Compulation of information for St Kitts

[Ziggy7]

St. Kitts

In the late 18th century, the massive fortress of Brimstone Hill was known as "The Gibraltar of the West Indies." Built of black volcanic rock (then called "brimstone"), it was held at times by both the English and French, but was a neglected, almost forgotten legacy when efforts to restore it began in 1965. Today the fort, with one of grandest views in all the Caribbean, is a national park and the island's historical centerpiece.

But you don't have to be a history buff to get caught up in charms of St. Kitts. This is mostly a low-key island, but shoppers can survey duty-free bargains in the capital of Basseterre, while hikers can tackle a variety of mountain and cloud forest trails in the green interior - including a trek to a crater lake in the caldera of Mount Liamuiga volcano. Meanwhile, greens of a more manicured variety can be found at the championship Royal St. Kitts Golf Course (designed by Peter Thompson, five-time winner of the British Open).

And like sister island Nevis, just two miles away, sun and sand are never in short supply - at least nowadays. Until recent years, the best beaches (on the southeastern end of St. Kitts) were mostly inaccessible except by boat. Now a new road has paved the way, to coin a phrase, to a series of classic, secluded white-sand strands.

BEACHES

Body surfers can get whomped to their heart's content at North Frigate Bay (on the Atlantic side) and recover at South Frigate Bay (on the Caribbean side), where the water is calm and rum punch is refreshing. But to escape the crowds, keep heading south to nearby South Friar's Bay, where the combination of white-sand beach and fine snorkeling is hard to beat, and Sand Bank Bay, a secluded crescent that just may be the island's best beach.

DIVING

Wreck divers take note: More than 400 shipwrecks lie full fathom five (more or less) in the waters surrounding St. Kitts and neighboring Nevis. One of the most-visited is the River Taw, a 144-foot freighter in just 50 feet of water in 1985. Already home to thriving corals and clouds of reef fish, it's ranked among the top wreck dives in the West Indies.

SIGHTSEEING

The Circus in Basseterre has nothing to do with tents and clowns. Instead, it's a Victorian roundabout, complete with four-sided clock - a dead ringer for London's Piccadilly Circus when it was built here at town center in the 1860s. Lined with shops and restaurants, it's a good place to begin (and end) a tour of the capital. Walk a block east to Independence Square, once a slave market and now Basseterre's commercial center. Then head south to the colorful public market on Bay Road before making your way to St. George's Anglican Church; first built by Jesuits in 1670, it has been leveled several times, but its Georgian style dates to the 1860s.

Blasts from the Past

British-built Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about ten miles west of Basseterre on St. Kitts, is where most people start looking into local history. Take several more steps back in time by visiting the nearby Wingfield Manor Estate, where a natural gallery of prehistoric Carib petroglyphs lines the entrance. The Museum of Nevis History in Charlestown displays some of the island's oldest artifacts in its most historic building, an early residence of American statesman Alexander Hamilton.

Summit Meetings

On St. Kitts, gaze down into Mount Liamuiga's dormant crater. Sign up with Greg's Safaris (tel. 869-465-4121) for an ascent through virgin rain forest and a picnic lunch on the site of a colonial sugar mill. When the crest of Nevis Peak isn't stuck in the clouds, views from the top can stretch all the way to Antigua and Guadeloupe. To hire a guide, contact the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society in Charlestown; tel. 869-469-5786.

Beaching It

The nicest white-sand stretches on St. Kitts lie along the Southeast Peninsula and include Sand Bank Bay, Cockleshell Bay, and Banana Bay. The north end's gray volcanic coastlines are less swimmer-friendly, but windsurfers and snorkelers love Dieppe Bay. On Nevis, check out Pinney's Beach, a favorite near the Four Seasons. The Atlantic coast is rocky and rough, but if you have a surfboard, try White Bay beach in the southeast.

Road Rules

Car rentals from all the major companies start at around $40 per day for a compact, with weekly discounts. You'll need a driving permit (about $20); to get one, present your license at the Traffic Department at the police station in Basseterre (St. Kitts) or Charlestown (Nevis). Keep left. Taxis are prevalent, and drivers commonly double as tour guides, especially worth hiring on Nevis's potholed and cattle-strewn roads. Interisland ferry services (MV Sea Hustler; $8 round-trip; tel. 869-466-4636) and water taxis ($20 to $30 one way; call Kenneth Samuel at 860-465-2670) make several one-hour crossings between St. Kitts and Nevis daily. Shuttle flights with Nevis Express are even faster ($70 round-trip; tel. 869-469-9755).

