Things to Do in Bequia, Saintvincent

Bequia, the second-largest island in the Grenadines chain of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is a charming Caribbean paradise that embodies the essence of traditional West Indian island life. This crescent-shaped island, just seven square miles in size, offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Caribbean culture with its colorful wooden houses, friendly locals, and rich maritime heritage. The island's main town, Port Elizabeth, wraps around the stunning Admiralty Bay, creating one of the most picturesque harbors in the Caribbean. Bequia maintains a relaxed, unhurried pace that immediately captivates visitors seeking an escape from modern life's pressures. The island is renowned for its boat-building traditions, vibrant local markets, pristine beaches, and excellent sailing conditions. Unlike many over-commercialized Caribbean destinations, Bequia has preserved its authentic character while offering quality accommodations, dining, and activities. The island's small size makes it perfect for exploration on foot or by taxi, allowing visitors to discover hidden coves, interact with local artisans, and experience the genuine warmth of Bequian hospitality.

Top Things to Do in Bequia

Snorkeling and Diving

Bequia's crystal-clear waters offer exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities with vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and excellent visibility. Popular spots include the Bullet, Devil's Table, and the waters around nearby Petit Nevis island. The island's protected marine areas teem with tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral formations.

Booking Tip: Local dive shops charge $40-60 for single tank dives and $25-35 for snorkeling trips. Book directly with operators like Bequia Dive Adventures or Dive Bequia for better rates. Early morning trips offer the best visibility and calmest conditions.

Sailing and Boat Tours

Experience Bequia's maritime heritage with sailing excursions around the Grenadines, sunset cruises, or day trips to nearby islands like Mustique and the Tobago Cays. The island's position in the trade winds makes it ideal for sailing, and many tours include snorkeling stops and beach visits. Local boat builders still craft traditional vessels using time-honored techniques.

Booking Tip: Half-day sailing trips cost $60-80 per person, full-day excursions $120-150. Book with established operators like Passion 4 Fashion or local captains at the harbor. Sunset sails are particularly popular and should be reserved in advance during peak season.

Beach Hopping

Bequia boasts numerous beautiful beaches, each with its own character, from the popular Princess Margaret Beach with its golden sand and calm waters to the more secluded Spring Bay and Lower Bay. Many beaches offer excellent swimming, sunbathing, and beachside dining at local restaurants. The variety ranges from sheltered coves to more adventurous surf-facing shores.

Booking Tip: Most beaches are free to access, though some require short hikes or taxi rides ($10-15 EC each way). Rent beach chairs and umbrellas for $10-15 EC per day at popular beaches. Visit multiple beaches by hiring a taxi driver for half-day tours ($80-100 EC).

Local Market and Shopping

Explore Port Elizabeth's vibrant local market and craft shops featuring handmade items by local artisans including model boats, batik clothing, jewelry, and spices. The market comes alive especially on cruise ship days with fresh produce, local crafts, and authentic Caribbean goods. Visit local workshops to see boat builders and craftspeople at work.

Booking Tip: Market prices are generally fixed for locals but negotiate respectfully for crafts. Bring small bills in EC dollars for better prices. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) for the best selection of fresh produce and when artisans are most active in their workshops.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Discover Bequia's natural beauty through hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints, secluded beaches, and historic sites. Popular routes include the trail to Mount Pleasant for panoramic island views and coastal walks to remote beaches like Park Beach and Ravine Beach. The island's compact size makes it perfect for exploration on foot.

Booking Tip: Most trails are free and self-guided, though hiring a local guide ($30-50 for half-day) provides valuable insights into flora, fauna, and history. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sun protection. Early morning or late afternoon hikes avoid the midday heat.

Getting There

Bequia is accessible via a short 15-minute flight from Saint Vincent's Argyle International Airport (SVD) on small aircraft, or by regular ferry service from Kingstown, Saint Vincent. The ferry journey takes approximately one hour and operates multiple times daily, costing around $20-25 EC each way. Most international visitors fly into Saint Vincent first, with connections available from Barbados, Saint Lucia, Martinique, and other Caribbean islands. Private charter flights and boats also serve the island, and many visitors arrive as part of sailing itineraries through the Grenadines.

Getting Around

Bequia is small enough to explore on foot, especially around Port Elizabeth and Admiralty Bay. Taxis are readily available and operate on fixed rates to different parts of the island, typically ranging from $10-25 EC for short trips and $40-60 EC for island tours. Local buses (route taxis) provide affordable transportation along main roads for just a few EC dollars. Many visitors rent small boats or join water taxis to access remote beaches and nearby cays. Rental cars are available but not necessary given the island's size, though scooters and bicycles can be rented for independent exploration.

Where to Stay

Port Elizabeth/Admiralty Bay

Princess Margaret Beach

Lower Bay

Friendship Bay

Spring Bay

Belmont Walkway

Food & Dining

Bequia's dining scene reflects its authentic Caribbean character with excellent local restaurants serving fresh seafood, traditional West Indian cuisine, and international dishes with Caribbean flair. Waterfront restaurants in Port Elizabeth offer stunning harbor views alongside grilled lobster, conch, and locally caught fish. Popular spots include Mac's Pizzeria for casual dining, The Fig Tree for upscale Caribbean cuisine, and local beach bars serving rum punches and barbecued specialties. Many restaurants source ingredients locally, including fresh fish from Bequia's fishing fleet and tropical fruits from island farms. Dining tends to be relaxed and unhurried, with most establishments offering outdoor seating to take advantage of the tropical climate and scenic views.

When to Visit

Bequia enjoys a tropical climate year-round, making it a viable destination in any season, though the dry season from December to April offers the most reliable weather with less rainfall and comfortable trade winds. This period coincides with peak tourist season, bringing higher prices and more crowds, especially during Christmas and Easter holidays. The wet season from May to November features occasional showers and higher humidity but also offers lower accommodation rates, fewer tourists, and lush green landscapes. Hurricane season runs from June to November, though Bequia's southern location in the Caribbean makes direct hits relatively rare.

Insider Tips

Visit during Bequia Easter Regatta (March/April) to experience the island's premier sailing event with races, parties, and cultural celebrations

Exchange money for Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC) as many local vendors and taxi drivers prefer local currency over US dollars

Respect the island's relaxed pace - restaurants and shops may operate on 'island time' so allow extra time for meals and services

Things to Do in Bequia