Most of the Nevis hotels have private beaches for their guests, that may also be open to non-guests for a fee, but if you're not a guest at that particular Nevis hotel, or don't want to pay, don't worry!  Nevis boasts several fabulous public beaches as well, and they are considered among the best beaches in the Caribbean.

The best one - in fact, one of the best in the Caribbean - is the reef-protected Pinney's Beach, which has crystal-clear water, golden sands, and a gradual slope.  It's the primary reason that the Four Seasons chose this location for its chic and super-luxurious Four Seasons Nevis Resort.

Pinney's is just a short walk north of Charlestown on the west coast.  You'll have 5km (3 miles) of sand (often virtually to yourself) that culminates in a sleepy lagoon, set against a backdrop of coconut palms.  It's almost never crowded, and its calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and wading, which makes it a family favorite.  It's best to bring your own sports equipment; the hotels along this beach have only limited gear that may be in use by its guests. You can go snorkeling or scuba diving here among damselfish, tangs, grunts, blue-headed wrasses, parrot fish, and other species.  You'll definitely want a decent underwater camera!  The beach is especially beautiful in the late afternoon, when flocks of cattle egrets fly into its north end to roost at the freshwater pond at Nelson's Spring.

If you're going to be around for a few days you might want to search out the other beaches as well, notably beige-sand Oualie Beach, known especially for its diving and snorkeling.  The location is north of Pinney's and just south of Mosquito Bay.  The beach is well maintained and rarely crowded; you can purchase food and beverages, as well as rent watersports equipment, at the Oualie Beach Hotel.

Indian Castle Beach, at the southern end of Nevis, has active surf and a swath of fine-gray sand.  Indian Castle Beach is definitely for escapists - chances are you'll have the beach all to yourself except for an indigenous goat or two, who may be very social and interested in sharing your picnic lunch.

Newcastle Beach is by the Nisbet Plantation, at the northernmost tip of the island on the channel that separates St. Kitts and Nevis.  Snorkelers flock to this strip of soft, beige sand set against a backdrop of coconut palms.

The beaches along the east coast aren't as desirable.  They front Long Haul Bay in the north and White Bay in the south.  These bays spill into the Atlantic Ocean and are rocky and the water is too rough for swimming, although they're rather beautiful and dramatic to visit if you're sightseeing.  Of them all, White Bay Beach (sometimes called Windward Beach), in the southeastern section, east of Gingerland, is the best (especially for surfers).  But be careful, as the waters can become turbulent suddenly.

Top 10 Best Beaches

(All beaches are public on Nevis)

• Cades Bay (swimming, bar hopping)
• Ft. Ashby (birding, picnics)
• Gallow’s Bay (snorkeling at south end)
• Herbert’s Beach (swimming, snorkeling, bar)
• Long Haul Bay (snorkeling)
• Lovers Beach (secluded, swimming)
• Newcastle Beach (white sand, walks)
• Nisbet Beach (swimming, shelling, snorkeling)
• Oualie Beach (swimming, sports, kids)
• Pinney’s Beach (swimming, bars)

Additional Resources

• Activities
• Local Tours
• Golf Courses
• Water Sports
• Shopping/Local Markets
• Art Galleries/ Museums
• Hiking & Nature Trails