Further information
Bequia (pronounced "Beck-way") is the most northerly island in the Grenadines island chain; about 1600 miles south east of Florida, USA.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is located in the south Eastern Caribbean about 90 miles west of Barbados.The Grenadines are some 32 islands and cays stretching south from St. Vincent. Only 8 of the Grenadines are populated and 4 of these have small Airports: Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Union.
Climate
Daytime temperatures consistently average between 24°C (75°F) and 30°C (86°F) throughout the year. A "chilly" evening in the winter months (January to March) might see a low of around 21°C (70°F) and in the summer months the temperature will occasionally reach 32°C (90°F). Tradewinds bring cooling breezes for most of the year; the famous Christmas Winds bring stiffer steady breezes, lively seas and perfect sailing weather.
The "dry" season from December/January to late April/early May coincides with the "high" season for visitors, with clear sunny skies, good sailing breezes, low humidity and minimal rainfall. The island is totally reliant on rain for its water, so the arrival of the "rainy" season in May/June is always welcome.
The warmer, summer months of May to November are a welcome mixture of cooling showers, sunshine and light breezes, with the occasional heavy downpour.
Bequia is far south in the hurricane belt, and although tropical storms will occasionally approach in the peak months of August to October, most disturbances either pass to the north or dissipate before they reach the Grenadines island chain.
Water temperature is steady year round and averages 28°C (82°F) so no need for divers to bring wetsuits.
What to bring
Please pack as lightly as you can. Most of our guests wear only a fraction of what they bring! All you really need are shorts, tee shirts and beachwear. In addition to this perhaps something a little more dressy for the two evenings you will be dining ashore. Soft luggage is preferable if you have it. We have some limited storage onshore for your empty bags, but please bring as little as you are comfortable with. Between meals, fresh fruit is available. If you like to eat more between meals, please feel free to bring snacks with you.
It is advisable to bring a change of clothes and toiletries in your hand luggage. If your luggage gets lost enroute it will not be able to be delivered to you until days later.
What shoes shall I bring?
You only need sandals or other shoes for the nights on shore as you will be barefoot whenever you are aboard.
Dry bags
You will be around water for the week. If you are concerned about getting your purse, wallet or watch wet, bring a small dry bag. These can be purchased from sports and outdoor vendors. Some of them roll up and trap the air inside which has the added benefit of making the bag float.
Fishing
All of our yachts have limited fishing gear onboard - we usually troll a line when sailing from island to island and will often catch yellow fin, wahoo, mahi-mahi or similar ...... which might become lunch!
Travel insurance
We strongly advise that all guests cruising with us have fully comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all eventualities such as hotel accommodation, lost baggage, theft, changes to flights or even cruise cancellation within TradeWinds 90 day period.
Please read our travel insurance recommendations for more information.
Currency
Local currency is the EC ("EE SEE") dollar which is tied to the US dollar at approximately US$1 to EC$2.67. Most businesses and taxis will accept US$ (normally at EC$2.60), and you may find small denomination US$ notes useful.
US$ rather than sterling travellers cheques are recommended. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and boutiques, but smaller businesses may ask for EC$ or US$ cash.
Visas and restrictions
Entry Visas are not required for American or Commonwealth citizens, or for those nationals of a country which has a visa exemption agreement with St. Vincent and the Grenadines.Only citizens of the following countries require a visa: The Peoples Republic of China, Lebanon, Syria, Nigeria, Jordan, Iraq, Iran and the Dominican Republic.
The following items are duty free but must be fully declared: wine or spirits not exceeding one quart in all; tobacco (not over half a pound) or cigars (not over 50 in number) or cigarettes (not over 200 in number).
Restricted items: drugs, arms, ammunition, spear guns, fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh flowers.
Please note that it is illegal to wear or import camouflage clothing in St Vincent and the Grenadines and in Barbados. This includes fashion brands with camouflage patterns.
Taxes/Service Charges
The government charges 15% VAT on all goods.
Member all-inclusive fees
Club Members please note that we add 15% VAT to your all-inclusive fee for this destination.
For payment of your all-inclusive fee travellers cheques are accepted without fees. "Travel Money" cards, or similar, will incur the normal credit card fees that are passed to us from the bank.
Useful links
Please note that all pricing was correct at the time of publication.
