Bequia

A sailing paradise in the Grenadines: the harbor at Admiralty Bay, Princess Margaret Beach, a turtle sanctuary and snorkeling with turtles in the Tobago Cays.

Bequia is the second-largest island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, about 15 km south of the main island of St. Vincent. Covering only about 18 km² with around 5,000 residents, it is the sailing hub and cultural heart of the Grenadines. The main harbor, Port Elizabeth, sits on Admiralty Bay, which is filled year-round with yachts from around the world. The southwest coast has quiet golden beaches such as Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay, Friendship Bay on the south coast is good for kitesurfing, and on the northeast coast you can visit a turtle sanctuary. The island preserves a unique whaling tradition and a craft of handmade model boats. With Bequia as your base, take a day sail to Tobago Cays Marine Park to swim with turtles, stopping at Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau, or visit Mustique, the celebrities' private island. The best season is the Dec–May dry season, and the Bequia Easter Regatta takes place over Easter; Jun–Nov is hurricane season, with the highest risk in Sep–Oct. Getting there: connect via Argyle International Airport on St. Vincent, then take the ferry from Kingstown (about 1 hour); the island also has a small airport. Get around by taxi and water taxi. Stay 3–5 days. Note: the currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, and US dollars are widely accepted; protect yourself from the sun and respect protected-area rules.

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