St. Kitts' Scenic Highway

Less than 20 years ago, the picturesquedolphin encounters.
southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts was accessibleThough most of the activity along the Simmonds
only by boat. Though the island is small, noHighway takes place on the beaches, there is
passable roads existed for locals and tourists toplenty to see before the end of the road. The
visit the undeveloped beaches of the Atlanticroad begins at Frigate Bay on the western half of
coast. In 1989, however, its completed work on athe island and winds its way through many of St.
remarkable roadway that would connect theKitts' best sightseeing spots. Much of this scenery
corners of the island and offer visitors a scenicat the island's interior was generated by volcanic
route to tour the Caribbean landscape. Knownactivity. Along the Simmonds Highway, you will
officially as the Dr. Kennedy Simmonds Highway -pass one of the most picturesque volcanic sites
named for the island's first prime minister - thison the island - the Great Salt Pond. Known for its
road remains one of the most importantsparkling pink color, this water-filled volcanic crater
developments in the island's history and greatis one of the most photographed sites along the
way to see everything St. Kitts has to offer.highway.
If you are like most of the Caribbean's visitors,As you progress down the 6 ¼ mile
you will probably want to spend a good part ofhighway, you will probably notice the coastal
your vacation on the beach, admiring the weatherterrain becoming rockier. Exposed to the winds
and the scenery. On St. Kitts, some of the bestand waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the
beaches are located along the narrowsoutheastern portion of the island will greet all
southeastern peninsula accessible by thevisitors with an incredible scenic contrast to the
Simmonds Highway. While the beaches in this areacalm beaches just a few miles to the northwest.
are typically not as wide as those near the island'sAfter passing through the grassy, rolling hills near
capital city, Basseterre, most are known for theirthe beginning of the highway, rocky cliffs and
powdery sand and excellent views. One of thelagoons will come into view. Amongst the
most popular beaches on the island's southernwindswept coves you can find one of the locals'
shore is Friar's Bay, site of some exciting newfavorite hangouts - Turtle Beach. As grazing cattle
developments. Locals and knowledgeable touristsand goats find their way to the tiny beach, locals
will also recommend the beaches at Sand Bankenjoy fresh seafood at the one of the most
Bay, Cockleshell Bay and Banana Bay.charming restaurants on the island. Of course,
After the Simmonds Highway began providingvisitors are always welcome to join in on the food
access to the southernmost part of the islandsand fun.
for locals and tourists alike, several developmentsThough taxis and some tour buses cruise along
started taking shape. One of the most ambitiousthe Simmonds Highway, the best way to see the
projects is the sprawling Whitegate Developmentsites is renting a car. At your hotel or resort, you
Project. While parts of the complex are still in thewill be able to find information on daily car rentals
planning stage, the Whitegate Developmentand your concierge may be able to reserve a
Project will include the Beaumont Park Racetrackvehicle for you. As there is plenty to see in just
and the luxury area known as Kittian Heights.over six miles, you may also want to ask your
Located at Dieppe Bay, this project willconcierge for tips on the best way to see the
incorporate several new restaurants, shops andsoutheastern peninsula.
tourist opportunities in the coming years. TheIf you want to see all the natural diversity that
most exciting project for families will be theSt. Kitts has to offer, take a ride down the
four-acre theme park known as Marine World.Simmonds Highway. With white sand beaches,
Situated on the shore at South Friar's Bay, Marinerolling hills and windswept cliffs in just over six
World will allow families to view local marine life inmiles, you might not find a more scenic road
state-of-the-art aquariums and participate inanywhere in the Caribbean.