If you’re visiting Bequia for the first time, your first instinct might be to grab a taxi to Princess Margaret Beach. Before you hop in that taxi…. just wait there’s another option and it’s one of the most scenic walks on the island.
The Princess Margaret Trail is literally a seaside boardwalk that’s give or take a 25 minute walk that involves a tiny bit of an uphill hike but the views are COMPLETELY worth it.
Getting To Princess Margaret Beach
At Port Elizabeth where the ferries, majority of shop stalls, some restaurants are located – you take the first left (if you’re facing the port from the main road). Rule of thumb there’s an ATM (Bank of SVG) close by so getting some EC is a good idea although some stores/shops/restaurants do take cards.
Then after taking the left you walk alongside a paved path that runs by Belmont Road until you see a bit of a gap that looks like a dock but it transforms into a seaside boardwalk made out of stone called the Belmont WalkWay. The walk in total will equal to about 20-25 minutes (depending on your pace). You’ll pass restaurants, cafes, bars, a hotel or two on your left but on your right some breathtaking ocean views of Bequia.
Once you get to the Bequia Plantation Hotel, the boardwalk turns into a bit of a hike up the side of a beach cliff with a wooden staircase and boardwalk leading you directly to Princess Margaret Beach. This part is marked by a sign called Princess Margaret Trail.
Is The Walk Difficult?
There’s a point along the wooden staircase where there are benches and a bit of a look out where you can take photos but this is the optimal place to rest because the hike is uphill and you’d have been walking for more than 10 minutes at this point. After resting, you descend down the stairway The beach draws nearer and nearer as you walk alongside a seaside cliff on your left and the ocean to your right and within minutes you’ll see a small dock and Jack’s Beach Bar with brightly colored beach umbrellas and chairs. There awaits this beautiful long stretch of sand with tourists and locals alike, beach bars, beautiful clear water and pristine sands.
I recommend getting a Soursop Colada (from Jack’s Beach Bar) and renting a beach chair or finding a shady spot for your beach towel and personal items.
