This beautiful country is located in the continent of the Caribbean. Explore it by reading this travel guide to St Kitts and Nevis we have for you!
St. Kitts and Nevis is a sovereign state with the British monarch as the head of the state. The island is also the smallest sovereign state in the region. St. Kitts and Nevis’s nation is among the first few countries in the Caribbean to be invaded by the Europeans. As a matter of fact, it used to be a colony of the British and French.
The two islands that make up the tiny nation of St Kitts and Nevis are often referred to as sisters. Both the islands have lush landscapes, including rainforests, natural beauty, well-preserved ecosystems, low humidity, white-sand beaches, and tastefully designed resorts make these tranquil islands two of the Caribbean’s most appealing destinations. Big sister St. Kitts is by far the most visited; however, it’s still possible to find untamed scenery in its trio of mountain ranges. Meanwhile, little sister Nevis is a sleepy getaway perfect for leaving your worries behind.
Even though the larger island of St. Kitts and the smaller island of Nevis are only separated by a few miles of calm Caribbean waters they are much alike. St. Kitts has become a tourist hot spot while Nevis depends more on day-trippers from the larger island. Unless you visit both islands you wouldn’t realize how much they actually have in common. For starters, both islands have miles of sandy beaches with rainforests leading up to a dormant volcano at the center of the island.
Table of Contents
Questions and Answers about St. Kitts and Nevis
Where are St. Kitts and Nevis?
This beautiful country is located in the continent of the Caribbean. Saint Kitts and Nevis cover 261 square kilometers of land, making it the 216th largest nation in terms of land area. The country became an independent state in 1983, after gaining its sovereignty from the UK. The population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is 50,726 (2012) and the nation has a density of 194 people per square kilometer. The two mountainous islands of St Kitts and Nevis are of volcanic origin, with the highest point of 1,156 meters in St Kitts; many beaches in St Kitts are of black volcanic sand, while those in Nevis are silver.
Is it safe to travel to St. Kitts and Nevis?
Visitors are generally safe in St Kitts & Nevis but they can still be targets of petty crime… St Kitts, and especially Nevis, are by and large safe and welcoming and most visits are trouble-free. Rare theft is a possibility, so safeguard your valuable. However, violent crimes are rare and almost never directed toward tourists. So stay vigilant as you would be at home and don’t put yourself in potentially dangerous situations, such as hiking or going to deserted beaches on your own. Perhaps the greatest danger lurks on the road, especially when driving at night: kids, goats, dogs, and potholes can appear out of nowhere. These islands do present a risk of transmission with the Zika and Chikungunya viruses, so protect yourself with a good insect repellent all times. The hurricane season runs from mid-June to mid-November.
How to Change Money in St. Kitts and Nevis?
In Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) are widely accepted. However, you must remember that coins are not accepted on the island, and change will be given in Eastern Caribbean Dollars. Local ATMs are readily available throughout the islands. Most Credit cards are widely accepted at major restaurants, hotels, other major services, but smaller operations may only accept cash or Visa and Master Card. ATMs are also widely available for Visa and MasterCard owners (PLUS/Electron and Cirrus/Maestro networks).
What is Unique about St. Kitts and Nevis?
Basseterre, the capital city has a modern stadium, Warner Park, which gets packed out whenever there’s any sporting action to be seen. International matches featuring the West Indies are the biggest occasions. However, the nation also has its own team, the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, who play in the Caribbean Premier League. Like many of its neighbors, the island was formed by volcanoes, all of which are now dormant. The average life expectancy of its population is 68 years for men and 71 years for women. The island of St. Kitts was known throughout the world as a sugar-cane island and is still commonly known today as Sugar City.
What is the culture of St. Kitts and Nevis?
British traditions play an important part in the modern culture of the country, and most inhabitants are of African descent, having been brought in during the early colonial period. The official language here is English, and around 50 percent of the devoutly religious population is Anglican. Several others practice another form of Christianity, and there is also a large Rastafarian community that reflects St Kitts and Nevis’s position as a Caribbean country.
