St. Kitts is known for its verdant tropical landscape and incredible scenic beauty rather than beaches consisting of wide monotonous swaths of white sand. St. Kitts beaches have a quaint pristine nature all their own combined with a romantic cove like quality, the availability of snorkeling directly off shore and South Pacific type splendor including both magnificent views of the beaches and commanding views from them. The compendium of St. Kitts beaches below represents a tour from Frigate Bay southward along the South Peninsula Scenic Highway to lands end in Major Bay.  The road to this area was completed around 1990, so in many cases little has changed until now. Thoughtful development for tourism is now beginning for this area, but it has been both a privilege and the opportunity of a lifetime to see these beautiful undeveloped beaches of St. Kitts. If you visit before it is too late you may still find a beach all to yourself.  

Frigate Bay to the South Peninsula

South Frigate Bay Beach (The Caribbean Beach)  – Timothy Beach Resort rests at the southeast end of this quarter mile stretch of golden sand. Rooms are perpendicular to the crystalline turquoise waters meaning that all but the mountain view rooms have sunset views from their balconies or patios.  Along the cliffs immediately to the left of the hotel is a lovely natural reef area with a healthy variety of fish and other sea life. South Frigate Bay Beach also hosts the water sports concessions for all of Frigate Bay. Located adjacent to Timothy Beach Resort, it couldn’t be any more convenient.  At the end of the day the Dock Bar offers happy hour. The Sunday Barbecue features a live band.

North Frigate Bay Beach (The Atlantic Beach) – A lovely beach just a 7 minute walk from Timothy Beach Resort at its nearest point. The waves are a bit rough at  times, but this is a good beach for longer strolls. The best snorkeling is available at the far end near some deserted white condominiums with red roofs, known as Palm Bay.  A car is recommended for the 5 minute drive or half hour walk to this snorkeling site.  There are some very nice coral formations and a number of small fish to be seen in this area.  There are rows and rows of coral parallel to the shore which tame the Atlantic waves, but absolutely stay within the innermost layer for safety’s seek.  Remember this rule and enjoy. There are tales of experienced divers having great difficulty returning to shore from the other side of the reefs.

South Friars Beach  – When our guests wonder what is on the other side of our mountain, this is the answer. Another lovely quarter mile golden sand beach on the Caribbean, the far end is particularly nice with a few palm trees and some beach bars.  Snorkeling may be found in front of the bar at the furthest end. This beach is a favorite stop for the five mast ships.

North Friars Beach – Not for snorkeling or swimming, this beach, just across from South Friars on the Atlantic side, has rough waves, pounding surf and rocky reefs close to shore.  Despite this it might be nice for a short walk to enjoy the solitude. Watch for the areas where your feet sink deeply into the sand.

White House Bay – located at the base of the last high hill on the South Peninsula Road and on the Caribbean, this beach is a popular spot for the mooring of yachts. “Beach” is used loosely in this instance for bare sand is truly at a premium. The shores are very rocky (coral), but the beauty is in the sea. Have your mask, fins and snorkel gear ready.  This is your opportunity to search for the remains of a Spanish galleon from the 1600s.  If you have no luck, don't worry - most of it is in the National Museum on Bay Road in Basseterre.

Sand Bank Beach – located on the Atlantic side just slightly beyond and opposite White House Bay.  Truly this is one of the most enchanting beaches on St. Kitts.  Located in a small Atlantic facing cove, the length is once again about one fourth mile. There is a moderate walk from the parking area. The waves and wind can be rough, but the sand is lovely, while the water is shallow for a number of yards off shore. Make sure to secure your belongings high on the beach so that they don’t disappear with high tide.

Ballast Bay – You won’t see this area from the road, but it is beyond the next hill adjacent to White House Bay on the Caribbean side.  When you take the famous Catamaran cruise to Nevis and back, you will see a beach with beautiful white “sand” along the Caribbean. In truth, it is a long walk from White House Bay around the hill to the left.  In return for your trouble, you will be rewarded with a beach made of large coral rocks as well as a rock floor of the same. These rocks have been rounded over time. Hence the name Ballast Bay – probably not where you want to go, but it makes an interesting story should you happen upon it.