30/11/2021
For those looking to venture beyond the bustling capital of Kingstown and explore the enchanting Grenadine islands, the journey to Bequia stands out as a popular and utterly delightful experience. While Kingstown itself is nestled on the mainland of St. Vincent, the question of how to navigate from this vibrant city to other parts of the archipelago often arises. The answer, for the idyllic island of Bequia, lies predominantly with its reliable and scenic ferry services. This guide will meticulously detail everything you need to know about traversing the waters from Kingstown, St. Vincent, to the charming shores of Bequia, ensuring your island adventure begins with ease and picturesque views.
- Embarking from Kingstown: Your Gateway to Bequia
- Meet the Fleet: Reliable Ferry Services to Bequia
- Essential Tips for a Smooth Ferry Journey
- Beyond Bequia: Exploring the Grenadines with Friendship Rose
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does the ferry journey take from Kingstown to Bequia?
- Where do I purchase ferry tickets?
- Are there fast ferries available for the Kingstown to Bequia route?
- Can I take my car on the ferry to Bequia?
- What are the typical operating hours for the ferries?
- Is food and drink available on board the ferries?
- What currency is accepted for ferry tickets?
- Is it possible to travel to other islands from St. Vincent or Bequia?
- Your Bequia Adventure Awaits
Embarking from Kingstown: Your Gateway to Bequia
Your journey to Bequia commences from Kingstown, the bustling capital city of St. Vincent. The ferry terminal in Kingstown is conveniently located and easily accessible. For travellers arriving by air, St. Vincent's E.T. Joshua Airport is merely a 15-minute taxi ride away from the ferry departure point, making for a smooth transition from air to sea travel. A crucial point to remember for your convenience: tickets for these ferry services are purchased directly on board the vessel, eliminating the need to queue for tickets beforehand at a separate office.
The ferry ride itself is far more than just a means of transport; it's an integral part of the Caribbean experience. As you sail away from St. Vincent, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas. The route often takes you around the dramatic headland at Devil's Table, a natural landmark that adds to the scenic beauty. Following this, the entire expanse of Admiralty Bay gracefully unfolds before your eyes, showcasing the picturesque harbour town of Port Elizabeth, which is Bequia's main settlement, alongside the stunning, pristine beaches of Lower Bay and Princess Margaret. This hour-long (or 30-minute on a fast ferry) voyage is truly an enjoyable way to arrive at your destination, setting the tone for a tranquil island escape.
Meet the Fleet: Reliable Ferry Services to Bequia
Two primary ferry operators currently provide regular services between Kingstown, St. Vincent, and Bequia: Bequia Express and The Admiral. Both offer comfortable and efficient journeys, albeit with slightly different schedules. It's important to note that ferry schedules, while generally consistent, can be subject to change or occasional short-notice cancellations, especially if you are making an important connection. Always consider verifying the latest departure times directly with local sources or the ferry operators themselves if timing is critical for your onward travel.
Bequia Express: The Red and White Workhorse
The Bequia Express fleet is easily identifiable by their distinctive red and white livery. These "roll on roll off" vessels are designed to be spacious and comfortable, accommodating both foot passengers and vehicles. Inside, passengers can enjoy air-conditioned seating, providing a cool respite from the tropical heat. For those who prefer to feel the sea breeze and take in the panoramic views, ample seating is also available outside on the deck. During your journey, drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board, ensuring you can stay refreshed throughout the voyage.
Ticket prices for foot passengers on the Bequia Express are straightforward: 25 Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC$) for a one-way journey and 45 EC$ for a return ticket. This offers excellent value for a beautiful inter-island transfer.
Bequia Express Schedule (Subject to Change)
| Days | Depart St. Vincent (Kingstown) | Depart Bequia |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 8:00, 10:30, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00 | 8:00, 10:30, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00 |
| Saturday | 8:00, 11:00, 18:00 | 8:00, 11:00, 18:00 |
| Sunday & Public Holidays | 8:30, 18:00 | 8:30, 18:00 |
The Admiral: The Green and White Alternative
Similar to the Bequia Express, The Admiral operates vessels painted in green and white. These ferries also provide air-conditioned seating inside for passenger comfort, alongside outdoor deck seating for those who wish to enjoy the stunning Caribbean vistas. Drinks and snacks are also conveniently available on board, ensuring a pleasant journey.
