St Vincent in the Caribbean Sea lies between Saint Lucia and Grenada. It is the largest of the Grenadine Islands and conjures tropical visions, but its beauty is away from the port of Kingstown which does have one of the most interesting Catholic churches that should be seen. It could easily be a location for Harry Potter. Whilst the port does have its charm it is a functioning town that this film takes you around quickly before going off to the beach.
The unspoilt island is the gem. But the sister island of Bequia which is joined by a regular ferry that brings workers and college children daily, is the real paradise and we show you how easy it is to get there on the ferry. Bequia not only has the best beaches in St Vincent, it arguably has the best in the Caribbean.
If you are in search of a beach on the main St Vincent island you will still have to travel. There is only one white sand beach listed on the island 2017 tourist map. We take you there from the second local bus garage past the market on a $1 US bus marked to Layou and Buccament. Ask anyone in the bus station and they will willingly show you to the right bus. Once you see it, it will be obvious; the destination names are on the front either above or below the windscreen. The local people will enthusiastically guide you and exchange stories, which is how we found the ChiChi fishing, see that film here.
The local map given out as you arrive by the tourist office is helpful and the beaches are coded by beach balls. Black beach ball means black volcanic sand, the yellow beach ball is yellow sand, white beach ball means white sand. These beaches are the unspoilt type, not the lively bar-filled, jet-skiing beaches of Barbados. You may be one of a dozen people. Take water and sun cream there may only be a local rum shack as at Buccament where the local resort has closed meaning the beach is almost empty. Having said that there is a canoe and boat hire shop that no doubt did great business when the holiday centre was open. Tourism also list other excellent leeward coast beaches as including Mt Wynne, Petit Byahaut, Richmond Bay and Cumberland Bay but they do give them the black sand beach ball. Note Tucker Bay way north, funny if Tucker is on board as your comedian. On the south coast, Indian Bay Beach and Villa Beach are very popular and have a yellow beach ball! Across the water, the powder white sands of Young Island can be reached and enjoyed by ferry or water taxi almost next to your ship.
The islands of Mystique is idyllic, but a boat or helicopter away at a slightly higher premium cost than the $1 US it cost us to get to Buccament. If you do go to Bequia, walk round to Jack’s Bar, what a treat, what an island. Mystique is an hour further on and best done on a ship’s excursion. Bequia is pronounced Beckway.
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