Green volcanic hills rise above white-sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters. A UNESCO fortress, colonial ruins, and beach bars make this island a laid-back Caribbean escape.
Saint Kitts, an 18-mile long island in the West Indies, has black volcanic beaches and rainforests covering its slopes. You can circle the island on a narrow-gauge railway that passes through old sugar plantations, walk through the stone corridors of Brimstone Hill Fortress from the 1700s, or watch rum being made at the oldest operating distillery in the Caribbean. During the Sugar Mas festival, which runs for six weeks each winter, you'll hear calypso music and see costumed dancers performing in the streets.
Getting Around Saint Kitts
Regular boats connect Saint Kitts to Nevis from the Basseterre Ferry Terminal. The St. Kitts Scenic Railway starts near the airport and takes you on a 3-hour journey along the island's coastline. Taxis run between major locations - ask for the fare before starting your journey, as taxis don't use meters. If you want to explore independently, you can rent a car, but remember to drive on the left side of the road.
Exploring Brimstone Hill Fortress
Brimstone Hill Fortress sits 800 feet above the Caribbean Sea, built by British military engineers in the 1700s. The limestone walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are several feet thick. You can explore the restored barracks, see the original cannons, and learn about the battles fought here. On clear days, you can spot three neighboring islands from the fortress grounds: Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, and Saba.
Sugar Mas Festival Experience
From December through January, the Sugar Mas festival brings daily celebrations to Saint Kitts. Moko jumbies (stilt walkers) dance in street parties, and local musicians compete in calypso contests. You can try traditional foods like saltfish patties and goat water stew from street vendors. The festival ends with the Grand Parade, where steel pan bands play and masquerade troops dance through the streets of Basseterre.
Beaches and Water Activities
The Atlantic and Caribbean sides of Saint Kitts have different beach conditions. Waves on the northern Atlantic beaches reach heights good for surfing, while the southern Caribbean waters stay calm enough for swimming and snorkeling. At South Friars Bay Beach, you can see tropical fish in the clear water, and from Cockleshell Bay, you can look across the strait to Nevis. Each March, swimmers compete in the Cross Channel Swim, covering the 2.5 miles between Nevis and Saint Kitts.
Practical Information
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the local currency, with a fixed rate of 2.7 to one US dollar. You can use both currencies at most businesses, and ATMs give out Eastern Caribbean dollars. December to April brings dry weather and the most visitors. From May to November, check weather reports for hurricane warnings. You need a valid passport to visit, but stays under 90 days don't require a tourist visa.
