Discovering the Beauty of St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis are ideal destinations for a multigenerational vacation, offering a wide range of activities that cater to all ages. From exploring historical sites and learning about the sugar trade to relaxing on family-friendly beaches and spotting wild monkeys, there is something for everyone. The islands also provide a variety of accommodation options, making it easy to find a place that suits your needs.
Where is St Kitts and Nevis?
St Kitts and Nevis is a twin-island nation located in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean West Indies. The main airport, Robert Bradshaw International Airport (SKB), is situated just outside of Basseterre on St Kitts. This small airport has only one terminal and is easy to navigate. Due to the compact size of the islands, travel between locations is quick, with a drive around St Kitts taking approximately an hour and a shorter time around Nevis.
Accommodation Options
Most of the hotel accommodations are found in Frigate Bay on St Kitts. This area is popular among expats and offers numerous restaurants and bars. Frigate Bay is just a 10-minute drive from the airport, where taxis are readily available without the need for prior booking. If you’re staying on Nevis, you’ll need to take a 30-minute drive down the southeast peninsula to catch a water taxi over the Narrows to Nevis. Water taxis run frequently, but it’s advisable to book in advance if arriving early in the morning or late at night.
Best Time to Visit
The hurricane season runs from June to November, with August and September being the peak months. The cheapest time to visit is during June and July when hotels often lower their prices. However, if you’re looking to enjoy outdoor activities, the driest season is from December to April. December is also when the annual Carnival in St Kitts takes place, transforming the capital city of Basseterre into a vibrant hub of color and excitement.
Transportation Options
Getting around St Kitts and Nevis is relatively straightforward. Rental car companies are available if you prefer to drive and explore the islands at your own pace. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road, and most rental vehicles have automatic transmission. You will need to purchase a temporary driver’s license if you plan to drive a rental car, which can be done at the rental agency or the traffic department in Basseterre.
If you prefer not to drive, public buses or ‘H’ buses are available from Basseterre to various towns on the main part of the island. However, these buses do not reach as far as Frigate Bay, so you may need to take a taxi into Basseterre to catch them. Taxis are plentiful and somewhat reliable, though they are privately owned, so you might have to wait if the driver is busy.
Getting from St Kitts to Nevis
Travel between St Kitts and Nevis is convenient, with the fastest option being the water taxi mentioned earlier. There is also a public passenger ferry that departs from Basseterre to Charlestown, or a car ferry that leaves from Majors Bay on the southeast peninsula.
Currency and Language
English is the official language of St Kitts and Nevis, although locals may speak with a strong dialect that can sound like another language. If you have difficulty understanding, ask them to speak more slowly; they usually find it amusing. The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC or XCD), but US dollars are widely accepted, and credit cards can be used in most businesses. If you pay in US dollars, change will always be given in EC.
Healthcare
The healthcare system in St Kitts and Nevis is basic, with hospitals available on both islands for emergencies. It is strongly recommended to travel with insurance, as serious medical issues may require evacuation to the US. Hospitals offer free basic care, but overnight stays will require payment. There are also private medical centers with international doctors who can treat minor injuries and ailments, and appointments can usually be made within a few hours.
What to Pack
As a Caribbean island, swimwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. If you enjoy snorkeling, bring your own mask and fins, as rental equipment is limited. For active families, sturdy boots are recommended for hiking opportunities. Most travelers wear shorts and t-shirts, and during the winter months, a light jacket may be needed in the evenings due to the Atlantic breeze. Rain showers are common but usually short-lived.
Specific Challenges for Travel
Both islands are volcanic with central mountains, making some areas quite hilly. Access to beaches is generally good, and wheelchair users should have no trouble in the Frigate Bay area. However, navigating Basseterre may be challenging for elderly visitors due to steep pavements and large drainage gutters. Travel between the two islands can also be difficult for disabled visitors, especially when seas are rough.
Family-Friendly Activities
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a must-visit, offering a glimpse into the island’s history. While vehicles can drive right into the fortress, the main citadel has a steep ramp that may be challenging for elderly visitors and strollers. The St Kitts annual carnival in December is a great activity for families, featuring celebrations and parades for all ages.
Private island tours are highly recommended for seeing the islands, with options ranging from open-air buses to enclosed ones. The St Kitts Scenic Railway is another excellent way to experience the island, offering scenic views and insights into the sugar trade history.
On Nevis, the botanical gardens are perfect for all ages, with a Thai restaurant on-site for a delightful meal after a walk through the gardens. Other Nevis highlights include visiting Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace, relaxing in geothermal springs, or hiking through the rainforest on Nevis Peak.
Best Restaurants for Families
Reggae Beach Bar on Cockleshell Beach is a casual dining option with tables right on the beach and a children’s menu. Shipwreck Beach Bar on South Friars Beach offers a variety of options, including a special children’s menu, and is perfect for a day at the beach.
Spice Mill Restaurant on the southeast peninsula provides a more formal dining experience, while Serendipity in Basseterre caters to children with smaller portions and set menus.
Hotels for Families
Marriott Hotel in Frigate Bay offers family-friendly amenities, including multiple swimming pools and beach access. Park Hyatt Resort Christophe Harbour features a dedicated children’s club and play area, along with a private pier for water taxis to Nevis. The Hermitage, Nevis, is a boutique hotel with a swimming pool and a television room for children.
One Week Itinerary
A minimum stay of a week is recommended, with 5 nights on St Kitts and 2 nights on Nevis. Day 1 involves arriving in St Kitts and exploring the hotel and Frigate Bay area. Day 2 includes a historic sugar train tour and a beach visit. Day 3 is dedicated to an island tour and a visit to Brimstone Hill Fortress. Day 4 is spent at Shipwreck Beach Bar. Day 5 involves a visit to Caribelle Batik and a trip to Nevis. Day 6 includes a visit to hot springs and an island tour. Day 7 concludes with a visit to the botanical gardens and a return to St Kitts.
