St. Kitts: Top 10 Activities to Enjoy on Your Vacation

Planning a vacation trip to St. Kitts? Unsure what activities you can enjoy on the island besides sunbathing and relaxing? St. Kitts may be less developed than some of the better known islands in the Caribbean, but it still offers visitors many fun activities and unique sites to see that can easily fill your days with interesting and memorable experiences. Whether you're a history buff or an avid naturalist, St. Kitts has something for you to enjoy. What follows are my recommendations for ten things you should be sure to do on your vacation trip to the island. Don't be surprised if you can't fit them all in one trip, however - but that will only give you incentive to return again some day!

1. Take a Catamaran Trip to Nevis

Several companies offer full-day catamaran excursions to St. Kitts' sister island, Nevis. If you enjoy the water and sailing, this experience is a must. Departing at 9:00 a.m., you will first be taken to a quiet bay along St. Kitts' southeastern peninsula for snorkeling or swimming, then cross the channel to Pinney's Beach on Nevis. This beautiful, long white sand beach is lined with palm trees and is everything you could want from a Caribbean beach. Enjoy a BBQ lunch on the beach or on the boat, depending on the tour operator, and relax before returning back to St. Kitts by 4:00 p.m. There is an open bar on the catamaran all day. Price is in the $85.00 per person range, but worth it for the food, drink, and fun.

2. Visit Brimstone Hill Fortress

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a must-see for history enthusiasts. It is one of the best preserved historical fortresses in the Americas and stands as a monument to the engineering skill of the British, as well as to the strength and willpower of the African slaves who built and maintained it. It was constructed between 1690 and 1790 and played a major role in the history of the European colonization of the Caribbean. Brimstone Hill's museum is rich with documents and artifacts related to St. Kitts' importance during colonial times, and the fortress grounds offer stunning views from its perch 800 feet above ground. The park is open daily from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. with a modest fee of $8 U.S. for non-residents to visit.

3. Take a Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour of the Southeastern Peninsula

For the adventurous traveler in good physical condition, this three-hour tour is an amazing experience. You will be picked up at your hotel and enjoy a scenic ride through the rugged southeastern peninsula of the island. At Cockleshell Bay, meet your kayaking guides who will brief you on safety and how to steer your two-person kayak. After a snorkeling tour, you will set off along the coast for a 30-minute paddle to Majors Bay. After the exertion you will be rewarded with cooling, refreshing fruit juices and snacks before the return shuttle to your hotel. This adventure costs $50 per person and is well worth it for the experience.

4. Take a Full-Day Island Tour

If you find a taxi driver on St. Kitts that you like, ask him or her about arranging a full-day island tour. Your driver can take you to all of the most interesting sites on the island, some of which can be difficult to find on your own. Learn about the island's rich colonial history at sites such as Bloody Point; see the stunning Black Rocks along the Northeastern coast; visit Caribelle Batik Studios and see the tomb of Sir Thomas Warner in St. Thomas Church. A tour typically costs $40.00 U.S. per person, although that rate may be negotiable with your driver and based on the number of people in your party.

5. Enjoy Sunday Brunch at an Island Plantation Inn

St. Kitts has several beautiful, secluded plantation-style inns and hotels throughout the countryside. There is the Ottley's Plantation, and Rawlins Plantation to choose from. Each offers a wonderful Sunday brunch service where you can enjoy delicious food and drink in lush gardens and natural beauty. Driving through the countryside on a Sunday morning or afternoon is a wonderful experience as well, as the local Kittitians are out and dressed in their Sunday best for church services. Perhaps join them at one of the island's many churches before enjoying your meal.

6. Go on a Rainforest Hike

There are a number of different options for rainforest hikes depending on your stamina and physical condition. A half-day hike may start at Romney Gardens before your guide takes you on a guided tour along a trail in the cooling rain forest. You will learn about local flora and fauna while surrounded with natural beauty. The more adventurous may want to try a full day volcano hike. Starting at St. Paul's village, you will be taken up 1,000 feet via vehicle to the base of Mount Liamuiga. From there, climb to the 3,800 foot summit and experience unsurpassable views of the island. This tour is only for the most physically fit, but those who can endure it will have memories to last a lifetime. Prices vary based on tour operator.

7. Try Deep Sea Fishing

If you enjoy fishing, you should definitely take advantage of one of the many fishing charters available on St. Kitts. There are deep water as well as reef fishing adventures available at varying prices and any level of fishing experience. Go reef fishing and you may bring in Red Snapper, "Old Wife," Parrot Fish and other bottom fish. Go deep water trolling and you just might bring in Mahi Mahi, King Fish and Wahoo. Bring in your catch and have one of the local beach bar restaurants grill it up fresh for you for lunch or dinner! Prices vary based on the charter but can range from $90 - 125 U.S. per person.

8. Go on a Scenic Railway Adventure

The Scenic Railway Trainride is one of the most unique tourist experiences you can have on St. Kitts - and perhaps throughout the Caribbean. This four-hour tour begins with admission to Brimstone Hill Fortress. Afterward, take a ride on an old-fashioned sugar cane train through the Northeastern coastline of the island and by old sugar plantation estates and small villages. The views are amazing and complementary beverages are served to keep you cool. The tour is not inexpensive, costing $110 U.S. per person, but is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience.

9. Go Horseback Riding along the Beach

Trinity Stables has been offering horseback tours of St. Kitts for several decades. Whether you want a leisurely ride along the Atlantic beach or a guided horse-back tour of the rainforest, their easy-to-ride, well-mannered horses will make the experience a memorable one. Plan on a half-day for a rainforest tour, including transportation to and from the stables.

10. Explore Basseterre

St. Kitts' capital city, Basseterre, is well worth exploring for at least a half day. It is one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean islands, and rich with history and Georgian-style architecture. Be sure to see The Treasury Building, though which virtually everything arrived or departed from St. Kitts until recent times, including all visitors. St. George's Anglican Church as it stands today was built in 1869 after being destroyed four times previously, and is a wonderful example of Georgian architecture. Independence Square was built in 1790 for slave auctions and council meetings, but officially received its name in 1983 to mark St. Kitts and Nevis' independence from Great Britain. After a morning wandering and shopping, lunch at either the Ballahoo Restaurant or Circus Grill is a must. Both have lovely balcony views over the center circle of town, where you can watch the daily hustle and bustle while sipping a cool tropical cocktail.

Tour Package Operators:

Visit the following websites to learn more about the various tour packages and adventures described in this article:

* St. Kitts Tour Store

* Tropical Tours/St. Kitts

* Trinity Tours

Other sources:

* Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park - Official website

* St. Kitts / Basseterre - Points of Interest

* Personal experience