Cockleshell Beach
Cockleshell Beach
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Top ways to experience Cockleshell Beach and nearby attractions
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
15 within 3 miles
Attractions
19 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- oakley 56Bridgnorth, United Kingdom11,308 contributionsIt's cockle shell for a reason 💗It's Ten dollars each in a taxi for four to get here with our driver giving us a history tour from the port on the way. So many big shells to find in the surf my wife was in Aw. Beach chairs are available from the bars dotted along the front with drinks and food delivered to your chair absolutly loved itVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 November 2023
- Stanley YAnnandale, Virginia242 contributionsCruise stop visit.This was our 3-4th time to Cockleshell. Pretty much the way we left it pre-covid. Shared a cab $15 each way. Beach chair was $5. Nice bar/restaurant but did not eat there. Beach is a little shelly. If you walk past the boat pier on the right looking out to the ocean the bottom is more sandy. Couple in front of us said snorkeling was good 100 feet off the shore.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 November 2023
- David MOttawa, Canada76 contributionsNice beach visit the didn't cost a fortuneThe beer was cheap and the Coke was cheap and cold. No limit beach bar is the place to go it didn't cost much for the chair and Call umbrella rental. The structure is just something made of a plywood butt. It does the job the people in nice and the sand in the water are wonderful.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 January 2024
- Josie CBrighton, United Kingdom584 contributionsGreat beach breakOne of the main tourist beaches on St Kitts and gets busy when cruise ships are in. A few bars along the beach offering food and drink. Options to hire sunbeds & umbrellas.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 January 2024
- Paige HolmesEssex, United Kingdom70 contributionsBest Beach - Look for the Loxs-een shack! Family run & really kind people, we visit every year!We have been to every beach on the island and this is our favourite, it’s a slightly longer drive away from the port so it’s always quieter than the other beaches. As you get on the beach depending where the taxi drops you, look for a shack called Loxs-een, cheapest beers on the beach, it’s family run & the chicken wings are soooo good. Debbie & her daughter are so so sweet, we go back to visit them every year. There is still water sports for those who want it but it’s down one end so easy to avoid if you want to. It’s safe, clean and cheap. The taxi usually £10pp each way and the taxi will arrange to collect you.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 January 2024
- maurafabrisSpring City, Pennsylvania31 contributionsQuiet, shell filled beachBiggest thing is making sure you select a day where a cruise ship is NOT coming in, as it makes it very crowded I hear. This is a no-frills beach and it is fairly small. Portions have a lot of seaweed washed up on it, and smells bad, but if you can brave it, we found some of the greatest shells in that area. This is a shell lovers beach. We continued to walk it, as new shells kept coming in. Reggae Beach $20 for two chairs and an umbrella and it opened at 11a. We got there right around that time and were the first people. A $30 cab ride from the Marriot and arrange for a pickup to make it easy. You can do some snorkeling.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
1,259 reviews
Excellent
553
Very good
438
Average
184
Poor
55
Terrible
29
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Mary Ann F
Saratoga Springs, NY3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Taxi from port was $7 pp each way. We were with friends 4 of us Taxi dropped us off at Debbies Hut, loxseen. When we stepped out of taxi a loud man approached us telling us 2 loungers with an umbrella is $20 each so it would be $40
I spoke up and said I would like to check other prices as there are side by side huts with different loungers
Then he said ok $10 each for 2 loungers and umbrella
So we paid him. Seems like there is a beach war going on and this man working for Debbies was obnoxious yelling to couples on the beach not to go anywhere else. We walked down the beach to see the Reggae hut which was actually nice. Looked like good food and entertainment
On the way back this same man was in our face yelling come rent from us! We told him we did and he said this is just for show. It was annoying all afternoon and he was ruining everyone’s afternoon. I would stay away from Debbies, the reggae bar look much better.
I spoke up and said I would like to check other prices as there are side by side huts with different loungers
Then he said ok $10 each for 2 loungers and umbrella
So we paid him. Seems like there is a beach war going on and this man working for Debbies was obnoxious yelling to couples on the beach not to go anywhere else. We walked down the beach to see the Reggae hut which was actually nice. Looked like good food and entertainment
On the way back this same man was in our face yelling come rent from us! We told him we did and he said this is just for show. It was annoying all afternoon and he was ruining everyone’s afternoon. I would stay away from Debbies, the reggae bar look much better.
Written 8 January 2020
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.
Glyn W
27 contributions
Feb 2020
What a gorgeous location, take your snorkel or goggles and enjoy the underwater wildlife only a few yards from the beach. Got a taxi from the port which took a group of us to this beach, stopped for photos on the way back after return on the agreed time. Beach bars for food/drink and loungers/beach umbrellas very reasonable priced. Came here as part of a cruise stop off, well worth it.
