Scuba Diving Adventures Tel: (784) 528 3051 bluescape_adventures@hotmail.co.uk www.bluescape.eu Sail the Windward Islands aboard Imagination, a fast, comfortable 46-foot catamaran run by British couple. Try a day trip or stay for a week or longer, maybe catch dinner, snorkel with turtles or scuba dive with stingrays. Allinclusive, Halfboard or boat only options available. Find us on Facebook at Bluescape Sailing and Scuba Diving Adventures. The Friendship Rose Tel: (784) 529 8046/455 0969 Cell Tel: (784) 457 3888 Harbour Office Tel: (784) 457 3739 Belmont Office www.friendshiprose.com 100ft traditional sailing schooner offering a regular schedule of cruises to the Tobago Cays, Mustique and the lush coast of St. Vincent. Island Hopper Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 458 3722 mitchell1@vincysurf.com Kiwi Bequia Tel: (784) 457 3077/526 2386/528 8418 lcozier@vincysurf.com Michael Tours Tel: (784) 455 1154 michaeltoursbequia@yahoo.com Myrick Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 496 6147 symyrick@yahoo.com
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Admiralty Bay anchorage
Nicola IV 44’ C&C sailing yacht Nicki & Cristina Hazell, Paget Farm Tel: (784) 457 3986/495 4229/454 3750 nicola111@bequia.net www.bequia.net ‘Wind in the sail, sail in the wind’. Day trips, overnight and long-term chartering around the Grenadine islands. We also rent lasers, Dyer and Tempest International boats. Octopus Yacht Charters Belmont Tel: (784) 432 5201 hello@octopus-caribbean.com www.octopus-caribbean.com Island hop aboard your own privately-crewed yacht from one idyllic island to the next. An elegant sailing yacht, combining exceptional cruising and sailing performance with comfortable living areas. Available for day and overnight charters. Osprey Port Elizabeth. Tel: (784) 458 3304/455 3004 julies2007@hotmail.com Quest Ventures SVG Ltd. Port Elizabeth. Tel: (784) 458 3917 casie1124@hotmail.com Sail Relax Explore Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 495 0886/9 or 457 3888 sailrelaxexplore@mac.com www.sailrelaxexplore.com Yacht charters, land tours, day cruises … from unique local boats to crewed luxury yachts and the global services of the Moorings. Also exceptional one day experiences available from our friendly Bequia base with private flights and rendezvous dive arrangements throughout the Grenadines. Agents for SVG Air, Mustique Airways and Grenadine Air Alliance. Trade Winds Cruise Club Fleet of catamarans. Tel: (784) 457 3407 info@tradewindscruiseclub.com
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BEQUIA EASTER REGATTA APRIL 17–21, 2014 Over the last 32 years of dedicated direction by the all-volunteer Bequia Sailing Club, the Bequia Easter Regatta has evolved from a small, local sailing get-together into the biggest sporting and tourism event in the country. And with the vital support of its many sponsors including Heineken, First Citizens Bank and Mount Gay Rum, the regatta has continued to grow; last year, the Sailing Club celebrated a record-breaking entry of 54 yachts and 29 local “double-enders”, once again affirming Bequia’s status as the largest yacht regatta in the southern Caribbean. Bequia’s four-day Easter Regatta is in fact renowned the world over for its unique blend of thrilling local boat racing, exciting and wellrun yacht racing and the warm, small-island hospitality that is Bequia’s trademark. The magic of seeing 80 or more boats of all types and sizes compete on the waters around the tiny 7-square-mile island is truly unforgettable. On the yacht side, the Bequia Easter Regatta’s CSA-accredited series of races continue to draw sailors from near and far to take part in this hugely popular event. Yachts are divided into Racing Class, two Cruising Classes (including one for live-aboards and regular cruisers), and two One-Design Classes. The biggest draw in recent years has been Bequia’s J/24 One-Design Class whose sixrace series in Bequia also decides the annual J/24 Southern Caribbean Championship. The regatta’s eagerly anticipated local boat races draw ever greater crowds of followers each year. The design of the traditional Bequia double-ender or “two-bow” boat is based on
that of the 26-foot New England whaleboats which regularly visited the Grenadine waters during the first half of the 19th century. Today’s double-ender boats are now built purely to race, but within the fleet there is one notable exception. The 140-year old Iron Duke - cornerstone of “Old Bill” Wallace’s legendary Bequia whaling fleet in the late 19th century - is now much-rebuilt but still deeply treasured by the whole island and she survives to proudly compete in the regatta to this day. Lay Day Sunday is when most yachtsmen take the chance to relax and enjoy the start of Sunday’s local boat races and the ever-popular Sandcastle Competition, or just chill out with the landlubbers on one of Bequia’s many beautiful beaches. A fearless few however choose to compete in Easter Sunday’s “Round the Island” single-handed Yacht Race - the ultimate seamanship challenge for the solo sailor and his yacht. Easter in Bequia marks a major peak in the tourism season. Hotels, villas and apartments are booked far in advance, restaurants and bars prepare to welcome hundreds more visitors, and a variety of shore-based activities are organised. Regatta fever is in the air and just about everyone is infected with the excitement of being in Bequia to celebrate tradition and excellence in sailing on the island’s biggest weekend of the year. For more information contact: The Bequia Sailing Club Email: bsc@vincysurf.com www.begos.com/easterregatta
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Yacht Services
B
equia, with its tradition of love for the sea and internationally famous seafaring skills, welcomes our boating visitors. We hope that you are able to fulfil all your needs and enjoy your stay with us. Most Bequia marine service providers monitor VHF ch. 68, and some ch. 16 as well.