The Admiral's fare structure for foot passengers matches that of the Bequia Express: 25 EC$ for a one-way ticket and 45 EC$ for a return. While offering a similar level of comfort and service, The Admiral runs on a slightly different schedule, providing more flexibility for travellers.
The Admiral Schedule (Subject to Change)
| Days | Depart St. Vincent (Kingstown) | Depart Bequia |
|---|---|---|
| Monday & Friday | 7:45, 11:30, 16:30 | 6:30, 9:00, 14:00 |
| Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday | 11:30, 16:30 | 6:30, 14:00 |
| Saturday | 8:00, 11:30, 17:30 | 6:30, 9:15, 16:00 |
| Sunday & Public Holidays | 9:00, 17:30 | 7:15, 16:00 |
Historically, the Jaden Sun, also known as the Fast Ferry, offered a significantly quicker alternative for inter-island travel. This twin-hulled, jet-propelled boat was approximately twice the speed of the conventional Bequia Express and Admiral vessels, cutting down travel times considerably. Seating on the Jaden Sun was exclusively inside its air-conditioned cabin, which also housed a cafeteria serving drinks and snacks. Beyond Kingstown and Bequia, the Jaden Sun also provided routes connecting to other main islands of the Grenadines, including Union Island and Canouan, making it a key player for broader island-hopping adventures.
Important Note: As of the latest information, the Jaden Sun / Fast Ferry is currently not running. While its schedule is provided for historical context and potential future reference, travellers should not rely on this service for current travel plans.
Ticket prices for the Jaden Sun varied by route but generally ranged from 40 EC$ to 90 EC$ for adults, and 20 EC$ to 45 EC$ for children under 12, offering a premium for its speed and wider connectivity.
Jaden Sun / Fast Ferry Schedule (Currently Not Running - For Reference Only)
| Days | Route | Estimated Departure | Estimated Arrival | Adult / Under 12 (EC$) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Union Island to Mayreau | 7:00 | 7:10 | 40 / 20 |
| Mayreau to Canouan | 7:15 | 7:30 | 40 / 20 | |
| Canouan to Bequia | 7:40 | 8:30 | 90 / 45 | |
| Bequia to Kingstown | 8:40 | 9:05 | 40 / 20 | |
| Kingstown to Bequia | 15:30 | 16:00 | 40 / 20 | |
| Bequia to Canouan | 16:10 | 17:00 | 90 / 45 | |
| Canouan to Mayreau | 17:15 | 17:30 | 40 / 20 | |
| Mayreau to Union Island | 17:35 | 17:45 | 40 / 20 | |
| Wednesday | Union Island to Mayreau | 7:00 | 7:10 | 40 / 20 |
| Mayreau to Canouan | 7:15 | 7:30 | 40 / 20 | |
| Canouan to Bequia | 7:40 | 8:30 | 90 / 45 | |
| Bequia to Kingstown | 8:40 | 9:05 | 40 / 20 | |
| Thursday | Note: The Jaden Sun does not run on Thursdays during May, June, September, October & November. | |||
| Kingstown to Bequia | 10:00 | 10:30 | 40 / 20 | |
| Bequia to Canouan | 10:40 | 11:30 | 90 / 45 | |
| Canouan to Mayreau | 11:45 | 12:00 | 40 / 20 | |
| Mayreau to Union Island | 12:05 | 12:15 | 40 / 20 | |
| Union Island to Mayreau | 15:30 | 15:40 | 40 / 20 | |
| Mayreau to Canouan | 15:45 | 16:00 | 40 / 20 | |
| Canouan to Bequia | 16:15 | 17:05 | 90 / 45 | |
| Bequia to Kingstown | 17:10 | 17:35 | 40 / 20 | |
| Friday | Kingstown to Bequia | 10:00 | 10:30 | 40 / 20 |
| Bequia to Canouan | 10:40 | 11:30 | 90 / 45 | |
| Canouan to Mayreau | 11:45 | 12:00 | 40 / 20 | |
| Mayreau to Union Island | 12:05 | 12:15 | 40 / 20 | |
| Union Island to Mayreau | 15:30 | 15:40 | 40 / 20 | |
| Mayreau to Canouan | 15:45 | 16:00 | 40 / 20 | |
| Canouan to Bequia | 16:15 | 17:05 | 90 / 45 | |
| Bequia to Kingstown | 17:10 | 17:35 | 40 / 20 | |
| Sunday | Kingstown to Bequia | 16:00 | 16:25 | 40 / 20 |
| Bequia to Canouan | 16:30 | 17:25 | 90 / 45 | |
| Canouan to Mayreau | 17:30 | 17:45 | 40 / 20 | |
| Mayreau to Union Island | 17:50 | 18:00 | 40 / 20 | |
Essential Tips for a Smooth Ferry Journey
- Arrive Early: Especially during peak travel times or public holidays, arriving at the ferry terminal a little ahead of schedule is always a good idea. While tickets are purchased on board, allowing extra time ensures you can comfortably board and find a good seat.
