Bequia

Bequia is the second largest of the Grenadines island chain. It belongs to St. Vincent, and is approximatly 15 km from the capital, Kingstown. Its capital is Port Elizabeth. Other villages are Paget Farm, Lower Bay, La Pompe, Hamilton and Derrick. Population is about 5000.

Bequia means island of clouds in Arawak but don't let the name deceive you: Bequia's lush hills are much lower than the peaks of St. Vincent, 10 miles to the north, so they don't catch as many showers.

Bequia is a favorite among yachts, expats and vacationers, most of whom will come back again and again to enjoy its hospitable, laid back and friendly atmosphere. The main port Admiralty Bay and the "town" Port Elizabeth are situated on the leeward coast. The bay is a large natural harbour, so there are always yachts anchored at the pretty beaches lining it.

Port Elizabeth has a charming waterfront; you could take a stroll from the vegetable market, follow "front street" with its many shops, boutiques and restaurants, keep going along the beach walkway, maybe stop for a drink at the Frangipani or Gingerbread. From there the walkway continues on a hilly track to Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay Beach. The more energetic can walk to Spring, a former plantation on the eastern coast of the island and from there further north to the turtle sanctuary at Industry. Bequia can be reached by plane directly from Barbados, by ferry from "mainland" St. Vincent or by private charter yacht.