Things to Do in Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Bequia still allows whale hunting under indigenous rights—but that happens maybe once a decade now. This second-largest island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines feels like the Caribbean before cruise ships took over. The 7-square-mile island sits just south of Saint Vincent and moves at exactly one speed: slow. Locals build boats by hand here. Port Elizabeth feels genuinely lived-in rather than dressed up for tourists, even though superyachts drop anchor regularly in Admiralty Bay. You can moor a million-dollar yacht and watch fishermen mend nets on the same beach. The island has enough infrastructure to keep you comfortable—decent restaurants, reliable water taxis, good hotels. But this is still the kind of place where your biggest decision involves which beach to visit. Lunch at 1 PM or 2 PM?

Top Things to Do in Bequia

Princess Margaret Beach

This might be the most impressive beach on the island—white sand meets calm, clear water in a gentle arc. Good snorkeling exists at both ends. A beach bar operates during peak season. Named after the British princess who loved the spot. You can see why.

Booking Tip: No booking needed - it's a public beach. Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it, though you can rent equipment in Port Elizabeth for around $15-20 per day. The beach bar isn't always open, so pack water and snacks to be safe.

Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary

This small sanctuary has protected hawksbill sea turtles for decades under Brother King, who's genuinely passionate about turtle conservation. You'll see turtles from tiny hatchlings to adults ready for release. Not fancy but authentic and educational. Your visit directly supports conservation work.

Booking Tip: Just show up during opening hours (usually 10 AM to 5 PM). Admission is around $5-10 USD, and it's worth bringing a small additional donation. The sanctuary is near Park Bay, easily reachable by taxi or rental scooter.

Whaling Museum and Local Model Boat Shops

Bequia maintains unique whaling heritage—they're among the few places still allowed to hunt humpback whales under indigenous rights. The small museum tells this story. Around town, craftsmen build incredibly detailed model boats that represent serious artistry. These aren't tourist trinkets. They're genuine craftsmanship.

Booking Tip: The museum is informal - ask locals for directions and current hours. Model boats range from $50 for small ones to several hundred for masterpieces. If you're buying, look for boats made by Lawson Sargeant or members of the Mitchell family, who are known for their quality.

Island Hopping to Mustique or Tobago Cays

Bequia's location makes it perfect for day trips to other Grenadine islands. Mustique is famous for celebrity homes and clean beaches. Tobago Cays offers some of the Caribbean's best snorkeling with sea turtles practically guaranteed. Most trips include lunch and snorkel gear.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost $80-150 per person depending on the destination and group size. Book through your hotel or established operators in Port Elizabeth. Weather can change quickly, so trips sometimes get cancelled - try to book for earlier in your stay in case you need to reschedule.

Hiking Mount Pleasant

This isn't challenging hiking. But it gives you the best island views and good sense of Bequia's interior that most visitors never see. The trail passes through local neighborhoods and offers glimpses of traditional island life away from tourist areas. The summit provides panoramic Grenadines views.

Booking Tip: No guide necessary, but ask locals for the best trail route as there are several paths. Bring water and start early to avoid the heat. The hike takes about 2-3 hours round trip. Wear proper shoes - the trail can be rocky and steep in sections.

Getting There

Most people fly into Saint Vincent's Argyle International Airport, then take a 45-minute ferry that costs ~$15-20 each way. The ferry runs several times daily. Private yachts and charter boats work too. Small planes can land on Bequia's short airstrip, though this gets expensive and weather cancels flights regularly. Water taxis connect Bequia to other islands if you're island-hopping through the Grenadines. Schedules change based on weather and demand.

Getting Around

Port Elizabeth is walkable. You'll need transportation to reach the good beaches and explore beyond town though. Taxis cost $10-20 for most island trips and drivers often work as informal tour guides. Many visitors rent scooters for ~$25-30 daily. This gives you flexibility, though some roads are steep and rough. Rental cars exist but scooters work fine unless you can't handle two wheels. Water taxis reach some beaches easier than driving does. They know the best snorkeling spots too. Captains adjust timing based on conditions.

Where to Stay

Port Elizabeth (Admiralty Bay)

Princess Margaret Beach area

Lower Bay

Friendship Bay

Spring Bay

Belmont area

Food & Dining

The food scene focuses on fresh seafood and Caribbean basics without pretension. You'll find casual beach bars serving grilled fish and local beer alongside upscale hotel restaurants around Admiralty Bay. Local specialties include fresh lobster when in season, conch, and whatever fish came in that day. Many restaurants are small and family-run. Don't expect extensive menus—ask what's fresh and good instead. Casual meals cost ~$15-25 and nicer dinners run $30-50. Some places close unexpectedly or keep limited hours. Ask your hotel for current recommendations. Prices are reasonable by Caribbean standards.

When to Visit

December to May offers the most reliable weather and calm seas for snorkeling and island hopping. This is peak season though. Expect higher prices and more crowds—though crowds here are relative. November and June offer good value with decent weather. Hurricane season runs June to November, with September and October being riskiest. Many locals prefer summer despite occasional rain. The island stays greener then. Prices drop and you'll get a more real feel with fewer tourists around.

Insider Tips

Thursday market in Port Elizabeth is worth timing your visit around—locals come to town and you'll see the island at its most authentic

Consider buying groceries at local shops rather than eating every meal out if you're staying more than a few days. Prices add up quickly. Cooking can be part of the island experience.

Water taxis between beaches often beat driving for pleasure and convenience—captains know the best snorkeling spots and adjust timing based on conditions

Things to Do in Bequia

Top Things to Do in Bequia

Princess Margaret Beach

Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary

Whaling Museum and Local Model Boat Shops

Island Hopping to Mustique or Tobago Cays

Hiking Mount Pleasant

Getting There

Getting Around

Where to Stay

Food & Dining

When to Visit

Insider Tips

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