Saint Kitts & Nevis

So your looking for some fun, sun and fresh air? 

Boy have you got the right place!

This page is dedicated to everything Saint Kitts & Nevis related!

Looking to get the most out of your trip and not entirely sure what to do once you get this lush tropical paradise?

Look no further!

This is my TOP 10 list of things to do and see when in Nevis!

1. Beaches

Of course we have to start the list with one of the most obvious things you’ve probably traveled hundreds of miles from whatever arctic tundra you crawled from to see. Rest assured my friend, you’ve selected a choice island to visit!

You’ve got quite a few selections when it comes to beaches. Pinney’s beach tends to be one of the more popular beaches with is list of hot beach bars such as the Double Deuce, Sunshine’s & Turtles. If you’re bored and looking for someplace to nurse a cold one and just relax, this is one of the main bar scenes on the island.

Of course there are other beach bar locations, Oualie beach and Nisbetts being one of my favorites. You could also bring your own liquid libations and just relax one of the less populated beaches such as Paradise, Lover’s Beach, and Herbert’s Beach.

View the map below for each spot and their location!

2. Ruins

Of course not as ancient as the coliseum, but Nevis has got a very interesting history and equally interesting list of ruins you can walk / hike to. Some ruins have been preserved and converted into houses, office and hotels! Some of the most accessible ruins being; Cottle Church, Nisbetts Plantation Inn, Montpelier, Bath Hotel and even the government house (Although you’re not allowed to enter under normal circumstances and people actually live there).

If you want to enjoy a quick hike, Mont Travers is a quick 1 hour away from Pinney’s beach bar strip. Ask at one of the restaurants, such as the Double Deuce, for directions to find the entrance. Best of all, once you’ve gotten back, sit and have a cold one or take a refreshing dip!

3. Downtown - Charlestown

Although not one of the biggest or bustling cities you’ve probably ever seen. Charlestown, the capital and city center for Nevis is a must see. I recommend grabbing a drink on the balcony of one the restaurants downtown on a Friday afternoon. It’s a great place to just hang out, people watch and get a great idea of what island life is really like!

Don’t expect to shop till you drop here though. Although you may find a few nick knacks around town, most of the shopping is done in small boutiques or in shopping centers outside of town.

4. Saddle Hill

One of the great things about Nevis is the variety of hiking options. Some of the more intense hike tends to need a guide; however there are few places that are very accessible that you don’t need a guide. One such place would be Saddle Hill, named after its surprising resemblance… you guessed it, a saddle.

This hill has a beautiful lookout that has an almost endless view of the Caribbean Sea and one a particularly clear day, you could see neighboring island of Montserrat and sometimes Antigua. This hike should take max about 4 hours and not particularly hard. The last time I went the path was also very easy to find and not much chances of getting lost due to the high elevation you get a good baring of where you are.

5. The Source

Another great hike for Nevis would be the Source hike. Roam around in lush tropical vegetation and enjoy cool fresh spring water from one of the main sources of water for the island (thus called the source). This hike is a tad bit more challenging that Saddle Hill, roughly takes about 6 hours.

This hike takes you through lush, untouched rain forest, crossing small streams for finally arriving at your final destination, the source. The end is basically a steep, mossy wall face with a small water fall. Depending on the season, this water fall may be a small trickle to a steady stream. There’s also a rusty old lady scaling the face of the 120ft tall rock cliff that leads you to a small pond at the top of the face.

6. Water Fall Hike

Recently discovered, this one is a must see. I have to admit; over my numerous trips to the island I still have not had the privilege of visiting it yet. It is on the top of my bucket list however! This hike takes you through lush rain forest, into the mountain and ends at a small rain forest and pound. It’s a great trek, a lot of vegetation and at the end you can take a quick plunge to cool yourself off!

7. Caves

This one might be a little harder to find. There are a few local guides who might be able to point them out to you, however they are few. They are located in the Fountain area and not all that difficult to get to. The caves are located on the property of an abandon sugar plantation on the side of a hill. Most of the buildings, although hidden by tall trees are still standing and very spooky!

The caves were said to be endless and slaves from the nearby plantation would run away into the caves never to be seen or heard of again. I tried entering at some point but you’ll be overwhelmed by the complete and total darkness if no flashlights on hand. I can see how it would be easy to get lost. 

8. Snorkeling / Diving

What Caribbean island would be complete without a list of hot dive spots to visit? 

Among the regular reefs and shallow spots one could leisurely explore, between between St Kitts and Nevis there are a number of interesting places one could scuba that are easily accessible. I would strongly recommend going with an organized dive group when visiting these locations as some of them may be a little hard to find.

Some of the more interesting place include MV River Taw, MV Talata, Tug Boat, Brassball (Wrecks), The Vents (Volcanic site), Brimstone Shallows, Coconut Tree, Nags Head, Monkey Shoals, Coral Gardens.

Another possible dive spot is the location of the MV Christena, a passenger ferry which capsized on August 1st, 1970 and took the lives of approximately 209 of the 300 passengers on board. This locations is not normally offered by dive groups but may be requested on a private tour.

9. Mount Nevis Hike

Compared to the other two hikes listed before, this one is by far the most challenging and rewarding of the two. Climbing Nevis Peak can be a grueling 8 hour hike up, at some points,80 degree inclines and mountain sides. I attempted this hike when I was at the peak of my physical fitness and I still found it grueling and almost gave up half way. How ever the view from the top is nothing but breathtaking.

I would recommend this for adults, in generally good physical fitness level who enjoy a challenge. The feeling of being on top of the work is extremely worth it!

10. Hot Springs

With all the walking and hiking you might be doing throughout your trip, what better way to end it than taking a nice soak in the natural hot springs on the island. This is a great place to go an relax in the evenings.

The springs tend be popular in the evening between 6 - 9 pm, after this you may have a few stranglers but the areas tends to be much quieter. I will warn any of you venturing to the springs, you may run across a few people in the buff. Your more likely to run across this later at night but there are some body confident people who aren't afraid to "bare it all" at any time of the day!