Saint Kitts and Nevis Travel Guide
St. Kitts and Nevis is made up of two ‘dots’ in the North Caribbean sea, with somewhat of an identity crisis to be taken seriously. Predominantly English-speaking, these tropical island enjoy sunny weather with cool sea breezes, with some lofty mountains to guarantee some lush landscapes.
St Kitts is known for its lush vegetation and Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano surrounded by a thick tropical forest. Known as the “Queen of the Caribbean,” Nevis has a reputation for being a spa and resort island.
The butt end of jokes in geography quizzes, these understated islands are a pleasant, undeveloped Caribbean alternative, with limited tourist facilities.
When to Go
St. Kitts is blessed with tropical weather perfect for getting a tan. The high temperatures are offset by day-long sea breezes. Rainy season is from May to November.
Getting There & Away
St. Kitts and Nevis can be accessed by air and by seat, though you’ll first have to pass through the main centres in the area such as Antiqua and St Martin. The main airport is located on St. Kitts, while the main port can be found in Basseterre. You can get around the city by taking a bus or a taxi. The road networks are well-maintained, but driving at night should be avoided, as some roads are not properly lit.
Health & Safety
Travelers are required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate before entering St. Kitts and Nevis. There is a risk of contracting leptospirosis, dengue fever, and hepatitis A while in the country, so apply insect repellent lotion regularly and drink only bottled or filtered water, especially if you are outside the major cities. The country’s poultry, meat, vegetables, fruit, and seafood are safe. Just make sure they are prepared and cooked well.
Food & Hospitality
There is a small tourism infrastructure on these islands, most of the good hotels are found in Basseterre and in St. Kitts. They are usually managed by the owners themselves so expect an attentive staff and quality service. Hotels and guest houses can also be found in the beach areas of Mt. Nevis.
St. Kitts and Nevis offers Creole, West Indian, and French cuisines. Some of the delicacies that you should try are spiny lobster, roast suckling pig, curries, crab rack, turtle stews, rice mixed with meat and pigeon peas (pelau), and goat’s water, which is like mutton stew. For a taste of the local beverages, try Brinley Gold and Belmont Estate. CSR made of cane spirits is also a must-try drink.
Itineraries
- Three days in St. Kitts
- Two days at Mt. Nevis
- A day in Basseterre
- A day each at the Botanical Gardens of Nevis and Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
Highlights
St. Kitts: a relaxing place perfect for sightseeing, shopping, hiking, and swimming. You can do all the things tourists do in this place.
Mt. Nevis: is a large volcano dotted with coastline and mountainside resorts. Staying here can be quite expensive, so if you are on a budget, you can just order a meal or have a drink.
Basseterre: is the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis. Meaning “lowland,” Basseterre rests at the tip of a vast bay with a backdrop of green hills. It is the place to go to if you want to immerse yourself in the country’s deep British roots evident in its streets and buildings. A unique attraction is the Circus, a traffic roundabout.
Botanical Gardens of Nevis: southeast of Charlestown is the Botanical Gardens of Nevis. A haven for nature lovers, the gardens offer rare tropical greenery collections and rose and orchid gardens. Drop by Martha’s Tea House afterwards and dine in an authentic bamboo patio, colonial-style.
Charlestown and The Museum of Nevis: Charlestown is usually mistaken for a lively town because of its bustling shopping centers. But in reality, it’s just a quiet town filled with colonial buildings-turned museums.
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park: a former British garrison, this park is also known as the Gibraltar of the West Indies. Appreciated best by war enthusiasts and historians, the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is filled with colonial war relics such as cannons, swords, and other museum displays. Also, take note of the sulfur vents as you drive to the park. Don’t worry if you can’t see them because you will definitely smell them anyway.
Philatelic Bureaux: this haven for international stamp collectors is at the heart of Charlestown and Basseterre.
Activities
Swimming: one of the best things in St. Kitts and Nevis is its fabulous beaches with clear waters and white sand.
Sightseeing: take out your camera and snap away at the country’s colonial buildings and museums. This is a perfect way to take St. Kitts and Nevis home with you.
Shopping: check out the commercial centers in Basseterre and Charlestown where you can shop for souvenirs and everything else you may need.
Hiking: St. Kitts has many nature trails for those who want to go hiking.
Dancing: party with the locals and fellow travelers at any of the nightspots along the beaches of St. Kitts and Nevis. You can also check out the local discos and bars inside the inns and hotels. There’s plenty of rum punch and reggae mon!