Can't Decide Which Beach - Suggestions Please

[Feelin' Nauti']

Can't decide on a beach to go.

Want calm waters, chairs-umbrellas, hopefully a spot to snorkel at.

Not to expensive - taxi ride.

[Hlitner]

Its actually a tough question because there simply is not a perfect option. Personally we prefer South Friars Bay....which has a shallow reef just off shore which offers OK snorkeling (if the sea is calm). The taxis will usually get a full load to go this area and I recall the cost at about $6 per person per person one way (used to be $10 round trip and the taxi would come back at an agreed pick up time. On that bay/beach you have a few choices where to go including Shipwreck Bar (an old favorite with pretty decent beach food). On the other end of the beach there is the Carambola Beach Club which we find a bit far from the best snorkeling spots....but its still a popular option. Personally we like Shipwreck...but the downside is that the beach has been horribly eroded (by a few huge storms). You might see my other post asking for recent info about this place.

 

Another option is Cockleshell Beach which tends to get pretty crowded with cruise ship passengers (some tours go to this beach). My personal problem with this beach is that its often more crowded then we prefer. It does have some snorkeling primarily along the shore line on the left side of the beach....but we have been terribly disappointed in the snorkeling because of all the darn sea grass. And if you go out too far (past the point) the current can be a bit strong for inexperienced snorkelers.

 

Hank

[PORT ROYAL]

Its actually a tough question because there simply is not a perfect option. Personally we prefer South Friars Bay....which has a shallow reef just off shore which offers OK snorkeling (if the sea is calm). The taxis will usually get a full load to go this area and I recall the cost at about $6 per person per person one way (used to be $10 round trip and the taxi would come back at an agreed pick up time. On that bay/beach you have a few choices where to go including Shipwreck Bar (an old favorite with pretty decent beach food). On the other end of the beach there is the Carambola Beach Club which we find a bit far from the best snorkeling spots....but its still a popular option. Personally we like Shipwreck...but the downside is that the beach has been horribly eroded (by a few huge storms). You might see my other post asking for recent info about this place.

 

Another option is Cockleshell Beach which tends to get pretty crowded with cruise ship passengers (some tours go to this beach). My personal problem with this beach is that its often more crowded then we prefer. It does have some snorkeling primarily along the shore line on the left side of the beach....but we have been terribly disappointed in the snorkeling because of all the darn sea grass. And if you go out too far (past the point) the current can be a bit strong for inexperienced snorkelers.

 

Hank

 

For Carambola, remember to book your beds/shade (Lunch) in advance.

Edited November 12, 2016 by PORT ROYAL

[Feelin' Nauti']

Its actually a tough question because there simply is not a perfect option. Personally we prefer South Friars Bay....which has a shallow reef just off shore which offers OK snorkeling (if the sea is calm). The taxis will usually get a full load to go this area and I recall the cost at about $6 per person per person one way (used to be $10 round trip and the taxi would come back at an agreed pick up time. On that bay/beach you have a few choices where to go including Shipwreck Bar (an old favorite with pretty decent beach food). On the other end of the beach there is the Carambola Beach Club which we find a bit far from the best snorkeling spots....but its still a popular option. Personally we like Shipwreck...but the downside is that the beach has been horribly eroded (by a few huge storms). You might see my other post asking for recent info about this place.

 

Another option is Cockleshell Beach which tends to get pretty crowded with cruise ship passengers (some tours go to this beach). My personal problem with this beach is that its often more crowded then we prefer. It does have some snorkeling primarily along the shore line on the left side of the beach....but we have been terribly disappointed in the snorkeling because of all the darn sea grass. And if you go out too far (past the point) the current can be a bit strong for inexperienced snorkelers.

 

Hank

Thanks Hank

We loved Shipwreck when we were there last. Quiet, peaceful, very tropical views.

Sad to hear about the beach erosion.

Will check out South Friars Bay & Cockleshell.

Thanks

[Feelin' Nauti']

For Carambola, remember to book your beds/shade (Lunch) in advance.

Beds do look inviting, however All I need is a lounger & umbrella and a good view of the sea.