- Check Schedules: Although comprehensive schedules are provided, it is highly recommended to double-check departure times, particularly if you have an important flight connection or other time-sensitive plans. Ferry schedules can occasionally be adjusted or cancelled at short notice due to weather conditions or operational requirements. Local information sources, such as your accommodation provider or the ferry terminal itself, can offer the most up-to-date information.
- Enjoy the Scenery: The journey itself is a highlight. Make sure to grab a seat on the outside deck if you can to fully appreciate the stunning coastal views of St. Vincent, the dramatic Devil's Table, and the magnificent approach into Bequia's Admiralty Bay.
- Cash for Tickets: Remember that tickets are purchased on board. It's wise to have the exact fare in Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC$) ready to ensure a quick and smooth transaction.
- Refreshments: Both the Bequia Express and The Admiral offer snacks and drinks for sale on board, perfect for a short journey.
Beyond Bequia: Exploring the Grenadines with Friendship Rose
While the primary focus of travel from Kingstown, St. Vincent, is often to Bequia, the wider Grenadine islands offer a myriad of breathtaking destinations. For those interested in extended island hopping, the Friendship Rose presents a unique and charming way to explore the archipelago. This vessel offers transfers between St. Vincent, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island, and Petite St. Vincent (PSV). One-way transfers can be conveniently arranged, allowing travellers to craft their own multi-island itinerary. While specific schedules for the Friendship Rose are not detailed here, its reputation as a wonderful way to experience the Grenadines is well-established, offering a more traditional sailing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the ferry journey take from Kingstown to Bequia?
The standard ferry journey on Bequia Express or The Admiral typically takes approximately 1 hour. In the past, the Jaden Sun Fast Ferry completed the journey in about 30 minutes, but this service is currently not operational.
Where do I purchase ferry tickets?
Tickets for the Bequia Express and The Admiral ferries are purchased directly on board the vessel. There is no need to buy tickets in advance at a separate ticket office.
Are there fast ferries available for the Kingstown to Bequia route?
Currently, the Jaden Sun (Fast Ferry) service, which offered quicker journeys, is not running. Therefore, the standard ferries (Bequia Express and The Admiral) are the primary options for this route, with a journey time of about 1 hour.
Can I take my car on the ferry to Bequia?
Yes, the Bequia Express operates "roll on roll off" boats, which are designed to transport vehicles in addition to foot passengers. While this article focuses on foot passenger information and pricing, it is possible to transport vehicles. You would need to enquire about vehicle rates directly at the ferry terminal.
What are the typical operating hours for the ferries?
Ferry services generally begin in the early morning (around 7:45 AM - 8:30 AM, depending on the day and operator) and run until the early evening (around 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM). It's crucial to consult the specific schedules for Bequia Express and The Admiral provided above, as departure times vary by day of the week and public holidays.
Is food and drink available on board the ferries?
Yes, both the Bequia Express and The Admiral ferries offer drinks and snacks for sale on board, ensuring passengers can enjoy refreshments during their journey.
What currency is accepted for ferry tickets?
Ferry tickets are priced and typically paid for in Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC$). It is advisable to have local currency available for your purchase.
Is it possible to travel to other islands from St. Vincent or Bequia?
Yes, beyond Bequia, there are options for island hopping within the Grenadines. The Friendship Rose offers services to islands such as Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island, and Petite St. Vincent, providing a broader exploration of the archipelago.
Your Bequia Adventure Awaits
Travelling from Kingstown, St. Vincent, to the enchanting island of Bequia is an effortless and scenic experience, primarily facilitated by the reliable ferry services of Bequia Express and The Admiral. With frequent departures, comfortable amenities, and breathtaking views of the Grenadines, your journey across the azure waters will be as memorable as your stay on Bequia itself. Embrace the gentle rhythm of island life from the moment you step aboard, and prepare to discover the serene beauty and warm hospitality that await you on this jewel of the Caribbean. Enjoy your voyage!
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