Web Headings

Official government site: St. Kitts & Nevis - Information and Travel Resource

For St. Kitts: Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

For Nevis: NEVISISLAND.COM

For links: StKittsNevis.info - The St. Kitts & Nevis Travel Guide

[Ziggy7]

Here is information I found about St. Kitts by others!

"After reading about wearing no yellow, orange, and green in Jamaica if there was an upcoming election, I wondered if there might be "clothing issues" on other Caribbean Islands so I started checking the islands where we have cruise stops in January.

After reading some general warnings on Camouflage Clothing in St. Kitts ... I did a Google Search * "St.Kitts Camouflage Clothing" to get more info. There are quite a few.

Seems absolute NO camouflage clothing is allowed -- even on chlildren. I liked the one about women not wearing a camouflage bikini."

"ILLEGAL ITEMS

There are harsh penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs, and strict regulations for exporting or importing firearms, ammunition and explosives. It is an offence, even for children, to wear camouflage clothing.

For more information call the Customs & Excise Department at 869/466-7227

Here's the link that lists it.

St. Kitts & Nevis travel information: St. Kitts & Nevis vacation guide, info on hotels, resorts, beaches & more - Caribbean.com"

[Ziggy7]

Eden Brown Estate (St. Kitts/Nevis)

Haunted by a bride-to-be whose husband was killed in a duel the night before their wedding, visitors to this island estate may catch a glimpse of her ghost weeping and wailing.

[Ziggy7]

Shopping opportunities start within a few hundred feet of the cruise ship dock (lots of new "duty free" shops in Port Zante) and continues on into the town of Basseterre. You can shop all day long if you wish and never be more than a 10 minute walk from your ship. Just remember, in St. Kitts they will take American dollars but give change in Eastern Caribbean dollars, so be sure to take smaller denominations of U S bills when you go ashore. Upon disembarkation, cruise ship visitors are greeted by cultural acts, displays and exhibitions, as well as many ground operators offering various island excursions. The duty-free shopping district on Port Zante, where fine jewelry, liquor and souvenirs are available along with restaurants, is just past this area. Immediately beyond the shops lies Pelican Mall, the ground floor of which houses the headquarters of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. Here, brochures can be picked up and inquires made.

GETTING AROUND

You are much better off hiring a taxi/guide to give you a tour of the island. You'll see pretty much everything the Scenic Railway people see but you'll also be able to stop and explore the petroglyphs, the Batik Factory at Romney Manner, the Fortress at Brimstone Hill, the Black Rocks, the beaches of the southern peninsula, old plantation ruins, churches and places of historical interest (all of which are not part of the Scenic Railway tour) and still have time for a nice leisurely lunch, and afternoon drink at a beach bar, a little shopping and maybe even a quick swim in the Caribbean.

There will be plenty of cabs meeting your ship at the dock in Port Zante. You can hire one for a half day or full day, tell the driver/guide what type of things you like to see and do and leave everything up to the driver. It's the best way to see the island. Expect to pay around $60US for a "half island" tour. You may be able to hire a cab for around $25 per hour, however, some drivers/guides put a limit of 3 hours on each tour. Check around and ask before you hire.

[Ziggy7]

Shopping:

St. Kitts & Nevis: Shopping PerfumeCaribbean-On-Line also offers a full line of perfume through our affiliation with the Perfume Emporium. Shop Perfume Emporium and save up to 70% off on over 5,000 designer fragrances.

Caribbean Rums Cruzan Dark is just one of hundreds of Caribbean Rums you can find from our partners at internetwines.com. It's great in Painkillers! You can purchase Cruzan Dark and many other VI rums from internetwines.com.

The area code for all numbers is 869 On St. Kitts:

1. Ashburry's ...465-8175

A wonderful selection of fabulous perfumes, timepieces, pens, leather, sunglasses, sun-care items, giftware and crystal.

2. Splash Boutique ...465-9640

Tropical wear ranging from designer bathing suits, t-shirts, straw bags & hats to locally made crafts, gifts and unique handmade jewelry.

3. Walls Deluxe Record & Bookshop ...465-2159

A great source for Caribbean guidebooks, music, maps, greeting cards, games, puzzles and more.

On Nevis: Adams Afro-Caribbean Art and Craft

Locally made crafts and souvenirs, Afro-Caribbean carvings, curios, paintings, greeting and postcards. ...469-0657 Island Fever ...469-9613

A fully fledged "resort boutique" from swimwear to island elegant. Including silver jewelry, gifts, local arts & crafts and unique original locally printed custom t-shirts. Knick Knacks Boutique ...469-5784

A great gift store specializing in crafts, local souvenirs and other hand-painted items.

