Nestled On The St. Kitts Golden Coast Is A Breezy Bay With Fresh Seafood And Lively Caribbean Nightlife

St. Kitts and Nevis is a tiny nation in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, lying between Antigua and Barbuda and the Virgin Islands. It's a popular spot with U.S. tourists thanks to its sun-drenched skies, relatively low costs, and enticing island-living retirement prospects. Of course, it would be remiss not to mention the beaches as well. From the dramatic Dieppe Bay Beach to serene Cockleshell Bay, one of the Caribbean's best beaches, and the social Frigate Bay, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to soaking in the soothing sounds of the ocean.

Frigate Bay Beach is particularly known for its nightlife, with The Strip — a group of friendly restaurants and bars that line the sand. But, if the sound of a party beach makes you quiver, then you'll be glad to know that there's a whole other side to Frigate Bay Beach — literally. While The Strip faces the Caribbean Sea and is abuzz with families during the day and party-goers at night, the other side is more known for its natural beauty and adventure sports, with kite-surfers taking flight above the sparkling water. Whichever side you choose, Frigate Bay Beach has to be one of the best in the Caribbean for the amount of fun on offer. 

To get to Frigate Bay, you'll first have to get to St. Kitts and Nevis. Luckily, there are direct flights to the island's capital, Basseterre, from several East Coast airports. It's a quick 10-minute drive from the airport to the bay, and taxis can be found easily in the city if you decide not to rent a vehicle. Unfortunately, there is no bus service between Bassterre and Frigate Bay. 

By the time the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea, The Strip on South Frigate Bay Beach has turned into one massive open-air beach party. The bars lining the sand are in full swing, many with live music and local seafood. Popular haunts include The Dock, which has a daily 5 p.m. happy hour, Vibes Beach Bar, which is a newer, swanky addition, and Buddies, which is a get-up-and-dance venue through and through. 

As you make your way down the beach boozing and schmoozing, try to seek out the popular local drinks. Carib is a ubiquitous, locally produced beer, and the St. Kitts Rum Company produces Brinley Gold Rum, which you will find in a myriad of cocktails on your night out. St. Kitts also has some great local non-alcoholic options, including a variety of malt beverages and Ting, a sharp, grapefruit soda popular across the Caribbean. 

Fresh seafood is the name of the game when you get a little hungry. The Strip is peppered with great little eateries. Mr X's Shiggidy Shack, known for its live music and occasional beach bonfires, serves up fish burgers, sugar cane shrimp, pizzas, and more. Past visitors have also spoken about Patsy's Beach Bar's grilled fish with a lot of love. For something a little more upmarket, Orchid Bay comes highly recommended for its Italian fare and ocean views. It's an 8-minute drive south from The Strip and sits high on a cliff.

Frigate Bay Beach is also the perfect place to relax during the day. The golden sand and calm waters on the southern beach are amazing for sunbathing or just hanging out with friends. Here, relatively sheltered waters are safe for swimming; there's even a spot for snorkeling at the southern tip. It's possible to see reef fish, crabs, lobsters, and a whole host of other tropical marine life. If you want to increase your bottom time, you can learn to scuba dive from multiple local operators, such as Kenneth's Dive Center and Pro Divers St. Kitts.

On North Frigate Bay Beach, everything is amped up a bit, as the Atlantic waves come in thick and fast. This side is more popular with adrenaline junkies, but it is also great for a long walk with stunning views. If you want to try your hand at kite-surfing or sailing, North Frigate Bay Beach is a great place to learn. Get your heart racing with instructors from Beach Addiction St. Kitts Nevis, who also offer flyboarding experiences from their local shop — an excursion where you'll be launched into the air by two jets of water attached to your feet. 

With everything on offer in Frigate Bay, we wouldn't blame you if you wanted to stay in St. Kitts forever. Even though becoming a citizen of this beautiful country costs more than you might imagine, it's worth every cent to live your Caribbean dreams every day of the year.