In this guide, I’ll help you to discover the best things to do on a cruise stop in Saint Vincent, including how to visit Bequia independently.
Saint Vincent, the main island of this 32-island archipelago, offers everything from lush rainforests to volcanic landscapes. And from unspoiled beaches to charming seaside towns. But the real highlight? The Grenadines! This string of breathtaking islands is known for their secluded beaches, incredible sailing, and vibrant marine life.
For our cruise stop, we joined an MSC Excursion catamaran trip to Bequia (pronounced BECK-way). This island is one of the most beautiful islands in the Grenadines and famous for its laid-back vibe, turquoise bays, and lively Port Elizabeth waterfront. It was an unforgettable day of sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach. So, if you have the chance, I highly recommend making the trip!
But what if you’re visiting Saint Vincent independently? Good news! You can still experience Bequia on your own by taking the Bequia Express ferry. This ferry runs multiple times a day between Kingstown and Port Elizabeth. That means you can recreate most of our experience, even without a pre-booked excursion!
Good to know: Our visit to Saint Vincent & The Grenadines was part of our MSC Virtuosa Caribbean cruise. For the full story on our cruise experience – including all the Caribbean ports of call – be sure to check out that article!
A Quick Introduction to Saint Vincent & The Grenadines
Before setting sail for Bequia, let’s take a moment to appreciate Saint Vincent, the main island of this stunning Caribbean nation. Often overshadowed by its glitzier neighbours, Saint Vincent is still quite unknown. However, this island offers volcanic landscapes, rich history, and unspoiled nature. I mean what’s not to like?
But what truly makes this destination special is its connection to The Grenadines. This chain of 32 islands and cays stretching south toward Grenada, is known for world-class sailing and secluded beaches.
A Brief History of Saint Vincent
Originally inhabited by the Caribs (Kalinago people), Saint Vincent was one of the last Caribbean islands to be colonised due to fierce resistance from the indigenous population.
Eventually, the British gained control in 1763, and the island remained a colony until independence in 1979. Today, it is a sovereign nation but remains part of the Btirish Commonwealth. It even has King Charles III as head of state.
Economy & Currency
Saint Vincent’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, tourism, and offshore financial services. Historically, banana exports played a significant role, but with changing trade agreements, tourism and yachting in the Grenadines have become increasingly important.
The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is pegged to the US dollar at 2.7 XCD = 1 USD. This makes it easy for visitors, as US dollars are also widely accepted. You’ll often receive change in XCD, though. XCD is also referred to as EC$.
Why Visit Saint Vincent on a Cruise Stop?
There are some excellent reasons to find a cruise, such as our cruise on the MSC Virtuosa, with a stop in Saint Vincent:
- Less Crowded Than Other Caribbean Ports | While many islands are overrun with cruise passengers, Saint Vincent remains refreshingly laid-back.
- The Gateway to The Grenadines | If you dream of turquoise waters and hidden beaches, this is your chance to experience them!
- A Mix of Culture & Nature | Whether you want to explore a historic capital or sail to untouched islands, Saint Vincent has something for everyone.
Now that you have a feel for the island, let’s dive into the best ways to spend your time on a cruise stop in Saint Vincent, starting with the trip to Bequia!
Option 1: Catamaran Day Trip to Bequia (Our Experience)
If you’re looking for the ultimate Caribbean day trip, sailing to Bequia is hard to beat. As part of our MSC Excursion, we boarded a catamaran in Kingstown and set off for this laid-back island paradise. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, hidden beaches, and colourful waterfront town. And it did not disappoint.
While this exact excursion isn’t available for independent booking, you can still recreate most of our experience by taking the Bequia Express ferry (more on that in the next section). But first, here’s what made our catamaran trip to Bequia unforgettable.
Sailing to Bequia | A Scenic Start
The journey to Bequia was an experience in itself. As we set sail from Kingstown’s harbour, we were immediately treated to stunning views of Saint Vincent’s lush volcanic coastline, where steep green cliffs dropped into the deep blue Caribbean Sea.
With a refreshing sea breeze and a rum punch in hand, we fully embraced the Caribbean sailing experience. But what made this journey even more special were the brown boobies swooping around our catamaran, diving into the water with pinpoint accuracy to catch fish.
Watching these agile seabirds hunt as we cruised across the turquoise waters was one of those unexpected moments that make a trip so memorable.
The hour-long sail passed effortlessly, and before we knew it, Bequia’s colourful waterfront came into view, welcoming us to this laid-back island paradise.
