Location & Transportation
I love starting my day in Port Elizabeth, the small waterfront town where your cruise ship tends to anchor in Admiralty Bay. Once you tender ashore, you’ll notice a friendly tourist information booth right on the jetty, surrounded by small shops and portside restaurants where locals always greet you with a smile.
For getting around, water taxis are a popular and fun option to zip between the jetty and nearby beaches at around $6. Taxis are plentiful too, making it easy to catch a ride if you want to explore a bit more of the island.
Nearby Lodging
Bequia offers a range of accommodations—from luxurious resort cottages to simple, welcoming West Indian inns. Many of these are right along the waterfront, so I always find it hard to resist the lure of the sea when choosing a place to stay.
Nearest Airport
The nearest major airport is Argyle International Airport on the island of Saint Vincent. From there, you’ll take a road transfer across to the Kingstown ferry terminal and then a ferry over to Bequia—the crossing itself runs about an hour (roughly 30 minutes on the fast ferry). It’s a delightful transition from the busy pace of air travel to the relaxed island vibe.
Sightseeing
I’m always fascinated by the story behind the name Bequia, which means “island of the clouds” in the ancient Arawak language. The island is small—just 7 square miles—with a close-knit population of around 4,300, giving it a wonderfully intimate feel.
While wandering Port Elizabeth, you’ll find that the quaint waterfront is lined with charming bars, restaurants, and craft shops. Don’t miss the opportunity to:
- Enjoy the natural harbor of Admiralty Bay, a favorite anchoring spot for yachtsmen where you can even watch skilled locals building boats by hand.
- Explore the attractive Lower Bay region, perfect for a refreshing swim or taking part in water sports like snorkeling and sailing.
Tours & Excursions
There are plenty of ways to see the best of Bequia on a day-long port visit:
- Take a short boat tour around the island—small boats offer a delightful hourly tour for about $16 for two people.
- If you prefer the comfort of a taxi, expect to pay around $30 per hour to explore off-the-beaten-path spots.
- For a bit of an adventure, catch the large ferry to St. Vincent which departs at 9:30am and returns at 1:00pm. The one-hour trip offers lovely views and a taste of neighboring island life.
- There’s also the option to hire a motorboat from the tourist office just a minute or two to the left of the tender pier. For around $150 (for up to 6 persons), you can enjoy a 20-minute ride that lets you explore in style.
It‘s a good idea to compare shore excursion costs between what your cruise line offers and options like Viator and GetYourGuide. They often provide lower prices and include customer reviews and ratings to help you choose the best option. They may also offer more more flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies than those available through your cruise line. However, while booking independently might give you more variety and potentially better rates, be mindful of your schedule - cruise line excursions are typically coordinated to match your ship‘s schedule with guaranteed pick-up and drop-off times.
There is also a great resource for finding local guides at Tours by Locals. Tours by Locals connects you with local guides who can help you plan a private personal tour, guide you, and get you back to your ship on time. You can also check out Rome2Rio for local transportation options. It is a great resource for finding how to get from one place to another, including public transportation, taxis, ferries, and more.
Shopping
The town of Port Elizabeth is small but bustling with local charm. I always enjoy a stroll through the open-air market where you can pick up handcrafted souvenirs, local art, and other delightful keepsakes. Don’t forget to check out the craft shops along the waterfront too—they’re perfect for finding a unique memento of your visit.
Dining
Dining in Bequia is a treat for the senses. The waterfront is lined with inviting restaurants and bars where you can sample fresh seafood, traditional Caribbean dishes, and international cuisine. I particularly love sitting outside to enjoy the ocean breeze while savoring local specialties—each meal here feels like a celebration of island life.
Culture & Local Events
What really makes Bequia special is its warm and welcoming culture. The island pulses with a vibrant, laid-back vibe that’s evident in everything from its lively waterfront barbecues to the occasional steel band performance that fills the air with Caribbean rhythms.
Local Events
- Local festivals often feature traditional music, dancing, and food fairs that truly reflect the island’s heritage.
- The nightlife centers on beachside gatherings and hotel events, where live steel band music and impromptu dances create a sense of community that I find utterly contagious.
Safety & Awareness
- As with many popular tourist spots, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- While Bequia is generally very safe, always exercise basic travel precautions as you enjoy the relaxed island life.
Remember, the local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) and while many places accept credit cards, I always recommend carrying some cash for smaller vendors and market stalls.