A first-time guide to St Kitts and Nevis

10.10.2024 - 19:09 / lonelyplanet.com

Oct 9, 2024 • 8 min read

From its mountainous ridge and rich volcanic soil to the nearby ocean reef, Saint Kitts and Nevis in the northern Leewards of the Caribbean is teeming with natural land and water-based attractions and wildlife.

Being a mere 68 square miles (176 square km) in size means everything is conveniently close and easily accessible, whether you are on foot or driving around the countryside.

So whether you're looking to make an escape or make it your home away from home, Saint Kitts and Nevis is considered one of the safest places to visit in the Caribbean. This makes it a perfect destination that should be on your list of must-visit islands.

No matter your interests, there’s never a bad time to visit St. Kitts and Nevis. For those who appreciate leisure and entertainment, the summer season is the perfect time to experience the Saint Kitts Music Festival (June 27 to 29). Visitors are treated to live performances of calypso, soca, reggae, and RnB.

Summer also offers the chance to participate in Nevis’ Culturama festival that runs July to August. Expect larger crowds and an uptick in hotel and flight prices. Christmas time is a great opportunity to visit to take part in carnival celebrations which coincides with holidays. 

Hurricane season typically runs from June to November; September and October carry a higher likelihood of hurricanes due to increased humidity.

A week gives you plenty of time to properly explore both islands. But if you can afford to stay a little longer, you can choose to explore the island at your own pace, free from structured guided tours. 

Now that you have decided to stay longer, travel up the northeastern coast to an area called Black Rocks, a captivating rock formation sculpted by the volcanic activity of Mount Liamuiga.

From there, you can venture all the way down the eastern coast to experience the scenic views at Timothy Hill located on the southeast peninsula, which is quite the lookout point. Definitely a must-see!

Due to the island's relatively small size (174 sq km), if you rent a car and drive without making any stops, it will take around 35 to 45 minutes to drive around the island. If you go down the peninsula, add another 15 minutes to that.

Public transportation via minibuses costs around EC$2.50 to EC$3.00 per person and serves most residential places in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

However, as a visitor, renting a car or hiring a taxi is better for getting to certain places such as the beaches or when you are on the island of Nevis. You can negotiate with your taxi operator – some may be willing to compromise on fixed prices. 

If you are considering renting a car, as well as global brands here I’d recommend choosing a local outfit like C.R.S.K Car Rentals St. Kitts