The biggest draw in the Caribbean always has been ? and probably always will be ? the beaches. Much like the most popular islands in the region, St. Kitts has enough fantastic beaches to keep any family busy. However, St. Kitts? beaches also demonstrate a remarkable natural diversity that is unmatched anywhere else in the Caribbean. From the black, volcanic sands of the Atlantic shores to the expansive stretches of white sand near the island's best resorts, St. Kitts truly has the perfect beach for any activity.

One of the most popular beaches on St. Kitts is located at Friars Bay. On the south side of the bay, plush sand faces the peaceful Caribbean Sea. Both local and visiting families gather here to enjoy the sunshine, play in the water and snack on the food and drink available along the sand. Though the atmosphere on the southern end of Friars Bay is usually pretty lively, families will still find plenty of space to relax, while the water offshore is safe and warm year-round. Surfers and those looking for a more windswept beach experience will want to visit the north end of Friars Bay where the rockier shore meets the majestic Atlantic Ocean.

Many of St. Kitts best resorts are located near the southern end of Frigate Bay and its incredible beaches. Much like the Caribbean side of Friars Bay, the southern end of Frigate Bay is a popular destination for swimming and water sports. At night, Frigate Bay is also one of the best places to find the exciting party atmosphere that has made the Caribbean such a popular destination. The north end of Frigate Bay is equally as beautiful as the Atlantic side of Friars Bay, but generally experiences more peaceful conditions. On most days, swimming and relaxing are the activities of choice here, while surfing is possible in some parts.

Visitors looking for an exotic beach experience will want to visit Turtle Beach and Banana Bay on the southeastern end of the island. Home to little else beyond a charming beach bar and some precocious vervet monkeys, Turtle Beach is one of the best spots on the island to enjoy a peaceful swim and watch the sunset. Likewise, Banana Bay offers visitors seclusion, sunshine and perfect sand for picnicking or sunbathing. Though these beaches are far from most resorts on St. Kitts, they are still easy to reach by taxi or rental car.

One of the strangest beaches on St. Kitts is the stretch of black sand known as Dieppe Bay Beach. Sheltered by a large coral reef, the water at Dieppe Bay is remarkably calm and perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Just offshore, visitors can catch a glimpse of numerous species of tropical fish, while sunbathers can enjoy the sunshine and the swaying palm trees overhead. The unique volcanic and coral sand beaches continue along the Atlantic shore to Conaree Beach, the most popular beach on the Atlantic side and a great site for bodysurfing and other adventurous water sports. Snorkelers and scuba divers will also want to visit the beach at White House Bay, home to a beautifully preserved coral reef, an incredible array of underwater creatures and the popular tugboat wreck dive.

Two of the most romantic, white sand beaches on St. Kitts are located at Sandy Bank and Turtle Bay. Though located on the Atlantic side of the island, the conditions at Sandy Bank are generally very calm, allowing visitors to bath in the warm waters and take barefoot strolls through the soft sand. Not to be confused with Turtle Beach on the southeastern end of the island, the beach at Turtle Bay is located adjacent to Sandy Bank and known for its seclusion and gorgeous Caribbean atmosphere.

If you want to enjoy some of the best beaches in the Caribbean while admiring incredible natural diversity, St. Kitts should be at the top of your list.