St. Kitts and Nevis trip planner

St. Kitts and Nevis Holiday Planning Guide

Places to Visit in St. Kitts and Nevis

Regions of St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts: The larger of the two islands that make up this two-island nation, St. Kitts is a popular tourist destination mainly because of its beaches, parks, and numerous culturally important sites.

Nevis: A tiny colonial capital on this island remains a top tourist attraction in St. Kitts and Nevis, but many visitors come to take nature walks and, not surprisingly, enjoy a holiday on the beach.

Cities in St. Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre: The country's capital, Basseterre offers a great blend of culture and nature--shopping malls and markets often sit next door to each other, as do museums and lush greenery.

Charlestown: A favorite place to stay for many on a St. Kitts and Nevis holiday, this colonial town was the birthplace of American founding father Alexander Hamilton.

Sandy Point Town: Seemingly hidden from the urban world, Sandy Point Town offers great weather and some of the prettiest sea views in the Caribbean.

Popular St. Kitts and Nevis Tourist Attractions

Brimstone Hill Fortress: A World Heritage Site with panoramic views of the surrounding area, this St. Kitts and Nevis tourist attraction remains one of the largest fortified colonial structures in the Caribbean.

Cockleshell Beach: Clean and secluded, this beach features powdery sand and calm water ideal for families with kids.

Romney Manor: This former sugar plantation remains a highlight of a balanced St. Kitts and Nevis itinerary, housing tropical gardens and a tree that's almost 400 years old.

St. Kitts Scenic Railway: Rides through old sugar plantations and tiny villages on this railway provide one of the most pleasant ways to sightsee and learn a little about colonial history.

Clay Villa Plantation House & Gardens: This estate never used slavery to make a profit--today, it's a restored attraction offering guided tours of some of its buildings and gardens.

Botanical Gardens of Nevis: Home to some of the most interesting and colorful plant species in the world, this garden is carefully maintained and filled with all kinds of shrubs, vines, and flowers.

Dolphin Discovery St. Kitts: Don't miss a chance to swim with dolphins--it's a great way to learn about these highly intelligent animals that enjoy human attention and easily interact with kids.

South Friars Beach: The shallow water stretching far from shore draws families to this beach, where you can also jet ski or try some stand-up paddleboarding.

Pinney's Beach: Smooth sands with a selection of bars and eateries make this beach a great choice for a day near the water--a luxury resort nearby offers accommodations for those who wish to stay longer.

Mount Liamuiga: The highest point on St. Kitts, this mountain offers a challenging hike for anyone wishing to add a big dose of adrenaline to a sedate holiday on the island.

Planning a St. Kitts and Nevis Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in St. Kitts and Nevis with Kids

On a St. Kitts and Nevis vacation with family, you'll have plenty of options when it comes to activities suited to kids. The two Caribbean islands are dotted with picture-perfect white beaches that meet with gentle waves and create ideal conditions for days filled with swimming, relaxing, playing, and napping surrounded by those you love.

If you'd like to make your trip educational, museums and historical sites are always a nice choice. The capital Basseterre and second city Charlestown both offer such places.

Things to Do in St. Kitts and Nevis with Kids

When on a St. Kitts and Nevis holiday with family, you'll want to mix beaches with a few other attractions to keep the kids entertained and engaged for the duration of the visit.

Look for operators like Greg's Safaris if your family's into outdoor adventures that blend explorations on foot with sightseeing in 4x4 vehicles.

You'll always have easy access to pretty beaches like Oualie, but if your children are the type that enjoys hiking, try Nevis Peak Hike, a challenging activity that rewards participants with great views.

To add a history lesson to your St. Kitts and Nevis trip, explore places like National Museum and Museum of Nevis History.

Tips for a Family Vacation in St. Kitts and Nevis

Your kids will receive a warm welcome during your St. Kitts and Nevis vacation. Most eateries offer kid menus and will gladly prepare simple specialties suited to little foodies.

Many big resorts provide organized activities aimed at families, and most even have kids clubs, babysitting, and daycare services.