Exploring Port Elizabeth | Bequia’s Vibrant Harbour
Upon arrival, we stepped onto Port Elizabeth’s charming waterfront, lined with colourful buildings, cafés, and bobbing sailboats. The town itself is small and walkable, perfect for a leisurely stroll before heading to the beach.
What you could do in your ‘free-time’ off the catamaran:
- Stop for a coffee or fresh juice at a waterfront café
- Browse local craft stalls for souvenirs like handmade jewelry and art
- Check out the small produce market for a glimpse of local life
- Start on the Belmont Walkway if time permits, but return to the catamaran in time
Snorkeling at Moonhole | A Unique Marine Spot
Next, our catamaran took us to Moonhole, a secluded rocky outcrop on Bequia’s western coast. This area is known for its bizarre stone archways and eco-homes built into the cliffs. And supposedly it’s also a great snorkeling spot.
We jumped into the turquoise waters, but we didn’t see a whole lot of marine life. Maybe the fish had a day-off? It was still a nice and refreshing stop, although I expected more.
Important: Moonhole is only accessible by boat, so independent visitors won’t be able to snorkel here unless they charter a boat or join a tour.
Relaxing at Princess Margaret Beach
Our final stop was Princess Margaret Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Grenadines. Named after the British princess who once swam here, this crescent-shaped bay is pure Caribbean perfection.
Soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and palm trees lining the shore. It truly was the perfect place to relax. Some things to do at the beach here:
- Swim in the calm, clear waters
- Rent a beach chair and unwind
- Enjoy lunch on the beach and sip a rum punch at a beachfront bar
- Go on a walk to Lower Bay Beach
Before heading back to Kingstown, we enjoyed another rum punch (or two) on the catamaran, soaking in the views of Bequia’s coastline.
Option 2: How to Visit Bequia Independently from Kingstown
If your cruise doesn’t offer a catamaran excursion to Bequia, don’t worry, because you can still visit independently! Bequia is easily accessible via the Bequia Express ferry, which runs multiple times per day between Kingstown and Port Elizabeth.
How to Get to Bequia from Kingstown
The Bequia Express Ferry departs from Kingstown’s ferry terminal and takes about 1 hour to reach Port Elizabeth on Bequia.
- Tickets | Purchase tickets at the ferry terminal or once onboard.
- Cost | Fares are reasonable at $45EC for a round trip, making it a budget-friendly alternative to booking an excursion.
- Return Trip | Make sure to check the ferry timetable so you have enough time to get back before your cruise departs.
Once you arrive in Port Elizabeth, you can explore at your own pace, following a similar itinerary to what we did on the catamaran tour. Minus the stop at Moonhole, which is only accessible by boat.
Tip: Another option is Admiral Ferries, although I think their times are less convenient compared to Bequia Express. Still good to have more options.
Best Things to Do in Bequia for Independent Travellers
Most of the things to do in Bequia on your independent trip are the same as on our catamaran excursion. Although you will miss out on Moonhole, you’ll get a lot more flexibility on how to enjoy Bequia in return.
Check out these 5 fun things to do on your Bequia island getaway:
- Wander Port Elizabeth’s Waterfront | Take in the colourful buildings, local markets, and lively marina. You can stop for a fresh juice or a coffee before heading to the beach.
- Walk the Scenic Coastal Path to Princess Margaret Beach | The Belmont Walkway and Princess Margaret Trail connect Port Elizabeth to the island’s most beautiful beach. The entire route follows the coastline, passing small hotels, beach bars, and tropical scenery.
- Relax at Princess Margaret Beach | Enjoy soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and laid-back beach bars. This is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Continue to Lower Bay Beach | If you prefer a quieter beach, walk further along the coastal trail to Lower Bay. This peaceful stretch of sand has a few local beachside restaurants.
- Enjoy Fresh Seafood & Rum Punch | Bequia has some great beach bars and small restaurants serving grilled lobster, conch fritters, and fresh fish. It’s the perfect way to experience Grenadine flavours.
Important Tips for Cruise Passengers
Some tips to take into consideration before jumping on the ferry to Bequia:
- Give yourself enough time to get back! The ferry schedule varies, so plan your return trip carefully.
- Bring cash (Eastern Caribbean Dollars or USD)! While some places accept credit cards, smaller vendors prefer cash.
- Don’t rush – enjoy the laid-back vibe! Bequia is all about slow island life, so embrace the relaxed atmosphere.
