South Friars Beach
South Friars Beach
4.5
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A clean and friendly beach where a variety of sea life, including squid and sea urchin, reside.
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles366 reviews
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Caz Beattie
Basseterre, St. Kitts3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022 • Family
had a great lunch, swam watched the monkeys playing and made jewelry in a jewelry making class overlooking the ocean. Classes were 30 us to make 2 pces, lunch & cocktails & loungers were $38 us....great afternoon
Written 22 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Manon F
Sherbrooke, Canada326 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Another favorite for this beach. Magical decor, waves, the color of the water, the sand...everything was perfect. Taxi transportation $28 round trip for 2 with photo stop at the viewpoint of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic. Chairs and umbrella $30 for 2. We were the first to arrive so chairs in the front row. On site you can snorkel, eat and drink. Wifi is available free of charge.
Google
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kelrdh7
Swansboro, NC549 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
This beach and island is amazing! This beach is beautiful has black sand. All the locals are so friendly and sweet!! I don’t like to write negative things but I think people need to be aware of this taxi driver. Glen Douglas took a group of us to this beach. He wanted his round trip rate upfront. I have never experienced that on any Caribbean island? But he did give us a wrist band. Ok no problem. The group said about a time for him to return. He came 40mins early. We heard from other locals and tourists there was on our away back to the cruise ship where monkeys where hanging out and lived. Our group wanted to stop and see it. Glen said since he came early he would stop since it was local. We go in his vehicle we’re driving? No stop. We ask him where is the monkeys. He states no monkeys?? So dishonest and rude to not stop when he promised us! This is NOT acceptable. The company he works for should know how he treated us not good for tourism! The company is Tek Time Taxi and Tours.
Written 24 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

P&ZH
Western Canada210 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022 • Couples
Carambola Beach Club was closed for a private event for a cruise ship that was anchored in the bay.
We walked to the middle part of the beach and set up our own umbrella for shade.
The beach is narrow and limited water access due to the urchins. Take water shoes or don’t risk it. Snorkeling is not bad. A reasonable amount of fish. Saw a puffer fish and and a small stingray crabs if you really look hard.
Beaches aren’t great on the island.
Didn’t visit the restaurant.
Paid $7 US each way in a shared bus.
Written 9 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SLH
St. John's, Canada306 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
Beautiful Beach, soft sand, clean, we visited the beach club 30$ for chairs and umbrella. Advise to go early for best seating location. 27$ USD one way taxi from cruise port
Written 13 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DennisF334
Point Pleasant, NJ75 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2015 • Couples
On St. Kitts we snorkeled South Friars Bay, Shitten Bay, Shipwreck Beach (down a bit from here), and Cockleshell beach. The snorkeling at South Friars Bay was be far the best. The reef is easily visible from the beach being only 20 yards or so from the shore. The best place to enter is right outside the Carambola Beach Club on the Northwest end of the reef. There is a sign on the road for the beach club right after you finally come down off of Timothy Hill. Swim to the outer side of the reef and head parallel down it (Southeast). Just keep on swimming, there are plenty of fish and aquatic life to see. At some points the top of the reef is barely below the water so you will not be able to cross over to the beach side. No need to worry as the best snorkeling is to the outside of the reef. We just swam up and down on the outside of the reef and were fine. There is Fire Coral and Sea Urchins.

WARNING:There are Sea Urchins even on the sandy bottom of this beach near the shore. You don't want to step on one of these guys - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripneustes_ventricosus
Written 23 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MommyTess
Marco Island, FL348 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2014 • Couples
I had read that South Friars Beach had very good snorkeling, so we opted to take a taxi to get here from our ship when we were in St. Kitts. We were able to pay about $10 (I think it was actually $8) for my husband and I to get a taxi ride, because we were placed with a family of 6 in a taxi van for the ride. On the way there (and it was probably a fifteen minute drive), our driver stopped at an area where you could get pictures of the beautiful views. There were also drinks available (3 Cokes for $5) in case you like soda for the beach.

