Friendship Bay: Golden Sands and Secluded Yacht Cruising on Bequia

Friendship Bay is one of Bequia's most peaceful yacht charter destinations, a broad south-facing bay where golden sand, turquoise Caribbean water and green hills create a distinctly quieter atmosphere than busy Admiralty Bay. Located on the island's windward side, the bay is sheltered enough to provide a recognized yacht anchorage while still feeling removed from Port Elizabeth and Bequia's main sailing hub. The Bequia Tourism Association describes Friendship Bay as a sheltered bay with a broad sweep of golden sand.

The beach stretches along the bay beneath scattered villas, tropical gardens and the small community of Friendship. At the western end, the shoreline reaches toward La Pompe, where fishing boats are traditionally drawn onto the sand. Bequia's local maritime culture remains visible here, including the building and racing of large model sailing boats known locally as gumboats.

For yacht charter guests, Friendship Bay is particularly appealing when the goal is to slow the itinerary down. Swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing and scuba diving can all be enjoyed directly from the bay, while Port Elizabeth, Lower Bay and Princess Margaret Beach remain only a short trip across Bequia. This makes Friendship Bay an excellent alternative anchorage for guests who want access to the island without staying in the center of Admiralty Bay.

Friendship Bay lies on Bequia's southeastern coast and is approached from the south through open Caribbean water. The bay is broad and relatively straightforward to enter in suitable conditions, although captains should use current charts and maintain awareness of the coastal shallows as they move toward the anchoring area. The seabed includes both sand and seagrass, with clear sandy patches providing the preferred positions for setting an anchor.

The bay does not contain a conventional yacht marina, so visiting yachts normally remain at anchor and use their tender for shore access. Small moorings are found toward the eastern side and should be given sufficient clearance when selecting a position. Port Elizabeth lies on the opposite side of Bequia and remains the better choice for provisioning, formal yacht services and clearance procedures.

Friendship Bay provides a recognized anchorage with good holding in sand. Its south-facing position offers shelter in many typical trade-wind conditions, and there is enough room for visiting yachts to anchor comfortably away from the shoreline. The bay is also directly accessible by dinghy, making it easy for guests to spend time on the beach.

The main consideration is swell. Cruising reports note that Friendship Bay can occasionally become quite rolly when heavier swell works into the bay, even when the wind itself is favorable. Captains should therefore judge the anchorage by both wind direction and sea state before planning an overnight stay. In calm conditions, however, Friendship Bay offers one of the most attractive quieter anchorages on Bequia.

Friendship Bay has a more relaxed and residential character than Admiralty Bay. Small houses, villas and apartments climb the surrounding hills, while the beachfront is home to Bequia Beach Hotel, a boutique resort set directly on the bay. The property includes beachfront dining and sits beside roughly 2,600 feet of sandy shoreline.

The bay also provides easy access to the quieter southern side of Bequia. Hope Bay and Ravine Bay lie nearby, while La Pompe preserves elements of the island's traditional fishing culture. Combined with excellent swimming, snorkeling and a noticeably slower pace, Friendship Bay is a strong choice for yacht charter guests who want to experience a more secluded side of Bequia.