[Ziggy7]

St. Kitts & Nevis: Things To Do

St. Kitt's and Nevis, while small islands, are packed with fantastic views, lovely, quiet beaches, lush landscapes and rich history.

On St. Kitts:

Because of its location St. Kitts has historical significance as a strategic entry point into the sugar-plantation-rich Caribbean islands. Journey along the western coastal road to Brimstone Hill Fortress , one of the island's most significant strongholds from the past, nicknamed "Gibraltar of the West Indies" for its impressive size. Here you will have spectacular views of Montserrat,

Nevis, Saba, St. Martin and St. Barts. The fort has been restored and became a national park in 1985. It's constructed of 7-foot-thick brimstone walls and displays definitive defensive architecture.

A bit further south on Bloody Point, visit the site of Stone Fort (St. Kitts Map G-5), where there was an uprising of the native population and thousands of the original Caribs were massacred in 1626 by French and English forces.

Onward to Basseterre, capital of St. Kitts, and one of the most beautiful towns in the Caribbean. The past can be seen in the colonial architecture surrounding Independence Square , originally built for slave auctions and renamed in 1983 to honor political independence. On the east side of the square is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Another imposing edifice is St. George's Anglican Church, originally named Notre Dame by the French. Its graveyard has stones dating back to the early 18th century. For a more lively experience, stop by the colorful market in town, busiest on Saturdays, where you can buy juicy local fruits and vegetables.

The Circus , fashioned after London's Picadilly Circus, is considered the heart of town. In its center stands the Berkeley Memorial Clock, an ornate green bronze structure. The Circus is ringed with colonial buildings now housing shops and restaurants. South of The Circus is the domed Treasury Building, a reminder of the riches found in these islands in the heyday of the sugar plantation. Shops in Basseterre worth a visit include the Spencer Cameron Art Gallery , which has a fine collection of prints and original Caribbean art. If you'd like to pick up unusual, locally made souvenirs, stop by Glass Island , which produces glass items ranging from earrings and pendants to picture frames and platters. The southern end of St. Kitts affords fabulous white sand beaches for swimming, while on the eastern shore and in the north there are striking black volcanic beaches. The Atlantic tradewinds make both St. Kitts and Nevis ideal to windsurf and sail. There are dozens of unexplored wrecks for the diving devotee as well as gamefish for the fishing enthusiast. Ask at your hotel for information on charters and dive shops.

On Nevis:

You will find more stunning natural beauty on the quieter sister island, Nevis. While St. Kitts has an extinct volcano, of Mount Liamuiga, quite worthy of a climb, Nevis offers Nevis Peak at its center. Rain forests abound as well as the interesting fauna and often medicinal flora. Inquire at your hotel for eco-tour information.

Among several fantastic beaches on Nevis is Pinneys Beach , renowned for its silky white sugar sand and calm waters. Oualie Beach , located in a cove, is perfect for diving and snorkeling. The center of Nevis is Charlestown, also steeped in history. While in town visit the Museum of Nevis History at the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton. This interesting museum houses exhibits which explain the geological formation of the island, its history and prehistory. Stop in and browse afterwards at the little gift shop here. Also worth a look is the Horatio Nelson Museum , which commemorates the life of Admiral Nelson. The well-kept Jewish Cemetery affords a quiet respite with the residents of Nevis who have rested there as far back as 1679.

At the Nevis Handicraft Cooperative you might buy the folks back home homemade jellies and preserves, chutneys and hot sauces. For more local artifacts visit Newcastle Pottery, where you can watch potters mold, then fire red clay cook pots (called "yaba" by Rastafarians) over burning coconut shells.

Don't miss the St. Kitts and Nevis Philatelic Bureaux, which issue colorful postage stamps depicting island flora and fauna, considered by collectors to be among the best in the Caribbean.

[Ziggy7]

St. Kitts & Nevis Restaurants!

The area code for all numbers is 869

On St. Kitts:

1. Circus Grill Bar & Restaurant ...465-0143

Serving Caribbean and International cuisine, in a great open-air setting overlooking the heart of town, or inside the enclosed dining area for lunch or dinner.

2. Doo Wop Days Italian Cafe ...465-1960

An Italian cafe and bar decorated with rock & roll memorabilia from the 50's, 60's & 70's with karaoke and dancing on Saturday nights.

3. Star of India ...466-1537

Serving authentic Indian food that will make your eyes spring water with delight. Their delicious dishes and ambience will make you think you are in India, and you do not require a passport.