Without a doubt, a big part of the culture of St Kitts and Nevis is their national sport, cricket. Moko-Jumbies, Clowns, and masquerades make up a large part of St. Kitts’ folk culture, offering entertainment and an insight into a past documented by hundreds of years of celebrations. All in all, many carnivals on St. Kitts bring the islanders together to commemorate the mixture of the many customs and traditions that have shaped the island’s heritage and background over many centuries.
What is the Geography of St. Kitts and Nevis?
Only two miles apart, Saint Kitts and Nevis are in the northern part of the Leeward Islands, around two hundred fifty miles (402 kilometers) southeast of Puerto Rico. The island of Saint Kitts, the larger island, is twenty-three miles (thirty-seven kilometers) in its greatest length, with an area of sixty-eight square miles (176.8 square kilometers). The island of Nevis is thirty-six square miles (93.6 square kilometers) in the area. Created by similar mountain-building forces, both islands have dormant volcanoes in their central regions. The ports that are involved in tourism are the capitals Basseterre (Saint Kitts) and Charlestown (Nevis).
How to travel to St. Kitts and Nevis?
The Robert Bradshaw International Airport is the main airport for international flights that travel to St. Kitts and Nevis from these countries.
- London: British Airways, Delta, American Airlines and KLM offer flights from London to st.kitts and Nevis.
- USA: American Airlines and Delta Air Lines etc offer flights from the USA to st.kitts and Nevis.
- Dubai: Air Canada and British Airways offer flights from Dubai to st.kitts and Nevis.
- Singapore: United Airlines offer flights from Singapore to St.kitts and Nevis.
How to travel in St. Kitts and Nevis-Transport in St. Kitts and Nevis
- Taxis: Tourists who wish to see parts of the island but will not be touring extensively may wish to catch a taxi.
- Public buses: In the country, buses are a very convenient and very inexpensive way to get around. Local buses can be boarded at designated stops in Basseterre and Charlestown or flagged down anywhere along the route. The bus service is more frequent in the morning and in the afternoon, and all but stops around 7 pm or 8 pm.
- Private transfers: Private car rentals offer travelers the most freedom and mobility, though at the most expensive. Renting a private car could be a good option to see both islands in a day, connecting the two with a 45-minute ferry ride across the stretch of water known as the ‘Narrows’.
What’s the food like in St. Kitts and Nevis?
In St.kitts and Nevis, you’ll find places that serve up West Indian cuisine alongside international fare. Fast food is common here as well, with fried chicken and submarine. In both islands, there are a variety of mixed dishes, including many that betray their off-islands origins, such as spaghetti, but there are also local culinary traditions.
Apart from staples such as rice and beans, the islands are known for “goat water,” a stew usually made from the neck bones and meat of goats. Accompanying most meals is a range of vegetables, especially squashes and peas, and hot sauces. In addition to that, fresh fish is available, mutton or goat is the staple meat and is served in a variety of ways ranging from curried to creole style. Fried chicken is also popular, especially for entertaining guests. Beverages range from soft drinks to fruit juices to beer and rum. Of all these purchased drinks, beer is significantly the cheapest, as there is a brewery on Saint Kitts.
What is the weather like in St. Kitts and Nevis?
The island is tropical, cooled by the north-east trade winds. In st.kitts and Nevis, there is no distinct rainy season. The heat is not searing; the highest recorded temperature is 33°C. Hurricanes may occur between June and November.
Important things to pack for a trip to St. Kitts and Nevis
- Clothing: For this tourist will need light-weight, light-colored clothing to keep you from overheating. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, are your best option. Fabric shorts or khakis, t-shirts, and tank tops will likely provide you with the most ease as you make your way around St. Kitts. Don’t forget some undergarments, socks, and pajamas along with a swimsuit.
