Pronounced BECK-way, Bequia is one of the most idyllic isles in the Grenadines, with golden-sand beaches along its scenic shores and local traditions that haven’t been overtaken by commercial tourism. Set nine miles from the southern tip of St. Vincent, Bequia has just seven square miles but packs in a lot over a small area. And it’s loved for what you won’t find: traffic, crowds, or massive resorts. You will encounter secluded beaches backed by swaying palms and quaint villages with shops and restaurants, while the principal town of Port Elizabeth isn’t much more cosmopolitan. Enjoy a scenic stroll along the town's waterfront Belmont Walkway to Princess Margaret Beach. Then set off on a boat excursion to explore the surrounding islets that dot the clear waters.
The twin cascades that tumble dramatically down a rugged cliffside to natural pools below are sights to behold for sure. And feel, as the cool waters are perfect for a brisk swim. About an hour’s drive from Kingston, the spot requires a hike of about ten to 15 minutes after you park. The laid-back trail winds through dense forest crosses a bamboo bridge and passes a bamboo grove before you pop out at the natural wonder. If you feel like a slightly more difficult hike after that, a trail from the base leads up to the second fall right above the first.
Epitomizing the perfect Caribbean beach, Salt Whistle Bay offers pristine powder-white sands, backed by a shoreline rich with grape and palm trees. Wonderful for snorkeling, the turquoise waters touch against a coral reef that teems with tropical fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. The main section of the beach can get a bit overwhelming with vendors hawking their wares, but you should be able to find quieter spots in the sand if you head north. The best way to get there is via ferry from St. Vincent, and the trip takes about three and a half hours.
While it is a bustling capital city, Kingstown’s relatively low population (around 50,000) keeps it somewhat laid-back. Somewhat. It still moves at a more frenzied pace than most of its island neighbors, notably in the lively Public Market where the cries of vendors and thumping beats of music permeate the tropical air. But you can find quieter environs as you wander the town’s narrow streets, to check out colonial buildings and great views as you ascend the hills surrounding the town.
Just beyond Kingstown, you’ll find one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere. The St. Vincent Botanical Gardens was founded in 1765 by the governor of the British Caribbean Islands as a place to grow medicinal plants for the military and other island inhabitants. Today you can see a breadfruit tree that’s descended from one brought by Captain Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame. Across the garden’s 20 acres you’ll also find a massive variety of exotic plants and trees, as well as an aviary where you can get a look at the national bird, the St. Vincent parrot.
The hike up the La Soufrière Volcano is not for the fainthearted. While not expert level, it is strenuous and does take you through some rugged terrain, Those who take on the challenge are rewarded with awe-inspiring views that get increasingly more stunning as you near the top, with vistas across wide valleys and dramatic gorges. Along the way, you’ll ascend a staircase constructed out of bamboo and other native trees and push past a plethora of exotic plants. At the summit, which is often heavy with cloud cover, you can peer down into a volcanic crater. There’s also a trail that goes down into the crater if you’re ready to invest the energy and extra two hours hiking.
Beyond the eastern shore of Mayreau, you’ll find a small gathering of tiny uninhabited islands. These Tobago Cays are home to some of the best underwater spots the region has to offer, collectively making up the Tobago Cays Marine Park. A crystal clear lagoon sits at the center of the isles, home to nesting sea turtles and giving way to coral reef systems and tangles of mangroves. As a protected area, yachts are not allowed to drop anchor, making the spot feel all the more secluded and serving as a true get-back-to-nature experience. Just about any place along the 2.5-mile horseshoe-shaped reef is great for snorkeling, though you may just choose to spend the day basking on the tranquil white-sand beach.
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