Cockleshell Bay
St Kitts's most celebrated beach — a stunning mile-long crescent of soft white sand with picture-perfect views of the sister island of Nevis
Explore Cockleshell Bay
Click any marker to find out more about each spot.
Things To Do at Cockleshell Bay
The best beaches, bars and water sports at St Kitts's most beautiful bay.
The Beach
Cockleshell Bay is widely regarded as the finest beach on St Kitts — a stunning mile-long crescent of soft white sand with calm, crystal-clear Caribbean water. The beach has sun loungers, water sports hire and a choice of dining options. The views of the sister island of Nevis across the water are picture-perfect. The beach is the main destination for cruise ship visitors, so arrive early on weekdays.
Beach Bars & Restaurants
Cockleshell Bay has a wonderful selection of beach bars and restaurants. The Spice Mill is one of the most popular — an excellent restaurant with spectacular views of the bay and Nevis. Lion Rock Beach Bar is a lively spot at the eastern end of the beach. The beach bars serve fresh seafood, cocktails and cold beers in a wonderfully relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.
Water Sports
Cockleshell Bay has excellent water sports facilities. The calm, clear water is ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming. Several operators on the beach offer water sports hire and guided snorkelling tours to the coral reefs just offshore. The bay is also a popular departure point for boat trips to Nevis and to the uninhabited islands of the Southeast Peninsula.
Major Bay — Secluded Escape
Just east of Cockleshell Bay is Major Bay — a more secluded and peaceful beach that is perfect for couples or anyone seeking a quieter experience. The beach is rarely visited by cruise ship passengers and has a wonderfully unspoiled character. Visitors can swim in a natural swimming pool created by a shipwreck — it is wise to bring a snorkel and mask.
Views of Nevis
One of the great pleasures of Cockleshell Bay is the spectacular view of the sister island of Nevis across the water. The island's dramatic Nevis Peak volcano is clearly visible on clear days, rising to 985 metres above the sea. Ferries to Nevis depart from the nearby Majors Bay Ferry Terminal, making it easy to combine a day at Cockleshell Bay with a visit to Nevis.
Cockleshell Bay Travel Guide
Cockleshell Bay is widely regarded as the finest beach on St Kitts — a stunning mile-long crescent of soft white sand with calm, crystal-clear Caribbean water and picture-perfect views of the sister island of Nevis.
The beach has sun loungers, water sports hire and a choice of dining options. The Spice Mill restaurant is one of the most popular on the island, with excellent food and spectacular views. Lion Rock Beach Bar is a lively spot at the eastern end of the beach.
Cockleshell Bay has excellent water sports facilities. The calm, clear water is ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming.
Just east of Cockleshell Bay is Major Bay — a more secluded and peaceful beach, perfect for couples seeking privacy. Visitors can swim in a natural swimming pool created by a shipwreck.
One of the great pleasures of Cockleshell Bay is the spectacular view of Nevis across the water. Ferries to Nevis depart from the nearby Majors Bay Ferry Terminal.
Cockleshell Bay is about 20 minutes from Basseterre by road, on the southeast peninsula of St Kitts.
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