Stopping in Mayreau

Mayreau is the smallest inhabited island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with an area of about 1/2 square mile (119 hectares) and a population under 300 people.  Electricity was installed in 2002, provided by a central generator located on Saline Bay where we anchor.  A single-lane concrete road leads from the wharf on Saline Bay across the hill to the village of Saltwhistle Bay on the other side of the island.  At the top of the hill between the two towns is the elementary school, the telecommunications building, and the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, christened in 1930

We're going to have a beach barbeque on Mayreau, but first we take a catamaran ride through the Grenadines archipelago to the very small island of Mopion, a tiny, uninhabited sandbar and coral islet famous for being just large enough to hold a single wooden thatched umbrella.  Often called "One Umbrella Island," it is a picturesque stop for snorkelers with its size dependent on the tides (but the umbrella is never fully submerged).  On the way we pass Petit Saint Vincent, Petite Martinique, Union Island (where the airport and secondary school are located), and Palm Island (resort and spa closed due to hurricane damage).

Approaching Mayreau

The dock and harbor at Saline Bay

(Union Island across the water)

Heading out on the catamaran

Sailing between the islands

Approaching Mopion Island/Sandbar

The ocean swells are rough today and we skip the short Zodiac ride to Mopion's [tiny] beach and enjoy the view from the much-larger and more stable catamaran.  The few who do go to the beach say that the rough water today makes snorkeling difficult and they soon tire of touring the tiny islet and return to the mother ship.

On the way back to Mayreau, we  pass close by Palm Island, one mile from Union Island, only accessible by boat. The spectacular, well-known Palm Island Resort and Spa was completely destroyed by Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and the five beautiful white sand beaches are currently empty.

Palm Island

Soon, Mayreau appears in the distance and we return to the dock on Saline Bay for a beach barbeque.

Returning to Mayreau

Continuing to explore Port Elizabeth, Bequia

After our trek up to Fort Hamilton in Bequia, we descend from the fort and follow the road around the harbor back toward the town of Port Elizabeth and then follow the Belmont Walkway along the water to Princess Margaret Beach.

Returning to town along the harbor

Passing the market

Local wildlife on the street

Entering town

After passing the market, we walk down the main street, Belmont Road, lined with shops, restaurants, and stands selling crafts for the few tourists in the area.

Belmont Road

Crafts for sale

The Belmont Walkway links Port Elizabeth to Princess Margaret Beach, proceeding along the edge of the water, with steps and a steep section over a small hill between the town and the beach.  The path starts at Laura's Restaurant where Belmont Road turns inland (continuing on its own way over the hill to Princess Margaret Beach) and then proceeds along the water.

Laura's Restaurant

Belmont Walkway

Looking back at the harbor

After a short swim at the beach, we follow the Belmont Walkway back to Belmont Road and return to the dock to end our short visit to Bequia.

Returning down Belmont Road

Looking at the Bequia sign as we leave

Ferries lined up

Taking our leave

Stopping in Bequia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Bequia is the second-largest island in the Grenadines, part of the country of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, located approximately 15 km (9 miles) from the main island of Saint Vincent and the nation's capital, Kingstown.  Bequia features stunning beaches, colorful buildings, and an appealing, slow pace of life.

Bequia was first populated from South America, with a large wave of immigration around 1400 bringing the Caribs to the region.  In the eighteenth century, Europeans arrived, first the French, then the British in 1763.  The island achieved independence in 1979 as part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Arriving in Bequia, anchoring

Arriving at the port

We stroll through the town, taking in the colorful buildings and quiet lifestyle of the island.

Strolling into Bequia

Road signs

The road around the harbor leads us to Fort Hamilton overlooking the bay.  On our stroll to the fort, we especially enjoy the occasional seating areas looking out over the water.

Along the bay

Looking out over the water

Looking back into the hills

As the road winds up the hill toward Fort Hamilton, we get better views of and perspective on the bay and the ships at anchor and in motion.

Heading up the hill to the fort

Views of the bay

Our ship (Wind Surf) and a passing ferry

Fort Hamilton was constructed in the 1700s atop the 91 meter (300 foot) hill at the entrance to the harbor to protect the bay from American privateers and French raiders.  The fort was named after Alexander Hamilton, born in Nevis and a Founding Father of the US and founder of its first political party, the Federalist Party.  What remains of the fort now are a few cannons propped against a stone wall.

Fort Hamilton

View from the fort

We're delighted by the recycling container at the fort and continue to chuckle as we start back down the road into town, continuing to enjoy the spectacular views across the water.

Recycle here