[pghsteelerfan]

We also love Shipwreck. We were there in September 2015, after the storms eroded a lot of the beach. The day we were there, the water was fairly calm and we loved it there. We also really enjoyed the beautiful views. I have no idea what it was like before the beach was eroded, but from my understanding there was more beach where two rows of loungers/palapas easily fit. When we were there last year, there was only room for one row of loungers/palapas. They did have large nails in the palapas to hang belongings from, so that was very convenient. I know Shipwreck isn't for everyone, but for us it was perfect. We may have had a different opinion if the water was rough that day, but Shipwreck has loungers and hammocks on the section above the beach where the views are still great.

Edited November 13, 2016 by pghsteelerfan

[PORT ROYAL]

Beds do look inviting' date=' however All I need is a lounger & umbrella and a good view of the sea.[/quote']

 

Book early for the front row by the sea.

[Feelin' Nauti']

Book early for the front row by the sea.

Who do I contact?

[PORT ROYAL]

Who do I contact?

 

 

 

http://reservations.carambolabeachclub.com/api/reserve.php?outletID=2

 

Main Web page for information and photographs

http://www.carambolabeachclub.com

 

Do not forget to tip the beach attendant for setting up your beds and umbrella.

Edited November 14, 2016 by PORT ROYAL

[Aries 65]

We're on the Viking Star and just returned from Carambola. Taxi $16 each way for up to 4. Great location and food. Beach chairs $10. Hope this helps.

[Feelin' Nauti']

http://reservations.carambolabeachclub.com/api/reserve.php?outletID=2

 

Main Web page for information and photographs

http://www.carambolabeachclub.com

 

Do not forget to tip the beach attendant for setting up your beds and umbrella.

Thank you for the link.

 

We ALWAYS tip, don't have to remind me. ;):)

[Feelin' Nauti']

We're on the Viking Star and just returned from Carambola. Taxi $16 each way for up to 4. Great location and food. Beach chairs $10. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the taxi fare, I was curious about that.

 

Do they rent umbrellas too?

[Aries 65]

Thanks for the taxi fare' date=' I was curious about that.

 

Do they rent umbrellas too?[/quote']

 

Umbrellas $10 but you can ask to have your chairs put under one of their tents

[savvy_cruiser]

We stopped on St. Kitts on Adventure of the Seas cruise in September, 2016.

From forums I learned that not much snorkeling is available on the island. Two of us, DH and I took a cab to Frigate Bay for $12 one way from the cruise port.

When arrived, seen very small non-impressive beach destroyed by some hurricane.

The taxi driver suggested to go over the hill to the beach she knows it's nice (don't remember a name, just a little southern over the hill).

We had to add $4 for a ride to total amount of $16.

She made my day!

Very nice beach, I was able to snorkel around the pear on the right side of the beach, also there is a path of reefs under water on the left, starting on the beach and going further left. Very nice calm water.

I was so happy that I promised the lady taxi driver to post information about her services: Debbie Taxi & Tour Services, debbie-99carty@hotmail.com

[PORT ROYAL]

:eek:

 

Originally Posted by Sysengr View Post

Be prepared to wait. We're on the beach now but only after 45 minute wait in the sun to set up chairs and umbrella. Finally had to go up and get chair cushions ourselves. A substantial part of the problem is the aggressive tourists who push themselves in front of others and just take the supplies that are brought and drag them away from the beach attendants. It's like sharks going after chum...

 

 

Note: It used to only attract those who understood good manners and the correct protocol of pay, wait turn, escorted to beds, set up etc.. Then take drinks and Lunch etc., all in a genteel ambience. A 'must go to' place.

 

It appears the Cruise Herds may have changed Carambola into a place to avoid.

[Feelin' Nauti']

:eek:

 

Originally Posted by Sysengr View Post

Be prepared to wait. We're on the beach now but only after 45 minute wait in the sun to set up chairs and umbrella. Finally had to go up and get chair cushions ourselves. A substantial part of the problem is the aggressive tourists who push themselves in front of others and just take the supplies that are brought and drag them away from the beach attendants. It's like sharks going after chum...

