Bequia, the largest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Grenadine islands, is cherished for its unhurried pace, scenic harbors, and idiosyncratic blend of Caribbean traditions with international influences. At just seven square miles, Bequia remains largely untouched by mass tourism, drawing guests looking for authentic island life, rich seafaring history, and breathtaking tropical landscapes. The turquoise waters and lush hills invite visitors to unwind, explore, and become part of the island’s welcoming rhythm.
Among the main attractions are the white-sand beaches like Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay Beach, celebrated for their calm, swimmable waters and relaxed beach bars. The bustling Port Elizabeth Harbour is home to colorful wooden boats, lively markets, and the renowned Belmont Walkway—a scenic path lined with local restaurants and art galleries. Adventurers can island-hop to nearby Mustique or Tobago Cays, snorkel thriving coral reefs at Friendship Bay, or hike up Mount Pleasant for sweeping panoramic views.
Bequia’s residents are known for their seafaring roots—boatbuilding and fishing remain part of daily life. The island’s atmosphere is friendly and inclusive; visitors often find themselves chatting with locals at waterfront cafes or participating in festivals like the Easter Regatta. Dining on Bequia is a treat, featuring fresh-caught seafood, Caribbean specialties, and international flavors in both beach shacks and fine dining settings.
Reaching Bequia usually involves a short ferry ride from Saint Vincent or an inter-island flight. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses to boutique hotels and private villas, mostly family-owned and oozing character. Getting around is simple—taxis, water taxis, and walking are all common. The best time to visit is between December and May when the island is dry and breezy, though quieter rainy months appeal to those seeking total peace.
Bequia’s charm lies in its gentle pace, genuine hospitality, and soulful scenery. Travelers who appreciate authenticity, creative spirit, and unspoiled beauty will feel right at home.
Among the main attractions are the white-sand beaches like Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay Beach, celebrated for their calm, swimmable waters and relaxed beach bars. The bustling Port Elizabeth Harbour is home to colorful wooden boats, lively markets, and the renowned Belmont Walkway—a scenic path lined with local restaurants and art galleries. Adventurers can island-hop to nearby Mustique or Tobago Cays, snorkel thriving coral reefs at Friendship Bay, or hike up Mount Pleasant for sweeping panoramic views.
Bequia’s residents are known for their seafaring roots—boatbuilding and fishing remain part of daily life. The island’s atmosphere is friendly and inclusive; visitors often find themselves chatting with locals at waterfront cafes or participating in festivals like the Easter Regatta. Dining on Bequia is a treat, featuring fresh-caught seafood, Caribbean specialties, and international flavors in both beach shacks and fine dining settings.
Reaching Bequia usually involves a short ferry ride from Saint Vincent or an inter-island flight. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses to boutique hotels and private villas, mostly family-owned and oozing character. Getting around is simple—taxis, water taxis, and walking are all common. The best time to visit is between December and May when the island is dry and breezy, though quieter rainy months appeal to those seeking total peace.
Bequia’s charm lies in its gentle pace, genuine hospitality, and soulful scenery. Travelers who appreciate authenticity, creative spirit, and unspoiled beauty will feel right at home.
Expected Weekly Budget
$1000–$1700 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Swim and sunbathe at Princess Margaret Beach
- Snorkel or dive at Friendship Bay and The Devils Table
- Stroll the Belmont Walkway along Admiralty Bay
- Sample local seafood at beachside restaurants
- Visit Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary
- Take a boat trip to Tobago Cays
- Hike up Mount Pleasant for panoramic views
- Explore Bequia Maritime Museum
Notable Sites
- Princess Margaret Beach
- Belmont Walkway
- Admiralty Bay
- Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary
- Friendship Bay
- Port Elizabeth Harbour
- Mount Pleasant
- Bequia Maritime Museum
General Advice
Bequia’s relaxed ambiance is best enjoyed with a flexible itinerary and curious spirit. Embrace island time; everything tends to move at a slower pace here, from restaurant service to ferry schedules, so patience pays off. The local population is exceptionally welcoming—don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or directions. While English is spoken island-wide, take a moment to learn a few local expressions for a more immersive experience. Bring sun protection, pack light, and plan to unplug—WiFi can be spotty in some areas.
Security & Safety
Bequia is one of the safer Caribbean islands, but standard precautions apply. Keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially at beaches or in crowded markets, and use the safe deposit box at your accommodation for valuables. At night, stick to well-lit areas, especially if walking along the Belmont Walkway or around Port Elizabeth. Solo travelers can feel secure, though it’s always wise to inform someone of your plans if heading out on hikes or boat tours. Respect local customs and remember that modesty is appreciated away from the beach.
