Sights

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 harbor.

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.

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.

In Port Elizabeth 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.

Other Places of Interest:

St Mary's Anglican Church, Port Elizabeth:  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.

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. Colorful 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 defense of the entrance to Admiralty Bay was a priority for the British. In 1771, the harbor was described as being "very fine, where Ships of Force may safely ride", and ideal for careening (no such harbor 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.

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.  The plantation is still a working one, now growing mainly fruit. The Firefly Hotel, present owner of the plantation, is built on the foundations of the plantation's 18th century estate house.
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 snorkeling 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!

OldHegg Turtle Sanctuary: 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 labor 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.

"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 harbor, 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.

HIKING:

Smaller trails and disused roads take you deep into the heart of Bequia.  Check with the Tourism Office, for the more "off the beaten track" hikes.