Boat Building

Boat building used to be the way of life in Bequia and there is still evidence that many of the local men still have the knack and still work on their boats along the waters. There are also craftsmen displaying their hand carved boats that are sold in the shops in the center of town and on the weekend, especially Saturday near the market, many men have their crafts on sale. They are a work of art and so beautiful one has to purchase a boat and take it home with them. I have one of these boats and I love to look at it every day as it reminds me of our Windward Islands vacation in Bequia.

Bequia

Step out of your Caribbean yacht charter and get into your dinghy and head for downtown Port Elizabeth. Tie up at the dinghy dock and walk towards the left into town. There you can pick up a taxi to tour the island of Bequia. Bequia is so fascinating and full of history and the taxi driver's are full of knowledge and will take up one end of the island to the other. It is the best way to see all that Bequia has to offer. Stop along side of the road and get a bite to eat or stop for dinner. Your driver will know exactly where to take you!

Moonhole

While anchored in Admiralty Bay, one can walk along Tony Gibbons Beach, aka Princess Margaret's Beach and at the farthest corner you may see these open air, huge stone like structures that everyone refers to as "Moonhole" Jim and Sheena Johnson offer tours for $40 EC to tour the houses that are vacant and they literally grow out of the rocks located on the cliff above. You cannot not sail or climb up the mountainous hillside and it is best to take a taxi to Moonhole. Make sure that you call a day ahead and make reservations to make sure that either Jim or Sheena are there. Or if feeling very adventurous after seeing the fantastic view, one may even rent the house by the week for your next Caribbean vacation.

Bequia Scuba Diving

While on your Caribbean vacation, make sure that you book a scuba diving trip if you love to dive and snorkel. Dive Bequia which you can call at VHF: 16 will take you diving with their scuba instructors. They work closely with the Canouan Dive Center as well and this way you are able to dive at both Islands, if you choose.

Caribbean Vacation

Now is the time to start planning your Caribbean vacation because the airlines have dropped their prices, however they also have limited their services. Whether you start from the east coast, west coast or from the middle of the country, most of the major airlines will get you to San Juan or Barbados. Planning is most important as there is no direct flight to any of the Windward Islands, but many connecting flights are available. You have Liat Airlines, who covers most of the Windward Islands, there is also Mustique Air, American Eagle, SVG Air, and they will get you where you want to be! Start planning today!

Union Island

I have just been informed that a new hotel on Union Island has opened up and it is beautiful with all modern amenities. It is located in beautiful Clifton Harbour. It has 17 rooms with a fresh water swimming pool, restaurant, and dive shop on site. While I haven't seen this property, it comes highly recommended. I am headed back to the Windward Islands in two weeks and my trip is already planned. I will definitely stop at Union Island on my next trip in February 2009 and during my caribbean yacht charter I will be visiting King's Landing Hotel and will report back to you at this time. But in the mean time if anyone wants to get more info, www.kingslandinghotel.com is a very informative web site on this new Hotel.

Walking Tour

A walking tour of Mustique is one way to see the beautiful private island or one can hire a taxi to see the sights. Make sure that you explore Britannia Bay and also go around the island as parts are developed and some are not. A taxi can show you the aerial view of Macaroni Bay and also all of the beautiful white sandy beaches that encompass Mustique. Make sure that you include a stop to the island of Mustique while planning your Caribbean vacation. While it is small, it is just so beautiful you won't want to miss it!

"The Place"

The place to see and be and eat is Basil's! Everyone has heard of Basil's Bar and restaurant, the most famous beach bar, especially for his two week blues festival! What a party! We also have dined on his famous seafood and lobster bake. The lobster is one of the finest served in all of the Windward Islands. One of our sailing buddies, Kathi, will only ever order lobster from Basil's. She has yet to try anything new! As far as Kathi is concerned, Basil's is the place to start and end her Caribbean sailing vacations!

Mustique Villas

A great place to stay is in the Mustique Villas. You can start your Caribbean sailing vacation here on Mustique, as you can rent a villa for a few days, explore the island and then hire a captain and do a few days sailing the waters of Caribbean! The Windward Islands are so flexible that one is able to sail, sun, boat, explore with a local in a taxi or do whatever you want to do as the sky is the limit. Another lace to stay is the Cotton House. While we have never stayed here, we have visited it and it is truly magnificent and the food is absolutely delicious!

Caribbean sailing

Another must stop is Sweetie Pie Bakery. Ali, the owner makes up fresh croissants, breads and an assortment of french pastries daily. One can also pick up a newspaper and it will more than likely be from your own country, as he has over 150 daily and weekly papers available in his bakery. Before heading back on your sailing yacht charter, stock up on these fine pastries, you won't regret it!

Mustique

Let's take our Caribbean Sailing Charters and head on down to the small yet quaint Island of Mustique. While Mustique is small and very private, they have a few places to stay and eat that are excellent. Also, you can stock up on your provisions and shop in the few boutiques. Corea's supermarket has a good selection of fresh produce along with the normal staple items needed for your boat. Keep on reading and we will tour the island together.

St Lucia Charters

Sandals is well known throughout the Caribbean and St Lucia is no stranger to the all inclusive resorts. Spend the day relaxing by the pool and plan a day in the Caribbean sailing, on a chartered sailboat or power boat. There are many water front dock services available to everyone. You can charter a boat or hire a captain to sail you down to St Vincent or you can also take a ferry to Bequia or St Vincent. The possibilities are endless, so no matter if you are at a hotel, or renting a house, the Windward Islands are there for all to enjoy!

Windward Island Vacation

There is no place like a Windward Islands Vacation! The Windward Islands has the ideal climate 365 days of the year, ideal winds, gorgeous blue green waters and friendly people who serve the most delicious local foods! Sailing or power boating around all of the Islands is the best way to see and explore these small Islands. Or you can stay at one of these Islands and take the local ferry to get around to the other Islands. Look at my web site, sailingrus.com and explore all of these Islands and what each of them have to offer.

Windward Island Charter

For the group of seven who are headed to St Vincent and then on to Bequia, your Windward Island Charter can begin in St Vincent with a stay at Wilkie's, Grand View Beach Hotel and then you can savor authentic local dishes at the Grand View Grill. Whether you are in need of lunch or dinner, Grand View Grill is open in the early afternoon at 2:00pm and closes late. Be aware that they are closed on Mondays. Make sure you check out the small art gallery below the restaurant and look at the pictures throughout the restaurant! A might fine place to stay and eat!

St Vincent charter

St Vincent charters can see the island through the many taxi's that are available. Make sure that you negotiate the price before you leave for your destination. Whether you want an island tour or just take a taxi to dinner, most taxi driver's know where the best places are to eat and the best tourist area's around the Island. Buses are also available for tours.

A Bargain

No St Vincent cruise is complete without a local restaurant that not only serves the freshest local food, but also spectacular views of the cut all at very reasonable prices! XCAPE is located on the second floor on top of an old building and you really have to look for it during the day, but can be easily found at night! Especially Friday night when they have live music it is very crowded! This is another one of our favorites! Our TMM team first recommended this to us and we always try to stop either sailing south or when we are returning North!