Port information & tips for Bequia
Bequia is the largest and arguably most charming island in the Grenadines, enchanting visitors with its authentic Caribbean soul. Located in the picturesque Admiralty Bay, the town captivates with its relaxed flair, colourful wooden houses, and a vibrant sailing scene under palm trees. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the scenic Belmont Walkway, the golden Princess Margaret Beach, and the fascinating Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. Cruise ships usually anchor safely in the bay or dock at the central Port Elizabeth Wharf, meaning guests arrive directly in the heart of the main town, Port Elizabeth, and can easily explore the city centre and surrounding beaches on foot thanks to the ideal location.
The idyllic harbor of Bequia in Port Elizabeth bay is a jewel of the Grenadines and is reached by travelers from the DACH region via international hubs and regional connecting flights. Since larger ships usually lie at anchor, arrival at the pier in the heart of the village is conveniently carried out by tender boat.
Airplane
Arrival from Europe traditionally takes place via Barbados Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) or Argyle International Airport (SVD) on the main island of St. Vincent. From there, you can reach J.F. Mitchell Airport (BQU) on Bequia with regional airlines such as SVG Air in short, approximately 20-minute flights, which simultaneously offer a spectacular view of the island world.
Ferry & Transfer
A popular and maritime arrival option is the use of fast ferries from Kingstown on St. Vincent. Providers such as Bequia Express or Admiral Ferries operate several times a day and take you directly to the ferry terminal in Port Elizabeth in around 60 minutes, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the cruise ship berths.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the flight duration and the time difference, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation with an overnight stay on St. Vincent or directly on Bequia. Local hotels in Admiralty Bay also offer the advantage that you can enjoy the relaxed island life in advance and reach the harbor stress-free on the day of departure thanks to short distances.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The idyllic harbor of Bequia in Port Elizabeth bay is a jewel of the Grenadines and is reached by travelers from the DACH region via international hubs and regional connecting flights. Since larger ships usually lie at anchor, arrival at the pier in the heart of the village is conveniently carried out by tender boat.
Airplane
Arrival from Europe traditionally takes place via Barbados Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) or Argyle International Airport (SVD) on the main island of St. Vincent. From there, you can reach J.F. Mitchell Airport (BQU) on Bequia with regional airlines such as SVG Air in short, approximately 20-minute flights, which simultaneously offer a spectacular view of the island world.
Ferry & Transfer
A popular and maritime arrival option is the use of fast ferries from Kingstown on St. Vincent. Providers such as Bequia Express or Admiral Ferries operate several times a day and take you directly to the ferry terminal in Port Elizabeth in around 60 minutes, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the cruise ship berths.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the flight duration and the time difference, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation with an overnight stay on St. Vincent or directly on Bequia. Local hotels in Admiralty Bay also offer the advantage that you can enjoy the relaxed island life in advance and reach the harbor stress-free on the day of departure thanks to short distances.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Bequia in Port Elizabeth is an ideal starting point for exploration, as guests arrive directly in the heart of the charming main town. Thanks to the central location of the tender pier, many sights and beaches are easily accessible within a short distance.
On Foot
The center of Port Elizabeth, with its colorful markets and cafes, is located directly at the pier and can be explored within a few minutes. The picturesque Belmont Walkway also leads on a relaxed 15- to 20-minute walk along the coast to the beautiful beaches of Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay.
Water Taxis
Local water taxis are ready and waiting directly at the pier, offering a fast and entertaining connection to the surrounding bays. These boats are a popular choice for enjoying the sea route while hopping off directly at the island's fine sandy beaches.
Taxi (Open Pick-ups)
Island-style open pick-up taxis await visitors at the port exit. These vehicles are perfect for a tour to destinations such as the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary and, thanks to their open design, offer a refreshing breeze as well as an unobstructed view of the tropical landscape.
To enjoy the idyllic atmosphere of Bequia at its best, a combination of the charming harbor center and the picturesque coastal paths to the island's most beautiful natural treasures is recommended.
Port Elizabeth
The vibrant heart of the island welcomes visitors with brightly painted houses and inviting boutiques and, thanks to the picturesque waterfront promenade along Admiralty Bay, offers the perfect starting point for a relaxed stroll.
Princess Margaret Beach
This dreamlike sandy beach is easily accessible on foot via the idyllic Belmont Walkway or by water taxi and impresses with its crystal-clear water and lush tropical vegetation in the background.
Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary
This dedicated nature conservation project in the northeast of the island is dedicated to the rearing of endangered hawksbill turtles and offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience these fascinating marine creatures up close while learning more about the preservation of the marine ecosystem.
Princess Margaret Beach
The dreamlike Princess Margaret Beach is accessible from the port in Port Elizabeth via the picturesque Belmont Walkway in about twenty minutes on foot and offers fine, golden-yellow sand as well as crystal-clear, turquoise water. Thanks to the popular Jack’s Bar & Beach Club, you can enjoy excellent local infrastructure with comfortable loungers, shaded areas, and first-class Caribbean cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. It is best to visit the beach directly in the morning to secure an ideal spot in the front row, and use one of the available water taxis for the return trip to arrive back at the ship comfortably and on time within a few minutes.
Returning to the port in Port Elizabeth is very straightforward and safe thanks to the short distances and the relaxed island atmosphere.
Water Taxis
From the popular beaches of Princess Margaret Beach and Lower Bay, licensed water taxis will take you directly back to the central pier in Port Elizabeth. The boats are easy to find on the shore and offer a quick connection across the water, ensuring you reach the tender boat punctually and comfortably.
Taxi
The typical open pick-up taxis are available at the Port Elizabeth ferry terminal as well as at central squares in town, and will reliably bring you back from your excursion destinations. Thanks to the fixed taxi stands at the major beach sections, you can find a vehicle at any time and reach the port area safely and without time pressure.
On Foot
The picturesque Belmont Walkway connects the Port Elizabeth waterfront directly with the southern coastal sections and allows for a relaxed stroll back to the port. The paved path leads along the sea, passing small cafés, and offers easy orientation for the direct route to the ship.
