About Bequia
Bequia is located in the Caribbean, part of the chain known as the Windward Islands. It is part of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and after St. Vincent, nine miles to the north, is the largest of the 32 islands and cays that comprise that country. Approximately 5000 people call Bequia home. The island is on Atlantic Standard Time.
The beautiful Princess Margaret beach & the pristine waters of Admiralty Bay.
Getting to Bequia
Air
International visitors will find it easiest to get to Bequia by flying into Barbados first. Several international airlines serve Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport, many of them providing direct flights:
From Barbados, one may choose to fly directly to Bequia via local airlines, or fly into St. Vincent via local airlines and from there catch the ferry to Bequia.
By Sea
Yachts arriving in Bequia must clear Customs and Immigration in Port Elizabeth.
Entry Requirements
Visas are not required. US, Canadian and UK citizens can visit with a birth certificate and official photo ID, although US citizens may wish to check with the State Department regarding recently announced plans to require US passports for all citizens returning to the US from abroad. All other visitors must have passports, and all visitors, regardless of citizenship, must show a return ticket.
Private yachts must pay a Cruise Tax to Customs of $5EC per person per day up to a maximum of seven days. The same tax must be paid for charter yacht guests only (not crew members).
Currency
Bequia’s local currency, the EC dollar, is tied to the US dollar at approximately $1EC to $2.67US. US and European visitors will not need to exchange currency in advance, as the Euro, and even moreso the US dollar, are widely accepted in Bequia. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted and travelers cheques are accepted in many places as well. There are two banks on the island; each of them has an ATM machine.
Weather
Average temperatures are approximately 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F) throughout the year. Winter months (from January to March) may see slightly cooler evenings, while summer months (May through November) might bring slightly higher temperatures during the day. From May to November, short showers and the occasional downpour can be refreshing on those particularly hot days.
Getting Around
Visitors wishing to drive in Bequia must obtain a local driving permit, which may be obtained from the Revenue Office in Port Elizabeth. You must show a valid national or international driving licence from your home country, and pay a fee of $50EC (approximately $19US).
Electricity
Villas are wired for dual voltage, both 110 and 220.
Water
It is advisable to drink bottled water, which is readily available on the island.
Dining
For such a small island Bequia has a surprisingly good array of restaurants from which to choose. Several of them have wonderful views, and you can choose a romantic quiet setting or an informal “happy hour” vibe. Some restaurants also feature local bands playing everything from jazz to reggae.
Activities
- Diving: Bequia has two dive shops, either of which can take you to the over 30 dive sites around the island. Wreck and night dives are also available.
- Fishing: For those wishing to catch their own dinner, deep-sea fishing is easily accomplished via day charter.
- Day trips to the Tobago Cays
- Windsurfing
- Kayaking
- Tennis
- Relaxing - Can be done anywhere!
For further information, please contact your local SVG Tourism office, which publishes the following guides to Bequia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines:
- Holiday Bequia
- Ins & Outs of St. Vincent & the Grenadines
These publications are also widely available once you arrive in Bequia.