- British Airways flights from London usually stop in Antigua on the way
- Stay on St Kitts for beaches and things to do, Nevis for peace and history
- Ferries take about 45 minutes between the islands
- Hurricane season runs June-November
- Airports
- Robert L. Bradshaw International, St Kitts (SKB); Vance W. Amory, Nevis (NEV)
- Flight time
- about 9h-10h from London to St Kitts, usually via Antigua
- Best time to go
- December-April for dry, sunny weather; May-June for lower prices
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$); US dollars widely accepted
St Kitts and Nevis, the smallest country in the Americas, packs a lot into two green, mountainous islands. St Kitts has the dramatic Brimstone Hill Fortress, a narrow-gauge sugar railway that circles the coast and a lively strip of beach bars, while Nevis, just across a narrow channel, is quieter, with old plantation inns, a misty volcanic peak and the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton. Neither feels crowded, outside the days when a cruise ship docks in Basseterre.
English is spoken, cars drive on the left and the islands are 4 hours behind the UK in winter and 5 hours behind during British Summer Time. Sockets are a mix of 230V UK-style and US-style, so bring a universal adaptor. It's a good choice for a relaxed, smaller-scale Caribbean holiday, and easy to combine with Antigua.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can usually visit St Kitts and Nevis as tourists without a visa, normally for up to three months. You'll need a passport valid for your whole stay and a return or onward ticket, and you may need to complete an online arrival form before you travel. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in St Kitts and Nevis
Basseterre
The small capital of St Kitts has the Circus, a mini Piccadilly Circus with a Victorian clock tower, Independence Square and the National Museum. It's busy with cruise passengers but has good local restaurants and markets.
Brimstone Hill Fortress
This vast 17th and 18th-century British fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits on a volcanic hill on the west coast with views across to St Eustatius and Saba. Allow a couple of hours to explore the ramparts and museum.
Frigate Bay and the South-East Peninsula
Frigate Bay has the main resort hotels, a golf course and the beach bars of the Strip, which come alive at weekends. Beyond, the South-East Peninsula has calmer beaches such as Cockleshell Bay, Turtle Beach and South Friars Bay, with views of Nevis.
The interior and north
The St Kitts Scenic Railway takes about three hours on a loop around the island in double-decker carriages, though it mostly runs when cruise ships are in. Guided hikes lead into the rainforest and up to the crater rim of Mount Liamuiga. Romney Manor has botanical gardens and batik workshops.
Nevis
Nevis is calm and charming. Charlestown has the Museum of Nevis History in Hamilton's birthplace, Pinney's Beach is a long stretch of golden sand with beach bars, and the old plantation inns have a gentle, colonial-era feel. Climb Nevis Peak with a guide or soak in the Bath Hot Springs.
Best time to visit St Kitts and Nevis
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter (December-April) | Dry and breezy, around 27-29 °C; peak season |
| May-June | Hotter and quieter, with good deals; St Kitts Music Festival in late June |
| July-October | Humid, with the highest hurricane risk August-October; Nevis's Culturama festival in late July-early August |
| November | Rains easing and prices still lower before the winter season |
Getting to St Kitts and Nevis from the UK
British Airways flies from London Heathrow to St Kitts, usually stopping in Antigua on the way, taking about nine to ten hours. Alternatively, fly direct to Antigua and take a short regional flight, or connect through the US. Nevis has a small airport with regional flights from Antigua and other islands, but most visitors fly into St Kitts and take a ferry or water taxi.
Getting around
Minibuses run along the main road on St Kitts and Nevis during the day and are cheap, though infrequent in the evenings. Taxis have fixed rates set by the government, but confirm the fare first. Car hire needs a local driving permit, sold by rental firms or police. Passenger ferries between Basseterre and Charlestown take about 45 minutes, and the Sea Bridge car ferry runs from the South-East Peninsula. Water taxis are quicker for direct hops.
Money and costs
The Eastern Caribbean dollar is pegged at about EC$2.70 to US$1, and US dollars are widely accepted. St Kitts and Nevis is mid to high priced. Allow around £150-250 per person per day for a mid-range trip including accommodation, and more at the luxury resorts and plantation inns. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge plus VAT. Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for buses and beach bars.
Check the cruise ship schedule before visiting Basseterre or booking the scenic railway; quieter days are far more enjoyable.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay on St Kitts or Nevis?
St Kitts has more beaches, restaurants and activities; Nevis is quieter and more exclusive. Many people stay on one and visit the other on a day trip.
How do you get from St Kitts to Nevis?
By ferry, which takes about 45 minutes, or by water taxi, which is quicker. There are also short flights, but the boat is easier.
Is St Kitts and Nevis good for families?
Yes. Calm beaches on the South-East Peninsula, short distances and English spoken everywhere make it easy, though nightlife and children's activities are limited.
Can I combine St Kitts with another island?
Yes. Antigua is a short flight away and is the most common pairing.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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