South Friars Bay

South Friars Bay

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Snorkel pristine turquoise waters teeming with tropical fish and colorful coral formations just steps from the black-sand beach.

Currency East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Language English
Time Zone AST (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit Nov–Mar
Typical Duration 14-18 nights
Price Range $2,549–$79,198 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

A pristine beach destination in Saint Kitts offering turquoise waters and white sand, ideal for swimming and water activities during Caribbean cruises.

Cruises that visit South Friars Bay

Build Your Day in South Friars Bay

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Reggae Beach Bar-Grill Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Grill · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Carambola Beach Club Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Port Zante Beach bus tour service close to port Cruise terminal · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Timothy Hill Overlook This is THE spot to catch amazing views on St Kitts! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Old British fort in scenic surrounds Fortress · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Sunshine's Beach Bar & Grill Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Marriott's St. Kitts Beach Club Hotel · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Dolphin Explorer St Kitts Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k
SOHO Lounge, Frigatebay SKB Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 PM Wed
Lotus Thai Bistro Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Thai · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Vibes Beach Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4 · 0k
Romney Manor, Home of Caribelle Batik Onsite services Historical landmark · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Spice Mill Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Caribbean · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Wed
The Monkey Bar | Restaurant and Bar Fun spot good food nice music great bartenders right on the beach. Caribbean · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Sprat Net Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM Wed
Boozies on The Beach Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Palms Court Gardens Good food, exceptional service and the environment is just exquisite. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Rituals Coffee Dine-in·Takeout Cafe · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Fairview Great House & Botanical Gardens Onsite services Historical landmark · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Coconut Grove | Cafe • Bar • Pizzeria Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open now
Drift Restaurant + V Gallery Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Salt Plage at Christophe Harbour Dine-in·Takeout Caribbean · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM Wed
Frigate Bay A variety of things to do, entertainment and culinary experiences Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Colors Duty Free Jewellers Delivery Jewelry store · ★ 5 · 0k
Serendipity Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Zanzi Bar & Grill Awesome food, good service, good drink prices, cool vibe! Grill · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Sky Safari Zipline Such a thrill a must see and do if you visit St Kitts. Recreation center · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 2 PM
Lime Beach Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Orchid Bay Beach House Restaurant Easily the best restaurant on St. Kitts and well worth the expense! Italian · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Sweet and Savory Bistro Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Cafe · ★ 4.3 · 0k
The Pelican Shopping Mall Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k
Coffee Shop Frigate Bay Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Cockleshell Bay Beach On the Caribbean side of St. Kitts, short drive over hill from Frigate Bay. Beach pavillion · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Mr. X’s Shiggidy Shack Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k
The Pavilion | Christophe Harbour Dine-in·No delivery Caribbean · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
The Sommelier's Dine-in·No takeout Tapas · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Wed
The Cabanas at Lime Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
St. Kitts Chocolate Factory Onsite services Chocolate factory · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Frigate Bay Beach The rum punches were fantastic and location was great! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Barefoot Beach Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Island Roasters Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Wed
South Friars Bay Island bay popular for recreation Water · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Fisherman's Village Dine-in·Takeout Seafood · ★ 4.4 · 0k
L’Escale Great meal, fresh food, great cocktails and beautiful environment. French · ★ 4.7 · 0k Temporarily closed
Lion Rock Beach Bar & Grill Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k
Mojo's Bistro. Bakery. Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Oceans Beach Bar Lounge and Aqua Park Ltd Dine-in·Delivery Grill · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Ital Creations Restaurant at Bliss Farms Dine-in·Takeout Vegan · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Pinneys Beach Picturesque beach with lodging & dining Beach · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Oualie Beach Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout Caribbean · ★ 3.9 · 0k
Turtle Beach Swimming, snorkeling & a coral reef Beach · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Snorkeling Spot Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Herberts Beach Swimming pool · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Bougainvillea Books & Gifts Onsite services Book store · ★ 5 · 0k
I LOVE ST. KITTS STORE Onsite services Souvenir store · ★ 3.4 · 0k
The Olive Tree Artisan Store In-store shopping·In-store pickup·Delivery Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Lovers Beach Secluded beach for swimming & picnics Beach · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Drop Anchor Grill Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Scrumptious Cafe Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Island Market Onsite services Grocery store · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Shipwreck Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Stone Barn Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k
On The Dune Takeout·No dine-in·No delivery Fine Dining · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Amina Craft Market Prices were very reasonable for the items. Handicraft museum · ★ 3.8 · 0k
Sun & Fun Beach Bar Prompt service, good drinks and a great atmosphere. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Gong Beach Easy entrance to find right before The Pavillion coming from Friars. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
No Limit Beach Bar Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Blue water Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 0k
Gosssip Gurl Bar & Lounge Dine-in·Takeout Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Banana Bay Beach Beach pavillion · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Taste of Fari Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k
North Friar's Bay Rustic beach for scenic walks Water · ★ 5 · 0k
Nevis Coffee Company Dine-in·Takeout Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k
St Kitts Tour Dune buggy and beach Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from South Friars Bay

About South Friars Bay

South Friars Bay serves as a scenic port of call in the Caribbean, welcoming cruise passengers from two distinguished cruise lines: Seabourn and Emerald Cruises. With 77 upcoming cruises and a strong presence during the peak winter months of November through March, this intimate port offers a more exclusive cruising experience compared to larger regional hubs. The typical cruise itinerary from here spans 14 nights, with routes connecting to popular Caribbean destinations including Bridgetown, Sint Maarten, Bequia, and the British Virgin Islands.

