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Location
Bequia is situated at latitude
13 N and 60.15' West, in the southern part of the Caribbean chain known
as the Windward Islands.
After the capital island of
St. Vincent (pop. 110,000) situated nine miles to the north, Bequia is
the largest of the thirty-two islands and cays that make up the island
state of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The other main islands in the
Grenadines chain south of [[Bequia]] are [[Mustique]], [[Canouan]], [[Mayreau]] and the
[[Tobago Cays]], [[Union Island]], [[Palm Island]] and [[Petit Saint Vincent]].
Size
Bequia measures just 7 square
miles, and is home to about 5000 people.
Population
An intriguing mix of native
Bequians of African, Scottish, Irish, French, Indian and Carib descent
- many of whom can trace their ancestry directly back the islands earliest
inhabitants of the 18th century - and more recent settlers from Europe,
America and Canada who have chosen to make Bequia their home.
English is the native language, and
open friendliness is a characteristic for which Bequians have always been
well known.
Weather/Climate
Daytime temperatures consistently
average between 24C (75F) and 30C (86F) throughout the year. A "chilly"
evening in the winter months (January to March) might see a low of around
21C (70F) and in the summer months the temperature will occasionally reach
32C (90F).
Tradewinds bring cooling breezes
for most of the year; the famous Christmas Winds bring stiffer steady breezes,
lively seas and perfect sailing weather.
Seasons
The "dry" season from December/January
to late April/early May coincides with the "high" season for visitors,
with clear sunny skies, good sailing breezes, low humidity and minimal
rainfall. The island is totally reliant on rain for its water, so the arrival
of the "rainy" season in May/June is always a blessing.
The warmer, summer months
of May to November are a welcome mixture of cooling showers, sunshine and
light breezes, with the occasional heavy downpour.
Bequia is far south in the hurricane
belt, and although tropical storms will occasionally approach in the peak
months of August to October, most disturbances either pass to the north
or dissipate before they reach the Grenadines chain.
Seasons
The "dry" season from December/January
to late April/early May coincides with the "high" season for visitors,
with clear sunny skies, good sailing breezes, low humidity and minimal
rainfall. The island is totally reliant on rain for its water, so the arrival
of the "rainy" season in May/June is always a blessing.
The warmer, summer months
of May to November are a welcome mixture of cooling showers, sunshine and
light breezes, with the occasional heavy downpour.
Bequia is far south in the hurricane
belt, and although tropical storms will occasionally approach in the peak
months of August to October, most disturbances either pass to the north
or dissipate before they reach the Grenadines chain.
Health
No vaccinations are required
(unless arriving within six days of transit through or stay in an infected
area). Water is safe to drink; as an alternative bottled water is readily
available.
A healthy respect for the strength
of the sun is essential - even dark skins will burn quickly if not protected.
Insect repellent is a good idea if you have sensitive skin.
From http://www.bequiatourism.com/facts.htm
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