Bequia Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to Port Elizabeth, the charming main town on the idyllic island of Bequia in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Frequently visited by boutique and luxury cruise lines such as Windstar Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn, and Star Clippers, this laid-back Caribbean gem offers an authentic, unhurried island experience.
Cruise passengers love Port Elizabeth for its colorful waterfront, crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant yachting community, and warm local hospitality.
In This Guide
- Key Bequia Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Visiting Bequia Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Bequia Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Monthly Pricing
Key Bequia Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
Relaxing at Princess Margaret Beach is a top choice for cruise visitors, reachable via a scenic coastal walkway or a short water taxi ride from the harbor.
Another popular spot is Lower Bay Beach, famous for its calm swimming conditions and casual beachfront bars serving fresh seafood and rum punch.
Animal lovers and families can visit the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary on the northeastern side of the island to learn about hawksbill turtle conservation efforts.
For history and panoramas, Fort Hamilton offers historic cannons and sweeping views over Admiralty Bay.
Last updated on October 29, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
A short ferry or boat ride across the channel leads to Kingstown on the main island of St. Vincent, located roughly 9 miles north, where travelers can explore historic botanical gardens and volcanic landscapes.
Island hopping to the nearby uninhabited cays of Tobago Cays Marine Park, situated about 25 miles south, offers world-class snorkeling with sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs.
Visitors can also explore the historic Firefly Plantation Bequia, located just 10 minutes from town, where guided tours showcase coconut, cinnamon, and sugar cane processing.
Last updated on October 29, 2026
Port Location
Cruise ships visiting Port Elizabeth anchor in the scenic waters of Admiralty Bay and tender passengers directly to the central jetty in downtown Port Elizabeth.
Upon stepping off the tender dock, passengers find themselves immediately in the heart of town with easy access to shops, cafes, and taxis.
The tender pier area is fully equipped with visitor information, craft stalls, water taxis, and open-air dining options right along the shore.
Last updated on October 29, 2026
Local Currency
The official currency of Bequia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of approximately 2.70 XCD to 1 USD.
US Dollars are widely accepted at shops, restaurants, and by taxi drivers throughout Port Elizabeth, though change may be given in local currency.
ATMs accepting major international cards are available near the harbor, while major credit cards are accepted in established boutique hotels and larger restaurants.
Last updated on October 29, 2026
Safety Considerations
Port Elizabeth is considered one of the safest and most welcoming ports in the Caribbean, with a very low crime rate.
Passengers can comfortably explore the town, beaches, and hiking paths independently without safety concerns.
Standard travel precautions apply, such as keeping personal belongings secure on public beaches and agreeing on taxi fares before setting off.
Last updated on October 29, 2026
Weather & Climate
Bequia enjoys a tropical climate with warm, pleasant temperatures year-round ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C).
The peak cruise season from December through April offers dry, sunny weather with refreshing trade winds that keep conditions comfortable.
Pack lightweight clothing, swimsuits, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes or sandals for beach hopping and town strolls.
Last updated on October 29, 2026
Getting Around
Getting around Port Elizabeth and Bequia is straightforward, with open-backed dollar vans and open-air pickup taxis readily available near the tender pier.
Water taxis operating in Admiralty Bay offer a scenic and fun way to travel between the port jetty and nearby beaches like Princess Margaret Beach.
Passengers can also arrange an island tour by open-air taxi to explore sights like Spring Plantation and Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary in a few hours.
Last updated on October 29, 2026
Shopping
Shopping in Port Elizabeth centers around local artisan craft shops, colorful market stalls, and boutique stores along the harbor.
Popular local souvenirs include hand-carved model boats—a famed Bequia tradition—model boat workshops, scrimshaw, locally batiked fabrics, and island-blended spices or rum.
Prices in local boutiques and art galleries are generally fixed, though polite bargaining may take place at informal craft stalls along the waterfront.
Last updated on October 29, 2026
Shore Excursions & Tours
Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise
Our unique Algoa Bay cruise explores a region rich in wildlife and history, visiting St Croix island, which houses half the world’s remaining endangered African Penguins. To ensure skippers and guides remain fresh and alert, we run just one tour daily, allowing for more time and effort on each trip.
Addo Elephant 5 hour Morning Safari.
Enjoy free hotel pickup in Port Elizabeth or Colchester before entering Addo Park at 08h30 for a morning of exploration. The tour includes a picnic brunch of cold meats, cheeses, pickles, salad, fresh bread rolls, tea, coffee, juice, and mineral water.
One-Way Hop-on Hop-off Bus from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town
Discover South Africa at your own pace with a unique one-way hop-on hop-off service between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in a 19-seater semi-luxury bus. Shared with fellow adventure-seekers, this service offers convenient pickup and drop-off at 200 accommodations ranging from backpacking hostels to guest houses.
Addo Elephant National Park Tour - Full day of Wildlife Wonders
As South Africa's third-largest park, Addo Elephant National Park features multiple biomes, birdlife, antelope, and the Big Five. It is home to over 600 of the country's most docile and relaxed African Elephants, providing spectacular opportunities for close-up viewing.
