When planning a vacation to Nevis, there are many things to think about. How to get there, how to get around, where to stay, what to do and where to eat.
Traveling from the U.S., Canada and Europe
There are a number of travel restrictions in place for traveling from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. These include vaccination, medical, and contact tracing requirements. Some countries will ban you from entering if you do not comply. Other restrictions may apply.
You can find the requirements for your destination country on the U.S. Department of State’s website. If you are planning a trip, be sure to fill out an application before you leave.
Those with weakened immune systems should consider delaying their trips until COVID-19 levels are low. You should also talk to a doctor before travelling. In addition, you should check the health and safety requirements for your destination.
For example, many European countries require proof of medical insurance before allowing you to board a flight. Others will require that you wear a mask. Depending on the country, you might be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before boarding.
Travelers need to know how to get an international driving permit. The cost is $20, plus tax. Most rail passes are not sold in Europe. However, you can get a pass at a rental agency before you depart.
Whether you’re flying or driving, you should always carry your passport. If you have an expired passport, it may affect your ability to enter a foreign country. Similarly, it’s important to have a valid debit or credit card.
Travelers should be aware that travel restrictions change regularly. Check the US State Department’s Travel Information website for updates. When you arrive at the port of entry, you will be inspected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. They will also verify compliance with immigration, agricultural, and customs regulations.
Ferries from St. Kitts to Nevis
The islands of St Kitts and Nevis are located in the Caribbean. They are separated by a two-mile channel called “The Narrows”. There are ferries that travel between the two islands.
Passenger ferries are the cheapest way to travel between the two islands. The shortest ride from one island to the other takes 45 minutes, and the ferry runs twice daily. On Sunday, service is limited to two morning departures.
Private water taxis are a more expensive option, but more flexible. These vehicles can be scheduled to pick up and drop off passengers at the piers of Oualie Beach or Cockleshell Bay. You can also book a ride on a troller.
If you prefer to drive, you will need to rent a car on the island. You can find a rental agency at the port of Basseterre, but you’ll need to get a temporary permit before driving. To obtain a permit, you’ll need to visit the Traffic Department in Basseterre.
Renting a car on the island is a good option, especially if you are planning a visit to the sister islands. However, you will have to pay a temporary permit fee, which costs $25.
The cheapest way to get from St Kitts to Nevis is by ferry. Five companies operate ferries that run between Basseterre and Charlestown on Nevis. The ride is approximately 45 minutes, but it can take longer in rough seas. Depending on the time of year, fares vary. A return ticket from Nevis to St Kitts costs $50XCD.
Several private charters run from St Kitts to Nevis. These include the Four Seasons, Sea Hustler and Sea Hustler II. Each vessel carries up to 300 passengers and a vehicle. The rate for a private charter is $600US per person.
Private water taxis from St. Kitts to Nevis
Private water taxis from St Kitts to Nevis are the fastest way to travel between the two islands. The journey from one island to the other takes less than a half hour. They also offer a better view than other forms of transportation.
Water Taxis shuttle back and forth between the islands all day long. You can arrange your trip in advance. There are about half a dozen private water taxi companies on the islands.
Some of them are operated by Sea Brat, Perfect Life and Black Fin. For a one-way ticket, it costs about $7.50. A driver can show you some of the island’s most interesting sites.
You can also take a ferry from Basseterre to Charlestown. However, it is not as convenient as a water taxi. It is also slightly more expensive.
If you are going to stay on Nevis for an extended period of time, it may be wise to hire a private boat or a taxi to get around. These services are not always available.
Alternatively, there are several public ferries that travel to and from Charlestown. Five of them run from 6 am to 6 pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9 am to 9 pm on Fridays.
The ride from St Kitts to Nevis takes about 45 minutes, but in rough seas, the journey can take longer. Another option is to rent a car. This is an excellent choice for a family or group vacation.
Alternatively, you can book a specialized tour with Nevis Beach Getaway. This includes an escorted tour to Penney’s Beach and a welcome drink. Also, there are several restaurants in the area.
Another great option is to rent a minibus or a vehicle. Several of the islands have local minibuses, but they do not always stop at popular tourist sites.
Food in Nevis
When it comes to food in Nevis, you can enjoy a scrumptious mix of local, international and Caribbean dishes. The island is famous for its fresh seafood and sunny climate. A typical meal in Saint Kitts and Nevis should cost around EC$41 per person.
Seafood and rum are popular drinks. You’ll find many varieties of flavored rums on the islands. For example, you can try a rum cocktail topped with Angostura bitters.
If you love seafood, you’ll want to eat at the Sunshine Beach Restaurant. It’s known for its baby back ribs, conch and jumbo shrimp. There’s also an outdoor bonfire on the beach.
Another place to eat is Rodney’s Cuisine. It’s located on the Hamilton Estate. This restaurant serves authentic local cuisine. You’ll find such local dishes as Johnny cakes and goatwater stew.
Another popular dish is Pelau. Pelau is a traditional stew of rice, pig tail and chicken.
Stewed saltfish is another local dish. It’s made with coconut and salted cod fish. It’s accompanied by seasoned breadfruit. Other ingredients are vegetables, papaya and tomato.
In the past, chefs on the island specialized in Chinese and Indian dishes. Today, local cooking is simple and spicy. Adding exotic spices and herbs adds unique flavor to the dishes.
You’ll find mangoes in many of the island’s dishes. These are often eaten by themselves or as a salad. Besides mangoes, other tropical fruits include bananas, passion fruit and starfruit.
Many of the local dishes are a mixture of traditional and Western foods. Meat is often used, especially goat meat.
Food in Saint Kitts and Nevis is similar to other West Indian dishes. However, you’ll also find British influences.
Local chefs are often called upon for cooking demonstrations. The restaurants in Charlestown are geared more toward locals than tourists.
Museums and ruins on Nevis
Nevis is a Caribbean island that’s full of history. With ruins from sugar plantations, the Jewish cemetery, and the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, this tropical paradise is filled with traces of colonial life.
Nevis is home to an impressive number of museums and ruins. The Nevis Historical and Conservation Society has been protecting the island’s rich cultural heritage since 1980. Through their work, they’ve helped to preserve the island’s historical sites and develop policies to ensure they’re accessible to visitors.
Their mission is to “preserve and protect the rich cultural history of the island of Nevis.” They currently operate three museums. One is located at the Hamilton House, where the island’s first Secretary of the Treasury was born.
Another is the Horatio Nelson Museum. This is dedicated to the British naval officer who spent many years on the island. His story is told through displays and exhibits.
A third museum is the Botanical Gardens of Nevis, which are a lush display of flora and tropical plants. They’re spread out across the island in a colourful array.
The Nevis Museum is also situated in an historic building. It’s a small, but intriguing museum that offers insight into the island’s history. There’s a fascinating explanation of how the Caribbean changed and who the people were during that time.
The Cotton Ginnery Complex has a bookshop and an arts and crafts exhibit. In addition, there’s a restaurant and a beauty salon.
Visitors can also explore the ruins of the former Montravers Estate. This was once a sugar plantation and remains in a state of beautiful disrepair. Other buildings on the island include the Montpelier Plantation and the Hermitage Plantation.
Aside from these museums, there are several other sites to see on the island. Some of these ruins include the Golden Rock hotel, which has converted a former sugar mill into a private dining room.