The twin islands of St Kitts and Nevis make up a small Caribbean nation situated in the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean. On the map, the two islands look rather like a tennis racquet and ball – with the larger St Kitts parrying the smaller ball-shaped Nevis due south toward Montserrat and Guadeloupe.
The islands are separated by a slender three-kilometre stretch of sea, known appropriately as the Narrows.
These small, sleepy islands can almost appear to be lost in another time. Their peaceful natural beauty certainly conveys nothing of their former prosperity, or of their turbulent history. Yet they once formed the most illustrious sugar colony in the Caribbean and, in the early 18th century, became the focus of a European conflict centred on control of their valuable natural resources. Into this already volatile situation floated treacherous pirates, who lay in wait to ransack the riches contained in the merchant ships.
The population of the islands today consists mainly of descendants of the slaves who were shipped from Africa to work the sugar plantations. Other visible reminders of the islands’ history are the remains of the splendid estates that served as the playgrounds of the elite who ruled here.
The wealth of the islands today is derived from tourism – and the islands are undoubtedly inviting pearls of the Caribbean for any seeker of a tropical paradise.
They offer clear and inviting waters, sandy beaches and beautiful natural harbours, a diverse range of activities and sports, historical sites and the laid-back charm of the capital, Basseterre, on St Kitts. Inland, the volcanic islands are a lush and colourful exotic paradise, whilst on the coast the focus is on sunshine and luxurious relaxation.
Climate
The climate is tropical, but refreshing sea breezes help to keep the islands remain relatively cool.
The average temperature is 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit), fluctuating only 3 or 4 degrees higher or lower across the whole year, although there is an increased chance of showers between July and November, which is also the hurricane season.
Language
English is the official language of both islands.
Passport Visa
You should ensure you have return or onward tickets and that your passport has at least six months’ validity beyond your departure date in order to ensure entry to St Kitts and Nevis. A visa is required by relatively few countries’ nationals, of which Bulgaria and Croatia are two examples.
Please check the rules around visa requirements before you travel, as they may change regularly.
Safety
Although most visits to the islands are trouble-free, you should take the usual safety precautions and avoid remote beaches after dark.
Hurricane season normally runs from June to November.
Our Services
For all your high-end, bespoke leisure and corporate travel needs to St. Kitts and Nevis, contact our Travel Managers on 0203 535 9290 or leisure@simplexitytravel.com today.
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