Port Elizabeth (Bequia) : Profile

Location

Lying just nine miles to the south of St. Vincent, Bequia is the largest of the Grenadine islands. Its traditional boat building and fishing industries are are still active.

Clearance

As Bequia is more used to yachts, clearing in at Port Elizabeth can be done easily and quickly. The eSEAclear.com system is used here.

The Customs and Immigration are in the same building as the post office, opposite the ferry dock. It is open 08:30-18:00 (weekdays, but overtime after 16:00) and 08:30-12:00,15:00-18:00(Saturdays, but overtime pm).

Last updated June 2011.

Customs
Tel:457 3044

Docking

Admiralty Bay is sheltered and can accommodate a large number of yachts. Mooring buoys are available in addition to a small marina, or you can anchor either side of the central ferry channel. Be aware of the depth and be sure to leave plenty of room for the ferries or you will be moved. If you use a mooring, dive down to check it - you may be surprised. Because of the crowding you may end up a long way from shore.

To the SW of the ferry dock there is a pair of large red and green buoys - nothing to do with port and starboard - the tanker moors between them when it comes in, so keep well clear.

A better anchorage may be found at Tony Gibbons Beach (also called Princess Margaret Beach), although a number of break-ins have been reported here.

Another good anchorage is in Friendship Bay, on the south-eastern side. It is a short distance over the hill from Lower Bay. This sheltered bay provides a secure anchorage for yachts with good holding in sand, but watch out for the small moorings on the east side of bay. It also offers excellent snorkelling, scuba and windsurfing conditions.

Note: West Cay, at the far south west of Bequia, is shown as being 2 cables further west than it actually is on the Navionics electronic chart.

There are several dinghy docks available around Port Elizabeth.

Garbage facilities are by the market at the northern end.

Security: Be sure to close all hatches and lock your boat when going ashore, and secure any loose items on deck. It is also advisable to lock the boat during the night whilst sleeping. Petty theft is prevalent here and the latest thefts from yachts were when anchored in front of the old plantation house, 100mts from the shore (close to Dive Adventure & the Fig Tree Restaurant) just after dark.

Latest Recommendations: Yachts should avoid anchoring within easy swimming distance of Princess Margaret Beach or the abandoned Plantation House Hotel.

There are now nightly coastguard patrols in the anchorage here.

Last updated November 2011.

Bequia Marina
Admiralty Bay
Tel:(784) 458-3272/3246, Fax:(784) 457-3157, VHF Channel 68
Stern-to docking; marine railway, 40 ton capacity.

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