Getting to and from Bequia

Flying into St. Vincent and the Grenadines, then connecting to Bequia, is a common way to arrive. Two airports serve your trip: Argyle International Airport (SVD) on mainland St. Vincent and J.F. Mitchell Airport (BQU) in Paget Farm, Bequia.

SVD handles most international flights, while BQU handles regional and inter-island flights.

Air Travel Facts

Argyle International Airport (SVD): Main international gateway on St. Vincent.
J.F. Mitchell Airport (BQU): Smaller airport in Bequia for regional flights.
Airlines include American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, LIAT, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada Rouge.
Regional carriers: SVG Air and Mustique Airways for inter-island connections.

Flight Connectivity

Route Options

Direct flights from Miami (American Airlines) to SVD.
Seasonal direct flights from Toronto (Air Canada Rouge) to SVD.
Seasonal direct flights from London Heathrow (Virgin Atlantic) to SVD.
Many routes connect through Caribbean hubs: Barbados (BGI), St. Lucia (UVF), or Trinidad (POS).
From Caribbean hubs, regional flights connect to SVD.
From SVD, transfer to Bequia by ferry or a short inter-island flight.

Travel Timing

Flights are more frequent and generally more expensive during high season (mid-December to May).
High season sees increased demand from travelers seeking sunny escapes.
During the wet season (June to November), flight frequency may decrease.
Prices are typically lower during the wet season due to reduced demand.

Land Travel Basics

Driving is on the left side of the road.
A temporary local driving permit is needed; obtain it from the Police Station in Port Elizabeth.
Present your valid foreign driver's license and pay a fee (approximately XCD 50 / USD 18.50).
No train services operate. Public transportation consists of local minibuses.

Navigating the Island

Road Conditions:
Main roads are paved but may have potholes. Secondary roads can be rougher, unpaved, and steep.
Caution Advised:
Roads are often narrow, winding, and steep. Look out for pedestrians, animals, and unexpected stops by minibuses.
Night Driving:
Night driving presents challenges due to limited streetlights in many areas.
Navigation Tool:
A Car phone mount can simplify navigation using offline maps if renting a vehicle.

Bequia Arrival and Departure

Ferry & Cruise Access

Ferry Services:
Regular passenger and car ferries connect Kingstown, St. Vincent, and Port Elizabeth, Bequia daily.
Frequency:
Ferries operate multiple times daily, typically every 1-2 hours during daylight.
Duration & Cost:
The journey takes about 1 hour. A one-way adult ticket costs approximately XCD 25-30 (USD 9.25-11).

Cruise Ports:
Bequia has a small cruise ship dock in Port Elizabeth, accommodating smaller luxury ships.
Immigration:
Ferry arrivals from Kingstown typically do not need extra checks. International sea arrivals clear customs in Port Elizabeth.
Land Connections:
Taxis and local minibuses ("dollar vans") are readily available at Port Elizabeth ferry terminal.

Ferry Travel

The most common and popular way to travel between St. Vincent and Bequia, offering scenic views.

Cruise Dock

Bequia's small dock in Port Elizabeth welcomes smaller luxury cruise ships or yachts directly.

Local Transport

Taxis and minibuses are easily found at the ferry terminal for island transport.

Departure Essentials

Departure taxes are typically included in your airfare. No extra fees at the airport for international flights.

For SVD international flights, arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
For BQU regional flights, arrive at least 1 hour prior to departure.
For ferry departures, arrive 15-30 minutes before scheduled time.

Travel Details & Airport Insights

Argyle International Airport SVD

As the larger international airport, SVD offers duty-free shops, car rental, eateries, and currency exchange. Basic amenities are available for passengers.

Transfers to Bequia from SVD

Taxi from SVD to Kingstown ferry terminal (30-45 mins).
Ferry from Kingstown to Port Elizabeth, Bequia (approx. 1 hour).
Short regional flight from SVD to J.F. Mitchell Airport (BQU) in Bequia (10-15 mins).

J.F. Mitchell Airport BQU

Bequia's airport is smaller, with basic facilities for check-in and waiting. It handles regional propeller planes.

Transfers to Accommodation from BQU

Taxis meet all arriving flights at BQU.
Easy transport to your accommodation in Port Elizabeth or other parts of the island.
The Port Elizabeth waterfront is walkable from the ferry terminal.

Departure Procedures

Allow ample time for check-in and security processes, specifically for international flights.

Timing Recommendations

For SVD international flights: arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
Factor in ferry (1 hr) and taxi (30-45 mins) from Bequia to SVD.
For BQU regional flights: arrive at least 1 hour prior.
For ferry departures: arrive 15-30 minutes before.

Airport Facilities

Facilities differ between the main international airport and Bequia's regional airport.

