Two islands, one unforgettable experience. Whether it’s the glamour of Saint Kitts or the rustic charm of Nevis, this Caribbean country has something for everyone.
Want to learn more about Saint Kitts and Nevis?
History and Culture | Currency
Where is Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Saint Kitts and Nevis consists of two separate islands that lie about 3 km apart in the Eastern Caribbean. They are found in the Leeward Islands chain, with other islands such as Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Saint-Martin, and Montserrat nearby.
When is the best time to visit Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Feel free to visit Saint Kitts and Nevis whenever you like and you’ll be greeted with great weather (most of the time). That being said, December to April is high season so it can be a bit pricier. Rainy season is from July to November but it can still be a worthwhile time to visit (just look out for hurricanes).
Getting around Saint Kitts and Nevis
There are private minivans that roam the islands and get you around pretty well, though service can be sketchy and unreliable at times. Getting a driving permit and driving yourself is a great way to get the lay of the land if you’re visiting Saint Kitts and Nevis for an extended stay.
Language in Saint Kitts and Nevis
English is the official language here so you should have no problem when it comes to communicating. You’ll also hear a fair amount of local Saint Kitts Creole throughout both islands.
Where to go in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts (Basseterre | Frigate Bay) | Nevis
Saint Kitts
Saint Kitts is the sleeker and sexier island of the two. Larger and home to many more people, you’ll find much to keep your interest – even before mentioning the capital city. The Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park in the rural north for instance is home to a sublime British fort and historical site that can’t be missed. The southeastern part of the island has undergone a revamp recently with new beach clubs, golfing, and luxury retreats. Overall, Saint Kitts strikes a good balance between do it yourself adventure and more modern tourist amenities.
Basseterre
While small by capital standards, Basseterre has all the excitement and bustle of a big city. Whet your appetite with some local cuisine or a cold beer, spend your hard earned cash at one of the many stores, step into the old town for a peek at the other side of the city, or just lean back and take in the atmosphere. Many who visit Basseterre do so from the deck of a cruise liner, but there’s something to be said for spending a little longer than just a few hours ashore. Be sure to catch a cricket match if you have a chance as well!
Frigate Bay
Located very close to Basseterre is Frigate Bay, an isthmus that divides the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Here you’ll find the massive Marriott Resort, Zenway Blvd (a street full of restaurants), the Strip (a street full of bars), warm waters for swimming, sunny beaches, and…isn’t that enough! Frigate Bay is definitely a tourist area so don’t expect an authentically ‘Kittitian’ experience. But when everything is so nice, it won’t matter much in the end.
Nevis
The smaller and less travelled of the two islands, Nevis is something of an underrated gem. The beaches are much less crowded than in Saint Kitts while the landscape is, if anything, even more impressive. The central Mt. Nevis dominates proceedings with hikers, bikers, and wildlife watchers all finding something to enjoy. The historical pedigree of the island cannot be overlooked either – as fans of Alexander Hamilton or Lord Nelson will quickly point out. There are old sugar plantations dotting Nevis while the southeastern part of the island is a stunning if somewhat desolate environment. If it’s the sea you’re here for however, the north of the island will do just fine – with everything from a major resort and beach bars to secluded coastline and dive sites.
Charlestown, the small capital of Nevis, is also worth exploring. Take in the colonial architecture, bars, and restaurants, but know that after dark there isn’t much to keep you here.
Flights to Saint Kitts and Nevis
Flights between Toronto and Saint Kitts can be found for about $550 Canadian. Be sure to look for package deals or savings as the close proximity means you could cut down flight costs even more.
Prices in Saint Kitts and Nevis ($$$$)*
Unfortunately like many other nearby countries, Saint Kitts and Nevis has a pretty high average cost of $342 Canadian a day. Thriftier travellers could bring this down to around $140 a day while the higher end will cost a whopping $792 a day. That being said, you should expect a lot of variation depending on what type of vacation you’re on (resort or more DIY). If you work at it, you can definitely save yourself a lot of money and make it an affordable trip.
*Cost rating on a scale of ‘$ to $$$$’, or ‘cheapest to most expensive’
Is Saint Kitts and Nevis safe?
Before we get into safety, we have to touch on the current health issue with regards to the Zika virus. Spread by mosquitos, the sickness is usually mild and short term, resulting in fever, headaches, rashes, muscle pain, and other flu-like symptoms. That being said, pregnant women (and women considering becoming pregnant) should avoid the country for the time being. Be sure to talk to a healthcare professional before deciding to travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Besides this, Saint Kitts and Nevis is a generally safe country with normal security precautions recommended throughout. Petty crime, robberies, and assaults have been known occur so use caution nonetheless. Road conditions can be poor so be very careful if driving. Beyond this, there shouldn’t be many issues during your trip!
For more on travel safety, check out the Canadian Travel Advisory for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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You can learn more about the history and culture of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Country Profile, as well as its currency with our Eastern Caribbean dollar Spotlight.
For more information, check out the official tourism sites for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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