Many beaches are lapped by gentle waves ideal for little swimmers. Older kids who find splashing in the shallows boring can try ziplining, hiking, cycling, and a range of water sports.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in St. Kitts and Nevis

Cuisine of St. Kitts and Nevis

Fresh vegetables grown locally provide the backbone of local cuisine, but the islands' specialties are also cooked with lots of seafood and goat meat.

You'll find the cooking style during your St. Kitts and Nevis holiday rather simple, with flavors similar to other Caribbean cuisines. Goat water stew is probably the country's signature dish--it's a tomato-based dish with goat meat, breadfruit, papaya, and dumplings.

Another local favorite is "pelau," a blend of chicken, saltfish, pigtail, and veggies with rice and peas.

"Conkies," similar to tamales, mix sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and coconut in banana leaves, which are boiled instead of steamed.

Rum is the drink of choice on the islands, often with distinctive flavors of mango, vanilla, or coffee.

Shopping in St. Kitts and Nevis

If you're wondering what to bring back from your St. Kitts and Nevis trip, consider local handicrafts, like goatskin leather items, handmade baskets, and coconut shells.

The islands are known for their rum, flavored distinctly (see above section) and bottled at family-run estates. Rum varieties infused with unusual/tropical flavors make terrific gifts--check how much you can bring home duty-free to avoid issues at customs.

If rum isn't really your thing, pick up some natural honey, made by local bees buzzing around mango and tamarind trees--it's a sweet treat that'll add a little exotic flavor to your Sunday pancakes.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to St. Kitts and Nevis

Interesting Facts About St. Kitts and Nevis

The name of the country is an abbreviation of Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

Residents inhabiting the two islands are called Kittitians and Nevisians

The two-island nation is a relatively young creation, having gained independence in 1983

Things You Should NOT Do in St. Kitts and Nevis

Several items of etiquette should be kept in mind at all times--basic rules to make your St. Kitts and Nevis trip a pleasant and rewarding experience.

Don't ask questions without first chatting up your acquaintance--small talk is just that, but it's the polite thing to do.

Swimwear is for the beach only. Public beaches do not allow topless sun tanning, but it may be allowed at some luxury resorts. The sensible thing to do is to ask before removing your top.

Same goes for photography. Ask for permission before snapping pictures of people you don't know.

Holidays & Festivals in St. Kitts and Nevis

Three events can add flavor to any holiday in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Battle of St Kitts Reenactment in March takes place over three days at Brimstone Hill Fortress. It's a real history lesson that's also a fun way to learn about a battle between British and French forces, which occurred in 1782.

St. Kitts Music Festival is an internationally acclaimed event held in June. The festival brings together artists from every genre, from pop and jazz to reggae. Tickets sell months in advance, so it's a good idea to purchase them as soon as you finalize your St. Kitts and Nevis holiday plans.

St. Kitts Carnival takes place between December and January, overlapping with Christmas. Music bands parade through the streets during the event, celebrating the islands' Caribbean culture.

Useful St. Kitts and Nevis Travel Tips

Common Greetings in St. Kitts and Nevis

The official language is English, so you'll have no issue communicating during your St. Kitts and Nevis holiday. Learning a few basic phrases in St. Kitts Creole may come in hand in the rural areas, where a larger percentage of the population speaks this dialect.

Climate of St. Kitts and Nevis

You'll enjoy pleasant tropical weather throughout the year on St. Kitts and Nevis. The daily average temperature for the winter months is 25 C (77 F). In the summer, temperatures hover around 28 C (82 F). The hottest period is June to October.

Transportation in St. Kitts and Nevis

You can board buses at designated stations in both Charlestown and Basseterre. Buses can also be flagged down in many spots along the route, which makes getting from place to place on a St. Kitts and Nevis tour relatively easy.

Private taxis, usually minibuses with distinctive yellow plates, offer another reliable option. The government regulates fares, with a single tariff applicable for rides with up to four passengers. Confirm the currency and the price before getting in.

Driving rented cars is also possible on the islands, but only with a local permit--you can get one from any rental agency. The permit remains valid on both islands for three months.

Tipping in St. Kitts and Nevis

A service charge will generally be included in most your bills. If it isn't, or you'd simply like to reward the service staff for good effort, tip 15 percent in restaurants, 10 percent for taxi rides, and 1-3 percent in hotels.