|
|
|
Cruise shops moored at Port Zante |
|
|
St. Kitts-Nevis Travel Info
St. Kitts and Nevis is a two-island Federation that combines pristine beaches with the breathtaking beauty of its mountains. Both islands can boast of rich histories, and have plenty of activities for visitors to engage in. For instance, a number of the buildings formerly devoted to the once-dominant sugar industry have been recycled into plantation estates, where one can enjoy a delicious meal or a restful stay.
St Kitts is the larger island and features plenty of sights to see, from the hustle of intriguing Basseterre and its Port Zante duty-free area to the resort enclave of Frigate Bay. The pristine beaches have fun bars to hang out in, lots of water-related activities. Those who like to do some dancing can do so to their heart’s content at one of the local hotspots. In terms of historical sites, its hard to beat the huge expanse of the Brimstone Fortress.
Nevis touts its awesome volcanic mountain and hometown feel. One can travel around the entire island in under two hours on the main island road. Charlestown is a charming city center, and is great to walk around, in order to check out the neat historical buildings and other sights. The island was the birth of Alexander Hamilton, and there is a house devoted his commemoration.
Climate
Weather-wise, there is no bad time to visit St Kitts and Nevis. The hot Caribbean sun warms both islands on a year-round basis. Winter days average a temperature of 81°F (27°C), while summers reach 86°F (30°C).
Rainfall averages 55" annually, and is fairly consistent throughout the year. Hurricane season is from July to November, and heavy storms can drift in from the eastern Caribbean.
The busiest tourist season starts from around mid-December and goes to mid-April. Price-conscious travelers may want to check out the scene in November and early December.
Documentation
Visitors from most countries need only a passport to enter St Kitts or Nevis, as well as a round-trip or onward ticket.
Air
St Kitts’ modern international airport, Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw Airport is located on the northern outskirts of Basseterre. Nevis’ Vance W. Amory International Airport service is mostly regional.
Some of airlines that travel to St. Kitts and Nevis are:
American Eagle
Delta
LIAT
US Airways
Winair
Boat
Several passenger-only ferry companies provide service between Basseterre and Charlestown. The trip takes 35 to 45 minutes. Fares are generally set at adult/child EC$20/10 one way. There is a small EC$1 port tax going each way. Tickets are sold starting about 30 minutes before sailings. It’s a good idea to arrive early as some boats sell out.
Each ferry company operates by its own schedule. It is a good idea to confirm schedules in advance, which you can do at the ports or tourist offices. Between the various boats there’s service roughly every two hours (less frequently on Sundays).
The ferry services include:
Carib Breeze/Carib Surf (466-6734)
Mark Twain (469-0403)
Sea Hustler (469-0403)
People with vehicles can use the Seabridge services (765-7053), which is a car-ferry service. It links Major’s Bay in the south of St Kitts with Cades Point on Nevis. It operates every two hours during daylight hours. The one-way fare is EC$75 for one car and a driver. Additional passengers cost EC$15. Round-trips cost EC$125.
Money
The official currency in St. Kitts and Nevis is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, although U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere.
Facts about St Kitts & Nevis
Official name - Federation of St Christopher & Nevis
Area - St Kitts: 68 sq miles; Nevis: 36 sq miles
Population - 46,000 (35,000 on St Kitts; 11,000 on Nevis)
Country telephone code - 869
People - Kittitians, Nevisians |
