11 Best Sights in Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Background Illustration for Sights

To see the views, villages, beaches, and boatbuilding sites around Bequia, hire a taxi at the jetty in Port Elizabeth. Several usually line up under the almond trees to meet each ferry from St. Vincent. The driver will show you the sights in a couple of hours, point out a place for lunch, and (if you wish) drop you at a beach for swimming and snorkeling and pick you up later on. Negotiate the fare in advance, but expect to pay about $30 per hour for the tour. Water taxis are available for transportation between the jetty in Port Elizabeth and the beaches. The cost is $6 (EC$15) per person each way, but keep in mind that most of these operators are not regulated; ride at your own risk.

Friendship Bay Beach

Fodor's choice

This spectacular horseshoe-shape, mile-long (1½-km-long) beach on Bequia's mid-southern coast can be reached by land taxi or by boat. Refreshments are available at Bequia Beach Hotel's Bagatelle grill. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

Lower Bay Beach

Fodor's choice

This broad, palm-fringed beach on the southern shore of Admiralty Bay, south of Port Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Beach, is reachable by land or water taxi or a healthy hike from town. It's an excellent beach for swimming and snorkeling. Refreshments are available at La Plage or De Reef Bar & Restaurant, both right on the beach. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

Princess Margaret Beach

Fodor's choice

Quiet and wide with a natural stone arch at one end, the beach is not far from Port Elizabeth's Belmont Walkway—but you still need to take a water or land taxi to get here. When you tire of the water, snoozing under the palm and seagrapes is always an option. Plan to have lunch at Jack's Beach Bar. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

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Admiralty Bay

This huge sheltered bay on the leeward side of Bequia is a favorite yacht anchorage. Year-round it's filled with boats; in season, they're moored transom to bowsprit. It's the perfect spot for watching the sun dip over the horizon each evening—either from your boat or from the terrace bar at one of Port Elizabeth's waterfront hotels or restaurants.

Admiralty Bay

This huge sheltered bay on the leeward side of Bequia is a favorite yacht anchorage. Year-round, it's filled with boats; in season, they're moored transom to bowsprit. It's the perfect spot for watching the sun dip over the horizon each evening—either from your boat or from the terrace bar at one of Port Elizabeth's waterfront hotels or restaurants.

Hamilton Battery/Ft. Hamilton

Just north of Port Elizabeth, 300 feet above Admiralty Bay, a British fort constructed in the late 1700s protected the harbor from American privateers and French marauders. The fort was named after Alexander Hamilton, who was born on Nevis in 1755. His father James, who never married Alexander's mother, apparently lived on Bequia between 1774 and 1794. Today, the fort is gone; the spot is simply a breezy place to enjoy a magnificent view. Hike or take a taxi from the center of town (fair warning: the road is very steep and winding).

Hope Bay Beach

Getting to this remote beach facing Bequia's windward side involves a long taxi ride across the island (about $15 from Port Elizabeth) and a mile-long (1½-km-long) walk down a semi-paved path. Your reward is a magnificent crescent of white sand, total seclusion, and—if you like—nude bathing. Be sure to ask your taxi driver to return at a prearranged time. Bring your own lunch and drinks, as there are no facilities. Even though the surf is fairly shallow, swimming may be dangerous because of the undertow. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; nudists.

Hope Bay, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Industry Bay Beach

This nearly secluded beach on the northeastern (windward) side of the island is fringed with towering palms; getting here requires transportation from Port Elizabeth. The beach is good for snorkelers who are strong swimmers, as there could be a strong undertow. Bring a picnic; the nearest facilities are at Firefly Bequia or Sugar Reef resorts, about a 10- to 15-minute walk. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude.

Industry Bay, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Mt. Pleasant

Bequia's highest point (elevation, 881 feet) is a reasonable goal for a hiking trek. Alternatively, it's a pleasant drive. The reward is a stunning view of the island and the nearby Grenadines.

Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary

In the far northeast of the island, Orton "Brother" King, a retired skin-diving fisherman, tends to more than 200 endangered hawksbill turtles until they can be released back into the sea. Call ahead, and he'll be glad to show you around and tell you how his project has increased the turtle population in the waters surrounding Bequia.

Port Elizabeth

Bequia's capital and only town, locally referred to as “the Harbour,” is on the northeastern side of Admiralty Bay. The ferry from St. Vincent docks at the jetty in the center of the tiny town, which is only a few blocks long and a block or two deep. Walk north along Front Street (which faces the water) to the open-air market, where you can buy local fruits and vegetables and some handicrafts; farther along, you will find some of Bequia's famous model-boat shops. Walking south from the jetty, Belmont Walkway meanders along the bay past shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, and small hotels.  A tourist information booth is located on the jetty.

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