St. Kitts, St. Kitts

St. Kitts

The beautiful island of St. Kitts is like no other island in the Caribbean, with a quarter of its land designated a national park. The island has much to offer whether its simply bathing in the glorious sunshine, diving the clear seas or zip-lining across the treetops, there's something here for all tastes.

Beaches

For white sand beaches and the clear blue waters of the Caribbean, head for the south coast peninsula on the island of St Kitts. For water-sports try Turtle Beach, Turtle Bay and Frigate Bay; soak up the lively atmosphere at Friar's Bay and go snorkeling at White House Bay. For seclusion try Banana Bay and for beautiful views to St Nevis, relax on the long sands of Cockleshell Bay. On the west coast you can go diving and snorkeling at Pump Bay.

The Atlantic coast beaches tend to have darker sands. On the east coast, Half Moon Bay and Conaree Bay are good for bodyboarding and surfing and, on the north coast, Dieppe Bay is ideal for swimming and snorkelling over the reef.

Things to Do

Watersports are high on the list of activities on St Kitts. There is a kite boarding school at Frigate Bay which caters to all abilities and a watersports centre at Cockleshell Bay where you can hire kayaks, jet skis, sail boats and snorkeling gear. Snorkeling and diving opportunities are a plenty as there are numerous reefs surrounding the island, as well as a number of wrecks and caves for more experienced divers to explore.

Sunset cruises, catamaran cruises around the coast and boat trips to the sister island of St Nevis are readily available as are deep sea fishing trips.

For a scenic round of golf, Royal St Kitts Golf Club boasts an 18 hole championship course with views to both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Go zip-lining through the rain forests for panoramic views over the lush green landscape of St Kitts or for beautiful views in a far more sedate fashion, board the train and take a tour along the historic narrow gauge track with the St Kitts Scenic Railway.

Out and About

Plenty of beach bars, live music, beach parties and barbecues can be found in and around Frigate Bay and Friars Bay. The most vibrant bars and restaurants on the island are centred around The Strip at Frigate Bay, where nightlife continues into the early hours.

In Bassetterre, the capital, there are shops and art galleries in the small shopping malls offering local and colourful items as well as the duty free shops at the Circus. The Craft House is worth a visit for unusual items hand-crafted by local artisans.

Nearby Attractions

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is home to a well preserved 17th century fortress, surrounded by bastions and officers quarters, set into a scenic hillside on the west coast.

Take a tour of the carefully restored 300 year old plantation house and 2.5 acre landscaped grounds of Fairview Great House and Botanical Gardens and maybe stop for a West Indian afternoon tea.

Set in 10 acres of majestic grounds, the 17th century Romney Manor is home to a huge old Saman Tree and the highly acclaimed Caribelle Batik. Stroll around the beautiful gardens and watch the batik artists at work.