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The Grenadines Information
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| Less than an hour's flight from the coast of Florida, the 700 plus islands of the Bahamas stretch across 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic. On the Out Islands, everything except Grand Bahama and New Providence, the pace is slow and easy...yours may be the only footprints you see in the sand. Houses on Harbour Island and other out islands are often New-England style with clapboard painted in fading tropical colors and the inhabitants enjoy their reputation as the "friendly people". Largely undiscovered, Great Exuma lies on the Tropic of Cancer s |
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE GRENADINES
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BEACHES: Uncrowded and undeveloped beaches dot these islands. Around the perimeter of Bequia there are many palm fringed stretches for lounging, swimming, walking and snorkeling. Some have beach bars for lunch...others are more secluded. Palm Island has five white sand beaches. "Undiscovered" Canouan has secluded white sand beaches and pristine waters.
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SNORKELING AND DIVING: Snorkeling in the Tobago Cays is an experience not to be missed. These waters are a marine protected area and have spectacular coral reefs. Reached only by boat, the crystal waters and pure white sand are a background to the rich aquatic life. There are several of these marine conservation areas in the Grenadines which are ripe for snorkeling and diving...the whole of Palm Island, Mayreau, Mustique, Petit St. Vincent, the east coast of Canouan and the northeast coast and Devil's Table in Bequia. Dive operations proliferate since there are so many sites to explore...wrecks, reefs, wall dives, drift dives can all be found and all levels of diving expertise can be accommodated. Surrounded by one of the world's largest coral reefs, the island of Canouan is ideal for scuba and snorkeling plus the Tobago Cays are nearby.
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WATERSPORTS: Aside from snorkeling, windsurfing is the other popular water sport here and there are many facilities available throughout the islands, including on Bequia and Palm Island. Palm Island and Canouan also offers sunfish sailing and kayaking.
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BOATING AND SAILING: Yachting is the great attraction of the Grenadines and boats come from all over the world to sail these blue waters. Chartering a boat is a great way to see the islands and you can arrange day sails on a variety of boats. There are also catamarans and schooners with daily visits to Mustique, the Tobago Cays and the Falls of Baleine among other destinations. If you are on Bequia for the Bequia Easter Regatta, you could possibly join in the crewing of one of the racing yachts. Also on Bequia there are water taxis who will take you from one spot on the island to another (but always wait to pay the operator when he returns for you!) Day trips can be organized to the Tobago Cays, Mayreau, Petit Tabac, Palm Island Union Island, Petit St. Vincent, Morpion, Mustique and Bequia from Canouan.
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TENNIS: Tennis can be found at many of the hotels on the islands. Bequia has courts at four hotels and there are also public courts. Palm Island also has tennis courts. Raffles Resort Canouan Island has a tennis center which offers 4 all-weather tennis courts floodlit for night play, pro shop, rental equipment and resident pro.
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GOLF: The Trump International Golf Club at Raffles Resort Canouan Island is home to the resort's challenging 18-hole, par 72 golf course designed by Jim Fazio.
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HORSEBACK RIDING: Mustique has a fine stable of horses and a guide can take you for a thrilling ride on the beach.
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EXPLORING: Once situated on one of the islands you may want to take day trips to see some sites on the other Grenadine Islands. Both Mustique and St. Vincent are easy daytrips by plane from Bequia. St. Vincent has several interesting sites such as their famous Botanical Garden which was established in 1765. Among other fascinating plantings there is a descendant of the first breadfruit tree brought to these islands by Captain Bligh. The well-informed guides love showing you around. Mesopotamia Valley is an area of dramatic scenery and is considered the "Breadbasket of St. Vincent". Here you'll find breadfruit, coconut, peanuts and banana plantations. The Falls of Baleine, reachable only by boat (you can take a boat directly from Bequia if you like) are also a popular destination with its 60-foot drop. A daytrip to Mustique can be arranged where you spot dramatic scenery and spectacular villas. Trips can be arranged from Bequia with an island tour provided and a stop at world-famous Basil's Bar for lunch. On Bequia itself there is much to see...Admiralty Bay in Port Elizabeth is a picture postcard with it's boats of all shapes and sizes, bobbing side by side. There is a walk along the waterfront and sitting and watching the boats come and go is fascinating. A ruined fort with some cannons and a commanding position overlooking the bay is great for snapshots. Visit the hawksbill turtle sanctuary where you can get a close-up look at baby turtles in different stages of development before they are eventually released into the sea. This is a one man's quest to conserve and protect this fragile species. The unique architecture of Moon Hole is well-known with it's cliffside dwellings which look a part of the rock itself. At the model boatbuilding shops you can watch craftsmen create the marvelous boats on display. On Canouan Mount Royal , the highest point on the island offers panoramic 360 degree views of the whole of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and even St. Lucia on a clear day. The beautiful deserted beach, Mauhault, is the perfect spot for secluded picnic and turtle watching during certain times of the year.
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SHOPPING: Bequia has several shops which cater to the yachting crowd and people who just like boats. The book store has a great selection of books on the subject plus many items carved with scrimshaw including every yachtsman's dream of a knife. There are also 2 model boat builders who will fashion a replica of your yacht in about a week, or you can buy one already on display. Batik and hand-printed clothing and fabrics are also for sale.
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NIGHTLIFE: Nightly entertainment centers around music on many of these islands. Bequia is known for its "jump ups" which are barbecues with lively steel band music. There is also jazz and reggae to be heard. Mustique has Basil's Bar which is where everything happens including dancing and live music. Canouan is home to Trump Club Privee, the casino which is a revival of traditional European gaming with an elegant style. It will feature a private salon for members only.
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All contents of this web site are copyright (c)2002 by Island Inns LLC. All rights reserved.
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