St. Kitts Attractions and Things to Do

Unique St. Kitts attractions include climbing a dormant volcano, numerous hikes, a scenic railway and bird watching.


The narrow guage St. Kitts Railway offers visitors to the two-island Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Built between 1912 and 1926 to deliver sugar cane from the fields to the sugar mill in the capital city of Basseterre, the railway now provides a fascinating way to see the entire nation from the comfort of luxurious rail cars built specifically for touring the island of St. Kitts.


Basseterre, capital of St. Kitts and Nevis, is a small city with a strong British colonial past. Major landmarks include Independence Square, the marketplace, Berkeley Memorial Clock and Brimstone Hill Fortress.


Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction on this interesting and well-preserved attraction began in 1690 and continued intermittently for just over 100 years until completion. $$


The 3,800-foot-tall dormant volcano seems much taller when landing by plane on St. Kitts because it dominants the small island. Fit visitors to the island will drive to the 1,000-foot level and then hike 2,000 feet to the smaller of the two peaks. Tour guides are recommended.


Nevis is so close at 2.5 miles away that it is both easy and tempting to take a day trip there. Ferry rides from Basseterre to Charlestown last about 45 minutes. Visitors can enjoy hiking through lush rain forests, enjoy views at the top of Nevis Peak or explore a number of historical sites. Ferries usually leave every half hour to 45 minutes and are most active Monday through Saturday. $$


The slopes of the volcano have sections of rain forest that allow hikers to see monkeys, exotic birds, hanging vines, tropical fruit and flowering shrubs. Visitors to the southeastern part of the island can visit Turtle Beach to see ... monkeys. Full island tours include the capital of Basseterre, Bloody Point, the first English settlement and the tropical gardens of Romney Manor.


St. Kitts' Northern, Central and Southern mountain ranges are carpeted in thick rain forest supporting huge bio-diversity. Brown Booby, Brown Pelican, Magnificent Frigate bird, Cattle Egret, American Kestrel, Royal Tern, Feral Pigeon, Zenaida Dove, Common Ground-dove, Caribbean Elaenia, Grey Kingbird, Caribbean Martin, Scaly-breasted Thrasher, Bananaquit, Black-faced Grassquit & Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, Black-whiskered Vireo are only a few.


The Caribelle Batik Factory at Romney Manor offers visitors a chance to see batik demonstrations, shop for products and tour the beautiful grounds. Workers use dye and hot wax to create colorful wall hangings, sundresses, shirts, blouses, beach wraps and more.


Romney Manor was established in the 17th century and has been owned by only six families since then. Included in the 10 acres is a saman tree that is 350 years old, 24 feet in diameter and covering a half acre of ground.


Reefs and shipwrecks are available to explore for anyone who likes scuba diving or snorkeling. The Coconut Tree Reef is a 10-minute ride by boat, and the River Taw is a freighter that sank in 1985.