Customs and Immigration
Tel: (784) 458 3769 Located in the Revenue Office directly across the road from the main Ferry Wharf. Normal office hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-4:00pm (closed 12 noon-1:00pm); Sat 8.30am-12:00 noon. As with all Caribbean islands, clearance outside these office hours is possible, but will incur overtime charges for both Customs and Immigration. Yachts are therefore advised to try to clear in and out within normal office hours to avoid overtime charges. If you enter Port Elizabeth during working hours (i.e. including overtime hours), you must proceed to Customs & Immigration immediately. Clearing out can be done up to 24 hours prior to departure. Current Overtime hours and charges (per boat): Mon-Fri: 4:00-6:00pm / Sat 12:00-6:00pm Customs EC$45.80 + Cruise Tax EC$35 total EC$80.80 Sun and holidays: 9:00am-12:00 noon; 3:00-6:00pm: Customs EC$63 + Cruise Tax EC$35, total EC$98.
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Cruise Tax and Charter Licence: Bareboats – Provided your bareboat charter company has paid the annual licence fee for the boat, only the cruise tax of EC$35 per person per month will be charged. Cruise tax does not apply to children under 12 or Vincentian nationals. Crewed Charter Boats – Licence of EC$5 per ft. per month or EC$30 per ft. per year, plus cruise tax of EC$35 per passenger per month. Cruise tax does not apply to children under 12 years, crew or Vincentian nationals. Boat Length Annual Occasional Licence Licence Up to 30ft EC$600 EC$60 31-50ft EC$1000 EC$125 51ft and over EC$1400 EC$140 Private Yachts (defined as a yacht whose owner is on board and is sailing for pleasure without fee paying passengers) – no licence fee. Cruise tax of EC$35 per person per month, including skipper. Cruise tax does not apply to children under 12 or Vincentian nationals.
Immigration
Overtime charges apply Mon-Fri: 4:006:00pm/Sun and public holidays: EC$50. PLEASE NOTE: It is a violation not to clear into St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Port Authority Representative Johnny Ollivierre Tel: (784) 494 9241/456 1830
Moorings
Moorings in Admiralty Bay offered for rent are not authorized by the Port Authority, and are not inspected or insured. Until such time as the Port Authority regularises this situation, users rent them at their own risk.
Water Taxis
Boat boys and water taxis are also un-licenced and their boats un-inspected by the Port Authority, but the following water taxi services have reputations for good seamanship and reliable service. All can be reached on VHF 68. African Pride Daffodil Marine Fat Shag God is Good McCarthy Water Taxi
Solid Waste Disposal
Ashore, there is only one place to dispose of yacht garbage, located near the fish market jetty next to the vegetable market. These skips are for the exclusive use of yachtsmen. Alternatively, yacht garbage may be delivered ‘at sea’ to Daffodil Marine or other reliable water taxis; a charge per bag applies. Dumping garbage in unauthorised places is a prosecutable offence. Help keep Bequia clean and green! Please do NOT dump yacht garbage in sidewalk garbage bins, under the Almond Tree or anywhere else. There is a large skip near the market for this purpose. Local boats at Bequia Easter Regatta
Water & Fuel
Bequia Marina Service Centre VHF 68, located at Bequia Marina Dock, north side of Admiralty Bay. Diesel fuel, water, ice. Daffodil Marine VHF 67 (At sea) Kingfisher Marine Service Tel: (784) 532 8006 Located on the north side of the harbour; provides fuel, water and garbage disposal. Shell Service Station Tel: (784) 458 3601, located on the main road in Port Elizabeth between the main ferry wharf and fish market jetty. Fuel only.
