Exploring the Grenadines

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Stretching like a carelessly dropped necklace of precious jewels, the Grenadines are part of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean's eastern archipelago. St. Vincent to the North and Grenada to the South, this lovely chain of islands are isolated enough to remain relatively unspoiled, yet lively enough to be both stimulating and entertaining.

Bequia is the most northern, a has long been a favorite of yachtsmen. Admiralty Bay is a large, well-protected harbor with Bequia's largest town, Port Elizabeth at its head. Boats anchoring in the harbor are often greeted by the young men rowing out to meet them. One of the items they offer for sale are sailboats crafted from coconut husks, with a bit of iron for a keel and sails of brightly colored cloth. You, of course, will want to purchase the fastest one in their fleet, so have them toss them into the water for a colorful mini-regatta.

You will discover that the building of model boats is a Bequia specialty, and the coconut husk boats are only the start. Truly beautiful examples of this are to be found in either Mauvin's or Sargeant's. They will build any design to order, or you can buy one of their many display models.

An island of sailors and boats, Bequia used to be an active whaling station, though the tradition of hunting whales in small open boats using hand thrown harpoons is dying out. While exploring the island, you can visit the small whaling museum located in the home of the late Athneal Olliviere, formerly the head whale harpooner. Now that you have visited the whaling museum, you should probably visit the Hindson's Whaleboner. True to its name, the bar, stools and entrance have all been built of whalebone from the old whaling days

Bequia, with its hilly terrain and many inlets, can be explored by land and sea. You can see all the best and most scenic spots in a 3-hour taxi tour, or do-it-yourself with a 4-wheel drive rental vehicle. More leisurely still, is the prospect of taking a nice stroll and stopping often to visit with the friendly people that populate the island, trying out the local cuisine and beverages or shopping at the many shops that feature locally made craft items. The third method for exploring is by visiting the many coves and beaches onboard the tender. Your captain and crew are sure to have their own favorite places to introduce you to.

Approximately 10 miles to the Southeast of Bequia lies Mustique. Unique among the Grenadines, Mustique is a privately owned island that has been developed as an area of holiday homes for the rich and famous. Well worth the time to stop and take a tour, there are miles of unspoiled beaches and countryside whether you choose to explore by foot or some other means. Rental mules are really heavy duty golf carts, not the floppy-eared four-legged variety. Horse riding available in the cool of the morning and evening, for those who want to enjoy the scenery from a higher seat!

Delightful, but so very different, are the atmospheres to be found at the Cotton House and at Basil's Bar. Superb cuisine in lavish elegance are the hallmark of the Cotton House, run by the Mustique Company. A short walk, or they will come to pick you up from the dock. The other end of the spectrum is Basil's Bar. Built of thatch and bamboo, it is perch on stilts with the water lapping below. This is a great place to meet relax and meet people while watching a sunset!

Heading Southwest 11 miles will take you to Canouan. An island of bumpy hills and only a few hundred inhabitants, there are two major hotels and the vast new Canouan Resort Development. The resort includes a golf course, tennis courts and a casino. The shallow water surrounding Canouan is responsible for the exquisite water colors, and there is plenty of excellent snorkeling areas to explore. The deeper waters close by hide There are several excellent dive sites in the deeper waters close by been discovered by the local diving center.

Between Canouan and Carriacou, the islands are all tiny, quiet and almost only a stone's throw from each other. Though sparsely inhabited, each island that boasts residents is sure to have a rum shop. Often diminutive in size, the rum shops in this area will introduce you to the local rum…Jack Iron. Powerful, rough, white rum, probably aged about 1 minute before bottling. Reputation has it that ice cubes won't float in it. Ice being a rare commodity on many of the small islands, a small shot is poured into a glass and drunk in one gulp, hopefully without tasting it! Best to keep a large glass of water nearby to quench the heat.

Mayreau is a rimmed with pristine beaches affords beautiful views for those who venture up the hill. With only one road, you certainly won't get lost! The two main bays are Salt Whistle Bay and Saline Bay. Salt Whistle Bay with its sweeping half moon beach, is home to the Salt Whistle Bay Club. Its dining area is set in the open among the trees and each table is built of stone with its own thatched roof.

East of Mayreau lie the Tobago Cays, a group of small deserted islands protected by Horseshoe Reef. Spectacular barely comes close to describing this bit of heaven on earth. The water and reef colors are a shifting pattern of turquoise, blue, green and gold. White sand beaches ring the islands. The water is so beautiful here that you will surely want to simply jump over the side of your yacht and snorkel to the closest reef. The Tobago Cays are a national park. Fishing is not allowed, nor are jet or water skis.

The large island of Union Island, with its smaller sibling Palm Island nearby, are next in the chain. Union is visible from afar, thanks to its Mount Taboi, reaching the height of 1000 feet. Union is generally considered the jump-up center of the Grenadines and you are sure to find plenty of entertainment and live music.

Technically part of Grenada, Carriacou is like the final gem in the necklace. Carriacou is a Carib word meaning "island surrounded by reefs". Local legend has it that there are over a hundred rum shops on the island, but only one gasoline station, which could explain the high population of donkeys. One things to put on your "to do at Carriacou" list should sampling the mangrove oysters. Delicate and sweet, a squeeze of lime and a dash of local hot sauce will have you rolling your eyes and asking for more.

The Grenadines, more accessible now than before, but far enough off the beaten track to offer secluded coves, empty beaches and pristine waters. The sparkle of the water by day is rivaled only by the breathtaking sight of the black velvet of the evening sky thickly studded with stars. You have discovered paradise. The only remaining question is: how soon can you return?