Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Admiralty Bay · Port Elizabeth Bequia
13°00.42'N 61°14.40'W
Depth
4–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for excellent holding in sand/mud in 4–15m. One of the most dependable anchorages in the Caribbean — the holding is excellent throughout the bay on consistent soft mud over sand. In peak season (Jan–Mar) 100+ boats; position carefully to maintain swinging room.
About This Anchorage
Admiralty Bay, Bequia is universally regarded as one of the finest anchorages in the entire Caribbean — a large, beautifully sheltered bay on the north coast of Bequia Island, the most northerly and most developed of the Grenadines. The town of Port Elizabeth lines the waterfront with provisioning shops, restaurants, bars, chandleries, and the offices of the SVG customs and immigration. Bequia has a deeply rooted seafaring culture — it was home to legendary boat builders and whalers for centuries, and the traditional wooden schooner-building trade continues today at the Bequia Boatbuilding Workshop. The Frangipani Hotel bar, Mac's Pizzeria, the Whaleboner restaurant and bar, and Theresa's (for the legendary flying fish sandwiches) are institutions. The anchorage holds excellently in soft mud over sand and is large enough for 100+ boats in peak season. Mooring buoys are available. The whaling heritage — Bequia holds a legal IWC exemption for traditional hand-harpoon whaling, up to 4 humpbacks per year — gives the island a uniquely proud and independent character.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; mooring buoys available from local operators (~EC$25–40/night)
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- SVG customs and immigration at Port Elizabeth waterfront office. Cruising permit ~$10–25 USD. Standard Eastern Caribbean entry documentation.
Restrictions: Customs and immigration at Port Elizabeth — official SVG entry port. Cruising permit required. Respect traditional whaling vessels operating Feb–May in the bay area.
Hazards
- !Peak season crowding (Jan–Mar) — 100+ boats at anchor; swinging room becomes critical; arrive early or by noon for best position
- !Traditional whaling vessels operate in the bay area Feb–May — maintain respectful distance and right of way
- !Ferry traffic from SVG mainland to Port Elizabeth dock — maintain clear passage
- !Dinghy traffic throughout the day from shore — take care when transiting with dinghy
Skipper's Tips
- →Admiralty Bay is one of the great Caribbean anchorages — allow at least 3–4 days here; Bequia rewards unhurried exploration
- →Theresa's flying fish sandwiches are a Bequia institution — open from 07:00 at the waterfront stall; arrive early
- →The Bequia Boatbuilding Workshop at the south end of the beach is building traditional wooden schooners — a living piece of Caribbean maritime history
- →Sunday morning service at St. Mary's Anglican Church on the hill is a genuinely beautiful experience — the choir is outstanding
- →VHF 68 is the working channel in Admiralty Bay — monitor for local information and boat boy assistance
Facilities
Frangipani Hotel bar (institution), Mac's Pizzeria, Whaleboner, Theresa's (flying fish sandwiches), Gingerbread House. Multiple provisioning shops along the waterfront including Doris Fresh Food. Fuel by dinghy jerry can or alongside fuel dock. Chandlery available.
Nearest provisions: Port Elizabeth waterfront shops and Doris Fresh Food (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. One of the best anchorages in the Caribbean year-round — only the most severe hurricanes threaten Bequia's position at the southern edge of the hurricane belt. Peak season January–March. Arrivals Regatta typically January.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
Admiralty Bay holds 100+ boats in peak season — anchor drag in a crowded anchorage is a real risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy the Frangipani bar at sunset with confidence.
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