4. Tiffany's Bar and Grill ...466-8433

Dine while watching the planes taking off or landing in the Restaurant Lounge located in the general area or enjoy the self service bar in the departure lounge.

5. Turtle Beach Bar & Grill ...469-9086

An open-air restaurant on the beach with 2 bars and spectacular views. Serving fresh grilled seafood, BBQ dishes, frozen cocktails and their own famous mango colada.

On Nevis:

1. Botanical Garden of Nevis ...469-3509

Dine at Martha's Tea House at the Botanical Gardens, overlooking exotic gardens, tropical plants from around the world, fountains, ponds and sculptures in an 8 acre setting. An eclectic menu serving breakfast and lunches, drinks and teas.

2. Jade Restaurant & Day Spa ...469-9564

Italian healthy cuisine, gourmet brick oven pizza's, deli sandwiches, salads, West Indian fruit platters and a fresh juice bar.

[Ziggy7]

***Remember, in St. Kitts they will take American dollars but give change in Eastern Caribbean dollars, so be sure to take smaller denominations of U S bills when you go ashore.

*** Also, it is illegal, even for children, to wear camouflage clothing on St. Kitts and Nevis.

Sightseeing:

St. Kitts

Upon disembarkation, cruise ship visitors are greeted by cultural acts, displays and exhibitions, as well as many ground operators offering various island excursions.

Because of its location St. Kitts has historical significance as a strategic entry point into the sugar-plantation-rich Caribbean islands. Journey along the western coastal road to Brimstone Hill Fortress, one of the island's most significant strongholds from the past, nicknamed "Gibraltar of the West Indies" for its impressive size. Here you will have spectacular views of Montserrat, Nevis, Saba, St. Martin and St. Barts. The fort has been restored and became a national park in 1985. It's constructed of 7-foot-thick brimstone walls and displays definitive defensive architecture.

A bit further south on Bloody Point, visit the site of Stone Fort, where there was an uprising of the native population and thousands of the original Caribs were massacred in 1626 by French and English forces.

Onward to Basseterre, capital of St. Kitts, and one of the most beautiful towns in the Caribbean. The past can be seen in the colonial architecture surrounding Independence Square, originally built for slave auctions and renamed in 1983 to honor political independence.

On the east side of the square is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Another imposing edifice is St. George's Anglican Church, originally named Notre Dame by the French. Its graveyard has stones dating back to the early 18th century.

For a more lively experience, stop by the colorful market, in town, busiest on Saturdays, where you can buy juicy local fruits and vegetables.

The Circus, fashioned after London's Picadilly Circus, is considered the heart of town. In its center stands the Berkeley Memorial Clock, an ornate green bronze structure. The Circus is ringed with colonial buildings now housing shops and restaurants.

South of The Circus is the domed Treasury Building, a reminder of the riches found in these islands in the heyday of the sugar plantation.

Shops in Basseterre worth a visit include the Spencer Cameron Art Gallery, which has a fine collection of prints and original Caribbean art.

If you'd like to pick up unusual, locally made souvenirs, stop by Glass Island, which produces glass items ranging from earrings and pendants to picture frames and platters.

Nevis:

When the crest of Nevis Peak isn't stuck in the clouds, views from the top can stretch all the way to Antigua and Guadeloupe. To hire a guide, contact the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society in Charlestown; tel. 869-469-5786.

You will find more stunning natural beauty on the quieter sister island, Nevis. While St. Kitts has an extinct volcano, of Mount Liamuiga, quite worthy of a climb, Nevis offers Nevis Peak at its center.

Rain forests abound as well as the interesting fauna and often medicinal flora. Inquire at your hotel for eco-tour information.

The center of Nevis is Charlestown, also steeped in history. While in town visit the Museum of Nevis History at the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton. This interesting museum houses exhibits which explain the geological formation of the island, its history and prehistory. Stop in and browse afterwards at the little gift shop here.

Also worth a look is the Horatio Nelson Museum, which commemorates the life of Admiral Nelson. The well-kept Jewish Cemetery affords a quiet respite with the residents of Nevis who have rested there as far back as 1679.

At the Nevis Handicraft Cooperative, you might buy the folks back home homemade jellies and preserves, chutneys and hot sauces.

For more local artifacts visit Newcastle Pottery, where you can watch potters mold, then fire red clay cook pots (called "yaba" by Rastafarians) over burning coconut shells.

