Bequia lies 14km (9 miles) south of St Vincent and measures 18 sq km (7 sq miles). Bequia Gay Cruises. Little changed by time, it is an island on which life is completely oriented to the sea. Bequia Gay Cruises. It can be reached by boat, although an airport, J F Mitchell, was opened in May 1992. Bequia Gay Cruises. Its seclusion has ensured it retained its age-old traditions of boat building and fishing. Bequia Gay Cruises. In the marine park, spearfishing, snares and nets are prohibited. Bequia Gay Cruises.
The islanders themselves are the world's last hand-harpooners and claim that their activities do not affect marine stocks, unlike the mechanised fishing of some fleets. Bequia Gay Cruises.
The centre of the island is hilly and forested, providing a dramatic backdrop to the bays and beaches. Bequia Gay Cruises.
Admiralty Bay, the island's natural harbour, is a favourite anchoring spot for yachtsmen from all over the world, and here visitors can watch men building their boats by hand on the shores. Bequia Gay Cruises. The attractive region around Lower Bay has good opportunities for swimming and other watersports. Bequia Gay Cruises.
The quaint waterfront of Port Elizabeth is lined with bars, restaurants and craft shops. Bequia Gay Cruises. Bequia is encircled by gold-sand beaches, many of which disappear into coves, excellent for sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling. Bequia Gay Cruises. Lodgings vary from luxurious resort cottages to small, simple West Indian inns. Bequia Gay Cruises.
Much of the nightlife centres on the hotels and beachside barbecues, invariably accompanied by a steel band. Bequia Gay Cruises.
