Getting to Bequia requires careful logistical planning, as missed ferry connections in St. Vincent can easily cost you an unplanned overnight stay. Navigating the open-air taxis, avoiding the seasonal sargassum seaweed on the windward shores, and understanding the local EC dollar cash economy will immediately save you time and money.
| Quick Facts | Essential Details |
|---|---|
| Ferry from St. Vincent | ~1 hour crossing via Bequia Express or Jaden Sun |
| Ferry Cost | ~EC$45/US$17 one way |
| Airport Exit Tax | EC$100/US$40 (Cash only, required upon departure) |
| Local Transport | Dollar Vans (EC$1-4), Open-air Taxis |
| Currency | Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). US$ accepted at ~EC$2.60 |
| Best Time to Visit | December to May (Dry season, ideal sailing winds) |
How to Get to Bequia (Flights vs. Ferries)
Most international travelers fly into St. Vincent (SVD) and take the ferry across the channel to Port Elizabeth. While there is a small airstrip (J.F. Mitchell Airport) for charter flights from Barbados or St. Lucia, the ferry remains the most reliable and cost-effective method. The sea crossing takes about an hour, dropping you right in the heart of the island's main hub.
Arriving by sea sets the exact right pace for island life.
Taking the Ferry from St. Vincent (Kingstown)
Operators like Bequia Express run daily scheduled services between Kingstown and Port Elizabeth. For a broader look at connecting the islands by sea, the guide to island hopping the Grenadines by ferry covers schedules without a yacht. Keep a close eye on the departure times, especially if your incoming flight lands in the late afternoon.
Buy tickets directly at the ferry terminal in Kingstown before boarding.
The Jaden Sun fast ferry cuts the trip to 30 minutes, but operates on a much more limited schedule.
Always carry small US or EC dollar bills, as card machines at the terminals can be unreliable.
Best Time to Visit (Weather & Sargassum Seaweed Warnings)
The dry season stretches from December to May, bringing steady trade winds and low humidity. This window coincides with peak sailing conditions, drawing international yachts directly into Admiralty Bay. Prices peak during these months, especially around the vibrant Easter Regatta.
During the warmer months, Atlantic currents sometimes push sargassum seaweed onto the eastern, windward shores like Spring Bay.
Knowing which side of the island to base yourself on changes everything.
The western beaches, including Lower Bay and Princess Margaret Beach, remain largely protected and clear of seaweed blooms. Opting for accommodations on the leeward side guarantees pristine swimming conditions year-round.
Top Things to Do in Bequia
Bequia spans just seven square miles, making it incredibly easy to navigate. The island packs world-class dive sites, historic coastal trails, and uninhabited marine parks into a very manageable footprint.
Walk the Belmont Walkway to Princess Margaret Beach
For a full comparison of coastlines across the archipelago, the best beaches in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranks Bequia alongside the other islands.
The Belmont Walkway is a restored coastal path hugging the edge of Admiralty Bay. It starts in Port Elizabeth, winding past dive shops, waterfront cafes, and towering almond trees.
Follow the path up and over the headland via the Princess Margaret Trail. The descent reveals a stunning sweep of golden sand and calm, turquoise water. Renting a sunbed here costs roughly US$5 a day, offering excellent value for prime beachfront real estate.
Scuba Diving at Admiralty Bay
The waters surrounding the island hold over 30 accessible dive sites, featuring healthy coral reefs, overhangs, and historic wrecks. Dive centers located directly on the Belmont Walkway cater to all certification levels.
Expect to encounter hawksbill turtles, nurse sharks, and vibrant sea fans just minutes from the harbor. The visibility often exceeds 30 meters, creating flawless conditions for underwater photography.
Day Sail to Tobago Cays
Booking a day charter to the Tobago Cays Marine Park offers an unmatched snorkeling experience, including water taxis, turtle snorkeling, and entry fees. Historic wooden schooners, like the Friendship Rose, depart early in the morning for the southern Grenadines.
The horseshoe reef protects a vibrant lagoon where swimming with wild sea turtles is practically guaranteed. These full-day excursions generally include breakfast, a local barbecue lunch, and all necessary snorkeling gear. Browse day sail options from Bequia to compare operators before booking dockside.
Local Transport: Dollar Vans & Open-Air Taxis
Getting around the island relies heavily on a fleet of modified, open-air pickup trucks serving as taxis. They gather near the ferry terminal in Port Elizabeth and charge standardized rates for trips to major beaches and hotels.
For budget travel, catch a local "Dollar Van" from the main roads.
These shared minibuses run fluid routes across the island all day.
Fares range from EC$1 to EC$4 depending on the distance traveled.
They do not operate on a fixed schedule, so a little patience is necessary.
Where to Eat: Fresh Seafood & Beach Bars
Bequia accommodation options range from leeward guesthouses to hillside villas, with leeward locations offering the clearest swimming right outside the door.
Port Elizabeth and the adjacent Belmont Walkway host the highest concentration of dining options. Fresh lobster, line-caught mahi-mahi, and traditional conch salads dominate the menus across the island.
Securing a table at Jack's Beach Bar on Princess Margaret Beach right before sunset provides the best view on the island. For a more local atmosphere, open-air spots in Lower Bay serve massive portions of grilled fish alongside strong, locally distilled rum punch.
Always carry cash for beachside vendors and smaller rum shacks.
If you decide to hike to off-the-beaten-path restaurants or remote bays, watch out for the "Brazil plant" (Comocladia dodonaea) in the brush. Touching its holly-like leaves causes severe blistering, so sticking to the clearly marked paths will save your vacation.