Written 8 February 2020
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.
PopeyeCT
Rowayton, CT416 contributions
Feb 2022
We loved this beach and went on the days when there were not many cruise ships in harbor since it can get very busy. On one end is Spice Mill Restaurant and the other is Reggae Grill, both waterfront and with beach chairs to rent. Many little bar beach shacks between, calm waters, great swimming and snorkeling.
Written 13 February 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.
George F
Redwood City, CA280 contributions
Mar 2020
The taxi driver at the pier recommended this place so our group of 9 got in the van for a 15 min drive to the beach.
What a disappointment compared to the other beaches we visited on the other islands on this cruise.
Poor road to the beach, no bathroom but a port a potty. Restaurants were like shacks.
Not much beach, worn out sun beds and umbrellas. Not worth the money they wanted. The two of us stayed on the van and went back to the port. Later when we met our friends they said they did not have too good a time.
On the way back to the port the driver stopped at Carambola Beach and it looked great. Next time we visit St. Kitts this is where we will go for our beach day.
What a disappointment compared to the other beaches we visited on the other islands on this cruise.
Poor road to the beach, no bathroom but a port a potty. Restaurants were like shacks.
Not much beach, worn out sun beds and umbrellas. Not worth the money they wanted. The two of us stayed on the van and went back to the port. Later when we met our friends they said they did not have too good a time.
On the way back to the port the driver stopped at Carambola Beach and it looked great. Next time we visit St. Kitts this is where we will go for our beach day.
Written 23 March 2020
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.
Tiffany389
Philadelphia, PA127 contributions
Aug 2019
Mountain View’s are stunning. Cockleshell the most popular of the handful of beaches around the tip of the south-east. Dark blue waters that are calm. Reggae Beach Bar and Gril, 100m or so further down the beach.
Written 8 July 2020
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.
Shirley S
5 contributions
May 2022
The clear warm water. Lots of sun beds and parasols. Decent food and drink. A small gift shop and hand made jewellery that you can purchase for gifts at a reasonable price.
Written 1 June 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.
Geenza
Cave Creek, AZ1,009 contributions
Feb 2020
We were here back in 2009 and this was our favorite beach... so quiet and secluded. Uh, NOT ANYMORE! I guess this is where the ships send their patrons for the day in St. Kitts and you can tell. The chases are lined up over 5 rows back. Where we were?... you couldn't even see the ocean through the people. There are women and men slowly walking throughout the people trying to push massages and items all over the place. We got up and left after about 30 minutes. Go to Ouallie Beach on Nevis... much more quiet.
Written 23 February 2020
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.
Paige Holmes
Essex, UK70 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We have been to every beach on the island and this is our favourite, it’s a slightly longer drive away from the port so it’s always quieter than the other beaches.
As you get on the beach depending where the taxi drops you, look for a shack called Loxs-een, cheapest beers on the beach, it’s family run & the chicken wings are soooo good. Debbie & her daughter are so so sweet, we go back to visit them every year.
There is still water sports for those who want it but it’s down one end so easy to avoid if you want to. It’s safe, clean and cheap.
The taxi usually £10pp each way and the taxi will arrange to collect you.
As you get on the beach depending where the taxi drops you, look for a shack called Loxs-een, cheapest beers on the beach, it’s family run & the chicken wings are soooo good. Debbie & her daughter are so so sweet, we go back to visit them every year.
There is still water sports for those who want it but it’s down one end so easy to avoid if you want to. It’s safe, clean and cheap.
The taxi usually £10pp each way and the taxi will arrange to collect you.
Written 26 January 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.
Deborah O
7 contributions
Jan 2020
I highly recommend this beach for cruisers! This beach is a short taxi ride from the cruise port. Alcoholic beverages are inexpensive here so a hotel day pass isn't necessary. This was one of my favorite beaches on my 11-day Southern Caribbean cruise. Beach chair rentals aren't necessary because there are many restaurants and bars available to sit at along the beach.
Written 12 October 2020
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.
LizzyLiz
Italy521 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
Not very long beach with numerous bars and mostly equipped. Arriving early in the morning, moving to the left you will also find a free beach... which I recommend since around 11:00 Cockleshell Beach is fully booked and honestly there is more tranquility outside the sunbed areas.
Stunning landscape with the island of Nevis right in front of us, calm and crystalline sea with the seabed not exactly sloping so be careful with children because after a couple of meters it suddenly becomes deep. This is obviously due to my experience on the free beach, then moving to the right I don't know if the seabed is softer but certainly the water towards the shore was not clear and on the shoreline among the few shells you could see the black streaks of fuel dispersed by the various hulls and jet skis that are concentrated in that area.