Laundry Service
Daffodil Marine VHF 67, pick up and delivery. Lighthouse Laundry VHF 68, located on main road at O’car Reform, close to the power station. Papa Mitchie’s Laundry Service VHF 68, across the road from the dinghy dock. Tel: (784) 458 3722
Dockage
The Yacht Club (Tradewinds), at Bequia Marina Dock VHF 77; Tel: (784) 457 3407
Slipping/Refurbishing & Management
Bequia Marina Service Centre At Bequia Marina Dock, now part of Trade Winds’ operation. Tel: (784) 457 3407 Piper Yacht Service – Donny Lewis Tel: (784) 495 2272
Chandlers & Marine Suppliers
Grenadine Yacht & Equipment (GYE) Tel: (784) 458 3347 O’Car Reform on the road to Hamilton, or accessed via The Bequia Marina Boatyard gye-bequia@vincysurf.com
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Yacht Services Lucos General Services Tel: (784) 457 3632 South of the Anglican Church on main road. Lulley’s Tackle Shop Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 458 3420 Upstairs and at the back of the ‘Missing Link’ building opposite the vegetable market. lulley@vincysurf.com Piper Marine Store, on Back Street, downstairs Allick’s Sail Loft Tel: (784) 457 3856/495 2272 VHF 68
CK Greaves Supermarkets Tel:(784) 457 1074 Three locations - Kingstown, Arnos Vale and Pembroke. A wide selection of local and imported food available. Free delivery to Grenadines wharf and yachts. Major credit cards accepted. ckgreaves@vincysurf.com Doris Fresh Food Back Street Tel: (784) 458 3625 VHF 16/68 doris_freshfood@yahoo.com Gourmet Food O’Car Reform Tel: (784) 458 3485 VHF 68
There are several grocery outlets on Bequia, but the following specialise in yacht provisioning:
Knight’s Trading/Knight’s Supermarket Two locations at Front and Back Street Tel: (784) 458 3218 VHF 68 knightstrad@yahoo.com In the heart of Port Elizabeth, this supermarket/ hardware store caters to every need - both for land and yachting communities. If required, deliveries will be made to the dinghy dock.
Bequia Food Store Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 457 3928
Lina’s Delicatessen Downstairs Bayshore Mall Tel: (784) 458 3181 VHF 68
Wallace & Co., near the Anglican Church at the entrance to Belmont Walkway Tel: (784) 458 3360, wallco@vincysurf.com
Yacht Provisioners
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Mama’s Deli, Located behind Papa’s Bar & Lounge. Tel: (784) 458 3443
Anchoring right off the beach
Select, across the road from the main dinghy dock, next to De Bistro Tel: (784) 457 3482 mitchbistro@vincysurf.com Shoreline Mini-Mart Belmont Walkway Tel: (784) 458 3458 VHF 68 noelina.taylor@yahoo.com
Sail Making & Repair
Allick’s Sail Loft, across the road from the Dinghy Dock, entrance on Back Street. Tel: (784) 458 3992 (home) Tel: (784) 457 3040 (loft) VHF 68 Bequia Canvas, O’Car, next to GYE Tel: (784) 457 3291 beqcan@vincysurf.com Grenadines Sails & Canvas (North Sails), on main road to Hamilton, opposite GYE, or accessed via the Bequia Marina boatyard. Tel: (784) 457 3507/3527(evenings) VHF 16/68. gsails@vincysurf.com
Engine Repair
Caribbean Diesel Repair Inc., in the Anglican churchyard, Port Elizabeth Tel: (784) 458 3114 VHF 68 teronecaesar@hotmail.com Kerry’s Marine Services Port Elizabeth, behind old primary school, on the road to Spring. Tel: (784) 530 8123/570 7612 VHF 68 ‘KMS’ vanessa_kerry_1@hotmail.com Simpson Engineering Ltd., O’car Reform, behind Bequia Maritime Museum Tel: (784) 457 3962 For further information or assistance, contact BTA at tel: (784) 458 3286
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Land & Watersports
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he sea has historically played a major part in Bequia’s life and, today, equally appeals to the visitor. The beckoning crystal clear waters delight the senses and offer an abundance of treasures particularly those just waiting to be discovered in the magical undersea world.. Bequia is off the better known Caribbean dive site paths and consequently the reefs are less disturbed and the marine life richer in variety. Part of the leeward side of the island is a designated marine park. Spear fishing, anchoring, traps and nets are prohibited. Both experienced divers and those who have never donned tank, mask and fins before have the opportunity to explore a superb, sevenmile reef which fringes the island, where the Atlantic butts up to the Caribbean. This is very strictly protected and under no circumstances can even dead coral be taken. There are excellent dive sites around Bequia and the nearby islands, all easily accessible within 15 minutes by boat. For those who have never dived before, Bequia is the ideal destination to take a resort diving course. There is a large variety of marine life to excite beginners in their