Don't miss the St. Kitts and Nevis Philatelic Bureaux, which issue colorful postage stamps depicting island flora and fauna, considered by collectors to be among the best in the Caribbean.

Excursion Ideas:

1.) Play a round of golf at the championship Royal St. Kitts Golf Course (designed by Peter Thompson, five-time winner of the British Open). Greens of a more manicured variety can be found at there.

2.) For an ascent through virgin rain forest and a picnic lunch on the site of a colonial sugar mill try Greg's Safaris. It's rate the # 1 tour in St. Kitts by TripAdvisor.

Greg's Safaris Tropical Rain Forests Island Tours

3.) You can hire a cab for a half day or full day, tell the driver/guide what type of things you like to see and do and leave everything up to the driver. It's the best way to see the island. Expect to pay around $60 US for a "half island" tour. You may be able to hire a cab for around $25 per hour, however, some drivers/guides put a limit of 3 hours on each tour. Check around and ask before you hire.

Example tour: you can see pretty much everything the Scenic Railway (you can only book the Railroad through Princess) people see but you'll also be able to stop and explore the petroglyphs, the Batik Factory at Romney Manner, the Fortress at Brimstone Hill, the Black Rocks, the beaches of the southern peninsula, old plantation ruins, churches and places of historical interest (all of which are not part of the Scenic Railway tour) and still have time for a nice leisurely lunch, and afternoon drink at a beach bar, a little shopping and maybe even a quick swim in the Caribbean.

Here's a private tour company that has gotten good reviews and he has four different tours.

http://www.thenfordgrey.com/stkittsshoreexcursions.html

Continued on next post:

[Ziggy7]

Beaches:

St. Kitts

North Frigate Bay (on the Atlantic side)

Body surfers can get whomped to their heart's content.

South Frigate Bay (on the Caribbean side)

Relax on the beach where the water is calm and rum punch is refreshing.

South Friar's Bay

A great place to escape the crowds, where the combination of white-sand beach and fine snorkeling is hard to beat.

Sand Bank Bay

A secluded crescent that just may be the island's best beach.

Cockleshell Bay and Banana Bay

The nicest white-sand stretches on St. Kitts.

Dieppe Bay

Less swimmer-friendly, but windsurfers and snorkelers love this place.

Nevis

Pinney's Beach

Renowned for its silky white sugar sand and calm waters.

Oualie Beach

Located in a cove, is perfect for diving and snorkeling.

Transportation:

Car rentals from all the major companies start at around $40 per day for a compact, with weekly discounts. You'll need a driving permit (about $20); to get one, present your license at the Traffic Department at the police station in Basseterre (St. Kitts) or Charlestown (Nevis). Keep left.

Taxis are prevalent, and drivers commonly double as tour guides, especially worth hiring on Nevis's potholed and cattle-strewn roads.

How to get to Nevis:

Interisland ferry services (MV Sea Hustler; $8 round-trip; tel. 869-466-4636)

Water taxis ($20 to $30 one way; call Kenneth Samuel at 860-465-2670) make several one-hour crossings between St. Kitts and Nevis daily.

Shuttle flights with Nevis Express are even faster ($70 round-trip; tel. 869-469-9755).

Links to Websites:

St. Kitts & Nevis - Information and Travel Resource

Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

NEVISISLAND.COM

StKittsNevis.info - The St. Kitts & Nevis Travel Guide

St. Kitts & Nevis travel information: St. Kitts & Nevis vacation guide, info on hotels, resorts, beaches & more - Caribbean.com

http://www.carols-cruise-port-itineraries.com/StKitts.htm

[Ziggy7]

"Our tour for this island is with Thenford Grey of Grey's Island Excursions. We found a lot of great reviews about this man here on CC.

We will be going on his "Capital and Beach Splash tour. This is a 5 hour tour that is broken into 2 hours land and 3 hours beach.

During the land part we will tour the capital city of Basseterre and will make brief stops at Independence Square, Cathedral of St. John's Basseterre, The Circus, Fort Thomas and Sir Timothy Hill.

For the beach part, we are researching Frigate, Friar's, or Cockelshell Beach and will pick the best one for our needs (beauty, loungers, shade, bar, snorkeling, etc).

The cost for this great tour is ONLY $25 per person, which you will pay in US dollars at the beginning of the tour. Thenford will provide water for us but no drinks or food with this tour. I have asked him to provide a cooler for us so we can bring some drinks with us.

We will depart at 8:30 am and will get back to the ship at approximately 1.30 pm. This will give you 2 hours to still go shopping if you so desire."

You can check out his website here:

http://www.spencerambrosetours.com/about.htm