The best beaches in Nevis
The beaches on Nevis are never crowded and most lively at weekends. The best are along the west coast where the water is clear and snorkellers can find fish, turtles, vivid corals and historic relics to admire. It's a good idea to take your own drinks and snacks, particularly if you are with children, because although you're rarely far from a bar on Nevis, food service can be slow. Take care when driving down rough tracks (if you scratch your vehicle the rental company will charge for the repair), and while this is a safe and friendly island it is inadvisable to leave valuables in your car.
Nisbet Beach
A breezy but well-kept, palm-fringed stretch of white sand set beside a smart beach hotel.
Who goes?
This beach is mainly used by guests staying at the upmarket Nisbet Plantation Beach Club hotel, but it is not private. Both visitors and locals drop by to enjoy a drink and some downtime here − and a spot of dancing at its Thursday night barbecue in the Coconuts restaurant.
What is there to do?
Swim, sunbathe, enjoy the ocean breeze. If you follow the path leading east you'll reach the wilder and scruffier sands of Herbert's Beach.
Bars and bites
The Nisbet Plantation Beach Club hotel has a zestfully-coloured bar and restaurant, with a menu a menu that might feature mushroom ragout, spiny lobster and apple tarte tatin.
Getting there
Nisbet Beach is on the north coast – look for signs to the hotel. Once you have turned off for this take the unsealed track to the right (beside 'Additional Parking'), which leads down to the sea and a parking area with a shower.
Lovers Beach
On the north coast, this fine white sand beach is hidden from the road and has a castaway appeal with no facilities.
Who goes?
Visitors and locals seeking a quiet spot. The beach is often used by nesting hawksbill, green and leatherback turtles between April and November, for more information see nevisturtlegroup.org.
What is there to do?
Enjoy the peace and beautiful white sands, swim in the clear blue waters, admire the view across to St Kitts.
Bars and bites
Bring your own, or drive south to the nearby Oualie Beach Resort where there is a bar and restaurant offering burgers, jerk pork, grilled catch of the day and salads.
Getting there
Driving north from Oualie Beach, look for a pull-in on the left shortly after going over Hurricane Hill. You'll see two information panels about sea turtle conservation from where the beach is a three-minute walk down a bumpy wooded track − do not try and drive.
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Oualie Beach
A relaxed stretch of sand with shallow water and sunset views to St Kitts, Oualie Beach is a good choice for both families and active travellers.
Who goes?
The northern half of the beach is backed by the cottages and gardens of Oualie Beach Resort and its sands are enjoyed by locals and visitors as well as hotel guests. At the southern end is a pier used for speedboat transfers to and from St Kitts.
What is there to do?
You can book massages and treatments at the one-hut Chill spa and there's also a dive centre and bike and kayak rental.
Bars and bites
You can get a drink or meal at the easygoing bar and restaurant in Oualie Beach Resort.
Getting there
Oualie Beach is in the north-west corner of Nevis, set alongside the island's ring road.
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Pinney's Beach
The island's best beach runs along the sheltered west coast of Nevis for three miles (4.8km).
Who goes?
Pinney's is the island's party beach, but it is so big you can easily find a quiet spot too. At its northern end stands the five-star Four Seasons Resort Nevis, from where many guests drift down to a cluster of beach bars.
What is there to do?
Sundays are busiest when many Nevisians head for the beach and there is usually volleyball, music and large family groups getting together. Hawkers sell souvenirs while other entrepreneurs offer loungers, snacks and watersports.
Bars and bites
Take your pick from several bars, all offering a casual vibe. The colourfully-painted Sunshine's Beach Bar & Grill (00 1 849 469 5817) is renown for its 'Killer Bee' rum cocktails while Double Deuce is a good spot for a fish lunch (closed Mon, 00 1 869 469 2222).
Getting there
Pinney's Beach is in the centre of the west coast and can be reached by taking a turn-off from the island's ring road – look for the signs to Sunshine's, Lime and other bars. There is free parking beside the beach.
Windward Beach
An isolated and windy beach with grey sand and a wild, exhilarating atmosphere.
Who goes?
Escapists, dog-walkers, travellers who like to go to the end of the road to see what isn't there.
What is there to do?
Breathe in, walk, beachcomb, enjoy the wide spaces and the crashing Atlantic rollers. Some locals and visitors swim or use bodyboards here, but don't take any risks or do it alone.
Bars and bites
There are no facilities so take some drinks or a picnic.
Getting there
Windward Beach is in the south-east corner of Nevis – take the road that leads south and downhill from the main junction at Gingerland. Carry straight on down a track towards the sea when you reach a sign for Indian Castle Bay. As you near the coast bear left and follow the unsealed track past the racecourse and stables at Indian Castle to reach the dunes. There is a sign here saying White Bay.
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