Your Bequia Arrival Simplified: Fast Ferry vs. Sandy Toes Transfer
Arriving smoothly is the first step to a great island escape. If you're planning your Bequia arrival and weighing the fast ferry against a Sandy Toes transfer, this guide breaks down timing, routes, and booking tips so you can step onto Friendship Bay with confidence—and start enjoying the beach, spa, and seawater infinity pool without delay.
The Two Easiest Ways from St. Vincent to Bequia
Bequia is wonderfully accessible via nearby St. Vincent. You can connect through major hubs and choose the transfer that best suits your style.
Option 1: Fast Ferry (via Kingstown, St. Vincent)
- Fly into St. Vincent (Argyle International Airport), served by weekly flights from the UK and daily services from North America including London, Miami, Atlanta, Toronto and New York.
- Take a 45-minute taxi to Kingstown.
- Board the ferry to Bequia. The crossing is about one hour on standard services; a new fast ferry option can take around 35 minutes.
- On arrival in Bequia (Port Elizabeth), it’s a quick 10-minute taxi to the hotel.
Reservations can arrange your taxi and ferry logistics end-to-end, so your connections are seamless.
Option 2: Sandy Toes Transfer (Hotel-Arranged)
Sandy Toes is Bequia Beach Hotel’s brand-new private tour boat—and it also offers transfers between St. Vincent and Bequia. Designed to make the journey more comfortable than ever, Sandy Toes provides a direct, hotel-arranged boat experience between the islands. It also runs relaxing cruises around Bequia and day trips within the Grenadine archipelago.
To use Sandy Toes for your arrival, simply coordinate with the reservations team, who can plan the transfer alongside your flights and island transport.
Quick Comparison: Fast Ferry vs. Sandy Toes Transfer
| Feature | Fast Ferry | Sandy Toes Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Taxi (45m) to Kingstown, then ferry to Bequia | Direct hotel-arranged boat transfer between St. Vincent and Bequia |
| Typical Duration | About 1 hour on standard ferries; around 35 minutes on the new fast ferry | Direct transfer; timing arranged with hotel and dependent on conditions |
| Booking | Public ferry; reservations can assist with ferry and taxi | Booked through hotel reservations |
| Experience | Scheduled public service | Comfortable, hotel-arranged transfer |
| Best For | Travelers who prefer a scheduled crossing | Guests who want a smooth, direct experience arranged by the hotel |
Tip: If you’re landing in St. Vincent and value the most streamlined, door-to-dock coordination, Sandy Toes offers a simple, single-contact solution. If you prefer a scheduled service with fixed sailings, the fast ferry is a solid choice—especially the newer option around 35 minutes.
Other Smart Routes to Bequia
You can also arrive directly in Bequia without a ferry transfer:
- Via Barbados: Connect on an inter-island flight to Bequia (approximately 45 minutes with SVG Air). The hotel can verify seat availability and book your inter-island flight.
- Via St. Lucia or Grenada: On-demand or seasonal inter-island flights operate, and reservations can assist with planning.
Once you land at J. F. Mitchell Airport on Bequia, it’s about a 10-minute taxi to the hotel.
For complete step-by-step planning, see the hotel’s Travel Guide or contact reservations for tailored advice.
How to Choose the Best Transfer for Your Itinerary
Use these simple checkpoints to decide quickly:
Flight timing into St. Vincent
- If your arrival aligns well with a fast ferry departure, that can be efficient.
- If you’d rather avoid waiting for a scheduled sailing, Sandy Toes offers a direct, hotel-arranged alternative.
Desire for a hotel-coordinated handoff
- Prefer one point of contact from plane to beach? Sandy Toes simplifies coordination.
- Comfortable navigating a taxi to the ferry terminal? The fast ferry remains a straightforward option.
Your travel pace and preferences
- If you like scheduled services, choose the fast ferry (and consider the ~35-minute fast option where available).
