The Jaycees took control of the organizing of the carnival during the period of 1962-76 and incorporated the different competitions and costumed bands as well as introducing Queen shows and calypso competitions.

1977 saw the changing of the date and the creation of a 10-day festival in July managed by the now organized Carnival Development committee. This date change in no way halted the carnival fever but in many ways made it a bigger and better event. The partying continued to a maximum with a fresh sense of abandonment. Calypso music provides the correct atmosphere and creating the right climate for the real bacchanal. This is a time for throwing away inhibitions and hang-ups to the wind and “freeing-up”. The streets of Kingstown become a hive of activity buzzing with round the clock excitement. During this season the society is classless, non-racial, a miniature United Nations held together by dance, a tower of Babel whose lingus franca is music. The community undergoes s distinct personality change. It is African market place, Mid-Eastern bazaar and downtown Brixton/Brooklyn rolled onto one. Always, there is a constant hammering in the streets to deafening Deejay music blaring out of temporary bars built without doors. A delightful pandemonium reigns supreme in Kingstown on Carnival Monday and Tuesday marking the climatic outbursts of this ten-day orgy of mirth and gaiety. One cannot help by being struck by the clash of music, riot of color, display of talent and the general movement of a teeming mass of humanity. It is the grand finale, the last lap that builds up in a rising crescendo to the final explosion. The lengthened shadow of the festival lingers as plans are made for the next year. The sweet taste of the parties and fun filled days still in the mouth and the yearning begins and the hearts jumps ahead to the year ahead and plans are made to do it all over again.

Come and see some of the most beautiful costumes ever designed. Windsurfing, sailing, kayaking – Admiralty Bay is ideal for an abundance of water sport activites. Snorkelling/Scuba – Bequia diving ranks with the best in the Caribbean. There are some 35 excellent dive sites around Bequia and the nearby islands. Full certified dive operations are available. Sport Fishing – Spanish Mackerel, Barracuda, Marlin, Tuna, Bonito and Kingfish are just some of the fish in our local seas.

It’s no problem to arrange a fishing boat for a day out fishing. Yacht Charters – Please visit our stay and sail page for more information. Arts and Crafts – Visitors will find a variety of local arts and crafts in the boutiques of Port Elizabeth and at artists’ studios around the island. Model boats, scrimshaw, woodcarving, stained glass, ceramics, and crochet are among the artworks Bequians and foreign expats do here. Spring Plantation – is a romantic 200 year old working plantation overlooking Spring Bay. It used to be a 19th century sugar factory. The ruins are now the location for The Spring Pottery where you can see pottery being made and an exhibition of works for sale. Moon Hole – It’s facinating unique architectural style is based on the concept of living in harmony with nature and taking full advantage of the Caribbean environment, as interpreted by Tom Johnston, the designer.

To achieve these goals, these Flintstones houses have been designed on sites overlooking the sea, maximising both views and breezes. Tours can be arranged. Mustique – Just an hours sail from Bequia will take you to the home of celebrities such as Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Princess Margaret and the like. This island can be ideal for a days visit by sail or power boat. Tobago Keys – are a famous small collection of coral islands with some of the most spectacular waters in the world. With clear and turquoise blue waters, the area is quite simply breathtaking.

Day trips can be arranged. St. Vincent is just 9 miles north of Bequia. With regular ferries throughout the day, it is one of the most naturally spectacular and undeveloped of the large Caribbean islands. Below are full and half day trips that can be made to some of the natural wonders of this island: Our Volcano – St. Vincent’s La Sofriere rises majestically to over 4000 ft. It last erupted in April 1979. A tour of La Soufriere volcano takes you along the picturesque windward coast of St. Vincent, through banana and coconut plantations to where the foot trail begins. Mesopotamia Valley – a richly fertile valley thickly planted with local crops.

A sight to behold. Vermont Nature Trails – leads one through tropical rain forest where vistors have a chance to see the rare and unique St. Vincent Parrot (Amazona Guildingii) and Whistling Warber. Good for bird watching the habitat around the trails houses several unusual species of birds. The Botanical Gardens – were first established in 1765 making them the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.

The gardens feature a descendent of the original breadfruit tree brought to the island by Captain Bligh in 1793 and has many ancient and impressive specimens of flowering plants, palms, cycads, and tropical trees. Falls of Baleine – The spectacular waterfalls are situated in the lush tropical rainforest at the northern tip of St. Vincent. Cool waters come cascading from the mountaintops to reside in a pool at the base. These falls can be easily reached by boat… and much much more…

Lower Bay Beach, Bequia This excellent beach is one of the highlights of Bequia.

Friendship Bay, Bequia The site of a beach that is popular with Bequia tourists.

Anthneal’s Private Petite Museum, Bequia A small museum with exhibits on the history of the whaling industry in Bequia. Attraction type: Maritime museum

Princess Margaret Beach, Bequia One of Bequia’s most popular beaches.

Frangipani, Bequia This bar is usually crowded with yachtsmen from around the world as well as locals and features local bands and good barbecue.

Port Elizabeth, Bequia This quiet seaside village is known for its fantastic scenery.

Cathedral, Bequia This reef is positioned on a steep slope and is covered with corals and sponges.

Pigeon Island, Bequia This small island is a diver’s paradise, with four excellent dive sites nearby.

Devil’s Table, Bequia Located at the mouth of Admiralty Bay, this dive site is popular among both snorkelers and divers.

Moon Hole, Bequia This dive site, which has water depths ranging from five to 45 feet, is covered with various corals.

The Wall, Bequia This Bequia dive site is inhabited by corals and schools of smaller fish.

Hamilton Fort, Bequia The remains of this 18th-century fort have a great view of Admiralty Bay. Attraction type: Historic site