Did you know there are no traffic lights in St. Kitts?
After spending the night sailing onboard the Royal Caribbean cruise, we arrived at the lush island of St. Kitts around 7 AM and set out for our day adventure in St. Kitts and Nevis in one cruise day.
Related: All my other travel related adventures can be found here.
A Little More Info About St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts, officially known as Saint Christopher Island, is a small island nation located in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of a two-island federation known as St. Kitts and Nevis, with St. Kitts being the larger of the two islands.
St. Kitts has a rich history and culture, with evidence of indigenous settlements dating back to 1000 BC. The island was colonized by the British in the 17th century and became an important sugar-producing colony. Today, St. Kitts is an independent nation with a diverse economy that includes tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and volcanic landscapes. Visitors to St. Kitts can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, snorkeling, and zip-lining. The island is also home to historic sites such as Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 18th century.
St. Kitts has a population of around 55,000 people, with the majority of residents living in the capital city of Basseterre. English is the official language of St. Kitts, and the island’s culture is a blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences.
Main Attractions In St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis are two beautiful islands in the Caribbean Sea, each with its own unique attractions. Here are some of the top things to see and do in these islands:
St. Kitts:
- Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit attraction in St. Kitts. The fortress dates back to the 17th century and offers stunning views of the island.
- Scenic Railway: This railway tour takes you on a scenic journey around the island, giving you a glimpse of the local culture, history, and natural beauty.
- Mount Liamuiga: This dormant volcano is the highest peak in St. Kitts, and a popular hiking destination.
- Frigate Bay: This beautiful beach is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.
- The capital city of Basseterre: The city has a rich history, and visitors can explore historic buildings, museums, and local markets.
Nevis:
- Nevis Peak: This mountain offers breathtaking views of the island and is a popular hiking destination.
- Pinney’s Beach: This beautiful beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Alexander Hamilton Birthplace: Nevis is the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers. Visitors can explore the historic site and learn about Hamilton’s life.
- Charlestown: This historic town is the capital of Nevis and has a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
- Botanical Gardens of Nevis: These gardens are home to a variety of plants and wildlife and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the island.
Rental Car and Drive Around St. Kitts With No Traffic Lights
Driving around St. Kitts can be a great way to explore the island’s many attractions and natural beauty. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before hitting the road.
Firstly, St. Kitts is a small island with narrow and winding roads, so it’s important to drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings. The speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph) in urban areas and 64 km/h (40 mph) on highways.
In St. Kitts, driving is on the left-hand side of the road and there are no traffic lights on the island which means roundabouts are used to control traffic flow. Parking can be challenging in the busier areas of St. Kitts, especially in the capital city of Basseterre.
After getting off the cruise, a couple and I went to pick up the rental car I booked so we end up sharing the cost which was a great frugal technique to save more money.
The rental car for the day came up to $45 USD or $15 USD each. We also ended up filling the tank which added another $5 USD to our bills.
How To Spend a Day In St. Kitts From Cruise
We ended up driving across the island to the best hiking spot of the island, Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano that stands at 3,792 feet (1,156 meters) tall, making it the highest peak in St. Kitts.
The trail to the summit takes you through lush rainforest and offers stunning views of the island along the way. This hike is considered strenuous, and hikers should be prepared with appropriate footwear, water, and snacks. A guide isn’t necessary but recommended.
At the summit, we were supposed to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the neighboring islands of Nevis, Saba, and St. Barts. However, it was all cloudy in our day so we couldn’t see anything.
The round trip hike including photo breaks took around 4 hours but can be up to 6 hours for slower hikers or bigger groups.
Touring St. Kitts Island On Our Return
There are many beautiful viewpoints in St. Kitts, but one of the most stunning is the view from the top of Timothy Hill. We took the northern route on our return to the cruise port and made a stop at the most beautiful view point of the island.
Timothy Hill is a scenic overlook located at the southern tip of St. Kitts, overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the neighboring island of Nevis. We basically drove up a steep and winding road that led to a small parking area. From there, a short walk took us to the top of the hill, where we enjoy panoramic views of the sea and coastline below.
The view from Timothy Hill is especially beautiful at sunset, as the sky is often filled with vibrant colors and the sun seems to sink into the sea. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and there are often vendors selling snacks and drinks nearby.
In addition to the stunning view, Timothy Hill is also a popular spot for parasailing and other water sports. If you’re looking for a beautiful and memorable view in St. Kitts, then the view from Timothy Hill is definitely worth a visit.
Drop Off Rental Car and Return To The Cruise
After enjoying the stunning views of Timothy Hills in St. Kitts, we dropped off the rental car and walked back to the cruise to enjoy another enjoyable evening with beautiful sea views and food.
One Day In St. Kitts From Cruise Conclusion
If planned properly, a day in St. Kitts can provide a great value to seeing this small but beautiful Caribbean island. We drove around the island, hiked the most amazing volcanic mountain forest of St. Kitts, and enjoyed the fascinating view points.
Overall, St. Kitts is a beautiful and fascinating destination that offers visitors a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.