Princess Margaret BeachSaint Vincent and the Grenadines Beach Guide
White sand crescent, turquoise calm, Bequia's unhurried shore
About
Princess Margaret Beach curves in a gentle crescent on Bequia, one of the Grenadine islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. White sand meets turquoise Admiralty Bay water in a setting kept deliberately low-key — no beachfront development lines the shore, and a canopy of sea grape trees provides natural shade along the back of the beach. The bay's sheltered position keeps the water relatively calm, making it one of the more inviting spots on the island for a relaxed swim. At roughly 489 metres end to end, the crescent is long enough to find your own quiet patch even on a moderate-visitor day. The overall vibe is unhurried: bring a book, settle under the sea grapes, and let the afternoon pass.
How to get there
Princess Margaret Beach has no road access — you reach it entirely by water or on foot from Port Elizabeth. The easiest option is a water taxi from Port Elizabeth harbour, a five-minute on-demand hop across the bay. Prefer to stretch your legs? A footpath from Port Elizabeth takes around 15 minutes and is walkable daily, though the route is unpaved and not adapted for mobility aids. There is no parking of any kind — this is a boat-and-foot-only beach.
Who it's for
For couples
The absence of beachfront development and the natural sea grape canopy create genuine seclusion — this is a beach where two people can actually hear each other talk. Arrive by water taxi for the five-minute crossing from Port Elizabeth, which adds a small sense of occasion to an otherwise effortless day out.
For families
The crescent bay's calm Admiralty Bay waters are relatively gentle by Caribbean standards, but parents should note there is no lifeguard on duty and a quick drop-off can catch young swimmers off guard — stay close to the shallows. The sea grape shade means even small children aren't baking in direct sun all day, and the short water-taxi ride from Port Elizabeth makes the logistics simple.
Our take
Princess Margaret Beach earns its reputation on simplicity: white sand, turquoise water, a sea grape canopy, and no development to interrupt any of it. Safety first, though — there is no lifeguard, a drop-off lurks closer to shore than it looks, and between June and November Atlantic swells make swimming genuinely risky. Aim for the dry season months for the calmest, safest conditions. The five-minute water-taxi ride from Port Elizabeth keeps the beach accessible without making it feel overrun, and the 15-minute footpath option means you can walk off a Gingerbread lunch on the way back. It's not a beach that tries to impress you with facilities — it impresses you by having almost none. Worth the short crossing.
What to do
After the beach, the Port Elizabeth Waterfront is a short walk or water-taxi ride away — it's the main hub of Bequia life, with the ferry terminal, shops, and a genuine working-harbour atmosphere worth an hour of your time. History-minded visitors can continue to the Bequia Maritime Museum, which documents the island's deep whaling and seafaring heritage. If you want to stretch your legs more seriously, Mount Peggy is a hiking option about 1.6 km from the beach.
The sea grape tree canopy arching over white sand is the defining frame — shoot from beneath the trees looking seaward for a natural green tunnel effect with turquoise water at the end.
The crescent bay shape reads best from the water itself, so ask your water-taxi operator to slow down on approach for a wide shot of the full arc. Early dry-season mornings, before moderate visitor numbers build, give you the cleanest light and the emptiest foreground.
Where to eat
The Green Boley and Gingerbread are both within a kilometre of the beach and make natural stops before or after your visit. Frangipani Beach Bar & Restaurant and the Whale Boner are solid options at roughly the same distance if you want something with more of a waterfront feel. The Porthole Restaurant rounds out the nearby choices with a Caribbean-focused menu about a kilometre away — useful to know since the beach has no on-site food or drink vendors, so arrive prepared.
Where to stay
A Shade of Blues is the closest option to the beach at 0.3 km, making early-morning arrivals before other visitors show up genuinely easy. Bequia Plantation Hotel and The Village Apartments sit within 0.6 km, while the Gingerbread Hotel and The Frangipani Hotel are both under a kilometre away and well-placed for the Port Elizabeth waterfront as well.
Photography
The best shot on Princess Margaret Beach is from the waterline looking back toward the sea grape canopy — the contrast between white sand, turquoise water, and the dense green overhang is striking in the soft light of early in the day. For the crescent shape itself, position yourself at either end of the 489-metre arc during the dry-season months of November through April, when the light is cleaner and the water at its calmest.
Good to know
No lifeguard is on duty at any time, so swim within your comfort level and keep a close eye on young children — occasional strong swells and a quick drop-off can make conditions more challenging than the calm surface suggests. Avoid the beach for swimming between June and November, when Atlantic swells and hurricane-season conditions make the water rough and potentially dangerous. Overnight camping is not permitted, so plan your visit as a day trip. The sea grape trees are part of what makes this beach special — please don't damage or remove the vegetation; treat it with the same respect you'd want shown to any protected coastal plant.
Map
Nearby places
The Green Boley
Gingerbread
Frangipani Beach Bar & Restaurant
Whale Boner
Porthole Restaurant
A Shade of Blues
Bequia Plantation Hotel
The Village Apartments
Gingerbread Hotel
The Frangipani Hotel
Mount Peggy
Things to see around Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth Waterfront
Main town of Bequia with restaurants, shops, and the ferry terminal
Bequia Maritime Museum
Small museum documenting Bequia's whaling and seafaring heritage
Fort Hamilton
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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