St Kitts Beach Guide

Head to St Kitts southeast coast for the best white-sand beaches on the island, which nestle beneath grass-covered hills on either side of the picture-perfect peninsula. Paths provide scenic views and easy access to all the beaches.

St Kitts beaches are all public and hotels are required to provide access, although most hotels will charge a small fee for beachside facilities, such as umbrellas and sun loungers. Here is a selection of the best beaches on St Kitts.

North Frigate Bay Beach – Unwind on the soft golden sand of this 6km-long palm-fringed beach that sits between bush-covered sand dunes and the occasionally choppy Atlantic waters of the scenic bay. The beach stretches north from beneath the majestic steep promontory of Sir Timothy’s Hill to Muddy Point.

Visit for a day or stay longer at the 5-star St Kitts Marriott Resort, where you can be pampered with a range of creature comforts. Relax in a sun lounger in front of the Marriot or find your own secluded spot to sunbathe and swim just a short stroll away on a less-manicured section of the beach.

A restaurant and bar sits on the northern section while the south end is pristine, wild and uncrowded – perfect for beachcombing and horseback riding. Frigate Bay is less than 5km from Basseterre.

South Frigate Bay Beach – Should the Atlantic side of Frigate Bay be too choppy for swimming, just take a 15-minute stroll across the narrow hilly peninsula to South Frigate Bay, where soft white sand shelves into the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

Flanked by verdant green hills, this 500m-long beach is dotted with a good choice of lively bars and cafés where you can hire umbrellas and sun loungers.

Come for a day or stay longer at the family friendly Timothy Beach Resort. Swim anywhere along the beach or snorkel beneath the rocky headlands at the eastern end. Frigate Bay is less than 5km from Basseterre.

North Friar's Bay Beach – Unwind on this 600m-long golden-sand beach that shelves into Atlantic waves and lies nestled beneath a picturesque grassy hillside. There are no facilities on this secluded beach, which offers good swimming and bodysurfing, and excellent wind and kite surfing when the breeze picks up.

South Friar's Bay Beach – Dip your toes into the soft white sand of this 900m-long beach that shelves into the calm waters of the Caribbean and offers perfect swimming conditions.

Nestled beneath grassy hills and only a short walk from North Friar's Bay, this south coast beach offers a choice of lively beachside bars and cafes, where you also arrange umbrellas and sun loungers. Friar's Bay is roughly 1.5km south of Frigate Bay.

Sand Bank Bay Beach – Savour this wild and pristine crescent of white sand that edges a sheltered cove framed by steep grassy hills. There are no facilities on this 600m-long beach so you may want to take your own food and drinks.

Swim and snorkel in the calm water and follow hillside trails for panoramic views over the peninsula. This pretty beach lies south of North Friar's Bay Beach, around 16km from Basseterre, and is easily accessed along the Simmonds Highway.

Cockleshell Bay Beach – Sunbathe on this unspoiled golden-sand beach that stretches for 3km around the southern end of the island. Swim in the calm waters, unwind at one of the lively beach bars and climb hillside trails for scenic vistas. Cockleshell Bay is easily reached by driving to the end of the Simmonds Highway.

White House Bay Beach – Although this beach is scattered with rocks, there is excellent snorkelling over the offshore coral gardens and around two wrecks, including the remains of an 18th century British troop ship.

Take a sun umbrella, food and drinks, as there are no facilities. The beach faces the Caribbean, around 3km south of Friar's Bay, and is easily accessed by a dirt road that comes off the Simmonds Highway.