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The downside of vacationing in popular destinations is that prices tend to skyrocket once they become mainstream.
That’s why The Bahamas‘ most famous resort, Atlantis, goes for $500 minimum any given night this summer.
But, when travelers scope out other Caribbean gems, prices are often a fraction of the price, which is likely a key reason one such island is soaring in popularity, even breaking pre-pandemic tourism records.
Despite the surge, this pristine island nation is still low-key without hordes of beachgoers invading the vibrant coasts unlike the likes of Punta Cana, Montego Bay, and Nassau.
With numerous direct flights from major U.S. hubs, it makes it all the more enticing to visit with such easy access, stunning landscapes, and a magnetic “Old Caribbean” feel when you arrive.
St. Kitts & Nevis: The Caribbean’s New Vacation Hotspot
St. Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island nation located within a cluster of lesser-known paradises such as Saba, Montserrat, and Sint Eustatius, but it’s become clear that St. Kitts and Nevis has become the crown jewel of the region.
St. Kitts is the largest of the two in terms of landmass and population, while Nevis feels more rural.
Much of St. Kitts’ beautiful landscape is derived of lush forestry with nature preserves and towering Mount Liamuiga in distance — but don’t worry, it’s a dormant volcano.
Believe it or not, at least on the St. Kitts side, the lush jungles may be even more of a draw than the beaches, and the postcard-worthy shores are nothing to sleep on; they’re gorgeous.
But, St. Kitts is primarily occupied by the flourishing Central Forest National Park, a dense rainforest protecting a variety of wildlife including rare birds and the green vervet monkey, plus secret waterfalls for the more adventurous (book a Nature Paradise Tour, currently holding a perfect 5.0 Google rating).
Let’s be real, though. You didn’t book an anxiety-inducing flight over the ocean solely for the jungle. You want to hit up pristine beaches to show off on the ‘gram.
Although if you looked at an aerial shot of St. Kitts, you’d mostly see a sea of green jungles. Like the rainforests, the beaches are largely unspoiled and free of crowds compared to the household names of the Caribbean.
St. Kitts & Nevis’s Footprint-Free Beaches
Since St. Kitts & Nevis has most notably been a cruise hub, many beaches remain unspoiled as they’re away from the cruise crowds who are only here for a short time.
Cockleshell Beach is lined with soft golden sand and often deemed a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
Neighboring Cockleshell, Banana Bay offers a similar setting with more seclusion, as it’s a little less well-known.
For the most seclusion, however, your best bet is Sandy Bank Bay Beach, located on the Southeast Peninsula. It is more of a place to relax beachside and enjoy the views rather than go for a swim.
There are ample beaches wrapping both islands, worthy of visiting. According to TripAdvisor, these are travelers’ 3 favorite beaches:
- Cockleshell Beach (told ya!)
- South Friars Beach
- South Peninsula
Of course, beaches and resorts go hand in hand, especially when you’re seeking a Caribbean vacation.
Arguably the best beach to make your base is Frigate Bay with world-class stays like Marriott St. Kitts Beach Club.
What’s Nevis All About?
Not that St. Kitts is always buzzing, but the Nevis side is even more tranquil and sees fewer crowds as the main airport is on the outskirts of Basseterre, St. Kitts’ colorful capital city, and the most popular cruise port is located within the city limits.
In other words, travelers don’t venture to Nevis since it’s more convenient to stick around St. Kitts.
Nevis does have its own capital, Charlestown, a quaint townscape full of surprising attractions like the historic site of Fort Charles, Nevis Artisan Village to grab souvenirs, and even the Nevis Hot Springs to rejuvenate in mineral-rich waters.
While Nevis certainly has its own set of golden beaches worthy of visiting, there are far more genuine experiences away from the coasts compared to St. Kitts, such as a delightful stay inland at top-rated Golden Rock Inn, free entry to well-preserved ruins at The Eden Brown Estate, and incredible hikes like Russell’s Rest Trailhead.
Nevis may be small, but there’s no shortage of fun things to do.
To get here from St. Kitts, there are a few ways:
- The Sea Bridge: car and passenger ferry that operates between Majors Bay (St. Kitts) and Cades Bay.
- MV Mark Twain: a 45-minute passenger ferry between Basseterre and Charlestown
- Water Taxi: the express route from Reggae Beach (St. Kitts) to Oualie Beach (Nevis)
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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