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Saint Kitts and Nevis stand side by side in the arc of volcanic peaks that rise out of the sea. A channel 2-miles wide separates the islands. They have been likened in shape to a round cricket ball (Nevis) and its oval bat (St. Kitts). Both have a fringe of fertile plain along their coasts, lush vegetation on their mountains, historic ruins, and restored 18th-century plantation homes converted into inns. Former sugar plantations are giving way to tourism development. Some beaches are of black or gray volcanic sand; others have white sand.
In Saint Kitts and Nevis, the spoken language is English and the written language is English.
St Kitts and Nevis use the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), but US dollars are widely accepted. However, unless rates are posted in US dollars, as is the norm with accommodations, some restaurants, and dive shops, it usually works out better to use EC dollars. If you pay in US dollars, you will normally get change in EC dollars.
U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Saint Kitts and Nevis. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days if you have an onward or return ticket, confirmation of accommodation, and can produce evidence of your ability to maintain yourself.
Because the U.S. operates on a different cell-phone standard than the rest of the world, your typical cell phone from back home won’t work in most Caribbean destinations unless your service provider offers an international plan. Buy an unlocked GSM world phone and use local SIM cards: This is your best option if you travel overseas frequently. Internet is increasing across the islands with many shops, pizzerias, hotels, and restaurants offering free wifi, but you may need to ask for a code or password.
Hotels $0.50 to $1 per bag is standard; gratuity for cleaning staff is at your discretion. Restaurants If the service charge is not automatically added to the bill, tip 10% to 15%; if it is, it’s up to you to leave a little extra. Taxi Tip 10% to 15% of the fare.
There are several banks with ATMs on or near the Circus in Basseterre. In Charlestown, banks line Main St. There’s also an ATM at both airports. All dispense Eastern Caribbean dollars, while some also offer US dollars.
You need a power plug adapter in Saint Kitts and Nevis when living in the United States of America. You also need a voltage converter. In Saint Kitts and Nevis, the power plugs and sockets are of type A, B, D, and G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
The best time to visit St. Kitts and Nevis is in May and June when hotels lower their rates to lure in travelers and the winter crowds thin out. But the peak season – December to April – does host Carnival, a party that might be worth weaving through the droves of tourists.
The best way to get around St. Kitts and Nevis are by taxi, which can be easily found in front of the islands’ airports – Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) on St. Kitts and Vance W. Armory International Airport (NEV) on Nevis – as well as lined up at the cruise ship docks in Basseterre, and in front of most hotels and major attractions. Other options include brightly painted minibusses or rental cars, although both can be limiting depending on your needs. When you’re ready to island-hop, private boat companies are available at Basseterre in St. Kitts and Charlestown in Nevis.
Taxis on St Kitts and Nevis are usually minibusses with yellow license plates beginning with ‘T’ or ‘TA.’ Fares are regulated by the government, with one tariff applying to up to four passengers. However, it’s best to confirm the price (and which currency is quoted) before riding away. Service between 10 pm and 6 am adds 50% extra.
Rental companies will usually meet you at the airport, ferry port, or your hotel. Daily rates start at about US$45. You really won’t need a 4WD for going anywhere – unless it’s rainy season. Most of the major international firms have local affiliates.
Government-licensed private minivans serve communities on an erratic schedule along the main roads. On St. Kitts, there is no bus service south to Frigate Bay and beyond and in the far north between St Paul’s and Ottley’s. On Nevis, from Charlestown, buses travel both clockwise and counterclockwise along the Main Island Rd. Buses leave when full, but they only go as far as Newcastle in the north and Gingerland in the south.
St Kitts and Nevis are linked by passenger ferry between Basseterre and Charlestown, by car ferry between Majors Bay and Cades Bay, and by on-demand water taxis between Cockleshell Beach and Oualie Beach
Saint Kitts and Nevis have built an excellent reputation for cuisine in recent years. Chefs on the islands guard local recipes zealously, but as well as Creole and West Indian fare they also specialize in Chinese, Western, and Indian cuisines. Local cooking is simple, spicy, and makes use of the plentiful fresh fish, vegetables, and fruit found on and around the islands.
A unique collection of Saint Kitts resorts, hotels, and retreats ranges from luxe oceanfront resorts and beach bungalows to a tropical organic farm and a centuries-old sugar plantation. Wherever you rest your head, rest assured—slumber is sweeter in St. Kitts. There are so many options, you’ll want to plan multiple Caribbean vacations.
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a well-preserved fortress on a hill on the island of St. Kitts in the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis in the Eastern Caribbean. It was designed by British military engineers and was built and maintained by African slaves.
Independence Square is a square in Basseterre, Saint George Basseterre Parish, Saint Kitts and Nevis. It was named on the occasion of St. Kitts and Nevis achieving political independence on September 19, 1983.
Frigate Bay is the name of two bays located close together on the island of Saint Kitts. The two bays are located southeast of the capital Basseterre, at the northern end of the isthmus joining the Southeast Peninsula with the rest of the island.
Saint Kitts Scenic Railway
In 1912, work began on a narrow gauge railway line to transport sugar cane across the north of St Kitts to the outskirts of Basseterre. Completed 14 years later, it remained in use until 2005 when the industry finally closed. Now it has a second life taking tourists on a two-hour, 18-mile trundle around the Atlantic coast with a guided commentary and drinks.
Mayor’s Bay Beach
This quiet stretch of sand at the south-eastern end of St Kitts has a fine view of neighbouring Nevis. The Sea Bridge car ferry to Nevis leaves from the eastern end of the bay, but follow the track round and you will be undisturbed. Major’s Bay Beach is a place for couples, lovers and isolationists, with weekdays quietest.
Mt. Liamuiga Hike
tackle the 3,972ft volcanic peak of Mt Liamuiga in the north of the island, which until independence in 1983 was known as Mt Misery. The two-hour ascent climbs through a cathedral-like rainforest with magnificent trees, then emerges on the rim of a half-mile-wide volcanic crater to look down at a lost green world 700ft below. A good level of fitness is required, but the paths are maintained and the higher you go the cooler it gets.
Accommodation:
Hotel or Hostel (single): $69
Double-occupancy room: $138
Food
Meals for one day: $16
Transportation
Taxis, local buses, train: $15
Intercity: $11
Entertainment
Entrance tickets & shows: $34
Island tour: $60
Alcohol
Drinks for one day: $7.03
Accommodation
Hotel or rental home (single): $166
Double-occupancy room: $333
Food
Meals for one day: $38
Transportation
Taxis or Car rental: $42
Intercity: $25
Entertainment
Entrance tickets & shows: $80
Island tour: $60
Alcohol
Drinks for one day: $17
Accommodation
Resort or hotel (single): $371
Double-occupancy room: $741
Food
Meals for one day: $89
Transportation
Car Rentals or private driver: $136
Intercity: $50
Entertainment
Entrance tickets & shows: $166
Island tour: $60
Alcohol
Drinks for one day: $36
When planning for your trip to Saint Kitts and Nevis, don’t forget about travel insurance! You never know what might happen and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
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