When thinking of shopping and services don't be misled by Bequia being a small island in a distant ocean. Sure, there are no mega marts nor fast food chains and chickens and sheep sometimes do wander down main street, but there is everything needed for your convenience and comfort of a holiday on land or sea.

    The harbour town of Port Elizabeth is the centre of the island's commerce; at its heart the main jetty which, with the frequent sailings and arrivals of passenger ferries and cargo boats, is the closest you'll find to hustle and bustle. Next to the jetty is the Bequia Tourism Association booth so if your first stop is for information their staff will be pleased to help you. Across Front Street the yellow Government building houses the revenue office and post office, harbourmaster, customs and Immigration - enquire here about yachting and mooring regulations and driving permits. For banking, RBTT next door at the Bayshore Mall opens Monday-Thursday 8am-2pm, Friday to 5pm. The NCB, off Back Street opens till 1pm, and on Fridays reopens from 3-5pm. Note that US travellers cheques and cash are accepted at most businesses - credit cards not always, so be sure to check before you shop.

    As the gateway to the beautiful sailing among the Grenadine isles, Bequia offers a full range of services and supplies to the marine traveller. There are a number of skilled craftsmen at boatyards around the harbour offering services from minor repairs to custom built boats.

    Marine outfitters and chandleries stock all you will need for boat repairs and maintenance, from hardware and electrical to paints and outboard engines. Some chandlers offer duty-free prices to visiting yachts as do suppliers of all your fishing and diving needs such as Lulley’s, the oldest tackle shop in Bequia, located behind the Courts building on Front Street. Daffodil Marine will deliver water and diesel to your boat and is the only B.T.A. approved service for garbage pick up; reach them on VHF 67.

    Whatever your tastes, Port Elizabeth is your one-stop harbour for all you will need to provision your yacht or stock your kitchen for a self-catering holiday. Supermarkets including Knights Trading (on Back Street, with a hardware and lumber department upstairs) and Knights Supermarket (on Front Street) offer baked, canned and dried goods, a selection of frozen foods and a variety of cold drinks, wines and liquors. Ice is readily available - ask at the Shoreline Minimart next to The Porthole restaurant. Euro Shopper on the main road above the Frangipani Hotel stocks fresh produce and offers bulk wholesale prices on many items. Along Front Street Doris’ Fresh Food offer fresh produce and baked goods, fine wines and a tempting array of international delicatessen treats. Across the street at what is known as the "Rasta Market" you may have a "cultural experience" shopping for the interesting variety of fresh island fruits and vegetables. At the adjacent fish market fishermen blow the conch shell to let shoppers know the catch of the day has arrived. If you miss the boat or if you have a taste for something different, just ask; Bequians love to help and chances are your taxi driver, housekeeper, bartender or neighbour knows someone who can arrange delivery of fresh fish or lobsters the next morning. Meanwhile, if you want to stay in touch with "the outer world" several Internet agencies offer not only e-mail, but also a sophisticated range of computer services. There are also agents for FedEx, DHL and Western Union.