Family time in the Caribbean aboard S/V Little Vigilant ~ St. Vincent and the Grenadines

I can't believe just over a week ago we were swimming in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean. To say this trip was amazing is an understatement! A huge thank you to Bonnie and Earl (our friends and captains), and Saskia, Simon and Owen for including us on this adventure. This was our first family trip out of the country and my first trip this far south. I can't say enough about the gorgeous Islands and kind people. We were definitely lucky as Bonnie and Earl have been sailing these waters for over 20 years and know so amazing locals and all the great spots.

(Port Elizabeth, Bequia)

We started our trip by flying into St. Vincent after a long travel day where we boarded S/V Little Vigilant (check out her FB page to learn more about this awesome boat). Before we left St. Vincent we climbed Fort Duvernette. We dinghied over to a small platform/drop-off and started our climb of 255 steps to the top. At the peak there was a lookout surrounded by cannons that had amazing views of St. Vincent and the surrounding waters . The kids enjoyed chasing geckos, climbing on the cannons you could feel the history.

(Fort Duvernette, St. Vincent)

Our next stop was the wonderful Island of Bequia. The counterpoint of Bequia is Port Elizabeth which is a favorite stop for most boats in the area. The beaches run right along the small town which have cute shops, and a few restaurants and hotels. There is walkway that is almost a mile long that goes around waters edge that was fun to walk around. The beaches were beautiful white sand and the water just as gorgeous and in the 80's. We were lucky enough to get a visit on Little Vigilant from "Willy", a long time friend of Bonnie and Earl. Willy does amazing carvings on whales teeth and bones that are still harvested here to support this community. He makes his rounds on the water in his boat "No Complain", a boat no more than 10 feet that looks a lot like a canoe. He has even managed to rig up a sail. The kids truly enjoyed looking through all of his offerings and of course we came home with some of his treasures!!

We took a day to explore some of the Island of Bequia. We piled into a taxi (you know the ones that are pick up trucks and have benches that line the bed on either side!!) and hit some great spots. We made our way to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary where one man raises turtles from eggs he collects off the beach until they are 4-5 years of age so he can release them into the ocean. It was a special place. We then went to the highest point of Bequia, Mount Pleasant, for some great views of the ocean and nearby Island. From here we had 360 degree views of this amazing spot.

(Port Elizabeth, Bequia)

(Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia)

(Mount Pleasant , Bequia)

(View from a friends house on the backside of Bequia)

(Willy visits the boat, Bequia)

(underway)

(journal writing underway)

(fruit and veggie market, Bequia)

Our next stop was Chatham Bay in Union Island where we not only enjoyed one of the most gorgeous beaches I have ever seen, but we spent a few hours sipping drinks and playing in the pool of a very private and total empty resort. A pool on the ocean... my kids think there is nothing better than that!! We also enjoyed a morning of snorkeling and of course jumping off the boat! Before we left another friend and local, Sedcliff brought aboard some of his hand made treasures to show us. We left with some of his amazing work as well!! At night we were treated to dinner of Caribbean Lobster right on the beach. A great little bar/restaurant in sand.

(Chatham Bay)

(Sedcliff, Chatham Bay)

(Chatham Bay)

(Snorkeling in Chatham Bay)

(Local checking for fish in Chatham Bay)

We headed out back to Bequia to hang out there for another day before we had to head home. As we neared Bequia we got to see the amazing houses made out of stone, Moonhole Houses. They were all designed by one architect and you can stay in them! Such a cool thing to see! More playing on the beaches, a little more shopping, a walk along the waterfront path and a few rain showers which brought us one gorgeous rainbow on our last day!

We will be forever grateful for this trip and can't wait to make our was back down the these Island soon!!!