Take a hike! See the turtles and other Bequia sites along the way. 

The Hatchery is an easy hike along a country lane from Port Elizabeth two miles to the windward side of the island. Travel through town, staying to the left, and up and over the central ridge of Bequia. Pass through a coconut plantation at Spring and stop off for a quick tour of Bequia's new artisan ceramic kiln (housed in an old sugar mill) where you can pick up some beautiful ceramics and paintings. 

 Check out the deserted beach at Spring with views of nearby uninhabited islands and then on to Industry Bay and the Crescent Beach Inn.  Stop in for a cool drink and a visit with Dean Nichol and her daughter. If it's lunch time they'll whip up the most delicious seafood meals that are so fresh you'll have to slap 'em. If it's  early, don't worry, just let them know what you'd like for lunch and it will be waiting for you on your return trip. 

After a relaxing stop, it's time to move on to Park Bay and Brother King's Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. Founded in 1995, Brother King has dedicated his life to safely releasing Hawksbill turtle hatchlings into the nearby waters.  Raising the turtles  from eggs deposited on nearby beaches, Brother King strives to increase the survival rate of these beautiful and fascinating creatures by feeding and protecting them through their most vulnerable time.  His special attention to these animals has lead to a local appreciation for the tenuous situation these animals face. The turtles are no longer hunted locally as in some parts of the world but are valued for their beauty, uniqueness and even their contribution to sustainable tourism. How the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary got it's name and how Brother King came to this calling is a story best heard from the man himself.

Considerations: If you're still up for more walking you can continue up the wild coast for views of Bullet Rock, Man Point, and St. Vincent. If you walk back to Crescent Beach and have had enough walking you can ask Dean to give her husband Ricky a call and he will return you to town in his taxi. If you're not the walking type but still want to see the sights, there are many fine taxis available near the pier in town. Most taxi drivers are very personable and offer tours of the island and enjoy giving you insight about Bequia not available from guidebooks. Most taxis are covered, open air, small truck type that are great in the warm tropical weather. For those wishing a more traditional ride, vans and auto taxis are available as well as mini-mokes, bicycles, and rental cars.

See a Panoramic Image of the Sanctuary by Bruce Hemming

For more info: Orton (Brother) King
PO Box 36
Union Vale, Bequia
St. Vincent & the Grenadines

784.458.3245
784 458 3596
cell 784 493 3231
fax 784 493 3322

oldhegg@vincysurf.com

Additional Sea Turtle Information

Web Sites:
Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary
Caribbean Conservation Corporation