In the lead-up to Christmas, I spent some time talking with cruisers still hauled out in the Trinidad boatyards about their plans. In asking the simple question “Where are you heading for Christmas?”, the answer, almost without exception, was Bequia.
The response really wasn’t that surprising. For many sailors heading north from Trinidad and Grenada, Bequia feels almost like a rite of passage. It’s often described by those who’ve been as a place where the pace slows and cruising community really comes alive.
In this guide, we’re sharing 6 of the best anchorages in and around Bequia, as reviewed by the noforeignland community. It’s an on-the-water perspective, shaped by real experiences from cruisers who’ve dropped the hook, explored the area, and shared their feedback in the app.
1. Port Elizabeth, Bequia
Port Elizabeth is at the heart of Bequia’s main anchorage. The bay is large, well protected, and offers a mix of anchoring space and moorings. Anchoring is straightforward as long as you keep the ferry channel clear and stay to either side.
Ashore, Port Elizabeth is relaxed and practical rather than flashy. There are well-stocked provisioning options, plenty of restaurants and bars, and an active social scene that includes hikes, beach gatherings, and informal cruiser meetups. Many noforeignland users describe it as a place that’s easy to settle into, with friendly locals and a welcoming, boater-focused atmosphere.
 2. Point Bay, Bequia
Just north of Port Elizabeth, within the same sheltered body of water, is Point Bay.
Smaller and quieter than the main anchorage, Point Bay appeals to cruisers who want to stay close to town without being in the thick of it. There’s room for a handful of boats to anchor, with good holding if you find sand, and a few private moorings scattered through the bay. Several cruisers note that Point Bay is noticeably less rolly than nearby anchorages, which is always welcome on a boat.
The area around the point offers good snorkelling and diving, with healthy fish life and interesting reef structure. It’s also a convenient base for visiting Fort Hamilton, with easy access from shore.
3. Princess Margaret Bay, Bequia
South of Port Elizabeth lies Princess Margaret Bay, one of Bequia’s most popular and visually appealing anchorages.
The bay is wide and sandy, with generally good holding, though many noforeignland cruisers mention the need to pick sandy patches carefully and set the anchor well. Depths vary, and some boats choose to anchor further out for more swing room and a quieter night.
Princess Margaret Bay is busy, social, and full of life. With dingy dock access, the shore has a variety of beach bars, and a scenic walkway connects the bay directly to Port Elizabeth. Many cruisers highlight the sense of safety and ease of access, with town amenities just minutes away. The beach, snorkelling opportunities, scenic hike up Peggy’s Rock, and vibrant cruiser community consistently place it among people’s favorite anchorages in the Grenadines.
4. Landing Bay, Baliceaux
A short sail from Bequia brings you to Baliceaux, an uninhabited island with a quiet, reflective atmosphere.
Landing Bay offers good shelter from the easterly trades, particularly when anchoring closer to the beach in around 5 metres of sand. Cruisers often remark on how peaceful it feels, with some reporting having the entire bay to themselves.
Ashore, Baliceaux is known for its walking trails and resident tortoises, making it a memorable stop for nature lovers. The reef provides decent snorkeling, and the lack of development adds to the sense of stepping back in time.
5. Petit Nevis
Petit Nevis sits just off Bequia and feels worlds away from the bustle of Port Elizabeth.
This island is also uninhabited, but is more historically significant; it was once used as a whaling station. Cruisers can anchor in front of the old concrete pier, although the bay can be rolly and strong currents make swimming hazardous.
Most cruisers recommend Petit Nevis as a day anchorage or an overnight stop in settled weather. Those who do stay often highlight the sense of remoteness, excellent snorkelling near the anchorage (again, mind the current), and the chance to explore the ruins of the old whaling operation ashore.
6. Isle Quatre
Isle Quatre is another favorite for cruisers looking to escape the crowds. The anchorage is calmer and more protected than it appears on the chart, with good holding in sand if you position yourself carefully.
Ashore, there’s a small beach, caves to explore, and hiking trails that lead to panoramic views across the Grenadines. On weekdays, it’s common to have the anchorage almost entirely to yourself.
A note on Mustique
Mustique remains a well-known name in the Grenadines, but the cruising experience there is very different from Bequia. This is reflected in cruiser reviews, with some noforeignland users enjoying their time in Mustique, and others leaving feeling underwhelmed.
Anchoring is highly restricted, and the length of yacht sailed by most liveaboard cruisers are required to use moorings managed by the Mustique Company, for a fee. Facilities ashore are polished and well run, but costs reflect the island’s private status.
Some cruisers report calm conditions, beautiful beaches, and memorable nights at Basil’s Bar, while others find the anchorage rolly and the experience restrictive. Compared to Bequia, Mustique sees fewer repeat visits from liveaboard cruisers, often being more of a curiosity stop than a place to linger.
Choosing the right anchorage around Bequia
Bequia and its surrounding islands offer something for almost every style of cruiser.
If you’re looking for community, services, and an easy place to settle in for a while, Port Elizabeth is hard to beat. For a slightly quieter stay without giving up access to town, Point Bay strikes a good balance. Princess Margaret Bay suits cruisers who enjoy lively anchorages, beautiful beaches, and social energy, while Landing Bay and Isle Quatre are ideal for those craving peace, nature, and space. Petit Nevis sits somewhere in between, rewarding settled-weather visits with history, snorkelling, and solitude.
For more ideas on where to anchor in Bequia, check out the noforeignland sailing guides – there’s one just for the Grenadines!
As always, conditions, local practices, and experiences change. If you’ve anchored or picked up a mooring in Bequia or nearby islands, share your insights in the comments or log your experience on the noforeignland map. Your notes help other cruisers make better decisions based on real, up-to-date cruising knowledge.
By Telicia Campain
Telicia lives aboard a 2021 Leopard 45 with her crew mates and Aussie Shepherd, Rose. Together they're sailing the world, and sharing their experiences through their Travel Sketch channel on YouTube. Their cruising grounds have so far included the Mediterranean and Caribbean, with the Pacific Islands and South East Asia coming next. Telicia is also editor of the NFL Magazine.
planning a trip to Bequia, this page is very helpful