Choosing a Destination: St. Kitts and Nevis

The sister islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are the lands that time forgot, or so it seems at first glance. The words that come to mind for this pair of volcanic Caribbean islands are quaint, quiet, verdant, and natural.

St. Kitts and Nevis are separated by a two-mile stretch of the Caribbean sea, which can take less than 10 minutes to cross. Both islands have historical and natural sites for visitors to enjoy. Recently, the two islands have been competing with each other to win Caribbean tourists, making them excellent islands to visit as they try to outdo one another. For more information, visit the Official Website of the St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism Authority or the CIA World Factbook for St. Kitts and Nevis.

St. Kitts and Nevis: Facts at a Glance

Currency	The official currency of St. Kitts and Nevis is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). The U.S. dollar is widely accepted, but you may still receive change in EC$. The exchange rate is permanently fixed at about EC$2.70 to each US$1 (EC$1 = US$0.37).
Electricity	St. Kitts and Nevis use the 220-volt system, so be prepared with converters for U.S.-made appliances.
GDP Per Capita	The average per capita income is approximately $8,800(USD).
Island Size	The two islands cover about 103 square miles.
Language	English is the official language of the islands and is spoken with a West Indian accent. Patois is also commonly spoken.
Population	The islands are home to about 38,300 people, and see about 70,600 visitors annually, 36 percent of whom hail from the U.S.

Getting There

Caribbean tourists may arrive on Nevis through Newcastle Airport, or on St. Kitts through Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. Direct flights from the U.S. and Canada to either airport are not usually available. Visitors generally connect through San Juan (Puerto Rico), but may also connect via other major Caribbean airports. Travelers can land at either airport and take the ferry between the two islands.

Taxis wait outside both airports and hotels, but you'll want to ask about the price and the currency before you get in. The fare from Newcastle Airport to Charlestown is approximately $15(USD). The fare from this airport to Pinney's Beach is $8(USD). The fare from Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport to Basseterre is approximately $8(USD); fares are higher to Frigate Bay.

Entry Requirements

Citizens of the United States and Canada need some form of identification, such as a passport (recommended), or original birth certificate (with raised seal) and a government-issued photo ID. Visitors from all other countries, including those of the Caribbean, need a valid passport.

Climate

The islands experience about 51 inches of rainfall annually. Temperatures don't vary much across seasons, with January averaging a low of 71 and a high of 79, and July averaging a low of 77 and a high of 85 (all in degrees Fahrenheit). The dry season runs from November through April, with the rainy season from May through October.

Geography

St. Kitts is the larger of the two islands. Its highest point is Mt. Liamuiga at a staggering 3,792 feet (1,156 meters) above sea level. The smaller Nevis is encircled by coral reefs. Nevis Peak dominates the entire island, at a height of 3,232 feet (985 meters) above sea level. The two Caribbean islands are separated by The Narrows, a two mile (three kilometer) channel.

Heath and Safety

These Caribbean islands experience a relatively low crime rate since they are not a large tourist destination. Most of the crime here takes the form of stolen belongings that were left unattended on beaches, in cars, and in unlocked hotel rooms. As always, keep a close eye on valuables, never leave valuable items exposed in rental cars, and remember to lock your hotel room and vehicle. Women should not go out alone along deserted roads, as they are more likely to be robbed.

The water on the islands is among the purest in the Caribbean, making it very safe to drink. As a side note, be sure to try Cane Sugar Rothschild, a pure sugar cane liqueur that is brewed exclusively with water from the islands.

People

Agriculture, not tourism, still plays the major role in the economy of this quiet country. Many seek out these islands specifically for their relaxed nature and British manner; tourists to St. Kitts and Nevis are typically regulars who spend weeks at a time lazing about the islands' many beaches with the locals.

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