With breathtaking beaches, charming waterfront streets, and an easygoing atmosphere, Bequia is the perfect way to spend a cruise stop in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines!
Alternative Things to Do in Saint Vincent On A Cruise Stop
If you prefer to stay on Saint Vincent rather than taking the ferry to Bequia, there are still plenty of great ways to spend your day. Here are some top options for your cruise stop in Kingstown.
Hike to Fort Charlotte
For a panoramic view of Kingstown and the Grenadines, make your way up to Fort Charlotte. This historic British fortress that dates back to the early 1800s.
- Learn about Saint Vincent’s colonial history | The fort played a crucial role in battles between the British and the Garifuna people.
- Admire breathtaking views | On a clear day, you can see Bequia and beyond!
- Explore at your own pace | It’s not as commercialised as some Caribbean forts, making it a peaceful spot to visit.
How to Get There | It’s a steep climb if you’re walking from Kingstown, but taxis can take you there in about 10 minutes.
Please note: Fort Charlotte is currently (March 2026) closed for renovations. When it reopens it’s said to soon close again for the renovation of the Fort Charlotte bridge.
Dark View Falls
When you’re looking for a short nature trip, head north of Kingstown. Here you’ll find Dark View Falls, one of Saint Vincent’s most beautiful waterfalls.
- Two-tiered waterfalls | Hike a short trail to see both the lower and upper falls.
- Take a refreshing swim | The pool beneath the falls is perfect for cooling off.
- Surrounded by rainforest | You’ll feel completely immersed in nature.
How to Get There | The falls are about an hour’s drive from Kingstown, so you’ll need to take a taxi or join a tour.
Explore Kingstown’s Historic Streets
If you only have a few hours and want to stay near the cruise port, take a self-guided stroll through Kingstown. The city is known for its cobblestone streets, colonial-era churches, and lively markets. What to do in Saint Vincent’s capital?
- Visit Saint George’s Cathedral | A stunning 19th-century Anglican church with Gothic architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows.
- Browse the local market | Filled with spices, fresh fruit, and handmade crafts.
- Check out the Parliament Buildings | A historic landmark near the waterfront.
- Enjoy a drink at a local café | Relax with a Caribbean coffee or rum punch and soak in the atmosphere.
How to Get Around | Kingstown is very walkable, but some streets have steep inclines.
Take a Dip at Owia Salt Pond
For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Owia Salt Pond. This natural volcanic rock pool is tucked away on Saint Vincent’s rugged northeast coast. This hidden gem is perfect if you love scenic coastal landscapes and a unique swimming experience.
What to do at Owia Salt Pond:
- Swim in a natural pool | Formed by volcanic rock, the calm, crystal-clear waters are refreshed by waves from the Atlantic.
- Enjoy the raw beauty of the coastline | Jagged black rocks contrast with the deep blue ocean, creating a breathtaking scene.
- See local fishing culture | Owia is a small indigenous Garifuna village, so you might spot fishermen bringing in their daily catch.
How to Get There | Owia is about 1.5 hours from Kingstown by car. Although a longer drive it’s well worth it if you’re looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. The road is steep and winding, so hiring a private driver or joining this guided tour is recommended.
Tip: Bring water shoes, as the rocks around the salt pond can be slippery. Also, check the tides before you go, because low tide is best for swimming!
Is Saint Vincent & Bequia Worth It for a Cruise Stop?
Absolutely! Saint Vincent & The Grenadines is a less touristy cruise stop, making it perfect for those looking for authentic island experiences away from the crowds.
If you’re after pristine beaches and turquoise waters, Bequia is the place to be. Whether you sail in on a catamaran or take the Bequia Express ferry, the island offers stunning scenery. Not just that but, since you will also find a laid-back beachside vibe here.
When you prefer to stay on Saint Vincent, there’s still plenty to see. You can explore historic Kingstown and hike up to Fort Charlotte.. And if you’re after adventure, chase waterfalls at Dark View Falls or swim in the volcanic pools at Owia Salt Pond.
Final Thoughts
Bequia completely won me over, and I’d love to come back and explore more of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines. If you get the chance to visit, then embrace the slow island pace! The island is perfect for sipping a rum punch by the sea, and taking in the Caribbean beauty.
Have you been to Saint Vincent & the Grenadines on a cruise stop? Or do you have any question? Then let me know in the comments below, or connect with me on Instagram. Also please sign-up to my newsletter to receive travel guides and tips in your mail.
Planning your visit to the Caribbean? Then check out my Caribbean Travel Guide for even more inspiration.
