Day Trips from Kittian Village

From a hotel in Kittian Village, Frigate Bay, three day trips cover almost everything worth seeing: Nevis across the water, the beaches of the South East Peninsula, and the heritage sites of the northwest coast. All three work without a tour, as long as you plan transport.

Nevis

Nevis is the sister island across The Narrows, and the crossing is easy.

  • Passenger ferry: from Basseterre to Charlestown, about 45 to 60 minutes, roughly hourly during the day. Adult fares have been about EC$26 (US$10) one way and about EC$16 for children under 12. Tickets are cash only at the terminal.
  • Water taxi: from the South East Peninsula (the Cockleshell Bay pier, Christophe Harbour or the Park Hyatt pier) to Oualie Beach on Nevis, about 6 to 15 minutes. Shared seats have cost about US$15 to 25 each way; a private boat for up to four is around US$80.
  • Car ferry: the Sea Bridge runs from Major’s Bay to Cades Bay. Many rental contracts do not allow the car to cross, so ask first.

On Nevis, start in Charlestown at the Museum of Nevis History , on the site where Alexander Hamilton was born (in 1755 or 1757; sources differ). It opens Monday to Friday 09:00 to 16:00 and Saturday 09:00 to 12:00, and visitors pay EC$27 (US$10). Then head to Pinney’s Beach, about three miles of sand, where Sunshine’s Beach Bar is known for its Killer Bee rum punch. Montpelier Plantation & Beach, where Horatio Nelson married Frances Nisbet in 1787, serves candlelit dinners in its old stone mill if you stay late. A land taxi from Oualie to Charlestown is about US$20 to 25. Note the last boat back before you set off.

South East Peninsula beaches

The road south from Frigate Bay climbs over Timothy Hill and runs down a quiet peninsula. There is no reliable bus, so take a taxi or drive.

  • South Friars Bay: Carambola Beach Club for a smart lunch on cruise days, and Shipwreck Beach Bar, with snorkelling off the beach and monkeys nearby. Watch the monkeys; do not feed them or pay to pose with one.
  • Cockleshell Bay: Reggae Beach Bar and the Spice Mill restaurant, with Nevis across the strait.
  • Banana Bay: home of the Park Hyatt St Kitts.

Northwest heritage loop

A full day by car or taxi takes in Romney Manor and Caribelle Batik at Old Road (Monday to Friday 09:00 to 15:00, Saturdays November to April), the Wingfield Estate ruins next door, Brimstone Hill Fortress (09:30 to 17:30 daily, US$15) and the Black Rocks lava formations near Saddlers on the Atlantic side. Traffic keeps left; a temporary licence costs EC$62.50.

Tips

  • Carry cash in EC$ (EC$2.70 to US$1) or small US$ notes.
  • Pack water, sun cover and reef-safe sunscreen.

Read more: multi-day trips from Kittian Village and sightseeing on St Kitts .

Nevis boat days are listed at Viator .