St Kitts is an island with so much to offer. As well as the usual delightful beaches one might expect from a Caribbean Island it’s an adventurous place with a whole range of activities for the discerning traveller. There’s a rich history and culture and those with an interest can visit the sites of sugar factories and rum distilleries. There are dormant volcanoes and hills giving incredible views over St Kitts and the neighbouring islands, and you have your pick of how to explore, be that vigorous hikes, ATV excursions or Jeep Safaris.
If you’re planning what to do St Kitts then the following is a guide for making the most of your time on this beautiful island; taking in the sights, partaking in adventure activities, learning about the history and of course as the locals say ‘limin’.
What to do in St Kitts to get familiar with the area
To get yourself accustomed to the area, start your trip with a downtown ‘safari’ tour on an open sided bus. Giving you a glimpse of the strip, Port Zante, downtown Basseterre and zooming past vast golf courses, it’s a great way to see some of what the island has to offer and paves the way for the rest of the week.
One good suggestion is Sir Walter Safari Tours; friendly and knowledgeable he will take you to some important spots downtown while giving an informative but not too in your face audio description on the way.
What to do in St Kitts for history lovers
Head to Brimstone Fortress – It’s a UNESCO site and one of the best preserved historical fortifications in the Americas. The construction of the Brimstone Hill Fortress started in 1690 and took just over 100 years to be finished.
Cannons were first mounted on the Hill in 1689 by the French but following that , the English used the hill as a fortress taking advantage of it’s over 900 foot height.
The fortress is vast and in a remarkably good state of affairs. It has a fascinating yet tragic history and knowledgeable local guides can show you round the area, teaching you to identify British or French cannons and explaining the history of the site.
$10 adults / $5 children – Opening hours 930 – 530 – Free WiFi at the café
Another great option is Wingfield Estate – named after The Earl of Wingfield from East Anglia. Even for those who are not huge history fans then Wingfield Estate will still be of interest. It’s thought to possess the earliest examples of British Masonry anywhere in the Americas as well the oldest in tact rum distillery in the West Indies.
destinationservices@kantours.comWhat to do in St Kitts for foodies
In the early evening head to trendy Salt Plage for sunset. This open air bar and restaurant is the epitome of cool, with it’s very instagrammable net seats over the water enabling you to sip on a cocktail while watching the fish below. The flag laden jetty has seats going out to the sea, while the seats near the bar itself are treated to live music.
The cocktail menu is top notch, and there’s a range of table snacks/sharers as well as the popular main dishes. It’s a place to be seen on the island and it’s easy to spend hours here enjoying the cool sea breeze and a few cocktails as the sun sets.
4pm until late – St Christophe Harbour
Another great option on an evening is to head to where the party is at; Sprat Net. It’s a relaxed affair, a bar/restaurant built from wood with one side opened up for views. There’s a live band playing at the weekends, playing lively versions of top hits.
The bar serves up a few options including beers and a variety of different rums, but what you’re really here for is the giant portions of fresh seafood and meat. Top recommendation would be the lobster with ribs, but also choose from other options including shrimp, all served with bread and corn on the cob. For vegetarians, opt for the delicious smelling pizzas. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in St Kitts.
Old Road Town, Saint Thomas Middle Island, Saint Kitts and Nevis
What to do in St Kitts for a day out.
Then head over to South Friars Bay – check out beachside bars for lunch and a cocktail before taking some time to relax on the loungers or the soft sand.
If you’re still not ready to sit still then there are a lot of watersports on offer. Jet ski excursions round the bars are good for thrill seekers, and if you want a good laugh then try out the inflatable sofa-like items that you can sit on with friends before being pulled across the water at high speeds.
There’s also snorkelling and for those who want it a little more laid back the water is lovely and warm for good old swimming.
What to do in St Kitts for the active
Today, make sure you have a big breakfast as you’ve got a big climb ahead of you.
Mount Liamunga is a dormant volcano on St Kitts offering fantastic views into it’s lush green crater, and also out to the Caribbean Sea from certain viewpoints. It’s a tough hike, with sections that involve scrambling and climbing, so if you’re not that fit it’s probably not for you. O Neil Mulraine is the islands favoured guide. He’s over 60 but the fittest pensioner you’ll ever meet and he will put you to shame as he bounds up the trail without breaking a sweat. Prepare for the hike to take all day; usual times vary from 4 hours round trip if you’re very fast to 10 hours for those needing to stop for a rest frequently.
Hiking in St Kitts – Make sure to pack water, mosquito repellent and your camera for the views from the top! It’s hard going even if you’re in good shape, but the views and feeling of achievement make it all worthwhile. Even if you only have one day in St Kitts, it’s worth the effort.
ONeil Mulraine can be booked from most hotels on St Kitts or contact oneilmulraine@hotmail.com
Finally after a busy week you deserve a little more beach time so try visiting Cockleshell Bay or South Frigate Bay and soak up the sun before your flight home!
My YouTube guide – what to do in St Kitts is below!
