Best Beaches in St. Kitts & Nevis

Majorly pretty, with golden sands, clear blue waters, wraparound hills and views over to Nevis (and boat trips there too, from the eastern end)… You’ll find this beach just around from the end of the southeast peninsular, identifiable by the rusty wreck in the bay that just sits there, screaming to be snorkelled around.

On the Caribbean side of the southeast peninsular and backed by rolling green hills, South Friars is a beauty. Gold sand is lined with cool beach bars and restaurants, looking out to almost-still water that we could spend hours swimming and snorkelling in. For a taste of the good life, dine on posh nosh at the Carambola Beach Club then curl up on one of their love seats with a cocktail or cold beer.

For good old-fashioned liming and parties on the shore, this is the island hotspot. Big hotels, beach houses and bars line what’s called The Strip, forming one of the most popular beaches on the island. Daytimes here can see you doing anything from snoozing on soft golden sand to windsurfing on lagoon-like waters. Later on, beach shacks burst with souvenirs, rum cocktails and sizzling street food.

Yes this golden sand beach is on the wild and more rugged Atlantic side of the island but reef protection keeps the waters Caribbean-calm for awesome kitesurfing and windsurfing. There’s oodles happening here into the evening, with big hotels, bars and restaurants based along the beachfront.

One of St Kitts’ favourites, Cockleshell’s a curve of creamy-white sand and shallow, see-through sea. From the shore, the views over Nevis are superb, and you can visit the island by boat from the eastern jetty. Bars and restaurants provide all the rum punch, lunch and beach equipment you could want for (if there’s fresh lobster on the menu at Reggae Bar, don’t miss out!).

Emerald hills, volcanic cliffs and silky white sands greet you at Sand Bank Bay, where the Atlantic brushes up gently against the shore. The ever-expanding Christophe Harbour’s adding a glamorous feel to the area, with private villas, a beach club, golf course and marina village with shops and cafes.

Down on the southwest peninsular, Turtle Beach can be found facing The Narrows and Nevis. Come for an early morning walk and you might see pelicans catching their breakfast. Or visit later in the day and watch kitesurfers catch the breeze.

Anyone seeking a bit of seclusion would be bananas not to visit this bay! It’s not as developed as nearby Cockleshell (which you can wander along to), but that’s exactly why we like it.

Nevis’ poster boy, Pinney’s is a three mile stretch of soft sand near Charlestown on the west coast, dotted with palms, cool beach shacks and restaurants (don’t miss out on a sip of the legendary Killerbee drink at Sunshine’s). The sea here – clear as can be – is reef protected, which makes it perfect for swimming in. Buy souvenirs from vendors, join locals in a game of volleyball or just stretch out on the sand and watch the world go by.

Anyone who likes to keep busy on the beach will LOVE Oualie. Up on northwest Nevis, the gentle waters are just right for kayaking, stand up paddling, windsurfing and kitesurfing, so it’s no wonder most of the island’s activity centres have set up shop here. For exploring further out, fishing trips, dive trips and boat tours set off from the jetty. And when the end of the day calls for some downtime, watching the sun set over St Kitts is something special.