Today we head to the west side of St. Vincent to explore the volcanic coastline. We swim along to Paradise Beach and finish under a rocky outcrop. Then we anchor for lunch and a chance to relax before continuing our journey.

In the afternoon, we swim to Wallilabou, which was used in The Curse of the Black Pearl from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The iconic ‘pirates ye be warned’ rock juts out from the bay. We then return back to the boat and transfer to our hotel.

After breakfast, we return to the west side of St. Vincent and continue along the black-sanded beaches, coral spotting and enjoying the clear, calm waters. After an enjoyable morning swim, we join the boat for lunch and motor back towards the hotel.

Before we reach the hotel we stop for our afternoon swim. This takes us from Indian Bay Beach, past Dove Island and to Fort Duvernette, which sits atop a 190-foot volcanic rock. This is our first crossing of the week and a great swim to finish our adventure on St Vincent, before moving on.

We finish our exploration of St Vincent and return to Bequia for the evening.

Today is a half-day, giving you the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon exploring the new island of Bequia. We start with a coastal swim to Moon Hole, which is a conservation area of protected natural beauty. Inland you’ll find an impressive archway of volcanic rock, as well as the remains of the original Moon Hole house. From here we return to the hotel for you to relax, have lunch or find any extra activities. You can visit the heritage museum or hike to the highest viewpoint on the island.

Relaxed and recharged, we take on a busy day as we motor to Tobago Cays, enjoying spectacular views as we travel. We ride the boat past Baliceaux, Mustique and Canouan. This is a full day of tropical swimming, turtle spotting and reef exploration. We take lunch while anchored during the day. Once we are finished, we make the journey back to the hotel.

Today, we stay in the local waters of Bequia and complete our final crossing for the week from Petit Nevis to Isle A Quatre. The latter is an uninhabited island surrounded by a marine reserve. After lunch, we complete our final full swim in Friendship Bay before we return to the hotel for a final group dinner.

We have one last morning swim before breakfast to finish the week and say our farewells.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Conditions

While there aren’t any significant planned walks, any walks that we do undertake will take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip varies each day depending on the type of swim but includes one main boat, a large catamaran, and two support vessels to be piloted by a local boat pilot and your SwimTrek guides. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website. There are no additional, specific items required for this location.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don’t currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The easiest way to get to St Vincent is to fly directly to Argyle International Airport (SVD).

Travel to St Vincent and the Grenadines from the US

There are a number of direct flights from New York (JFK), Miami (MIA) and Toronto (YYZ), or you can fly to a neighbouring island such as Barbados and then catch a transfer flight to the island.

Travel via Barbados (Grantley Adams International Airport – BGI)

Direct flights to Barbados are available from cities across the United States of America, including New York (JFK), Charlotte (CLT), Bostone (BOS) and Washington D.C (IAD)

Travel to St Vincent and the Grenadines from the UK

From the UK, it is possible to fly direct to St Vincent, via a stopover in a neighbouring island such as Barbados. Virgin Atlantic also offer a direct flight from London Heathrow with a short touch down in Barbados before continuing to St Vincent.

Travel from St Vincent Argyle Airport (SVD) to Bequia

The easiest way to travel from the airport to the accommodation is via taxi to Kingstown and then catch a ferry to Port Elizabeth in Bequia. which takes approximately 1 hour. A one way foot passenger ticket costs approximately EC$ 25per person, or EC$45 return and can be bought on deck. You can find the timetable with more information here https://bequiaexpress.com.

The ferry docks at Port Elizabeth; North of our accommodation Bequia Plantation, about a 15 minute walk.

Should you need any assistance with your travel, please contact our partners at info@bequiaplantationhotel.com.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches (except on the half day) are included in your trip price (swimmers only). All dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore the menus and experience the local restaurants on the islands.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

The currency in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the East Caribbean Dollar (EC$). The US dollar is accepted in many hotels, restaurants and some shops alongside major credit cards.

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as meals not already included in your package, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.

In some countries, tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

US citizens must have a valid US passport that is valid on the date of entry. UK and most European citizens do not require a visa to enter St Vincent and the Grenadines for a stay of up to 30 days, but must have a passport that expires at least 6 months after the date you arrive Non-residents of the EU require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the common areas of the hotel.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.