Ryan and Randy getting ready to dive the mooring ball in Bequia
It has been a while since our last post about Learning to Scuba in St. Lucia, by Ryan, June 05, 2016. Opportunely, we have put those newly acquired scuba skills to good use diving mooring balls and the bottom of our boat! After departing St. Lucia, we set a course south for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Having spent time on the main island of St. Vincent on previous visits (St. Vincent and the Grenadines, January 05, 2016) we decided to explore some of the smaller islands in the Grenadines. Our first stop was Bequia, a beautiful small island with pristine palm tree lined beaches and well protected deep water bays. We had heard that some of the mooring balls in Bequia might not be well maintained so when we arrived in Admiralty Bay our newly certified scuba gurus immediately went to work making sure our vessel was secure.
Ryan stepping in to dive the boat with Randy, Bequia
On a friend’s recommendation, we secured a mooring ball just off the Frangipanni restaurant dock. After diving the mooring ball 40 feet below, the men confirmed that our vessel was firmly secured. Since they were in the water and all suited up, appropriate boat cleaning tools were dispensed and they got busy diving and cleaning the bottom of the boat!
Once we felt comfortable that the boat was secured, we scheduled an island tour with “Gideon” on his open air safari bus (784-458-3760 or gideontaxi@vincysurf.com). While the island of Bequia is only 7 square miles, and can be toured in a couple of hours, there are plenty of magnificent sites to see. Gideon is very knowledgeable about the island’s history, present affairs, and future works in progress.
Ryan on Gideon’s open air safari bus tour, Bequia
Touring Bequia’s beautiful bays – Industry Bay
Randy and Patton on Gideon’s open air safari bus tour, Bequia
Touring Bequia with Gideon, Fort Alexander
Looking north over Admiralty Bay, Bequia, (Spot Pilots’ Discretion)
OLD HEGG TURTLE SANCTUARY
One of our favorite stops was at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary where they are raising and then releasing endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles. We got to observe, learn about, feed, and hold the turtles.
The sanctuary is also home to older, as well as other species of turtles, including Green Turtles.
Ronan and Ryan learning about the endangered Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia
Ronan touching a Hawksbill Turtle shell, Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia
Ryan admiring a 17 year old Hawksbill Turtle at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia
Ryan feeling a Hawksbill Turtle shell at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia
Theresa holding a young Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia
Hawksbill Turtle, Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia
Patton also enjoyed visiting the turtle sanctuary!
After the turtle sanctuary Gideon drove us to Mt. Pleasant, the highest point on the island, where we looked out upon the neighboring islands that we would soon be visiting.
The vibrant colors of the flora we passed along the way was as spectacular as the views of the sea.
As we descended from Mt. Pleasant, we saw friends of ours, M/V Seamantha, entering Admiralty Bay. When we got back to our boat we took our dinghy over for a quick hello.
M/V Seamantha arriving in Admiralty Bay, Bequia
In addition to beautiful land and seascapes, Bequia has great hiking and snorkeling. We spent the next couple of days catching up with our friends in Bequia and enjoying both!
Ryan and Ronan hiking along the waterfront in Bequia
Popcorn aboard M/V Seamantha
Our next stop after Bequia was Mayreau. To be continued in another post . . .
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Fantastic photos! Looks like you are enjoying the adventure.
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Great stuff a life time of memories
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Great photos! Thx for sharing. Randy joined our group for dinner tonight and shared some adventures. The islands and waters look beautiful.
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