St. Kitts and Nevis is a two-island nation in the West Indies region of the Caribbean, renowned for its jaw-dropping tropical scenery. It boasts everything from those quintessential postcard-perfect beaches to lush rainforest, as well as a wide range of water sports and tasty cuisine. Whether you want to spend your time out in the sea, on land, or a little of both, you’ll discover a wealth of things to do here.
Hop Aboard the St. Kitts Scenic Railway
The St. Kitts Scenic Railway travels an 18-mile-long narrow gauge railway line along the island’s coast. Often referred to as the Sugar Train, it’s the last one of its kind left in the entire West Indies, created for the sugar trade nearly a century ago. It brings passengers on a three-hour tour around the island, exploring both the culture and the stunning scenery. Look forward to views of the Caribbean, lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, rugged canyons, fields of sugar cane, plantation ruins and quaint villages, all highlighted with the volcanic cone of Mount Liaumuiga, which soars above it all.
Sample Some of the Islands' Most Spectacular Beaches
St. Kitts offers everything from black volcanic sand beaches to classic white stretches, like Cockleshell Bay. Facing Nevis from the southern tip of the island, it boasts picture-perfect powdery white sands that are strikingly contrasted against the jewel-colored waves of the sea. The two-mile-long beach is rather popular and hosts multiple eateries and beach bars, but you can usually find a quiet spot for relaxation. For the best chance at tranquility, head to Majors Bay. While there are no facilities, there are frequently empty stretches of sand, minus the big cruise crowds. It’s also home to a beautiful natural pool created by an old shipwreck.
Head Underwater
The crystal clear, warm waters that surround the islands make this nation a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, especially snorkeling and diving, though you can also enjoy surfing, jet skiing, sailing and much more. The exotic, colorful fish, stingrays, sea turtles and vibrant coral, making going underwater a particularly unforgettable experience. The majority of dive sites can be reached within just a mile offshore (via a number of tour operators), where you’ll find excellent visibility and diversity, though snorkeling from the shore is possible from some of the beaches here, like Turtle Beach, Dieppe Bay and White House Bay, with the latter featuring calm, protected waters and rocks that serve as habitat for all sorts of marine life.
Climb a Volcano
While most people don’t picture hiking and climbing as a Caribbean experience, as St. Kitts is home to three volcanic peaks, including the nearly 3,800-foot-tall Mount Liamuiga, it’s ideal for these activities. The challenging trek is best accomplished with a guide, who will point out wildlife like monkeys and flora such as wild orchids along the way. If you’re especially adventurous, you can even descend down into the crater, experiencing the feeling of being totally enveloped within the mountain as the scent of sulfur fills the air.
Take a Walking Tour of Historic Basseterre
A walking tour of the capital city of Basseterre is really a must while on St. Kitts. It includes the “The Circus,” which was inspired by London’s Piccadilly Circus. A popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, you may want to return again later to mingle and get to know more about island life. It surrounds the main square and features a water fountain and clock tower with alternative times shown on each of the four faces, while vendors sell everything from fresh fruit to unique gifts.
Explore Brimstone Hill Fortress and National Park
Brimstone Hill Fortress and National Park is an imposing military fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built over the 17th- and 18th-centuries by African slave labor using nearby volcanic rock deposits. Today, the museum provides an in-depth look into at what life would have been like for the soldiers living in this dramatic setting. Impeccably preserved, the “Gibraltar of the West Indies,” as it’s often called, will take you back in time, walking in the footsteps of the African slaves who built and maintained it. By climbing to the top slopes on a clear day – almost always here – you’ll be able to take in an amazing view of the Caribbean and up to six other islands in the distance too.
Hike Through the Rainforest
St. Kitts is home to lush rainforest too. The Wingfield-Phillips Rainforest lies just outside Basseterre and offers miles and miles of scenic trails that are ideal for catching glimpses of wildlife like mongoose, vervet monkeys, colorful birds and lizards. While it is possible to walk the shorter trails on your own at plantations like Ottley, your best bet is to hire a guide. Having a guide by your side will keep you safe, and you’ll have an expert to point out the fascinating plant and animal life, and learn about the local history and nature on the island.
Zipline
Ziplines have become increasing popular around the world, and here on St. Kitts, Sky Safari Tours in Old Road Town offers five lines that are up to 1350-feet-long. You’ll soar over the tropical rainforest canopy for a heart-pounding experience that includes the opportunity to view green vervet monkeys in the trees, as well as sights like Brimstone Hill along the way. The more adventurous may want to take its most adrenaline-fueled experience, whizzing across a dual line while competing with other zip-liners to see who can get to the other end of the line first. Whether you win or not, you’ll be guaranteed breathtaking panoramic vistas.
Sail to Nevis
The beautiful island of Nevis offers a tranquil slice of island life that is difficult to find in the Caribbean anymore. There are few cars, no casinos, and only limited nightlife and shopping options on this eight-mile-long and six-mile-wide island, but there are plenty of unspoiled stretches of pristine white sands. One of the best ways to experience it is to join a catamaran excursion which includes the opportunity to snorkel the azure surrounding waters that are teeming with coral reefs and marine life. Most include unlimited drinks and lunch too.