Travel Tips
- Bring cash, as some restaurants and small shops do not accept credit cards.
- Book taxis or water taxis through trusted local operators.
- Ferry schedules can change due to weather—double-check times in advance.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life during water activities.
- Adapters may be needed; Bequia uses 220V British-style plugs.
- Tap water is generally safe, but bottled water is widely available if preferred.
- Reserve accommodation early during Regatta and winter high season.
- Try local delicacies like conch, grilled fish, and roti from beachfront eateries.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in April 2024
I loved how laid-back Bequia felt compared to other Caribbean islands. We spent our days just walking Belmont Walkway and relaxing at Princess Margaret Beach. The vibe is super friendly, but restaurants can be slow during busy times—just go with the flow!
Traveled here in February 2024
Incredible snorkeling at Friendship Bay and the boat trip to Tobago Cays was unforgettable—so many turtles! Locals gave us great advice on which beach bars to hit for happy hour. Wish I could have stayed longer.
Stayed in December 2023
We came for the sailing and weren't disappointed. Admiralty Bay is beautiful with all the anchored yachts, though it did get busy around Christmas. Great mix of cultures and really fresh seafood everywhere.
Visited in March 2024
Took the kids to Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary—they loved it. Lower Bay Beach was perfect for family swims, and everyone we met was welcoming. Next time, I'd rent a villa with a kitchen as restaurant options can be limited after 9pm.
Traveled here in January 2024
If you want real relaxation, Bequia’s the place. We spent hours just reading under palm trees or sampling rum punch at tiny shacks. Mount Pleasant hike is worth the energy for the view!
Visited in July 2023
Beautiful island but humid and rainy during my visit. Beaches are pristine and people are lovely, but some attractions were closed for low season. Still, a great spot if you don’t mind the weather shift.
Stayed in May 2024
Our honeymoon here was magical! Waking up to views over Admiralty Bay and long, lazy days snorkeling were highlights. It's small-town charming—not much nightlife, but that’s what we wanted.
Visited in October 2023
Amazing seafood platters and friendly bartenders. The ferry from St. Vincent was rough in the rain but worth it. Belmont Walkway is perfect for an evening stroll after dinner.
Traveled here in March 2024
Water taxi rides to different beaches were so fun. We bought handmade jewelry in Port Elizabeth and spent hours watching fishermen haul in the catch. Bequia has an easy, welcoming feel that’s hard to forget.
Stayed in April 2024
Renting a hillside cottage was the best decision—the sunsets were unreal! If you like slow travel and friendly faces, Bequia should be high on your list. Not great for shopping lovers though; it's all about the sea and simplicity.
Visited in November 2023
Fantastic place to unwind. I hiked up to Mount Pleasant and the views blew me away. Just bring repellent—mosquitoes can be active after sunset.
Traveled here in December 2023
Was here for the Regatta and it was lively but not overwhelming. The mix of locals and yachties makes for a cool social scene. Food’s a bit pricier than I expected, but quality’s good.
Stayed in February 2024
I fell in love with the art galleries and quirky shops along the Belmont Walkway. Locals go out of their way to help. Definitely recommend painting or photography lovers to visit.
Visited in June 2023
Gorgeous setting, just very quiet at night in the off-season so be prepared to fully unplug. Great for swimming and paddleboarding. Had a fantastic grilled fish at Laura’s Restaurant.
Traveled here in January 2024
Our family trip was awesome—our kids loved seeing the baby turtles. Taking water taxis to secluded beaches was an adventure! Would have liked more choices for groceries but we managed fine.
Stayed in March 2024
Superb diving spots and friendly instructors made this a scuba paradise for me. Port Elizabeth has everything you need, but be sure to plan dinner reservations as tables fill up quickly in high season.
Visited in February 2024
The pace of life here is something special. People wave as you wander by, and every sunset is a photo op. The hills are steep if you’re walking, so pack sandals that can handle cobblestones.
Traveled here in August 2023
Friendly locals, lush scenery, and perfect sailing weather. A few power cuts when a storm moved through but not a big deal. The seafood is ridiculously fresh!
Stayed in October 2023
Chilled out island, which was mostly what I wanted. But if you're looking for big resorts or a party scene, this isn't it. Loved the views and felt safe everywhere I went.
Visited in May 2024
Took a day trip to Mustique but always happy to return to Bequia for the calm. Great cocktails at Jack’s Beach Bar and plenty of space to spread out on the beaches. Definitely need to book accommodations ahead in peak season.
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