The Southeast Peninsula of St Kitts: Scenic Drives & Coastal Coves

Unopened to vehicle traffic until the construction of the Kennedy Simmonds Highway in 1989, the Southeast Peninsula represents the most visually arresting expanse of St. Kitts.

Extending ten miles southeast from Frigate Bay toward sister island Nevis, this narrow tongue of land is characterized by undulating golden-grass hills, salt ponds, rugged volcanic cliffs, and secluded turquoise bays.

The Iconic Timothy Hill Overlook

No trip to St. Kitts is complete without stopping at the summit of Timothy Hill.

At this high geographic saddle, visitors can stand and witness one of the Caribbean’s most iconic natural vistas: to your left, the turbulent, indigo-blue surf of the Atlantic Ocean crashes onto pristine beaches; to your right, just a few hundred yards across the narrow isthmus, the calm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea lap gently against the shore.

Best Peninsula Coves & Beaches

The peninsula holds the island’s premier collection of beaches:

• Cockleshell Beach: Located at the far end of the highway, boasting lively beach bars, watersports, and direct views across the channel to the volcanic peaks of Nevis.
• South Friars Bay: A haven for snorkelers, beach walkers, and casual diners at Carambola Beach Club and ShipWreck.
• Banana Bay: Home to the ultra-luxury Park Hyatt St. Kitts, providing secluded pink-and-golden sands with fine dining.
• Major’s Bay: A calm, sheltered cove that also serves as the departure pier for the SeaBridge car ferry crossing to Nevis.