Short
Description Combine traditional Caribbean attractions, Old World history, dark, mysterious rainforests, a British air, and you'll end up with St. Kitts.
Destination
Highlights A hidden, unknown treasure in the Caribbean
Great reef and shipwreck diving
Breathtaking landscapes
Beautiful beaches
Local
Weather Average yearly temperature is 79° F with a range from 68° to 90°. There is no rainy season to speak of and the humidity is very low. Average annual rainfall is 55 inches.
Other
Destinations
Description Combine traditional Caribbean attractions, Old World history, dark, mysterious rainforests, a British air, and you'll end up with St. Kitts. An unpretentious destination with affordable accommodations and certainly without the usual tourist trappings, St. Kitts is considered one of the true treasures of the Caribbean. Positioned with her sister island Nevis, between Montserrat and St. Eustatius, St. Kitts' is an island of varied terrain from volcanic peaks covered with lush green vegetation (usually hidden by the huge mists that circle it), rolling sugar cane fields, to the arid, undeveloped southeast peninsula with sandy coves. The rainforests are largely unspoiled and untrampled (mostly due to their lack of developed roads).
Hike into nature at Mt. Liamuiga from either Harris or Belmont Estate. A guide is helpful for the trek through the orchid-flecked forest to the lip of the volcanic peak, at about 2,000 feet. The guide helps with exploring inside the crater where portions of the path are navigated by hanging onto vines and trees. You're likely to happen upon the vervet monkeys brought to the island as pets by the French and happily roaming St. Kitts' rainforests and roadsides.
St. Kitts' most famous attraction however, is her crystal blue water, making it seem no accident that Columbus named the isle for the famous swimmer, St. Christopher. Diving on St. Kitts is ideal for both wreck and reef divers who are looking for remote underwater locales to explore. Local dive operators are ecology-minded and continue to protect the reefs. Most sites are within a short boat ride from shore. Some favorites include: Monkey Shoals, Coconut Tree Reef, Nags Head and Sandy Point. Snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing and windsurfing are also popular pastimes on the island. Beaches are mostly black sand due to the volcanic heritage, but the few white sand beaches are clean, deserted and as white as fine sugar.
St. Kitts prides herself on being tourist friendly and accommodating. Ferry and air service is available to visit neighboring Nevis, only 5 miles away, which makes a nice day trip to explore yet another Caribbean jewel. Still a relatively undiscovered destination spot, St. Kitts appeals to nature lovers, scuba divers and those seeking a quiet place to relax away from the crowds.
Local Information The official currency on St. Kitts is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC), however U.S. dollars are also widely accepted. The official language is English. The electric current on the island is 220 volts; Some hotels have 110 volts but it's smart to pack an adapter.
Airport
Information Air service is into Robert L. Bradshaw Airport (SKB). Connecting flights from San Juan, St. Martin, Antigua, and other Caribbean islands. St. Kitts is served by American Eagle, LIAT, WINAIR and small charter airlines. There is a departure tax of $10 US per person payable at the airport upon departure from the island.
Entry
Requirements Effective December 31, 2006, the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality. This information should be used only as a guideline and non-U.S. citizens should contact the airline they are traveling on, or their local consulate regarding the specific entry requirements that apply to their nationality.
