11 Best Beaches on St Kitts

When you think of a Caribbean island do you picture palm trees and white sandy beaches? Well St Kitts is an exception to that stereotype. While we do have white sandy beaches, it’s worth mentioning that not all beaches in St Kitts are white sand.

In fact, most Caribbean islands are volcanic in origin, so the beaches are actually black sand beaches or a mixture of the black and white sand. In St Kitts, you can soak in the calm Caribbean Sea on the south side of the island and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean on the north side.

We have done some recon up and down the island to find the best St Kitts beaches. So to save you some precious holiday time keep reading!

Cockleshell Beach

For your picture-perfect ‘Instagrammable’ Caribbean white sand beach head down to Cockleshell beach on the southeast peninsula. Combining the white sands with the warm turquoise Caribbean Sea, palm trees and uninterrupted views of Nevis. Cockleshell beach is everything you could imagine and more. A popular location for cruise tours it can be very busy at times with tourists. You will have to pay to use the sunbeds and umbrellas at most of the beach bars but for one of the best beaches on St Kitts it’s a small price to pay for a day in paradise.

South Friars Beach- Discovery Beach Bar

If you’re on the hunt for a beach with hammocks hanging from palm trees and tasty rum punch, head to South Friars beach. Hit up the Discovery Beach Bar where Morsi, the owner makes the best rum punch on St Kitts. The beach at south friars is a mixture of black and white sand but no less beautiful. With the chilled vibe and reggae music it’s an easy place to spend the day. This section of beach has a reef just as you enter the water however, so it’s not the best place for swimming or lazing in the water.

South Friars Beach- Shipwreck Beach Bar

Further down on South Friars Beach is Shipwreck Beach Bar. A livelier atmosphere than Discovery but with less reef off the beach, it is one of the most popular beaches on St Kitts. Shipwreck beach is a great place to swim and rent snorkelling equipment and paddle boards if you fancy some activity. The calm shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea and the floating deck which you can walk out to make Shipwreck a great place to laze in the sea. The sunbeds and umbrellas here are also free to use if you buy something from the bar. With the tasty menu offerings, extensive cocktail list and ice cold drinks you may well bump into us down here!

Majors Bay

For complete tranquillity and a whole beach to yourself, head down to Majors Bay on the southeast peninsula. This idyllic white sand beach on the turquoise Caribbean Sea is the most romantic beach on St Kitts for couples wanting a private beach day. However, it has no public facilities so prepare accordingly by taking your own drinks and snacks. There are a few trees for shade and it is easy to access, you can park right next to the sand. But be warned you will have to use ‘natures bathroom’.

Carambola Beach

For a beach with great snorkelling Carambola is your beach of choice. Think shoals of tropical fish, turtles and spotted eagle rays in a secluded bay. The beach is free to access but if you want to use a sunbed and an umbrella be prepared to pay the fee. The Beach club itself is nice enough but the drinks are pricey, and it can get busy when the cruise ships come in.

Check out our post on the top snorkelling spots on St Kitts!

Dieppe Bay

Further North you will find the black sand beaches. Head to the northern most point of the island to Dieppe Bay for a beautiful black sand beach at Arthurs restaurant. Part of the Belle Mont Farm development, the fresh seafood is a little pricey but so tasty. Dieppe Bay is one of the most peaceful beaches on St Kitts that has public facilities. It’s worth taking the trip up here with some beach towels and having a dip where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Sand Bank Bay

Sand Bank Bay also known as Gong Beach, is another peaceful beach void of tourists. It backs onto private villas of Christophe harbour and is a short walk to the beach from where you can park. Again, it’s a little off the beaten track with no public facilities so you will need to take a picnic. There is also no shade on the beach, so a beach tent is good idea. The yellow sand beach is in a protected bay on the Atlantic Ocean has some great waves in the super shallow waist high waters, perfect for body boarding, surfing or just wave jumping. This is our favourite secluded beach on St Kitts.

Frigate Bay South

The Strip in Frigate Bay is a popular hangout for locals and expats. Situated on Frigate Bay South Beach or Timothy Beach as it’s sometimes known, it has a plethora of bars and restaurants to choose from. It is an easy walk from the Marriott Hotel and others located on the Zenway Boulevard. So if you want a change of scene, or if you are tired of the resort vibe and want a different beach day, there is no shortage of sunbeds and umbrellas.

Turtle Beach

For a quiet beach and snorkelling day head down to Turtle Beach. Slightly off the beaten track, Turtle Beach is only signposted once and can easily be missed. Follow the dirt road off the South East Peninsula road that leads to Cockleshell Beach. At the end you will be rewarded with a secluded beach that is popular with kite surfers on the Atlantic side of the island. The Sea here is not rough though as the beach is protected by a reef. Perfect for an afternoon of snorkelling.

Frigate Bay North

Frigate Bay North Beach is the home to the Marriott Hotel and some private apartment complexes. Found on the Atlantic side of the Island, the water is crisp and clear. At times the waves can be overpowering with strong currents if you get too far out. Near the shore however, the water is shallow enough to swim in and if you head past the Marriott Hotel the beach is clean and well-kept with minimal people. If beach resorts are your thing purchase a resort day pass and you can enjoy the full amenities at the Marriott Hotel.

Sea Glass Beach

Sea glass beach is another black sand beach that is a hidden gem for arts and crafts people. Due to the close proximity to the brewery an abundance of sea glass can be found on the shore here. Only a handful of beaches on St Kitts are unfrequented by tourists and Sea Glass Beach is amongst them so accessibility is limited. The closest parking area is a field nearby and a short walk down some makeshift steps to the beach means it is not widely known about. If you want some sea glass souvenirs that don’t cost the earth, consider a stroll down here to collect your own mementos.

Banana Bay

Banana Bay on the southeast peninsula is home to the Park Hyatt resort. Like all beaches on St Kitts public beach access is allowed and free. However, to enjoy the sunbeds and umbrellas and to access the facilities of the Park Hyatt you will need to buy a resort day pass. The day pass is pricey but includes pool and beach access, use of towels and sunbeds a two-course lunch with non-alcoholic drinks and an additional 20% off other resort purchases including spa treatments.

Have you enjoyed the best beaches on St Kitts or would you like to? Tell us in the comments which is your favourite!

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