Even More Reasons for Visiting St. Kitts and Nevis

Intoxicating natural beauty, sunny skies, warm waters, and sparsely peopled beaches combine in the sister islands of St Kitts & Nevis to make them one of the most seductive spots in the Caribbean. The twin islands are separated by a 2-mile wide channel, with ferry services that help visitors easily enjoy them both in a single trip!

St Kitts and Nevis are best known for relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Due to the number of sunken vessels and submerged natural wonders, many of the resorts on the islands cater to divers. The capital cities of Brasseterre and Charlestown are some of the most picturesque colonial settlements in the Caribbean.

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Christopher Columbus first spotted the islands in 1493, when they were populated with native tribes, but the Europeans didn't colonize until the British arrived in 1623. Their strategic location and valuable sugar trade led to an advanced and luxurious development that was among the best in the Colonial Caribbean. Those high standards continue today and, in fact, St Kitts and Nevis only recently gained independence from Britain, in 1983.

While development has been of the highest quality, it has fortunately remained in low quantity, so the sister islands remain uncrowded and unspoiled, famous around the world for excellent preservation of the ecosystems. Nature lovers will want to take advantage of the various tours through lava formations, tropical forest areas, and seaside lagoons. Boating tours and scuba diving expeditions are also favorites activities. Plantation homes have been transformed into grand, yet intimate inns. Quaint shopping areas and beautiful Colonial architecture draw visitors to the tiny towns. If a quiet vacation in a luxurious and alluring corner of paradise is what you seek, you'll find it on these twin islands.

Approximate Air Travel Time

New York City: 4 hours
Boston: 4.25 hours
Miami: 3.25 hours
Philadelphia: 5 hours
Los Angeles: 5.25 hours
Chicago: 5 hours
Dallas-Fort Worth: 5.25 hours
San Francisco: 6.5 hours

Areas Within the Destination

Nevis

Although it is smaller than its neighbor, Nevis has plenty of enchanting attractions, including an almost perfect ring of unbroken, pristine beaches surrounding the island. There are homes and public buildings dating back to the 1700s, some of which are open for exploration. Indulge in a hot springs soak, or go diving and snorkeling at the many fantastic sites, dotted with sunken vessels. The ecosystems are vibrant and well-preserved, and many tours take you right in for close encounters.

St Kitts

Spectacular Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano located at the island's center, dominates the landscape. While hiking through the dense tropical forest of the central slopes and tramping across the lava formations, the natural wonders on St Kitts will astound you. Both black- and white-sand beaches invite countless hours of lounging and sipping frozen drinks. Home to the federation's capital of Basseterre, St Kitts is known for its well-preserved, picturesque colonial structures. There is a wealth of fishing, snorkeling, and other water sports to enjoy.

Topography

On Nevis, the highest peak is Nevis Peak, with a 3,000-foot elevation. The West side of the island is home to a coconut forest, and shares a stretch of coral beaches with the north shore. At the center of St Kitts lies the dormant volcano of Mount Liamuiga, with a 4,000-foot elevation. Rugged peaks and plunging ravines characterize the central mountain range, most of which is covered with dense rainforest. The low areas are dotted with plantations, grasslands, and fruit orchards.

Climate

Temperatures are typical for the Caribbean, ranging from 68° to 90°, with a year-round average of 79°. The Northeastern trade winds offset the heat, and water temperature averages 82° throughout the year.

What To Do & See on St. Kitts and Nevis

Nevis

Queen Island City Tour

Travel to Nevis on the inter-island ferry to visit attractions like the famous Thermal Baths, Government House, and St John's Anglican Church. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the splendid, pristine scenery.

Alexander Hamilton Museum

This colonial American statesman was born on Nevis, and his childhood house is now a museum with exhibits about his life, as well as historical island artifacts.

Bath Hotel and Bath Springs

This was the first Caribbean resort, and was built by John Huggins in 1778. It lured prominent European socialites to Nevis to enjoy the natural mineral springs in a plush environment, and indulge themselves in tropical pleasures. The end of the hotel's glory days followed the collapse of the sugar industry in the 19th century. Though a 1950 earthquake left only ruins of this original vacation paradise, there are 5 spas built over a hot spring that visitors can still enjoy.

