Petit Nevis

About This Anchorage

Petit Nevis is a small, privately owned islet just south of Bequia with a unique place in Caribbean maritime history — it is the site of Bequia's traditional whaling station, where the island's whalers have brought humpback whales for processing since the 19th century. The station includes the tryworks (processing equipment), shed, and small museum explaining the tradition. The IWC exemption allowing Bequia's traditional hand-harpoon whaling is one of the most controversial arrangements in global conservation — this is the last hand-harpoon whale hunt in the Western Hemisphere, operating within a 4-humpback annual quota. Petit Nevis is also home to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, a remarkable conservation project run by Brother King that has released thousands of hawksbill turtles into the Grenadines waters. The anchorage on the north side works in lighter conditions but is exposed to the NE trades — use for a brief visit rather than an overnight destination.

Hazards

• !Strong current in Petit Nevis channel — allow for current when anchoring and when approaching by dinghy
• !Northern exposure to NE trades — not suitable for overnight in strong trade conditions
• !Private island — land only at designated areas

Skipper's Tips

• →Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary is one of the most important sea turtle conservation projects in the Caribbean — a visit and donation are strongly recommended
• →The whaling station gives a unique insight into one of the world's last traditional whale hunting traditions — controversial but deeply important to Bequian identity
• →Use as a day stop from Admiralty Bay — 2nm south and back makes a great dinghy expedition
• →Brother King's turtle sanctuary has released thousands of hawksbill turtles — ask about the release programme

Nearby Anchorages