Best Beach Bars in the Leeward Islands

Every island needs a good beach bar, and in the Leeward Islands, there are plenty to come by. Next time you charter a yacht to St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Nevis, St. Barth’s, Antigua or one of the other beautiful islands in this dazzling archipelago, anchor for a delicious drink and an equally exciting view.

Don’t know where to go? We do. Checkout our five favorite beach bars in the Leeward Islands, listed below:

The Bar on Sandy Island (Anguilla)

Sitting on a tiny island in Anguilla, one only accessible by boat, this bar is nothing more than a Gilligan’s Island-looking open-air pavilion, vibrant tables and beautiful Mother Nature. Choose from 12 varieties of rum punch, and soak it up with island favorites – like grilled spiny lobster, crayfish or ribs – and let it all settle as you pass out on a beach chair, under the sun. Looking for something more active? Then order the rum punch and go snorkeling. The waters surrounding Anguilla are sparkling-clear blue, filled with brightly colored sea life, and just waiting for you to go for a swim.

Shipwreck Beach Bar & Grill (St. Kitts)

For a sunset like no other, head to this bar on Friar’s Bay in St Kitts. Boasting laid-back vibes and stunning horizon views, Shipwreck Beach Bar & Grill is known just as much for its strong, rum-filled Pirate’s Punch and Kittitian Snafu drinks as it is for its snorkel gear and paddleboards available for rent. Whether you relax with a drink in hand, listening to live music, or go for a swim, Shipwreck Beach Bar & Grill is always a good time.

Sunset Bar & Grill (St. Maarten)

Divided by two countries, with one side decidedly French and the other Dutch, there’s no doubt that St. Maarten is one of the world’s most unique islands. And because every unique island needs that one, equally intriguing bar, we have Sunset Bar & Grill. Sitting on Maho Beach, which boasts a serious party scene, Sunset Bar is actually located right at the end of the Princess Juliana International Airport runway. Picture this: You’re drinking a margarita with jets flying right over your head, air traffic control conversations coming out of the bar’s speakers, topless women dancing on tables – the bar promises all topless women free drinks – and crab racing. What a night on the sand, indeed.

Sunshine’s (Nevis)

In remote Nevis, everyone who’s everyone knows about Sunshine’s. Wearing its island pride boldly with Nevis’ national black, green and red everywhere you turn, this bar is as easy and breezy as the island it sits on. It’s $5 signature drink, The Killer Bee, is made with rum, passion fruit juice and a bunch of other liquors that no one at the bar will confirm or deny. After one too many, get on the stage during karaoke hour, and reward yourself with BBQ wings. They’re worth the treat.

Nikki Beach, Saint Barth (St. Barth’s)

There are few places more fabulous than beautiful St. Barth’s. Next time you’re there, head to Saint-Jean, and find what is undeniably the world’s most raved about beach lounge and nightclub: Nikki Beach. With multiple locations in the most desirable destinations across the globe, its St. Barth’s outpost is known for its characteristic, all-white plush sun beds, chic drapery and Nikki Beach’s trademark teepees dotted across its pristine sands. Go for the luxury, and stay for the people watching. You’re sure to see celebrities and A-listers everywhere you turn.