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shallow dives, or simply to enjoy some of the best snorkelling in the Caribbean. There are some great drift dives with tunnels, caverns, walls, overhangs and hollows, all resplendent with varied coral formations, teeming with reef fish as well as lobsters, shrimp, crabs, moray eels, barracudas, angelfish, jacks, seahorses, groupers and the odd nurse shark. Terrific wreck dives and night diving are also available. Dive courses leading to certification are available. Snorkelling trips are especially good along the coast to Northwest Point and in the protected windward side waters of Friendship Bay. Snorkelling is also safe off any beach where swimming is enjoyed. Sports fishing is a popular pastime providing both excellent sport and a delicious meal! Spanish mackerel, barracuda, marlin, mahi mahi, tuna, bonito, and kingfish are just some of the fish available. Hand lining and trolling are the only methods of fishing permitted to visitors and catches are restricted to only enough for your personal use. No fishing is allowed in protected areas, particularly the northeast coast and Devil’s Table. Spearfishing is strictly forbidden to non-residents throughout St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Sailing and sailing skills form a great part of most Bequians’ lifestyles. From an early age, they learn to man the double-enders, both for pleasure and for earning a livelihood – skills passed on from father to son and now via the BYATS (Bequia Youth and the Sea) Programme sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bequia. Holidaymakers can charter boats for their sailing pleasure, with or without a skipper. You are, of course, welcome to use your sail-boards and to take full advantage of our glorious waters and ideal winds. Jetskis and other powered ‘recreational’ vehicles are strictly forbidden. If you would rather stay dry, Bequia also offers tennis at various facilities. Bequia is the perfect island to explore on foot. Starting from any hotel or guest house, a leisurely walk of a few hours will bring rewards of beautiful scenery, wonderful flora and fauna, opportunities to meet friendly Bequians, and the chance to discover some of the island’s interesting little watering holes for local snacks and thirst-quenching drinks. There are many old trails and footpaths throughout the island. Please check with the BTA who will be happy to assist in recommending a guide. Fisherman’s Day
Diving
Bequia Dive Adventures Belmont Walkway, Admiralty Bay Tel: (784) 458 3826 adventures@vincysurf.com www.bequiadiveadventures.com Dive Bequia Gingerbread Complex, Admiralty Bay Tel: (784) 458 3504 divebequia@dive-bequia.com www.dive-bequia.com Dive the Islands Belmont Walkway, Admiralty Bay Tel: (784) 495 0886/9 or 457 3888 sailrelaxexplore@mac.com www.sailrelaxexplore.com
Karate
Kiai II Karate Lower Bay Tel: (784) 493 7244 Every Wed 4.30 - 6.30pm & Sat 1.30pm
Land Tours
Bushman’s Rough & Ready Hiking Brent Gooding Tel: (784) 495 2524 HazEco Tours St. Vincent Tel: (784) 457 8634 hazeco@vincysurf.com www.hazecotours.com Martine & François Nature Walk/Hiking Tours Tel: (784) 457 3898 bay.ebe@gmail.com Michael Tours Tel: (784) 458 3782/455 1154 michaeltoursbequia@yahoo.com www.bequia.net/sunrise/sunset_tour
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Land & Watersports Small Craft Rentals
De Reef Bar/Restaurant Lower Bay Tel: (784) 458 3958 Marlin’s Water Sports Tel: (784) 526 6552 marlinws@hotmail.com
Sports Fishing
Balliceaux Charter Tel: (784) 496 6147 Michael Tours Tel: (784) 458 3782/455 1154 michaeltoursbequia@yahoo.com www.bequia.net/sunrise/sunset_tours
Tennis
Firefly Hotel Bequia Spring Tel: (784) 458 3414 Frangipani Hotel/Gingerbread Belmont Walkway, Admiralty Bay Tel: (784) 458 3255 (Frangipani) Tel: (784) 458 3800 (Gingerbread) Lower Bay Sports Centre Lower Bay Tel: (784) 495 7335 lowerbaysportscenter@gmail.com
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Traditional Bequia boats