 

 

Note: It used to only attract those who understood good manners and the correct protocol of pay, wait turn, escorted to beds, set up etc.. Then take drinks and Lunch etc., all in a genteel ambience. A 'must go to' place.

 

It appears the Cruise Herds may have changed Carambola into a place to avoid.

LOL! That poster must've had to much sun or too much to drink.

I've been to hundreds of beaches and never seen this happen.

[Mewissy]

We got a late start our day in port (November 2016), but headed over to Carambola around 11am. By then it appeared all of the chairs were taken. So, we walked a little bit down the beach and just put down our towels. A few others did the same. We were in the water 95% of the time so that was fine for us. Plus, we were practically alone in the water.

 

I wasn't anticipating just how many people would be there.

[clr9rb]

We are going to be in St. Kitts in January. We love the beach but I am confused as to if the beaches are all free in St. Kitts. Are they all free to go to and then you can rent chairs/umbrellas there? Which one would be the best to go to? We have a large, diverse group - kids ages 1 year to 8, adults ranging from 21 - 64. Any help would be appreciated!

[mitsugirly]

We recently went to Carambola (had a nice day) and also walked all the way down to Ship Wreck (to check out the black sand beach) and wanted to check out all of South Friars in case we ever returned. Don't rule out Discovery, which is in between Carambola and Ship Wreck. It looked like an awesome place to relax and there was hardly anyone there the day we were at Carambola (which ended up pretty packed that day after a few hours of being there). Next time, we will head to Discovery for the day.

 

Check out my St Kitts Carambola review in my signature line...TONS of pictures of the place AND the entire beach, including Discovery and Ship Wreck.

[kneadsdough2cruise]

Thanks so much for all the great information!!

[clr9rb]

We recently went to Carambola (had a nice day) and also walked all the way down to Ship Wreck (to check out the black sand beach) and wanted to check out all of South Friars in case we ever returned. Don't rule out Discovery, which is in between Carambola and Ship Wreck. It looked like an awesome place to relax and there was hardly anyone there the day we were at Carambola (which ended up pretty packed that day after a few hours of being there). Next time, we will head to Discovery for the day.

 

Check out my St Kitts Carambola review in my signature line...TONS of pictures of the place AND the entire beach, including Discovery and Ship Wreck.

 

Thank you for the information! Are the beaches free to go to and then you can rent chairs/umbrellas?

[paul58]

The beaches are free. Many vendors will have chairs/umbrellas to rent, some do not charge if eating/drinking at their place. Some of the beach bar/restaurants have air conditioned restaurants, full restroom facilities etc while some are operating out of a cooler and under the shade of a tree.

[mitsugirly]

Thank you for the information! Are the beaches free to go to and then you can rent chairs/umbrellas?

 

Both Carambola and Discovery had chairs/umbrellas for rent $10 each. Ship Wreck has chairs for free as long as you eat/drink there.

[Jayneykul]

Mitsugirly you are such a helpful person! We sail Celebrity/Cunard you sail NCL/Carnival but I have read every single one of your reviews with great pleasure. Thank you so much I look forward to them more than my favourite novels.

I hope you make the Alaska trip next year because I cant wait to read that review and please take Kendra that adds to my excitement

Regards from the UK xxxx

[mitsugirly]

Mitsugirly you are such a helpful person! We sail Celebrity/Cunard you sail NCL/Carnival but I have read every single one of your reviews with great pleasure. Thank you so much I look forward to them more than my favourite novels.

I hope you make the Alaska trip next year because I cant wait to read that review and please take Kendra that adds to my excitement

Regards from the UK xxxx

 

 

Aww, thanks so much. I really appreciate the kinds words.

 

I'm not sure if we'll make it to Alaska next year or not. We do have our Spring Break cruise booked and it will have 3 new ports for us (La Romana, Aruba and Curacao). My youngest son has showed interest in an Alaskan cruise, so maybe the following year when he'll be able to go in the summer (they are already planning on our fall/winter cruise, so won't be able to do the summer and fall/winter one). Kendra on an Alaskan cruise would probably be the most stressful cruise yet. LOL (She's like me...doesn't like the cold). :p