When we got to the road by the beach area, our driver passed the Carambola, saying it's too expensive, and took us to Shipwreck, which is at the opposite end of the beach. We were the first people there, and chose to park ourselves on our towel down the beach a bit. The sand in this spot of the bay is black lava sand, so it's unusual. The beach is pretty narrow. The water at this end of the beach is somewhat rough. There is a small area at the very end of the shipwreck area that is safe for swimming. They discourage you from walking in at the other areas due to the sea urchins. So, if you come, either bring water shoes, or focus on snorkeling. If you want to snorkel, they will tell you the best place to enter. You could actually snorkel all the way down Friar's Bay if you really want, ending at the Carambola. It's probably 1/2 to 3/4 mile is my guess. I snorkeled there once across the length of the black sand beach. My husband did a couple of times. The water is not so rough I couldn't snorkel, but it would be difficult for someone who is a total beginner, or who is not a good swimmer. The bay has beautiful big green hills (mountains) and you can get a nice view of Nevis from here. There is a coral reef down a good portion of the bay, starting at the Shipwreck end. The water is actually quite clear. My husband saw squid, and I saw a lot of fish and colorful sea urchins. You can rent chairs and umbrellas at any of the little spots along this beach area. It is not required that you pay anything, though. At least, we didn't, and nobody asked us to pay anything.

My husband and I finished snorkeling in front of the Shipwreck area, and decided to see the rest of the bay area. We walked down the beach and noticed that the sand grows lighter. About half way down, we came across as really cute green building where a lady was selling drinks and paintings she had created. My husband loaded up on cold sodas there and was very happy. The lady who runs the place was very nice and is a native of Nevis. As we continued toward the Carambola area, we noticed that the water grew calmer, as well.

We walked all the way to the Carambola, and by this time, more people were arriving from the ships and resorts. They have chairs and umbrellas there, as well, and were filling up, but we again, just set up our towels. The sand is very soft here and was very soft in the water. No rocks or sea urchins to avoid. I snorkeled but didn't see much at the end of the beach, but I enjoyed the clear calm water. My husband went closer to the cement area to snorkel and did see a few very large fish, but said it could be somewhat dangerous because there is a pretty big dropoff, and the water becomes murky, and a big fish might mistaken you for something else.

