Located about 40 miles west of Antigua, the volcanic islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are called the “Beautiful Sisters” of the Caribbean and for good reason. Each island is highlighted by a cone-shaped volcanic peak surrounded by lush vegetation, tropical plants, and exotic wildlife. Both islands are English-speaking and the U.S. dollar and major credit cards are widely accepted. They each have an international airport and St. Kitts also has a cruise ship port.
St. Kitts and Nevis are both blessed with an abundance of beaches that range in color from white sand to volcanic black. The azure blue waters that surround the islands are teeming with fish that make snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing some must-do activities. Boating and sailing are not only wonderful ways to get out on the water, but also a great way to the islands with their volcanic peaks from the sea. Horseback riding on the beach is a relaxed way to unwind and view the island scenery.
The interior of both islands offer a multitude of things to do for the active tourist. The volcanic peaks are clothed in lush rainforests that are alive with tropical plants, wildlife, and birds. Hiking to the volcanic summits on both islands and seeing the panoramic views once you get there are breathtaking. Winding rivers form beautiful waterfalls and the rainforests are alive mongoose, green vervet monkeys, and white-tail deer. On St. Kitts the Sugar Train tour is a train ride through the interior to the base of the volcano in air conditioned, double-decker train cars.
A good place to start exploring these two islands is from the capital city of Basse-Terre located on the western coast of St. Kitts. These islands were settled by the British and their influence can be seen and felt everywhere including town squares and obsessions like high-tea and cricket. Day trips can be arranged in Basse-Terre for excursions either out on the water of up into the island’s interiors. It is possible and highly recommended that you visit both St. Kitts and Nevis during your stay as they are only separated by a 2-mile channel. Ferries make the trip from St. Kitts to Nevis many times each day making this an easy day-trip possibility.
Accommodations on both islands are plentiful but are small-scale compared to many other Caribbean islands. They consist mainly of small inns and converted sugar plantation homes. Nevis also has a Four Seasons resort, the only one in the Caribbean. Nightlife consists of an outstanding meal, a fine glass of wine, and the chance to view a hypnotizing sunset.
A trip to St. Kitts and Nevis is a rewarding experience that offers you a slice of Caribbean life that is slightly different from most of the other islands. With plenty to see and do, you may be tired at the end of your vacation but you still won’t want to go home.
