Barbados, Bequia and Grenadines Dec 2007

[From_Arizona]

Hi all,

I have been gleaning what I can from threads back into 2006 on Bequia and Barbados. Looking for any tips or must dives while we are in the Lesser Antilles this December.

TradeWinds Cruise Club/Grenadines - this is not a diving live-aboard, but rather a catamarran shared charter through a timeshare exchange. I understand that we will have 2-3 dives available during our week cruising the Grenadines. Has anyone heard of this company or ideas on what we may see? Not alot of dives, but definitely loking forward to viewing the sites for future travel plans:daydreaming:

Bequia - we return from our catamaran sail on Dec 22 and would like to see if there is a dive outfit that is recomended for a morning dive. We depart back to Barbados in the early afternoon private charter. I also need to determine if a dive would be safe with a inter-island flight. Not sure what altitude they would fly at or is this would be risky. If not a dive - any recomendations for snorkeling or ? for a morning on the island?

Barbados - would like small dive company that may even offer private dives for my husband and I on Dec 23 & 24th. It sounds like John at Dive Barbados may be one to contact. How does he rate with newbies? We are confident and level headed, but would like to learn more and hone our skills from our dive, as well as enjoy the sites while on our vacation.

For all the Barbados experts - do you have any suggestions for Christmas eve dinner on the island?

Thank you ahead of time for your replies!
From _:arizona:

 

[TSandM]

I have no idea about the diving, because when we did our trip there, it was before I was certified. But certainly, when you are on Bequia, go to the factory where they make the beautiful model boats. We were absolutely fascinated with them, and came home with one, as most everybody who visits Bequia does.

It's a beautiful island, and the people were very friendly and warm. Watching the little shell sailboats tear across the harbor was delightful, as were the small green crabs who scuttled across the beaches. Brings back memories.

 

[RICHinNC]

I have been to Barbados 4 times and each time I have dove with John of Dive Barbados Ltd. He is excellent with newbies. This last trip I "floated" on the sidelines as he conducted a Discover Scuba with my friend and a couple others. You will have a great time with John.

If you have the time, get some tanks from John and do the Carlisle Bay shore dive. It is a great and easy shore dive plus there are 8 wrecks in an enclosed (dont have to worry about getting run over by a boat) area.

The PAMIR is a great dive there. I dont recommend the STAV because it is so deep and the currents are often ripping. If I am on vacation I want bottom time....not depth. I can get depth here in NC.

Feel free to pm me if you have specific questions.

 

[From_Arizona]

After researching further - we will not be diving Bequia Dec22 since we have the charter back to Barbados that afternoon - we will stick with the snorkeling and then dive in Barbados.
RICHinNC -Have reached out to John to see if we can coordinate while we are there - I saw you recomended him in other post for yourself, but was unsure about going out as a newbie. Thank you!
TSandM - we definitely have the boat building on the itinerary in Bequia.

 

[jupitermermaid]

Ahhhhh, Bequia. The magical island I used to go to before most people ever heard of it. You must go to Princess Margaret Beach, where you can snorkel, dive, get an "all-over tan" or whatever you want to do. PM is in walking distance from the Frangipani Hotel, owned by the former Prime Minister and his ex-wife (unless Pat owns it herself from the divorce settlement....lol). There are a lot of boats there willing to charter you anywhere you want to go, so don't be afraid to bargain with them. The west side of the island is a little rough, but the natives and routine boaters know the places to show you exactly what you're looking for. I wish I was going with you!

 

[Damselfish]

Bequia is a definitely a neat little place.

 

[Cecil]

Not Rich but I have dove with John, he is quite experienced and can handle newbies.

 

[timetraveler]

From Arizona, I'm afraid I don't have any information for you. But I'd very much like to hear of your experiences when you get back. I'm considering booking a Trade Winds Cruise Club exchange, but wouldn't want to do it unless the diving program is excellent.

 

[From_Arizona]

I understand that we will get the chance at 3-4 dives during the Tradewinds Cruise Club week, we do not expect anymore than this and will supplement with dives from an extended stay on Barbados. If you are looking for dives each day, Tradewinds is not the one you should look at.