The Grenadines' most beloved island keeps things small and real — sailboats crowd Admiralty Bay, fishermen mend nets on the jetty, and unhurried beaches are minutes from the tender dock.
Bequia has no cruise pier — ships anchor in Admiralty Bay and tender passengers to the main jetty in Port Elizabeth.
💡 Pro move: Tender schedules depend on sea conditions in Admiralty Bay. Check last tender time before heading far from the jetty.
Bequia is exclusively a tender port — all cruise ships anchor in Admiralty Bay and ferry passengers ashore to Port Elizabeth.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Admiralty Bay anchorage → Port Elizabeth jetty📍 | Tendered |
| Small ships & expedition vessels | Admiralty Bay anchorage📍 | Tendered |
Bequia rewards slow exploration — beaches, snorkeling reefs, a turtle sanctuary, and sailing culture are all within easy reach of the tender dock.
The island's most popular beach sits a 15-minute walk south along the Belmont Walkway from the jetty. White sand, calm turquoise water, and Jack's Bar for cold Hairoun beer. Good snorkeling off the rocks at each end.
Book Bequia beach tours →Just over the bluff from Princess Margaret Beach, Lower Bay has a slightly more local feel with beachside restaurants and gentle surf. Sundays bring music and a relaxed mix of islanders and visitors.
Find Bequia beach day tours →A community-run sanctuary on the northeast side of the island (Park Bay) that rehabilitates endangered hawksbill turtles for release. Small and genuine — you can see juvenile turtles up close and learn about local conservation efforts.
Find Bequia island tour with turtle sanctuary →On the northeast coast, Industry Bay is a calm, reef-protected bay with excellent snorkeling and often deserted sands shaded by coconut palms. The Sugar Reef beach bar is nearby.
Find Bequia snorkeling tours →Bequia's maritime tradition is alive at this workshop near the waterfront where craftsmen carve intricate scale models of sailing vessels from white pine and mahogany. A genuine local craft, not a tourist imitation.
Explore Port Elizabeth on foot →Bequia sits in the heart of the Grenadines — day sails to Mustique, Mayreau, or the Tobago Cays depart regularly. Snorkeling, sea turtles, and lunch on a secluded beach are typical.
Find Grenadines sailing day trips →Port Elizabeth and the Belmont Walkway are the heart of a Bequia shore day — easy, flat, and genuinely beautiful.
From the tender jetty, follow the Belmont Walkway south past colorful shops and restaurants with harbor views. Continue past Friendship Bay road turnoff to reach the white-sand arc of Princess Margaret Beach. Return the same way or catch a water taxi back.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →A short wander from the jetty through Port Elizabeth's main street takes in the local market, Sargeant Brothers model boat shop, art galleries, and the Anglican church. Easy to extend into the Belmont Walkway.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Bequia Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 76°F / 24°C | 67°F / 19°C | 7 | 5:22 AM | 7:31 PM |
| Feb | 76°F / 24°C | 67°F / 19°C | 9 | 5:53 AM | 7:09 PM |
| Mar | 74°F / 23°C | 65°F / 18°C | 7 | 6:17 AM | 6:35 PM |
| Apr | 71°F / 22°C | 61°F / 16°C | 6 | 6:40 AM | 5:54 PM |
| May | 70°F / 21°C | 58°F / 14°C | 6 | 7:03 AM | 5:24 PM |
| Jun | 68°F / 20°C | 55°F / 13°C | 5 | 7:21 AM | 5:14 PM |
| Jul | 66°F / 19°C | 53°F / 12°C | 5 | 7:20 AM | 5:26 PM |
| Aug | 66°F / 19°C | 54°F / 12°C | 7 | 6:56 AM | 5:47 PM |
| Sep | 67°F / 19°C | 56°F / 13°C | 7 | 6:16 AM | 6:09 PM |
| Oct | 68°F / 20°C | 59°F / 15°C | 8 | 5:36 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Nov | 70°F / 21°C | 61°F / 16°C | 8 | 5:05 AM | 6:58 PM |
| Dec | 73°F / 23°C | 64°F / 18°C | 7 | 5:00 AM | 7:24 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Tenders dock directly at Port Elizabeth Town Jetty, placing you immediately in the heart of the waterfront village. Most shops, restaurants, and beaches are within easy walking distance.
Open-backed taxis are the primary way to tour the island. Rates are fixed by the Bequia Tourism Association — pick up a rate card at the BTA booth near the tender pier.
Shared minibuses run set routes around the island at very low cost. Not a tourist hop-on-hop-off service, but a great budget option for locals and adventurous visitors.
Water taxis are popular for reaching nearby beaches like Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay from the Port Elizabeth waterfront.
Several rental companies operate on the island for those who prefer to self-drive. Confirm availability in advance as fleet sizes are small.
Upcoming cruises that call at Bequia Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.