Top Things to do in Bequia
10 Things to Do in Bequia That You Shouldn't Miss
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a country of 32 beautiful Caribbean islands in the idyllic Caribbean, stretching south from Saint Vincent Island to Grenada. Proud of its French and British colonial history, it is now part of the Commonwealth of Nations and CARICOM. Bequia, pronounced "Beck-way”, is blessed with white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and friendly people. Port Elizabeth is a bustling yachting town. Enjoy yachting, scuba diving and snorkeling over coral reefs. Restaurants on Bequia tend to be small, friendly local enterprises. Try “goat water” soup, Bitter Lemon a popular soda and Hairoun the local brew. The island of St. Vincent, originally named Hairouna by the native Caribs, is relatively small, and its mountainous landscape makes getting around a challenge. Its capital is Kingstown and also its main port. Follow the Vermont Nature Trail and experience the spectacle of more than 500 parrots in flight. Numerous endemic species make this trail their home. Take a stroll along a scenic coastal path and take pleasure in the numerous waterfalls or hike to Fort Charlotte and be amazed by the views. Challenge yourself by a climbing the Soufriere volcano.
Restaurants in Bequia
1. Princess Margaret Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
One of Bequia's most popular Beaches.
Reviewed By Jon C - Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Arrived in Port Elizabeth off our cruise ship and headed to Princess Margaret Beach along the Belmont Boardwalk basically from the quay with your back to the seas turn right and stay close to the sea.
If you are going to walk would recommend boat shoes, trainers or similar as the path was a bit slippery after rain and rogue waves washing over the boardwalk.
Walk took about 15 minutes and just added to the anticipation of walking onto the beach.
Walking this way to the beach you go past Jack's bar as soon as you get to the beach but there are a number of vendors selling drinks and snacks further on.
The beach is curved and although the sea was a bit too rough for snorkeling it was great to get in have a swim.
We didn't hire a chair although they were cheap, just sat on our towels but got four beers from Fay (2 for $5). She also sells jewellery and snacks.
We were one of two cruise ships in port that day both with circa 400 passengers each and obviously the beach was busier than it would have been and if you want to sit on the first 20 metres of beach it is not for you when the cruise ships are in port however if you are prepared to walk 400 metres there was plenty of room and even more if you carry on to Lower Bay.
On the walk back along the boardwalk you pass numerous bars, restaurants and hotels all of which offer drinks and food before you get back to the centre of Port Elizabeth. (see seperate review of Mac's)
A must when visiting Bequia
2. Lower Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
This excellent beach is one of the highlights of Bequia.
Reviewed By R0bbiesworld - Miami, Florida
I first visited Lower Bay on a Day Trip from St. Vincent. I grabbed some snacks from CK Greaves in Kingstown before heading to the warf. I took the Bequia Express Ferry and enjoyed a relaxing picnic on the beach with drink service from Keegans Bar. The beach is relaxing, water beautiful and patrons friendly however, Be careful not to eat the berries from the trees on the beach. Although they resemble ackees or sea grapes they are extremely poisonous. Signs aren't always visible from every angle.
3. Port Elizabeth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
This quiet seaside village is known for its fantastic scenery.
Reviewed By Cjay407 - Dorchester, United Kingdom
We went here by catamaran from St Vincent, weather was a bit choppy but worth a bumpy trip to get to Bequia which is a beautiful island.
4. Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4 based on 290 reviews
A local fisherman, Orton (Brother) King, constructed this sanctuary in an effort to preserve the hawksbill turtle.
Reviewed By roderickb710 - London
well worth visiting brother King at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary. his tireless devotion to his turtles is incredible. These are such beautiful creatures you must see them
5. Friendship Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
The site of a beach that is popular with Bequia tourists.
6. Firefly Plantation Bequia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
A fun guided Plantation Tour. Visit the ruins of an historic 280 year old sugar mill and explore a lush and tropical working plantation with orchards producing guava, mango oranges, grapefruit, bananas, breadfruit, Bequia plums, and a variety of wonderful and exotic crops. You get to crush your own sugar cane to make juice, sample many of the fruits and vegetables in season and learn about coconuts, bananas and the uses of the various herbs and flowers you will see. 'Plantation Tours' ec$10 per person. Children welcome.
Reviewed By jenny1794 - sw london
Well I have to say my review is a little more downbeat than those previously. Essentially it is a stroll around a small plantation (probably created for this tour) being shown various fruit trees, herbs and spices, sugar cane and bee hives. Don't get me wrong - it was pleasant enough and very picturesque - however, I would only do this as an add-on to lunch or if I was staying there. I certainly would not make the trip to do the "plantation tour" alone. However the combination was a nice way to spend some time whilst staying on Bequia. We had their signature roti with chicken curry which was delicious.
7. Hamilton Fort
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 81 reviews
The remains of this 18th-century fort have a great view of Admiralty Bay.
Reviewed By Keith1812 - Huntingdon, United Kingdom
Set above the harbour town of Port Elizabeth there are tremendous views of the town, Princess Margaret Bay and Lower Bay
8. Industry Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
This scenic bay is a good snorkeling spot for beginners.
Reviewed By The_Concierge_8 - Trinidad
We spent the day in Bequia so took a tour with a local driver to see some of the island.
Industry Bay is just north of Spring on the Eastern side of Bequia so it is cooled constantly by the Atlantic breezes. The area was formerly Sugar Plantations and there are ruins scattered throughout the area.
There are pockets of coconut trees here but the foliage is mainly grasses. There are a couple farms / Ranches in the area.
There’s a beautiful property right in the Bay called Industry Estate House, a stunning stone cottage which is available for rent. It is certainly worth the view alone!
Industry Bay is popular with the locals as it is somewhat calmer than its neighbouring bays, however, it is still rough waters with strong currents. On the day we visited it was infested with seaweed so it was not very pleasant but once out of seaweed season, it would be a lovely place to stop for a swim, followed by drinks or lunch at Sugar Reef and a visit to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary further up the road.
9. The Oasis Art Gallery & Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By The_Concierge_8 - Trinidad
This is a small unassuming art gallery located upstairs an old building behind The Porthole Restaurant just off the main waterfront road and just at the start of the Belmont Walkway. You can also reach it via Belmont road.
Renowned local artist, Ms. L.D. Lucy, curates this little gallery and works on site. She happily answers questions and explains the background, meanings and inspirations behind her paintings. They are so vibrant and full of colour!
Once of her signature subjects is a black and white spotted Guinea fowl! It is absolutely delightful the variety of paintings she has featuring this quirky Guinea fowl!
They’ve got beautiful paintings by several local and visiting artists, some popularly seen around town and in publications. There are also model sail boats for sale that actually do sail. There is also local handmade jewellery that you can buy.
If you like the paintings but can’t afford the price tag, there are prints available in various sizes and cards – single and in boxed packs. I bought a pack of Guinea fowl cards which made the best souvenir!
This gallery is definitely worth a visit and it’s a lovely way to spend 20 minutes browsing the art featuring Bequian life and culture.
10. Bequia Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By rollngstone - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Included in our island tour. You walk around an area that is enclosed with iron bars -- I supposed that this is the best way to display the whaling boats, murals & whaling gear / without worrying about theft / vandalism. Thankfully this way of life is coming to an end (they are currently allowed to kill 4 humpbacks per year).