Port Elizabeth City Tour
Discover Port Elizabeth’s history and landscapes on a guided city tour featuring the Donkin Reserve, City Hall, Wozani Art Gallery, and Cape Recife lighthouse and Nature Reserve. The journey also includes visits to Fort Frederick, Nelson Mandela Soccer Stadium, and St Peter's Church for an unforgettable experience.
Half-Day Port Elizabeth & Kragga Kamma Reserve
Discover the 'Windy City' of Gqeberha on a half-day excursion featuring historical sites, a scenic coastal drive, and a guided wildlife experience at Kragga Kamma Game Reserve. Learn why Nelson Mandela honored this city while appreciating its cultural and natural heritage; we cater to all guests.
Schotia Big 5 Safari Port Elizabeth (optional accommodation)
Explore the Eastern Cape's oldest private reserve in open safari vehicles for close-up encounters with over 40 mammal species and 2,000 animals in their natural environment. Our team brings over 25 years of experience to create a unique and relaxed safari experience that offers consistently good game viewing year-round.
Schotia Tooth & Claw Safari–The Ultimate Big5 Wildlife Experience
Choose between a Morning, Afternoon, or Tooth & Claw Sunset Safari, the latter of which includes a traditional South African dinner and a night game drive. Travel in an open vehicle with experienced guides for excellent chances to see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and giraffes at a top Eastern Cape wildlife destination.
Half-Day Schotia Game Reserve (Open 4x4 Safari Vehicle)
Explore Schotia Safaris, a malaria-free reserve bordering Addo and the oldest in the Eastern Cape, featuring 40 mammal species and 2,000 animals for excellent year-round viewing. As the first Cape Province reserve with free-roaming lions, it offers a high density of wildlife and almost guaranteed sightings.
Full-Day Addo Elephant Park & Giraffe Walk
This full-day adventure begins with morning wildlife viewing in Addo Elephant National Park, the third largest in South Africa, where you can see the Big 5. After lunch in the park, embark on a guided walk at a nearby private game reserve for a unique opportunity to view giraffes on foot.
Kragga Kamma Game Drive and Scenic Coastal Tour in Port Elizabeth
This combo deal features a scenic Port Elizabeth coastal tour and a visit to Kragga Kamma Game Park, where you can see three of the Big Five including white rhino, buffalo, and cheetah. Spot various animals like giraffe, zebra, nyala, and bontebok while exploring the city's breathtaking shores and diverse wildlife.
Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth
Designed exclusively for cruise passengers, this relaxed small-group safari in South Africa’s third-largest malaria-free national park includes direct harbour pickup and drop-off timed to your ship's schedule. Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned closed vehicle with an experienced local guide who provides fascinating insights into the wildlife of Addo Elephant National Park.
Schotia Game Reserve Tour with Port Pickup, Next to Addo Park
Join our safari at Schotia Private Game Reserve, the oldest in the Eastern Cape bordering Addo, to see the Big 5 including elephant, rhinoceros, lion, buffalo, and leopard. You will also experience giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles in their natural habitat at this must-see destination.
Addo Elephant Park All-Inclusive Day Safari from Port Elizabeth
Join a small-group safari from Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant National Park, the third-largest malaria-free reserve, in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. A passionate guide shares stories of history and conservation as you spot the Big 5, elephants, lions, antelope, and abundant birdlife along winding roads.
Private Full-Day Addo Elephant Park & Giraffe Walk
Enjoy a private day at Addo Elephant National Park, home to nearly 700 elephants and the Big 5, with a knowledgeable local guide. This experience includes lunch in the heart of the park and an intimate guided giraffe walk at a nearby private game reserve.
Half-Day Addo Elephant National Park
Explore Addo Elephant National Park, home to nearly 700 elephants, the Big 5 including buffalo, lions, black rhino, and leopard, plus antelope, zebra, warthog, birds, and reptiles. Join expert local guides for a half-day game drive in their natural habitat followed by a stop for lunch.
Full day big 5 addo Safari
Addo Travel Centre and Adventure is the only locally owned safari company, featuring mature guides and directors with over 15 years of industry experience. The owner previously worked for 5-star establishments including Barefoot Country Lodge, Riverbend Country Lodge, Gorah Game Reserve, and Hitgeheim before starting this venture.
2hr Guided Game Drive at 10h00; Kragga Kamma Game Park Ticket
Embark on a two-hour guided game drive through Kragga Kamma Game Park in a specialized game viewer. An experienced, qualified guide will educate you about the park’s diverse animals, birds, and plants during the journey.
Shore Excursion Cruise Ships Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant Park
This high-value tour enters Addo Elephant National Park from the south and travels north via the most direct route to maximize wildlife viewing time. We offer harbour pickup and timely return for cruise passengers, though the specific vehicle type cannot be guaranteed.
Sandboarding in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Experience sandboarding, a fun activity similar to snowboarding and easy to learn, on the spectacular beaches of Jeffreys Bay with an instructor and equipment provided for a two-hour session. Choose a morning or afternoon departure and make a day of it by combining this with other options.
Visiting Bequia Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Bequia Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
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Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Bequia
Sailings visiting Bequia during the the peak season of winter are much more expensive than the the low season of fall. On average cruises that visit Bequia are somewhat expensive compared to other itineraries. Check out the illustration below for the average cost per day by month.