Jamestown Dive Site

Of all the scuba sites in these waters, this is the favorite. According to local legend, Jamestown sank when an earthquake and an ensuing tidal wave struck it in 1680. Archaeological evidence indicates that the town was in fact damaged in a 1690 earthquake, and then slowly abandoned over a period of years. Whatever happened, the submerged ruins of the city are an alluring site.

Pinney's Beach

One of the Caribbean's best beaches, with a 3½-mile stretch on the shores of Nevis. The sugar-fine white sand is dotted with coconut palms, and visited by few people, making it a picture of tropical perfection. Shallow, calm water makes for ideal swimming conditions, as does gorgeous Nelson's Lagoon.

Golf

Four Seasons is an 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, nestled at the side of Nevis Peak. The challenging terrain is made all the more enjoyable by the spectacular view of St Kitts.

St Kitts

Basseterre

French colonists originally settled this coastal capital in 1625. The town is surrounded by gently rolling hills, and several of the structures date to the 18th century British occupation. Many of these buildings retain floors of original French stonework dating to the 17th century. The Victorian influence is apparent in the architecture throughout the city. No modern buildings are permitted to be taller than a palm tree, a rule which helps preserve Basseterre's colonial charm. The streets are lined with tiny restaurants and shops for those days when you wander off the beach.

Brimstone Hill Fortress

Nearly 800 feet above sea level on St Kitts, this intimidating fortress is known as the "Gibraltar of the West Indies." It took almost 90 years to build its Fort George Citadel, with 7-foot-thick walls made from black volcanic stone. You'll get a great view of islands like St Barts and St Martins. The 38-acres were abandoned as a functioning outpost in 1851, and there are now daily tours. Peruse the relics of both French and British troops who successively occupied the fort times.

Rainforest & Volcano Tour

Visit the dormant volcano, including a 2½ mile hike through a rainforest, with an expert guide who includes fascinating information about the land along the way. Activities include exploring the inside of the volcano, and a picnic lunch.

Southeast Peninsula Beach

This broad plain off the Southeast end of St Kitts is home to 9 spectacular beaches and lagoons. The beaches are complemented by exotic birds of the surrounding wilderness preserves. Don't miss the amazing pink pond, colored by millions of tiny krill shrimp.

Frigate Bay Peninsula Beach

Covered with fine white sand, this southeast strip of land has north-facing shores that are pounded by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for body surfers. For calmer water, stroll to the south-facing beaches, where the Caribbean Sea gently caresses the sand.

Golf

Royal St Kitts is a championship course spans the peninsula near Frigate Bay, straddled between the Atlantic and Caribbean. Not only is the course excellent, but the setting is eye-popping. Five-time British Open winner Peter Thompson designed the 18-hole course.

Deep Sea Fishing

An angler's delight! Fish for your own "catch of the day" among the schools of mackerel, snapper, king-fish, mahi-mahi, and barracuda that populate these waters. Charter captains provide transportation to boat and hotel, plus drinks!

Dining on St. Kitts and Nevis

Dining ranges from casual beachfront bistros to the posh dining rooms of the resorts and colonial inns. Local menus are dominated by the distinct West Indian flavors, and as with most islands, seafood abounds. Favorite local dishes include curried mutton, pepper pot (stew made from vegetables, tubers, and various meats) and Arawak chicken (chicken seasoned, then served with rice and almonds on breadfruit). Definitely try the many lowland tropical fruits for a refreshing treat!

Nightlife on St. Kitts and Nevis

Since tourist development is rather new on these islands and the local population is so small, many nights are spent enjoying natural pleasures like strolling on the shore and sipping frozen drinks over a sunset. Yet, St Kitts has a casino and some low-key nightspots for dancing, and most hotels have bars and lounges. In the high season, steel-drum bands perform on weekends.

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