Moonhole BeachSaint Vincent and the Grenadines Beach Guide
Stone arch, volcanic cove, boat access only
About
Moonhole Beach is a raw, boat-access cove on Bequia in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, framed by volcanic rock and overlooked by the iconic Moonhole stone-arch compound built into the cliffs above. The mixed sand shore stretches roughly 82 metres — compact, wild, and almost always empty. Blue water fills the cove, clear enough to reveal the rocky bottom beneath. There are no facilities, no road, and no lifeguard — just the sound of the sea and the extraordinary architecture looming overhead.
How to get there
Moonhole Beach has no road access whatsoever — reach it by boat from Lower Bay or Port Elizabeth, a roughly 15-minute on-demand trip, or on foot via a steep 30-minute hike from the Paget Farm road end. There is no parking of any kind. Land access requires permission from the Moonhole property owners, so confirm arrangements before you set out.
Who it's for
For couples
The empty cove, wild vibe, and extraordinary stone-arch backdrop make Moonhole Beach an unusually dramatic and private escape for couples who don't mind earning their solitude by boat or steep trail.
For families
The difficult boat-only or steep-path access, rocky water entry, absence of lifeguards, and no emergency services on site make Moonhole Beach a poor fit for young children or families needing easy, supervised swimming.
Our take
No lifeguard, no road, no facilities — Moonhole Beach demands respect before it rewards you. The rocky water entry and moderate swimming conditions mean you should wade in carefully and stay alert; this is not a beach to switch off entirely. That said, the combination of an almost always empty 82-metre cove, blue water, volcanic rock, and extraordinary architecture directly overhead is genuinely hard to match. Access by boat from Port Elizabeth or Lower Bay takes about 15 minutes, but remember: land access requires permission from the Moonhole property owners, and that's non-negotiable. Skip the August-to-October window — hurricane season makes the boat crossing rough and unpredictable. Come in the dry season, sort your permissions in advance, and you'll have this wild little cove almost entirely to yourself.
What to do
The Moonhole Compound, just 0.1 km away, is the main draw — an iconic 1960s stone-arch residential structure built into volcanic rock by Tom Johnston. A short distance away, Paget Farm is Bequia's main fishing village with an active boat-building tradition worth a wander. For a longer beach day, Friendship Bay Beach is about 3 km away and offers Grenadines views along a much longer stretch of sand. Mount Peggy, roughly 2.6 km out, rewards those who want to stretch their legs further.
The Moonhole stone arch compound viewed from the beach, with volcanic rock in the foreground and blue water below, is the standout frame on this stretch of coast.
Shoot from the mixed sand shoreline looking up at the arch for architectural scale against open sky. The volcanic rock formations at the water's edge, especially in low-angle morning light, offer a second strong composition.
Where to eat
There are no food or drink vendors at Moonhole Beach — bring everything you need before you leave Port Elizabeth. The nearest town is Port Elizabeth, where you can stock up on supplies for the day.
Where to stay
The Sweet Retreat is the closest listed accommodation option, sitting about 3 km from the beach. Book ahead — Bequia is a small island and options can be limited.
Photography
The stone arch of the Moonhole Compound framing the volcanic rock and blue water below is the defining shot — aim for early morning light when shadows are long and the cove is at its most still. The volcanic rock formations at the shoreline, with mixed sand and blue water in the foreground, make for a compelling wide-angle composition at any time of day.
Good to know
Land access requires permission from the Moonhole property owners — respect the private residential compound and do not wander beyond the beach without authorisation. The hiking path is steep and unmarked, and can be hazardous; wear proper footwear and don't attempt it alone. The rocky shoreline and water entry demand care — there is no lifeguard or emergency services on site. Avoid August, September, and October: hurricane season brings rough seas that make boat access unreliable and potentially dangerous.
Map
Nearby places
The Sweet Retreat
Moonhole
Mount Peggy
Things to see around Bequia
Moonhole Compound
Iconic 1960s stone-arch residential compound built into volcanic rock by Tom Johnston
Paget Farm
Bequia's main fishing village with active boat-building tradition
Friendship Bay Beach
Bequia's longest beach with Grenadines views
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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