Princess Margaret Beach: Bequia's Golden-Sand Anchorage in Admiralty Bay

Princess Margaret Beach is one of Bequia's most beautiful yacht charter stops, a sheltered crescent of golden sand and clear Caribbean water on the southern side of Admiralty Bay. Backed by lush hills and positioned just beyond the waterfront activity of Port Elizabeth, the beach combines easy yacht access with enough separation from town to retain a relaxed, tropical atmosphere. It is also known locally as Tony Gibbons Beach and remains a favorite with both visitors and Bequians.

The calm water makes Princess Margaret Beach particularly appealing for swimming and snorkeling. Rocky sections near the ends of the bay provide additional underwater interest, while the sandy shoreline is ideal for spending a long afternoon ashore. Jack's Beach Bar sits directly on the beach, giving charter guests an easy place for lunch, cocktails or sunset drinks without leaving the waterfront.

Princess Margaret Beach is also exceptionally well connected to the rest of Bequia. The Belmont Coastal Trail links the beach with the Belmont Walkway and Port Elizabeth, while Lower Bay lies just beyond the headland to the south. Water taxis make the journey from yachts anchored elsewhere in Admiralty Bay particularly easy, allowing guests to combine the beach with shopping, dining or exploring Bequia's main town during the same day.

Princess Margaret Beach lies within Admiralty Bay on Bequia's sheltered western coast. Yachts approaching from the main Port Elizabeth anchorage simply continue south along the bay, keeping clear of local moorings and swimming areas before selecting an appropriate position offshore. The wider Admiralty Bay approach is deep and straightforward, with good sandy holding available around the southern section of the harbour.

The beach itself is an established swimming area, so yachts should remain well offshore rather than anchoring close to the sand. Local cruising guidance specifies that vessels should anchor at least 200 yards from the beach to protect swimmers. Once anchored, a tender can use the dinghy dock near Jack's Beach Bar, or guests can arrive by one of Bequia's local water taxis.

Princess Margaret Beach is one of the most popular anchoring areas within Admiralty Bay. The seabed offers good holding in sand, and its position farther south from Port Elizabeth generally provides more swinging room and a quieter atmosphere than the busy central anchorage. Cruising guidance specifically identifies Princess Margaret Beach as a favored overnight option for yachts seeking good holding and convenient access ashore.

Protection is generally good in the prevailing easterly trade winds because Bequia itself shelters the western coastline. Northerly swell can occasionally make the anchorage uncomfortable, however, so captains should monitor conditions and ensure the yacht is securely set in clear sand rather than weed. Lower Bay provides another nearby anchoring option if conditions or available space make repositioning preferable.

Princess Margaret Beach takes its name from Princess Margaret, who reportedly swam here during a visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1958. The beach remains one of Bequia's best-known coastal landmarks and is officially highlighted for its calm water, snorkeling and easy access by both land and sea.

Despite its popularity, the setting remains relatively simple. Beachfront dining, a dinghy dock and access to the coastal trail provide the essentials without turning the bay into a heavily developed resort area. For yacht charter guests, that balance of beautiful water, anchoring, swimming and easy access to Port Elizabeth makes Princess Margaret Beach one of the essential stops on Bequia.