Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Travel Forum

Hi!
Planning to go to Bequia in late October early November with two children aged 14 and 9. Could someone give me ideas of where to stay? We love windsurfing, waterskiing, snorkeling and sailing Hobicats which should be available within the hotel.

Ideas of what to do besides the watersports?

Is Bequia a good choice for us with children or is it a quiet honeymoon destination?

Would love to hear more from those who been there or live there.

Thanks!

Part I - Is Bequia for you ? Well, let me start by saying that I don't know any hotel on Bequia (there are only 3!) that offers the array of watersports you have in mind.

For first-timers, with a family, I would recommend the Frangipani on the waterfront near the pretty town of Port Elizabeth. If you are avid snorkellers, Dawn's Creole Garden in Lower Bay is nice. I recommend Friendship Bay Hotel for day visits but am not comfortable recommending it because it is so unstable (on the other hand, you might hit it in an upswing, as was the case last year).

That said, based on the things you are looking for, I am not sure Bequia is your kind of place.

There is no commercial waterskiing service on Bequia. Some of the water-taxi guys have skis and will tow you around. This is a practice MUCH resented by those visitors and locals who love their quiet beaches and have to go into full alert mode as these guys play dodgems through the swimmers. No life-vests, no watchers. Definitely not recommended if you value your children's safety.

Mercifully, jetskis are also banned throughout the Grenadines.

There are little Lasers for rent on Lower Bay as well as one person sea kayaks but no Hobie Cats. The water taxis make a killing on rescuing people who misjudge the tricky winds !.

There used to be a windsurfing concession at the Sunny Caribbee (Plantation House) hotel but the hotel is closed and the concession is long gone.

On the up side, there is lots of decent snorkelling off Lower Bay Beach, Friendship Bay and elsewhere. Bring your own gear, however, because there is not much rental available and it is expensive.\

Part II - Besides watersports, I highly recommend daysails with Passion (Catamaran) or Friendship Rose (traditional Bequia-built gaff-rigged motor sail) to the Galls of Baleine, Tobago Cays, Mustique, eco tours on the nearby 'Mainland' of St. Vincent, visiting the Spring Pottery and Turtle Farm on Bequia, taking part in the local community fundraiser, beach volleyball, Sunday afternoon jump-ups, etc. etc..

I have gone to Bequia with children for years - they love it, but these are independent adaptable kids who are happy without TV, air conditioning and gameboys - they like books, hiking, snorkelling, hanging out with family and making friends with other kids, both local, expat and tourist. They also eat what is put in front of them (very important on an island where provisions can be limited !).

Bequia is a good choice for anyone who wants to visit a simple island, devoid of international chains and glitz, and comfortable with the fact that service is casual, food is not gourmet, entertainment is not sophisticated, and for whom golf, and casinos are not important (because there is none). On the other hand, if you want to taste the the real Caribbean without barriers between you and the local culture, this is the place.

BTW, re 'quiet' - I always tell people to bring earplugs - chances are really high you will find yourself within earshot of dogs, roosters, or a jump-up when you really want to sleep!

Hope this helps

Thanks a lot "curiousx" for the information. When trying to book airline tickets we realised that there might be a mid term holiday in Britain resulting in no seats on BA or West Ind. Airlines to Barbados! Bequia has to wait for us until next year.

HaiLin

Hi there!.. my name is Vincent Halbich.. Bequia is a beautiful island for honeymooners as well as non-honeymooners! there are a few really nice hotels as well! I can give a tourist company which I have been with before who can direct everything from accomidies to the logistics and so on! This company is based out of St. Vincent and is no more than a 15 min/ boat ride away. However they are very accustomed to dealing with customers all over the Carribean and are very helpful in ensuring that you get exactly where you need to get and with all of the specifics which meet your needs.
The company is called -Fantaseatours- fantasea@caribsurf.com
They should be able to help you out with anything concerns you have.

Update - Plantation House is reopening in December after having been closed for 2+ years.. Go to www.bequia.net and click on What's New for the details. It will offer some watersports. It might be pricey for a family, however, but still worth a look.