- Shoes: Don’t forget to bring sandals or flip flops, a sun hat, and a pair of sunglasses.
- Toiletries: Bring toiletry bag (and ziplock bag per TSA regulations for any liquids/soaps).
- Health kit: Always bring first aid kit and essential medicines with you.
10 Amazing places to see and things to do in St. Kitts and Nevis
1. Hike to the top of Mount Liamuiga
Soaring to a whopping 1,156 meters above the Caribbean Sea in the heart of St. Kitts Island, the mighty massif of Mount Liamuiga reigns supreme as the highest peak in the federation and one of the highest in the entire region to boot.
Suggested Tour: Volcano Tours
2. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
Unquestionably the most iconic national park in all of St. Kitts and Nevis, the great fortress on Brimstone Hill is a daring and striking example of colonial-era military construction.
Suggested Tour: Skip the Line: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Admission Ticket
3. Find pure luxury on Oualie Beach
Oualie is located just a stone’s throw from the ferry docks, where boats coming across from St. Kitts pull up, facing the sand-bottomed Narrows that run underwater between the two isles. There are clusters of royal palms casting their spiny shadows on the ground, while rows of sunbeds and recliners are available for rent.
4. Gasp at the Black Rocks
The Black Rocks are one of the most visible remnants of the historic eruptions that once spewed from the huge crater atop Mount Liamuiga. It’s a truly breath-taking geological wonder to behold, made all the more dramatic by the presence of the roaring whitecaps where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea.
Suggested Tour: Full Island Panoramic Tour of St Kitts
5. Ride the St. Kitts Scenic Railway
Encircling the entire island of St. Kitts, from Conaree Village in the south to Dieppe Bay Town on the north coast and Brimstone Hill on the west side, this winding railway was once the principal means of transporting sugarcane down from the plantations to the docks for trade. Today, it’s been converted into a scenic tourist track, inviting cruise shippers and other travelers to board the historic whitewashed and painted carriages and ride the clifftop rails.
Suggested Tour: St Kitts Scenic Train Tour (Reconfirm 48hrs)
6. Take a Catamaran Cruise to Shitten Bay
For a scenic view around the coastline of St Kitts, consider a Catamaran Cruise as it is a great way to see many of the secluded bays, coves, and the rich sea life, as you swim and snorkel the clear blue turquoise water of St Kitts.
7. Arts and crafts galore at Romney Manor
Today, the cluster of elegant colonial builds has been taken over by local arts and crafts maestros Caribelle Batik. These guys weave colorful fabrics using the classic Indonesian batik wax method for all to see.
Suggested Tour: Discover St Kitts Tour (Reconfirm 48 hours)
8. The Treasury Building and National Museum, Basseterre
The lovely pediment colonial building on the Basseterre waterfront is the Old Treasury Building, dating from 1894. It now houses the National Museum offers an overview of the culture and heritage of St Kitts and Nevis.
9. Fairview Great House and Gardens
This French colonial mansion dates back to 1701 and is set in two lush acres. It has been well restored and today visitors can see how it would have been furnished and decorated like an elegant private home.
Suggested Tour: Fairview Rum Shots – St. Kitts
10. Explore Romney Manor Sugar Estate & Shop at Caribelle Batik
The Romney Manor Sugar Estate is a 17th-century plantation that is now home to Caribelle Batik where artisans’ craft tie-dye clothing. Here, visitors can see live demonstrations of the Batik process as artisans paint on the fabric. Gorgeous pillows, clothing, and other souvenirs are made from the paintings, all of which can be purchased.
Suggested Tour: St Kitts 360 Island Sightseeing Tour
Final thoughts on St. Kitts and Nevis
If you would like to spend your day in-search of Caribbean history there are lots to see on Nevis. A good place to start is the island’s capital of Charlestown. As you walk these old streets from a time long ago you will come across what’s left of its history around every corner.
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