walk all the way from Port Elizabeth to Princess Margaret beach and over the hill to Lower Bay, just beyond. There is a snorkeling platform at the base of the trail, so take advantage of the excellent snorkeling to be enjoyed along the cliff and around the headland. Hamilton Fort Guarding the harbour at the north end of Admiralty Bay and offering panoramic views of Port Elizabeth, all the way around to Lower Bay and West Cay, is the site of Hamilton Fort, built in the late 18th century. On this side of the bay you’ll also find the quaint fishing village of Hamilton. Friendship Bay On the south-east coast is Friendship Bay and St. Hilaire Point, where many a Bequia boat has taken shape along the shores, including the much loved Friendship Rose, which operated as the main ferry between Bequia and St. Vincent for 20 years. Bequia Boat Museum Located on a slope at St. Hilaire Point, overlooking Friendship Bay this fascinating boat museum houses an interesting collection of unique Bequia boats and boat building tools of a bygone era. For guided tours contact the Bequia Tourism office at (784) 458-3286.
The Princess Margaret Trail and snorkeling platform
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Bequia
The South Side As you make your way along the winding south side road you’ll come to the colourful fishing community of Paget Farm where there are beautiful views across the sea to the uninhabited islands of Petit Nevis, site of the old whaling station, and Isle a Quatre. The James F. Mitchell Airport which was opened in 1992 is just beyond. About a mile past the airport is Moonhole, the extraordinary vision and creation of American, the late Tom Johnston, which resulted in a private development of over twenty imaginatively built, ‘free-form’ homes that cling to the natural curves of the hillside. There are no windows, no doors – just openings. The ceilings and walls tend to go their own way, no straight lines, some even have trees growing right in the living room! The Windward Side The windward side of the island is also the most fertile, and it was here in the 18th and 19th century that several of Bequia’s nine sugar plantations were situated. Firefly Plantation Hotel at Spring is a charming boutique hotel set in the grounds of a 225 year old, 30-acre working plantation. The ‘Great House’, where the elegant yet informal bar and restaurant are now located, is built on the foundations of the original 18th century sugar plantation’s estate house. Plantation Tours of the estate are now being offered, giving visitors an excellent insight into the fascinating history of the old Spring Plantation and the adjoining sugar mill and indigo processing plant. Visitors will also have the opportunity to sample many of the seasonal fruits and vegetables and learn about the various crops, herbs and flowers you will encounter. Afterwards, stop at Crescent Beach (Industry Bay) for a swim and snorkel in the bay and have lunch at the charming Sugar Reef Café. Great care has been taken in the details to make Sugar Reef a one-of-a-kind gem, morphing laid-back charm with a noticeable degree of elegance. The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary Located beyond Spring and Industry, at Park Beach. Here, ‘Brother’ King nurtures endangered Hawksbill turtles, of all sizes, until they are able to fend for themselves in the open ocean.