Plan a CruiseBequia Cruise Port Guide
Bequia, known as the "island of the clouds" in ancient Arawak, is a small and charming destination. Measuring just 7 square miles (18 km²) with a population of approximately 4,300, it offers a tranquil escape. Cruise ships anchor in Admiralty Bay, and passengers are tendered directly to the heart of Port Elizabeth, the island's main town and harbor. Port Elizabeth is a compact waterfront town, stretching only a few blocks along the bay. Upon arrival at the jetty, you'll find a tourist information booth, along with shops and restaurants facing the water. Taxis are readily available here. The island is encircled by golden-sand beaches and coves, ideal for sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Getting Around from the Port
The tender pier in Port Elizabeth places you directly in the center of the small waterfront town, making it immediately walkable to shops, restaurants, and the open-air market.
For exploring further afield or reaching nearby beaches:
- Taxis: Taxis are always present at the jetty. You can hire one for approximately $30 per hour to explore the island at your own pace.
- Water Taxis: These are available for transportation to nearby beaches, costing about $6 per trip.
- Motorboat Hire: For a quick water excursion, you can hire a motorboat from the tourist office, located a minute or two walk to the left of the tender pier. A 20-minute trip costs $150 for up to 6 persons.
- Ferry to St. Vincent: A larger ferry departs the dock for St. Vincent at 9:30 AM and returns at 1:00 PM. The journey takes 1 hour each way. This option is very tight for a typical cruise port call, allowing limited time on St. Vincent itself.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in Bequia, you have several options for a relaxed and authentic Caribbean experience:
- Admiralty Bay and Port Elizabeth Exploration (Walking): Spend time strolling the quaint waterfront of Port Elizabeth. You'll find bars, restaurants, and craft shops. Don't miss the open-air market in town. In Admiralty Bay, you can observe local craftsmen building boats by hand along the shores.
- Island Boat Tour (1 hour, ~$16 for 2 people): Small boats are available right where you disembark the tender. These offer a pleasant, approximately one-hour tour around the island, providing scenic views from the water.
- Beach Hopping and Water Sports (Variable Cost): Bequia is known for its beautiful gold-sand beaches and coves. Take a water taxi for about $6 to explore areas like Lower Bay, which offers excellent opportunities for swimming and other water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Private Island Tour by Taxi (Approx. $30/hour): Hire a local taxi directly from the jetty to tour the small island at your own pace. This allows you to visit various viewpoints, beaches, or points of interest.
Dining & Shopping
Port Elizabeth's waterfront is lined with bars and restaurants, many offering views of Admiralty Bay. While specific local dishes aren't detailed, beachside barbecues, often accompanied by steel bands, are a popular feature of the island's nightlife. For shopping, you'll find craft shops along the waterfront and an open-air market in town, perfect for picking up local souvenirs. Business hours generally run from 8 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM on weekdays, with half-day openings on Saturdays.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). The exchange rate is approximately EC$2.67 to US$1. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, but it's advisable to confirm the exchange rate and ensure that any change you receive is given in U.S. dollars if you paid in USD. English is spoken throughout the island.