Bequia (say “BECK-way”) is the largest of the Grenadines and the one that feels most like a real island community rather than a resort. Around 5,000 people live here, most of them around Port Elizabeth on Admiralty Bay, one of the best natural harbours in the eastern Caribbean and a fixture on every sailing itinerary.
It has a long maritime tradition — schooner building, fishing and a small, strictly limited traditional whale hunt that still survives — and a relaxed, arty character. Ferries from Kingstown make it an easy day trip, but most people who come for a day wish they had stayed a week.
Top things to do: Bequia
Walk the Belmont Walkway to Princess Margaret Beach
A waterfront path runs south from the ferry dock past bars, dive shops and dinghy docks to Princess Margaret Beach, a long curve of pale sand with calm water. Continue over the headland to Lower Bay for beach bars and lunch.
Visit the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary
On the windward side at Park Beach, a local conservationist has spent decades hatching hawksbill turtles and raising them until they are big enough to release. A small donation is expected and very well spent.
Watch the model-boat builders
Bequia’s craftsmen make exquisite scale models of island schooners and yachts by hand. The workshops in Port Elizabeth are happy to show you how, and a model is the best souvenir in the country.
Climb to the Whaling Captain’s lookout and Mount Pleasant
The hills are small but steep; taxis or a good walk take you to viewpoints over Admiralty Bay and down to Friendship Bay. Easter brings the Bequia Easter Regatta, the island’s biggest party.
How to get to Bequia
- Ferry from Kingstown: the Bequia Express and Admiral lines cross several times a day in about an hour. You buy tickets at the dock; no advance booking is needed except for cars. See the island-hopping guide.
- By air: J.F. Mitchell Airport on Bequia takes small aircraft from Argyle, Barbados and the other Grenadines.
- On a tour: the Bequia day cruise is the only Grenadines trip currently bookable on GetYourGuide.
Insider tips
- Take the ferry, not a plane, at least once — sailing into Admiralty Bay is the best arrival in the country.
- Water taxis ply Admiralty Bay and will run you to Princess Margaret Beach or back to your yacht for a few dollars.
- Bequia has ATMs, supermarkets and pharmacies; the smaller Grenadines further south have far fewer services.
- Stay at least two nights if you can. Evenings on the Belmont Walkway are half the point.
Tours that include Bequia
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see Bequia:
Boat trip from €112 Bequia Day Cruise with Drinks and Photos
The only bookable way on GetYourGuide to get a taste of the Grenadines in a day. You cruise to Bequia, swim or snorkel off Princess Margaret Beach, then have lunch or a drink by Admiralty Bay before sailing back — with photos of the day included.
- Sail across to Bequia, the first of the Grenadines
- Swim and snorkel at Princess Margaret Beach
- Drinks or lunch at a Port Elizabeth waterfront bar
Private boat charter from €1561 per group Private Charter Tour to Bequia Island
The whole boat to yourselves for a day trip to Bequia. At the group price it only makes sense for a large party — up to 18 people — but for a family reunion or a group of friends it is the most comfortable way to see the first of the Grenadines.
- Your own boat and crew for the day
- Swimming and snorkelling at Princess Margaret Beach
- A complimentary photo shoot of the day