Available Amenities

SVD: check-in, security, duty-free shops, food vendors. Modern but compact.
BQU: limited facilities (small check-in, waiting lounge).
Ensure luggage meets size/weight restrictions; a Portable luggage scale helps.

International Flight Paths

Direct Routes to SVD

Miami (MIA) via American Airlines.
Toronto (YYZ) via Air Canada Rouge (seasonal).
London Heathrow (LHR) via Virgin Atlantic (seasonal).

Common Connecting Hubs

Barbados (BGI).
St. Lucia (UVF).
Trinidad (POS).

Planning Your Departure

Vincent.

Morning Flights

For early morning international flights from St. Vincent (SVD), consider staying a night in Kingstown.

Timely Arrival

This planning helps secure your timely arrival for check-in at SVD.

Helpful Travel Links

Activity Bookings

Explore and book local activities and experiences.

Visit GetYourGuide

Attraction Tickets

Secure tickets for popular attractions ahead of time.

Find Attractions

Accommodation Search

Discover a variety of places to stay, from hotels to hostels.

Book Your Stay (Booking.com)

Asian Accommodation

Specialized platform with strength in Asian region accommodations.

Explore Agoda

Budget Stays

Find affordable hostel options worldwide.

Hostelworld Options

More Accommodation Options

Explore diverse lodging choices for your trip.

Hotel Chains

Find hotels globally with IHG.
Visit IHG Hotels

Unique Stays

Discover alternative and experiential accommodation types.

Vacation Rentals & House Sitting

Vacation rental bookings.
Explore Vrbo
House/pet sitting exchanges.
TrustedHousesitters

Travel Planning Tip

Careful planning of your arrival and departure, including inter-island transfers, optimizes your time.

Booking transfers or considering overnight stays in Kingstown for early flights streamlines the journey.

Exploring Bequia's Sights

While this section mainly details logistics, these transportation methods are your gateway to Bequia's attractions.

Scenic Views

Use local transport or drive to viewpoints like Mount Pleasant for panoramic island vistas.

Coastal Charms

Ferries and boats offer unique perspectives of Bequia's stunning coastline and bays.

Island Exploration

Land travel options facilitate visits to various villages and hidden beaches.

Further Resources

Online Tour Bookings

Book a variety of tours and excursions for Bequia.

GetYourGuide - Tours

Local Guides

Find local experts for personalized sightseeing trips.

GetYourGuide - Guides

Adventure Activities

Opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and boat trips.

GetYourGuide - Adventure

Cultural Experiences

Discover local traditions and heritage sites.

GetYourGuide - Culture

Outdoor Exploration

Hiking trails and natural landscapes await.

GetYourGuide - Outdoors

Airport Transfers

Efficient transfers from international airports to your island destination.

SVD to Ferry Terminal

Taxi services are readily available outside SVD terminal.
Journey to Kingstown ferry terminal is about 30-45 minutes.

Inter-Island Flights

Quick aerial connections between St. Vincent and Bequia.

SVD to BQU Air Options

SVG Air and Mustique Airways operate flights.
Flight duration is approximately 10-15 minutes.
This option saves time but costs more than the ferry.

Essential Planning Insight

Your chosen mode of transport sets the tone for exploring Bequia.

Whether by scenic ferry or quick flight, each journey offers a glimpse of island life.

Getting Around Bequia

Once on Bequia, local taxis, minibuses, or rental vehicles provide mobility for sightseeing.

Local Taxis

Taxis are readily available for direct transfers and sightseeing tours.

Convenience & Service

Easily found at ferry terminals and airports.
Drivers often double as informal guides.
Negotiate fares before beginning the journey.

Minibuses "Dollar Vans"

A cost-effective way to travel short distances and experience local life.

Affordable Travel

Main public transport on Bequia.
Very affordable fares for common routes.
Hail them from the side of the road.

Walking

Port Elizabeth and surrounding areas are walkable, perfect for leisurely strolls.

Exploring on Foot

Discover shops, restaurants, and beaches near the waterfront.
Walk to Lower Bay and Princess Margaret Beach.

Scooter & Bike Rentals

For agile exploration and covering more ground independently.

Independent Movement

Scooters provide quick access to various island spots.
Bicycle rentals for exploring closer areas.

Boat Trips

Explore neighboring islands and remote coves by sea.

Sea Adventures

Charters and excursions to the Grenadines.
Snorkeling and diving trips to prime locations.
Discover secluded beaches accessible only by boat.

Driving Permit Reminder

Requirement

A temporary local driving permit is mandatory for driving on Bequia.

Where to Get It

Obtain it from the Police Station in Port Elizabeth.

Process

Present your valid foreign driver's license and pay a fee.

Local Travel Tips

Embrace diverse transport for a complete exploration.

Food & Dining

General Information

Next Up: Attractions & Sightseeing