- If comfort and a hotel-arranged experience matter most at journey’s end, opt for Sandy Toes.
Featured Answers (Bequia Arrival at a Glance)
How long is the ferry from St. Vincent to Bequia?
- The crossing is about one hour on standard services; a new fast ferry can take around 35 minutes.
Does Bequia Beach Hotel arrange transfers?
- Yes. The reservations team can arrange inter-island flights, ferries, taxis, and Sandy Toes transfers, and assist with full travel planning.
Where is Bequia Beach Hotel located, and how long is the final transfer?
- The hotel sits on Friendship Bay. It’s about a 10-minute taxi from J. F. Mitchell Airport or from Port Elizabeth where the ferry arrives.
What is Sandy Toes?
- Sandy Toes is the hotel’s brand-new private tour boat offering relaxing cruises, day trips in the Grenadines, and transfers between St. Vincent and Bequia.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Arrival
Book early with reservations
- Secure inter-island flights, Sandy Toes transfers, ferries, and taxis in advance—reservations can handle it all.
Plan your St. Vincent connection
- Allow 45 minutes for the taxi to Kingstown if you’re taking the ferry.
Keep your essentials handy
- Pack travel documents, swimwear, and sun protection in your carry-on so you can head straight to the beach or pool on arrival.
Choose your first stop on island
- Drop your bags and stroll the sands of Friendship Bay, enjoy the seawater infinity pool, or take a gentle five-minute walk to The Sand Bar for cold drinks and bites.
Make the most of hotel amenities
- High-speed Wi‑Fi, complimentary yoga, a fitness facility, spa & wellbeing services, and non‑motorised water‑sports are all on hand once you arrive.
Think ahead for your first evening
- Settle in with beachside dining at Bagatelle, hillside Italian-inspired fare at Blue Tropic, or ride the daily shuttle to Jack’s Beach Bar on Princess Margaret Beach.
From Plane to Plunge: Sample Paths to Paradise
St. Vincent route (ferry):
1) Land at Argyle International Airport. 2) Taxi ~45 minutes to Kingstown. 3) Ferry crossing (about 1 hour on standard services; around 35 minutes on the new fast ferry). 4) 10-minute taxi to the hotel.St. Vincent route (Sandy Toes):
1) Land at Argyle International Airport. 2) Meet your hotel-arranged Sandy Toes transfer. 3) Arrive on Bequia and transfer ~10 minutes to the hotel.Barbados route (flight):
1) Land in Barbados. 2) Connect on an inter-island flight to Bequia (approximately 45 minutes). 3) 10-minute taxi to the hotel.
Reservations can tailor these steps to your dates, preferences, and connection windows.
Why a Seamless Arrival Matters
A smooth Bequia arrival means more time where it counts—on the sand and in the sea. Set amidst 10 acres of landscaped gardens on the pristine crescent of Friendship Bay, Bequia Beach Hotel welcomes you with island elegance and barefoot bliss. Once you arrive, everything flows: a show‑stopping seawater infinity pool, spa & gym, complimentary yoga, non‑motorised water‑sports, theme evenings in season, and dining from casual beachfront bites to all‑day seaside verandas.
For more ways to plan the perfect stay, explore:
- Travel Guide and Getting Here details
- Offers & Packages (including the Grenada & Bequia twin‑island package)
- Spa & Wellbeing
- Dining (Bagatelle, Blue Tropic, The Sand Bar, and Jack’s Beach Bar)
Conclusion
Whether you choose the fast ferry or a Sandy Toes transfer, your Bequia arrival can be effortless, well‑timed, and tailored to your preferences. Pick the route that matches your schedule and style, and let reservations coordinate the rest—so you can step into your suite, feel the sand underfoot, and exhale.
Ready to plan your journey? Contact reservations at reservations@bequiabeach.com or +1 784 458 1600. Book now to secure your preferred transfers—and explore the Winter Sale with savings of up to 35% on stays in 2026 & 2027 when booked by 30 April 2026.