| There
is far more to Bequia than just its beaches, its quaint waterfront bars
and shops, and its sleepy yet bustling little main town and harbour.
Most
visitors to the island, even if they are only here for the day, take time
to explore - either by taking an Island Tour in one of Bequia's famous
open backed taxis, (takes about 3 hours) or by renting
a car and exploring for themselves. How better to get to see the whole
picture, and understand why Bequia is such a fascinating, special place,
so full of contrasts?
Island
Tours are what Bequia taxi drivers do best: leisurely and informative,
you will get to see as much or as little as you want, and always with
full commentary! Tours are tailored to your wishes - just agree a price
beforehand. Enquire at the Tourism Office for recommended taxis.
Travel
a short distance away from the heart of the island in Port Elizabeth,
and you will find lush green meadows, deserted beaches, spectacular views
down the Grenadine islands, densely wooded hillsides, fishing villages,
boat-builders executing a skill passed down for generations, artists'
studios, windswept hillsides alive with sheep and goats, fabulous flora
and fauna, and a real sense of history and heritage hidden just below
the surface.
PLACES
OF INTEREST
St
Mary's Anglican Church, Port Elizabeth
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This beautiful
old church was erected in 1829, replacing the older structure which
was destroyed in a hurricane. Imported ballast bricks as well as local
limestone were used in its construction, which may go some way towards
explaining its cost, which at the time was recorded at some 4,700
pounds.
The church's cool, simple
interior contains many fascinating memorial tablets to some of Bequia's
earliest settlers, as well as present day stained glass memorials
to some of Bequia's illustrious and much loved residents.
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Hamilton
Along the north shore of Admiralty
Bay, just outside of Port Elizabeth and on the way to Hamilton Fort, is
the small fishing village of Hamilton. Colourful boats pull up on the
sandy shore and small rum shops dot the roadside.
Hamilton
Fort
| On the northern
point of Admiralty Bay, beyond Hamilton village. The original structure
is long gone, but both French and English cannon retrieved from the
waters around Bequia are now placed there; the view alone is worth
the visit. The defence of the entrance to Admiralty Bay was a priority
for the British. In 1771, the harbour was described as being "very
fine, where Ships of Force may safely ride", and ideal for careening
(no such harbour existed in St. Vincent).
Due south of Hamilton
Fort, on the small headland above Lower Bay, there was a second
fortification, and the approach from St. Vincent was covered by
additional emplacements a few hundred feet North of Hamilton Fort.
Eleven cannon in all were recommended for these three batteries,
at a total estimated cost of 1500 pounds - a huge sum in those days.
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Spring
and Industry
Travel east out of Port Elizabeth
(along the only road) and you will come to the lush meadow of Spring,
with tall waving coconut palms, and quietly grazing cows, horses and sheep.
This land was once the Spring Plantation - one of the largest on Bequia,
and the ruins of the old sugar mill are still standing. These have now
been sympathetically converted in to a thriving pottery
and artist's studio.
Spring Plantation
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The plantation (left)
is still a working one, now growing mainly fruit. Spring Hotel, present
owners of the plantation, is built on the foundations of the plantation's
18th century estate house.
Spring's ruined
sugar mill
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Bananas growing in Industry
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Beyond
Spring on the same, single road, is Industry Bay - site of
another former plantation.
Just off the "main" road,
behind the coconut palms are some crumbling overgrown ruins and an
old well which are an evocative reminder of the area's past, and well
worth exploring.
The beach here is the
perfect "get away from it all" spot, with good snorkelling on the
reef when the water is calm. A small traditional inn set right on
the beach is famous for its perfect setting and great full moon
barbecues!
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OldHegg
Turtle Sanctuary
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The next
bay on from Industry, over a rocky headland brings you to Park Beach,
now home to Bequian Orton (Brother) King's turtle sanctuary. A true
labour of love, Brother King has been providing a nursery for young
Hawksbill turtles since 1995.
The turtles are cared for from birth to about 18 months
when they are tagged and returned to the ocean. A former skin-diving
fisherman, Brother King welcomes visitors enthusiastically and delights
in sharing his passion and knowledge with others. |
Mount
Pleasant
| The highest
accessible point in Bequia, with sweeping views first over Admiralty
Bay as the road winds upwards, and then from the summit, down over
the southern Grenadines. The inhabitants of Mount Pleasant are a close
knit community, many descendants of the English and Scots settlers
who first came to Bequia in the 18th century and 19th centuries.