Passengers docking at South Friars Bay will find themselves in one of the Caribbean's most picturesque settings, where pristine beaches and warm island hospitality await. Whether you're seeking relaxation on golden sands or a taste of authentic Caribbean culture, this charming port provides the perfect blend of leisure and exploration. The smaller cruise ship focus means a more personalized experience, allowing you to truly connect with the island's natural beauty and local character during your time ashore.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Brimstone Hill Fortress

Perched 800 feet above the island, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking panoramic views and fascinating colonial history. The restored 18th-century fortress features impressive stone walls, cannons, and a museum detailing Saint Kitts' strategic military past. It's an unforgettable hike rewarding visitors with vistas spanning neighboring islands and the sparkling Caribbean Sea.

2

Savor Local Creole Cuisine

Indulge in authentic Saint Kitts flavors at waterfront restaurants near the port, where fresh seafood and traditional dishes like saltfish and johnny cakes dominate menus. Local vendors offer tropical fruits and spiced specialties reflecting Caribbean heritage. The island's rum distillery also welcomes visitors for tastings of world-renowned spirits.

3

Relax on Pristine Sandy Beaches

South Friars Bay itself boasts a stunning crescent of golden sand fringed by swaying palms and calm turquoise waters. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and spotting colorful tropical fish in shallow areas. Beach bars serve refreshing drinks while you soak in the island's natural beauty and laid-back Caribbean atmosphere.

4

Shop the Vibrant Local Markets

Wander through bustling market stalls brimming with handcrafted souvenirs, colorful batik fabrics, and local artwork reflecting island culture. Vendors sell fresh tropical produce, spices, and traditional crafts perfect for memorable gifts. The lively atmosphere, friendly merchants, and authentic Caribbean commerce create an immersive cultural shopping experience.

5

Discover Sugar Plantation Heritage

Visit historic sugar estates that shaped Saint Kitts' colonial economy, many now offering guided tours through lush grounds and restored plantation houses. Learn about the island's complex history while exploring manicured gardens and enjoying panoramic countryside views. Some estates feature museums and rum shops showcasing traditional production methods still used today.

Cruise Lines at South Friars Bay

Cruises Departing From South Friars Bay

Cruises Visiting South Friars Bay

Ship Schedule at South Friars Bay

South Friars Bay Location

Other Cruise Ports in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from South Friars Bay, Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Two cruise lines operate from South Friars Bay: Seabourn and Emerald Cruises. Both offer ocean cruises with 77 upcoming sailings available, providing multiple options for Caribbean exploration from this port of call.

When is the best time to cruise from South Friars Bay?

The peak cruise season at South Friars Bay runs from November through March, with the busiest months being December, January, February, and March. This period offers ideal Caribbean weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it the most popular time to visit the region.

How much do cruises from South Friars Bay cost?

Cruise prices from South Friars Bay range from $2,549 to $79,198.01 per person, depending on the cruise line, ship, cabin type, and itinerary length. Seabourn and Emerald Cruises offer various options across this price spectrum to suit different budgets and preferences.

What destinations can I visit on cruises from South Friars Bay?

Cruises from South Friars Bay visit popular Caribbean destinations including Bridgetown (Barbados), Montserrat, Sint Maarten, Port Elizabeth (Bequia), Great Harbour (Jost Van Dyke), and other nearby islands. These itineraries showcase the natural beauty, culture, and attractions of the Eastern Caribbean.

How do I get from South Friars Bay port to the city and local attractions?

South Friars Bay is located on the southeast peninsula of Saint Kitts, approximately 10-15 minutes from Basseterre, the capital. Taxis are readily available at the port, and many visitors rent cars or join organized shore excursions to explore local beaches, historical sites, and the island's interior attractions.

What can I see and do in a day at South Friars Bay?

South Friars Bay itself features a beautiful sandy beach perfect for swimming and relaxation. In a day port visit, you can enjoy water activities, explore nearby Basseterre's colonial architecture and local markets, visit Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, or take a scenic island tour to experience Saint Kitts' natural beauty and rich history.

Is South Friars Bay a tender port or dock port?

South Friars Bay is primarily a port of call where ships anchor offshore and use tender boats to transport passengers to the beach. The bay's natural anchorage and sandy beach make it an ideal tender port, allowing for easy access to the shore and water activities.