Bequia — Grenadine Island Paradise

The secluded Grenadine island of Bequia was named the island of the clouds by the Carib Indians. Unspoilt, and little changed by time, it is an island on which life is completely oriented to the sea. The island’s natives have retained its age-old traditions of boat building and fishing.

This idyllic Caribbean isle is isolated enough to remain relatively unspoiled, yet lively enough to be stimulating and entertaining, providing a unique blend of the old and new that many find just perfect.

Bequia is a beautiful lush island with some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean. It is also a great place to go on a sailing trip for a day, go hiking, relax on white sandy beach, or just "lime" under a coconut palm tree with your favourite beverage.

Yachting enthusiasts and sailors have known about the Grenadines and Bequia for much longer than most but more people are finding out it's a beautiful and natural place to be. The island tends to attract the more adventurous type of visitor who prefers the tropical delights and ambiance of the smaller, more informal islands, where the beaches are secluded and high rise hotels do not spoil the scenery.

The island is surrounded by white-sand beaches, many of which disappear into coves, providing excellent anchorage, scuba diving and snorkelling. The centre of the island is hilly and forested, creating 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.

The islanders posses a rich West Indian culture, created by a multi-ethnic twist of African, Portuguese and British influences. Musically, islanders go for reggae, calypso and steel pan. The sporting culture is dominated by British forms like cricket, soccer and netball. The younger islanders also have a keen interest in Basketball.

Bequia has long been reliant upon the sea for a living; boat building, both full-scale and models, is an island art form, and you can find many of these works of art as well as other crafts at the public market, or under Bequia’s famous Almond trees in the harbour town or Port Elizabeth.

Click here for a map of Bequia.