A reconstructed plantation
house, now a 6-room inn, offers a glimpse into the past, with an
intriguing display of petroglyph rubbings from St. Vincent - said
to be over 5000 years old - and more recent locally excavated treasures
from the colonial age.
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Photo courtesy Lynn McKamey
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"South
Side"
Bequia's southern side is and
always has been, the heart of the island's seafaring activities. The first
view, from the crest of the hill road out from the harbour, is the broad
sweep of Friendship Bay, with the island of Mustique in the distance.
Below amongst mango trees is one of the few areas where traditional staple
crops of cassava, corn and pigeon peas are still cultivated.
At the bay's west end,
working local fishing boats are pulled up on the beach, and steps lead
to the main road and village of La Pompe. This sea-side road leads
to the small fishing community of Paget Farm. Despite the use of
outboards engines, the presence of a small fishery and the advent of the
airport beyond the village, life has not changed much here in decades.
Moonhole
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Nothing
but natural stone, exotic woods and whalebone were used in the
original construction of the houses in this unique development
dating from the 1960s.İ A natural arch of rock, through which
the full moon sets twice a year, gave the original house and the
location its name.
Moonhole now comprises
about eighteen privately owned homes, some of which are available
to rent.İIt is not "open" to the public, butİguided tours ofİparts
of Moonhole are available by prior arrangement.
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HIKING
Perhaps
the best way to really get to know Bequia and its hidden treasures is
on foot. Early morning or late evening are the ideal times of day - but
whenever you go, remember to take water, a hat and sunscreen! Just exploring
the winding roads on Bequia can be a revelation, but there are also smaller
trails and disused roads to take you deep into the heart of the island.
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Brazil
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For the more "off the beaten track" hikes, it's sensible to check
your proposed route first at the Tourism Office, or with someone
who is familiar with the area. And make sure you can identify the
vicious "brazil" plant - do NOT touch!!
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Hiking
Tours, Bequia
Martine
and Francois
|
Explore Bequia
on foot, with Bequian Brent Gooding, known as "Bushman". Hikes
for all ages.
Hiking
duration - one hour or more. Available 7 days a week , any
time of day.
"Come see
a side of Bequia
that you have never seen before"
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The nearby island of St. Vincent, capital of the island state of St. Vincent
& the Grenadines is rich in both natural resources - tropical rain
forest, active volcano, lush fertile valleys, waterfalls, some reached
only by sea, the Botanical Gardens (the oldest in the Western Hemisphere)
- and historical sites. Echoes of the island's chequered past of brave
Carib resistance, French and British occupation, and colonial rule in
both the pre- and post emancipation eras abound.
The dome of St. Vincent's volcano
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The
capital, Kingstown is a busy, no nonsense town with newly opened
cruiseship berth, ferry and freighter docks, Government buildings
and courthouse, cathedral, fish market, vegetable market and an
astonishing array of shops, both large and small.
Bananas are still island's main source of industry
and employment, supplying especially British supermarkets with deliciously
sweet "Windward Island" bananas.
The pace, attitude and topography in St.Vincent are in striking
contrast to neighbouring Bequia, and a visit to this beautiful volcanic
island is highly recommended.
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Tour
Companies
HazEco Tours
hazeco@caribsurf.com
www.hazecotours.com
St. Vincent: Tel: (784) 457 8634
Sunset
Tours, Bequia
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Enjoy island tours to
the Turtle Sanctuary, the unusual homes of Moonhole, the fishing
village of Paget Farm, as well as photo outings, and island history
tours. Fun day trips to uninhabited islands for snorkeling, traditional
beach barbeques, or deep sea fishing can also be arranged.
We offer personalized
friendly service at a great value. Please book 24 hours in advance.
michaeltoursbequia@yahoo.com
www.bequia.net/sunrise/sunset_tours
Tel: (784) 458
3782 or (784) 457 3086
Mobile: (784) 530 6833
or (784) 593 3631 (Bequia)
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