What do you do all day on Bequia? There's plenty going on - if you can drag yourself away from the beach and that gorgeous clear Caribbean sea.
The energetic can be seen early mornings swimming or jogging, or you could visit Lisa's gym at AquaonBequia, on the road to the harbour. If diving is your passion, Dive Bequia's boats go out 3 times a day, find them next to Gingerbread's cafe, which is a great place for coffee or a leisurely lunch after your dive. There are several hiking trails, from easy to expedition level, ask Brett to be your guide
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Discover Bequia's beaches, Lower Bay - beautiful sand, safe bathing in crystal clear water, and De Reef bar for cooling drinks. Princess Margaret beach - snorkle around from Lower Bay over a shallow reef. Ravine beach - you'll probably be the only ones there. Hope beach - soft warm sand, palm trees, salty spray and powerful surf.
You'll find taxis under the almond trees as you walk along the picturesque Belmont Walkway leading into the harbour, take an island tour to see the fantastic views, or visit the Old Hegg Turtle sanctuary, where you can see turtles from hatchlings to adults. Moonhole is a unique estate where freeform houses cling to the cliffs. Using only wind power, and built into the rocks using tropical hardwood and sometimes whalebones in construction, the Moonhole houses are worth a visit.
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Sailors have been coming to Bequia for many years, the sailing conditions are excellent, and the southern Grenadines are outstandingly beautiful - a trip on the schooner Friendship Rose is a must, or you could charter a yacht to spend several days exploring land and sea at leisure.
If you're on the island over Easter, the Bequia Easter Regatta is fun for everyone. If you love sailing you could help crew one of the participating sailboats, if not, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy - and still some almost deserted beaches if you just want to relax.
If you'd like to learn how to sail, Nicky Hazell is a great sailor who can teach you the basics on his yacht, 'Nicola III'.
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Bequia has a vast choice of restaurants and bars, from charming beachside shacks, to elegant hotels to airconditioned sports bars. Check out the Bequia section of Ins & Outs magazine to decide where to go.
There are several interesting art and craft galleries to visit. The Pottery at Spring is a working pottery where you can see the how it's done and buy the finished result. Sam and Donna McDowell have paintings, scrimshaw and sailors' valentines on display at their Banana Patch Studio at Paget Farm. Lesley and Prop King have a gallery at The Boathouse, showcasing Lesley's paintings, and Prop's coconut boats. Claude Victorine screen prints silk at her charming studio in Lower Bay.
If you've got time, a day trip to St Vincent is a memorable addition to your vacation. Have you ever hiked to the top of a volcano? now's your chance to peer over the edge of Soufriere's cone and hopefully not see much action - worth the effort.
The Botanic gardens are a peaceful and beautiful oasis near the capital, Kingstown. Farther afield, in the Mesopotamia valley, are the Montreal gardens, 7 acres of abundant and colourful tropical plants set in the rainforest, with meandering paths and the rush of water cascading over river rocks. Magnificent. Hazeco Tours can take you to both these, and other wonderful sites, meeting you off the ferry and getting you back to the dock for your return to Bequia.
