St. Kitts and Nevis is a two-island country with very different personalities. St. Kitts is the larger and more rugged island, with a volcanic interior, a historic fortress and a working capital at Basseterre. Nevis, a short ferry ride away, is smaller, quieter and built around plantation inns and beaches. If your resort is on one island, it is worth spending at least a day on the other. This guide sets out what is worth leaving the resort for, how to get around and what to check before you book. We have not listed prices, since they change and we have not verified current rates.

Before you go: the entry form

Visitors need to complete an electronic travel authorization before arrival. Our post on the Saint Kitts and Nevis electronic travel authorization explains what the form involves. Check the official government site for current rules before you fly.

Brimstone Hill Fortress

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park sits on a hill on the northwest coast of St. Kitts and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the British in the 17th and 18th centuries, the fortress has stone ramparts, barracks and cannon, and gives wide views over the sea toward neighbouring islands on a clear day. Allow a couple of hours, wear sturdy shoes, and bring sun protection, since there is limited shade on the upper levels.

Basseterre and the south

Basseterre, the capital, has a compact centre with a circular square known as The Circus, colonial buildings and a cruise port. It is easy to walk in a morning. The southeast peninsula has the island’s best-known beaches, including quiet bays with calm water. Conditions vary, so ask your resort or a local operator about swimming safety before you go. Our guide to resort beaches explains how to read the differences.

Volcano and rainforest hikes

Mount Liamuiga, the volcano that dominates northern St. Kitts, has a crater that can be reached on a guided hike. It is a demanding climb, so go with a licensed guide, and ask honestly about the fitness required and the conditions on your day. Shorter rainforest walks are also available on both islands and suit visitors who want a morning in the hills rather than a full day.

The scenic railway and island tours

A narrow-gauge railway on St. Kitts, built for the sugar industry, now carries visitors around much of the island with commentary and views of old plantation land and the coast. It is a gentle way to see the island, and it is popular with cruise visitors, so check whether your date coincides with large ship arrivals. Taxi tours with a driver-guide are another common option, and they let you stop at viewpoints and sites at your own pace.

Crossing to Nevis

Nevis is reached by a short ferry crossing from Basseterre or by water taxi from the southeast peninsula. The crossing is brief, but schedules and operators change, so check times in advance and plan your return so you do not miss your last boat. Our post on ferries from St. Maarten shows how ferry planning works in the region, and it mentions Nevis as one of the connections.

On Nevis, the main town of Charlestown has the Alexander Hamilton birthplace museum and a small, walkable centre. Pinney’s Beach runs along the west coast and is known for its long stretch of sand and beach bars. Nevis Peak, the central volcano, is usually in cloud at the top and can be climbed with a guide. Plantation inns serve lunch and are popular for an afternoon.

Snorkelling, diving and boat trips

Boat trips, snorkelling and diving operate from both islands. Reef condition, visibility and sea state vary from day to day, so ask the operator what to expect. Our guide to snorkelling from a resort beach covers safety and reef etiquette. If you are prone to seasickness, read our piece on seasickness on resort boat excursions before you book a longer crossing.

Booking excursions

You can book through the resort desk or an independent operator. Resort desks are convenient but sometimes cost more, while independents can be good value but vary in quality. Our guide to resort desk or independent operator explains the trade-offs, and it is worth checking licensing, insurance and cancellation terms in either case.

Getting around

Taxis are the standard way to get around, and drivers often double as guides. Car rental is available, and driving is on the left. Our guide to renting a car at a resort destination covers whether it is worth it for your trip. Allow extra time on mountain roads, and avoid driving after dark if you are unfamiliar with the roads.

A simple plan

For a week, spend one day at Brimstone Hill and Basseterre, one on a railway or island tour, one on the water, and one crossing to Nevis. Keep the rest for the beach. Allow a buffer on any day with a ferry or a long excursion, and tell your resort where you are going.