I recommend reaching the beach early in the morning, when people have not yet settled in, because the shoreline has an expanse of pink shells especially towards the left which, when caressed by the waves, produce an unusual and relaxing sound.
Stunning landscape with the island of Nevis right in front of us, calm and crystalline sea with the seabed not exactly sloping so be careful with children because after a couple of meters it suddenly becomes deep. This is obviously due to my experience on the free beach, then moving to the right I don't know if the seabed is softer but certainly the water towards the shore was not clear and on the shoreline among the few shells you could see the black streaks of fuel dispersed by the various hulls and jet skis that are concentrated in that area.
I recommend reaching the beach early in the morning, when people have not yet settled in, because the shoreline has an expanse of pink shells especially towards the left which, when caressed by the waves, produce an unusual and relaxing sound.
Written 24 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.
Staying along the South-Eastern beaches in mid-June 2020 (Cockleshell, Turtle Beach, Banana Bay area).
According to cruise schedules online, there are only 2 ships coming in that week, both on separate days.
What kind of crowds should we expect during that time of year? I'm assuming the 2 days when the boats are docked could get pretty crowded...how about the rest of the week?
Written 1 March 2020
Get a cab to Cockleshell Beach, they drop you at the Reggae Club...however, if you walk past that small beach stretch, there’s a break in between, where a boat can be. Walk past and you’re at Loxseen, which has much more beautiful water, chairs are less $, $2.00 beers. Great day. If you encounter people selling things, a gentle ‘ no thank you ‘ is effective. . Enjoy!
Written 2 March 2020
Is there room to move our chairs & umbrella away from the line of chairs? Going in March
Written 8 November 2019
Sorry, just saw your question.
There is room on the beach to move a bit away from the line of chairs but I'm not sure whether you can move their chairs that far. If you have your own chair, yes, you can move away from others.
Written 25 November 2019
hello where should i go for my 1st attempt at snorkling ?
Written 14 October 2019
If you're in St Kitts then Cockleshell's good - warm and calm with decent sights.
Otherwise, Tobago is a snorkeling and diving paradise - Buccoo Reef, Castara, Englishman's Bay and the amazing Pirate's Bay in Charlotteville all have wonderful spots. Many professional dive shops on island to assist as well.
PM me for detailed info, if needed.
Written 15 October 2019
Did you eat while there? Where would you recommend? Going there in February. Thanks
Written 19 August 2019
We didn’t eat there, but the food at Reggae Beach Bar looked fantastic.
Written 20 August 2019
Hi There,
Can you get a shared ride in a taxi/van with other cruise passengers .....Did that in St Maarten......Main question how far away are the taxis from the port....Thank you..:-)...
Written 11 August 2019
We did not go there from a cruise. We were staying in a near by resort. I am sure you can share a taxi with someone from the port to the beach. Not sure how far it is.
Written 13 August 2019
Would you recommend a day at this beach for an active 90 year old - active but 90 😊 we will be going from a cruise ship in March and want to find a nice place to take her? Thank you for any information you can give us.
Written 7 February 2019
This is a nice beach with clear water and clean sand with that being said there is a drop off in the water so getting in and out of the water may be an issue for them other than that beautiful beach to spend the day.
Written 14 February 2019
2-2-19 Ciao Barbara, leggo vari commenti a proposito della Cockshell beach a St. Kitts che hai visitato. Parli di un taxi che vi ha preso (immagino) dalla nave, portati alla spiaggia e venuto a riprendervi ad un prezzo interessante, circo 10 euro + o -. Sapresti dirmi dove l'hai trovato e altre informazioni a riguardo. Grazie per il tuo tempo. Cordialità MARISA
Written 2 February 2019
6-2-19 grazie barbaraba per avermi risposto ancora. Ti faccio tanti auguri......
Written 6 February 2019
Hi there
How many people are allowed in a taxi?
There are 5 people in our party?
Thanks
Richard
Written 27 January 2019
Won’t be a problem. Many vans with multiple seats.
Written 31 January 2019
hi guys, anyone who know the answers below?
1) entrance fee if there is
2) days it is open
3) hours it is open
Written 19 October 2018
1. No entrance fee- but be prepared to pay for beach chairs/umbrellas.
2. It was our understanding this was a public beach, so should be open most days during daytime hours.
*This beach does not have much in the way of restaurants and true to its name, there were broken shells all over the beach. My son cut his foot deeply enough within 30 mins of arriving that he was unable to swim.
Written 5 November 2018
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