St Kitts and Nevis Travel Tips

Intoxicating natural beauty, sunny skies, warm waters, and white sandy beaches combine to make St. Kitts one of the most seductive spots in the Caribbean. That is how the St. Kitts tourism authority describes the island.
Not to be out done, the Nevis tourism authority has this to say: Nevis is one of the most unspoilt and relaxing islands in the Caribbean. Vividly green with blue skies, clean air and long empty beaches, Nevis has a pace of life that encourages you to stop and appreciate all the natural beauty around you. It’s a very special place famed for its charm and the easy-going genuineness of its people. Come and discover this remarkable jewel for yourself.

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is an independent country that is also a member of the Commonwealth. The country consist of two islands, Saint Kitts Island and Nevis islands.

The name of St Kitts is a shorten form of Saint Christopher. Early maps of the region mistakenly labeled the island as Saint Christopher Island. Nearby Saba is the island that originally was given the name of Saint Christopher Island. Kitts was commonly used as a nickname for Christopher and over time the island was called Saint Kitts. The constitution of the federation accepts both versions of the name. The land mass of the two islands total 261 km2 (101 sq mi) and have a population of about 55,000 people.

In this page you will find practical information to plan a scuba diving trip to St Kitts and Nevis:

Where to stay?

I usually use this website to book in advance my hotels in St Kitts and Nevis as they usually have the lowest rates I find. I like it because it's free to cancel and change the dates.

While tourism is very important to St. Kitts and Nevis they have not allowed it to overcome the history and culture of the islands. In too many tourist destinations around the worlds, the local culture has been hidden by high rise hotel chains and all inclusive resorts.

You will find that the accommodations on the islands still maintain the local identity. Here you will find local guest houses and resorts that were once plantation homes. You will become a temporary resident in the sense that you will have a great deal of interaction with the locals. Locals that treat you as a welcome guest to their homes, restaurants and places of entertainment.

Activities and excursions in St Kitts and Nevis

In addition to the outstanding scuba diving, St. Kitts and Nevi has a great deal of other activities for you. The islands are well know for its beaches and water sports. You will find the full range of colored beaches. The black sand beaches along the north coast of St. Kitts to the white sand beaches in the south of St. Kitts and on Nevis. Kite boarding and wind surfers will find perfect conditions. Those who love deep water fishing will think they died and went to heaven.

Hiking into the untamed interior wilderness of the islands is a highlight for anyone that enjoys a wilderness experience. There are choices for easy walks to mountain climbing. If walking is not your thing, then do it on horseback.

A must do is the scenic railway. The St. Kitts Scenic Railway was built between 1912 and 1926 to transport sugar cane from the island’s sugar plantations to the sugar factory in the capital city of Basseterre. Today, the railway is a part of a 3-hour tour that makes a 30-mile circle around St. Kitts. The passengers travel 18 miles by narrow gauge train and finish the loop with 12 miles on sightseeing buses. The St. Kitts Scenic Railway is the last remaining “Railway in the West Indies”. It provides visitors an unsurpassed opportunity to experience the scenery and culture of this unspoiled country.

Best time to visit St Kitts and Nevis

The peak season of the year for tourism in St. Kitts and Nevis is from December to the beginning of April.

The weather is dry and December temperatures average around 81°F (27°C). The highlight is the wintertime Carnival in December.

The hurricane season runs from July to October with July temperature reaching about 86°F (30°C). Many hotels close in the off season. Between the peak season and the hurricane season is a few months with great weather conditions and fewer tourist.

Health and Safety

Healthcare in St. Kitts and Nevis is considered to be adequate at international standards for routine medical needs. There are three government hospitals on St. Kitts and one on Nevis. The Joseph N. France General Hospital on St. Kitts is also a major trauma center. Cases beyond the scope of the hospital are generally evacuated to Puerto Rico. There are no private hospitals in the country but there are 17 private clinics. The nearest decompression chamber is in Saba.

The country’s law and order ranking is very good. The crime rate is very low and it is considered a safe destination. As with any location a low crime rate does not mean no crime. Normal safety prcautions should be taken at all times.

If you are planning an upcoming dive trip or travelling to St Kitts and Nevis, it is a really good idea to invest in travel insurance for scuba diving, because you never know what could happen and when you might need it (because accidents do happen!). I recommend this diving insurance as they offer worldwide coverage and focus on providing scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Where is St Kitts and Nevis located in the world?

St Kitts and Nevis are islands of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles.

How to get to St Kitts and Nevis?

Both islands have their own international airport, however, the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw (RLB) International Airport, on St Kitts has more long distance air service. Tourist will find a number of international airlines providing direct service from Europe, the United States and Canada. Short haul connections are also available from Puerto Rico, St Thomas USVI, and St. Martins. Seasonally other connections are available.

Cruise ships also bring passengers for the day.

Do I need a visa for St Kitts and Nevis?

St. Kitts and Nevis allows citizens of over 130 nations to enter the country without a visa for short stays. This includes the EU, United States and Canada. While the number of days allow does vary, the majority of nationals are allowed 90 days. See the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for current information.

Getting Around

The two islands are small and easy to get around. Each island has a bus service with defined routes. Most areas a visitor would seek out are on a bus route. There are also taxis and many hotels have shuttles.

Between the islands are frequent ferries and the trip takes 45 minutes. Air service is also available.

St. Kitts and Nevis is a destination that is still unspoiled. The excellent diving and fun relaxed environment make this the perfect destination for those who do not like crowds and want to enjoy the local culture and lifestyle.

St Kitts and Nevis Photos

Scuba diving

You will find all information about sea life, best time to visit, top dive spots, etc. in our review: St Kitts and Nevis Diving