We were standing in the water's edge and my husband was visiting with a family from our cruise who was from Barbados, when the man noticed a couple of reef sharks in the water. So, my husband and that fellow's family got their snorkel gear on again, and went in search of sea life. My husband was excited to see the sharks (don't worry, they were small, about three feet, and tried to avoid the people). There is a lagoon of sorts past the Carambola, with a bunch of pelicans hanging around. It is sort of stinky, and I would not dare snorkel in there! Who knows what lies beneath those waters! The views from either end are very nice; they are especially nice from the Carambola. People who were hanging out there were also really friendly. No pushy salesmen or saleswomen were encountered today. After spending a few hours at lovely South Friars Bay, we packed up and headed out. There was a taxi driver dropping off a large cruise group at the Carambola, so we were able to get a ride back to the terminal for $8 (we paid him $10). He knew a lot of interesting about the island, and seemed very happy to share. We did NOT see the famous little monkeys of St. Kitts while at the beach, but I did hear that they came out later. It was really a lovely day.
Written 27 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Grizeagle
Terrace, Canada345 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2012
From the cruiseship we hailed 2 vans to take us to South Friar's Beach at Shipwreck Bar end. We paid $4 each way for the fifteen minute ride which we got as soon as we got off the ship as we wanted to get to the beach early for palapas and chairs.You don't have to pay the cabbie until he returns for you in the afternoon as it is assurance you will get back to the ship on time. At 9:30 we arrived with no others there so situated in front of Shipwreck. The beach is in an awesome Caribbean setting with a long, uncrowded, sandy beach where gentle rollers of the blue-green sea lapped the shoreline. Shipwreck is at the base of a steep hillside of shrubbery where mongoose and monkeys come down to play. Frigatebirds and pelicans hover on the warm updrafts along the shoreline where many birds flit through the brush. Out front of shipwreck is a very good reef to snorkel along as it goes 30 - 40 feet out for half a mile or so long.. It is great for beginner or moderate snorkellling as the backside of the reef is only 50 feet from shore for the half mile or so and it drops off where one can see squid, spiny urchin, colorful small and large fish, starfish and other marinelife. Our family of 15 enjoyed snorkelling, swimming and frolicking in the surf for several hours in the warm tropical Caribbean sea where moderate rollers washed volcanic silt ashore to streak the white sand. Palm trees along the shore added to the ambiance of greenery against azure blue skies with puffy white and grey stormclouds assembling on the distant horizon. The color of the Caribbean water was storybook with green and blue hues topped with white foamy rollers washing ashore where dry leafy palapas lined the beautiful sandy beachfront.The people, food , drinks and atmosphere was excellent and quite affordable. I would totally recommend South Friar's Beach at Shipwreck Bar and Grill end to any family or couples for an awesome beach day close to the cruise dock and a cheap cab ride with great views along the way of Frigate Bay and the south peninsula towards Cockleshell Beach. One can swim out a few hundred feet to a shallow shoal of sand to play in the warm shallow water. We spent 5 or 6 hours here and were mesmerized by the tranquil, secluded, rustic setting on a magnicant sandy beach with crystal clear and clean water to snorkel and swim with gentle rollers washing ashore from the green, tourquoise Caribbean sea. The place looks a little rustic from where the taxis let you off but out front it is a gorgeous setting below the parched hillsides with cactus plants and dry shrubs. This beach day made our whole 9 day cruise worthwhile on our second trip to St. Kitt's in 3 years.
Written 7 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Melong
27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2011 • Couples
We purposefully searched Trip Advisor for a "local", relaxing beach to veg out on and have some drinks in St. Kitts. South Friars was absolutely perfect for that! We caught a cab with some of our cruise friends for $4 each (by far the least expensive cab ride on our trip). We arrived to monkeys hanging out nearby and quickly rented some chairs and a palm umbrella for $10 at the Ship Wreck bar. I would suggest to get there early if arriving on a cruise, seats fill up quickly. The water was stunning and the beach was very relaxing, but know this is a beach to relax on. There were a few jet skis for rent , snorkel gear for rent at the bar and a barge in the water to jump off...but that's about it. So, come with a good book or play in the water. There are several masseuses that walk around asking if you'd like an aloe foot massage. I was initially very skeptical, but Devon insisted on a "sample" and by then you're hooked. Devon was awesome, but hold out for a lower price, He originally asked for $35 for a 20min massage but offered $20 in the end. Either way it was totally worth it! We enjoyed conch fritters, rice and beans (which were amazing) and a bucket of beer. You can also get St Kitts signature drink Ting with a Zing there, not shabby.
Written 30 June 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amrita P
Florida254 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2012 • Solo
I have nothing but good things to say about this beach. You can easily spend a full day snorkeling and walking on this beach.
Firstly, Carambola Beach Club is on one side of the beach and is known for being pricey with their chairs. HOWEVER, I came at 8:30 AM on a weekday, and was able to get not one, but two cushioned beach chairs and an umbrella for free. So, if you come early and it's not a cruise ship day, you might get lucky but just remember to tip the guy who helped you with the chairs.
At the corner of Carambola, you can snorkel around the rocks jutting out where I saw a school of squid, and lots of schooling fish. Continue towards the middle of the bay, and there's a rock outcrop underwater (looks like a reef but covered in algae) where you can just snorkel the whole length of the beach as this continues parallel to it. Here you may find angelfish, butterflyfish, and the usual schooling fish too. The water did get a little murky as this is where small waves might break over the shallow rocks, and there are many crevices filled with urchins, so don't get too close unless you're really good at snorkeling and maneuvering.
Then, on the far side of Carambola, you see a very calm lagoon with a tiny island jutting out of it. Go here! Snorkel around the island in the middle, and you'll be practically bumping into barracuda and huge schools of fish. I felt like I was scuba diving, cause there were so many fish here. The barracuda ranged from tiny babies (couple inches) to large (3-4 feet). I also saw some really cool sponges, and a coral shrimp and arrow crab in the crevices. It's also amusing to see the pelicans diving into this bay for the schools of fish here.
I intended on going to the reef by Shipwreck too, but had so much fun on this side of the beach that I had no reason to. You can also explore more on land here, as there's rocks around the calm lagoon that you can hike over and explore.
Make sure to also walk along the stretch of beach and look for conch shells or sand dollars.
I also ate lunch at Carambola Beach Club. I didn't think it was pricey, but did have a heart attack with the 22% tax added on in the end, which some restaurants will do on the island. Had the best conch fritters (more like balls) ever here, and catch of the day was only $17 US. Not bad! I would have however liked to try out the local food that a couple of beach huts offered down the beach, their menu featured conch soup, jerk chicken, etc. Will have to come back for this!
Carambola can also call a cab for you if needed, and if you need to change/shower, the bathrooms on the beach are very clean.
Written 17 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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