Basseterre, St. Kitts

Take a scenic drive through Basseterre along the only main road. En route you will see Mount Liamuiga and pass by Bloody Point, where over 2,000 Carib Indians were massacred in 1626. You will also pass by the Roman Catholic Cathedral and St George’s Anglican Church, with its landmark bell tower and steeple.

The highlight of your tour will no doubt be the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. This magnificent fortress sits impressively atop 38 acres of limestone and sulphur composites, with spectacular views over the St Kitts mountain range, sugar cane, Caribbean Sea and neighbouring islands. Designed by the British and built by slaves, the Fortress is testimony to European colonial expansion, the African slave trade and the emergence of new societies in the Caribbean.

After descending Brimstone Hill you will visit the ruins of the old Wingfield Sugar Estate and the lush rainforest gardens of Romney Manor. Enjoy the many tropical plants and flowers as you stroll in the peaceful gardens. At this lovely location, local artists produce fabric and apparel. You will see a batik demonstration and have a chance to purchase a few souvenirs of your visit.

Note: This tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking. There are approximately 50 steps and some uneven ground to negotiate at the Fortress. An orientation room with video and audio recording is at ground level at Brimstone Hill.

Enjoy a ride to Romney Gardens aboard a minibus or open-sided van through the quaint streets of the capital, Basseterre, pastoral valleys and endless sugar cane fields. Your journey takes the leeward coast, lined on one side with lush green mountains and on the other by the Caribbean Sea.

Take a walk through the manicured gardens of the Wingfield Estate to enjoy the lovely Romney Gardens. This is also the site of the Caribelle Batik Studios, where you will have a brief studio tour to view the many colourful pieces.

Journey deep into the St Kitts’ Tropical Rainforest for an enchanting nature walk, accompanied by an experienced guide. Meander along a looping trail, which takes you into the cool green chambers of this rare and diverse rainforest. This tour is highly informative and is a must for those with an interest in wildlife and nature.

Enjoy some welcome refreshments of fresh homemade Caribbean juices, seasonal fruits and snacks after your forest walk.

Note: The walk through the forest lasts for approximately two hours and is over set trails to minimise damage to the environment. Guests are reminded to wear footwear suitable for hiking over rough, uneven and wet ground. Insect repellent and bottled water are recommended.

Your adventure begins as you take a scenic drive from the port and on to the zip base at Wingfield Estate. After a safety briefing and orientation of riding the first line, you will be taken by jeep up to the Valley of the Giants to commence your adrenaline rush experience.

Sit back and relax, as the zip-lining technology allows you to fly with hands and feet free. As you whizz through trees and lush vegetation, from one platform to another, you will enjoy panoramic views overlooking the rainforest with the stretching coastline in the distance.

During your tour you will have the opportunity to stroll amongst the 17th-century sugar plantation ruins of Wingfield Estate. You will also enjoy a short walk to Romney Manor, where you can explore the gardens or visit the Caribelle Batik studios.

Note: Pregnant women and children under eight may not participate. Participants should wear full-length trousers and a top that can be tucked in at the waist; clothes are likely to get dirty and may get damaged. Boots or trainers with good support for the foot are recommended; open shoes should not be worn. A light waterproof jacket is also advisable. Participants with long hair should tie it back and all jewellery should be removed and left on board to avoid injury, damage and/or loss. It is advisable to take a bottle of water and sunscreen. There is a weight restriction of 17 stone. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Set sail along an unspoilt coastline dotted with green mountains and secluded beaches. As you drop anchor at a sheltered cove for some snorkelling, you will have the opportunity to experience some interesting underwater views.

Arriving off Pinneys Beach on Nevis, you will see the view of this three-mile-long beach with the towering Mount Nevis as a backdrop. A simple picnic-style buffet lunch will be served on the catamaran or ashore, and unlimited drinks are available on board throughout the day.

Swim, beach-comb, or simply relax in the gorgeous surroundings. Your memorable Nevis Sailaway ends with a leisurely afternoon sail back to Port Zante.

Note: The catamaran will beach for guests to wade the short distance to the shore. On occasions a dinghy may be used to transfer ashore when the catamaran is at anchor. Snorkel equipment is included. Please remember your swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. Lunch will be served on board the catamaran or on the beach. The area for lunch, if served on the beach, has limited seating. Depending on sea swells, an alternative anchorage may be used. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities. Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

A short drive through Frigate Bay takes you to the south-eastern peninsula, flanked by the energetic Atlantic Ocean on one side and the tranquil Caribbean Sea on the other.

At White House Cove, your adventure begins with a spot of snorkelling to see the underwater world of St Kitts. You will then be assigned your two-person kayak and, after a safety briefing, you’re ready to go.

During your kayak adventure, you’ll paddle along the unspoiled coastline passing secluded coves and cliffs and see some of the local bird life too. With the cooling trade winds helping you along, you will kayak your way to the sandy beach at Friars Bay. Here, you can relax with some delicious local refreshments.

Note: Participants should be competent swimmers and physically fit. The kayak ride will take approximately one hour. Please take a hat, sunglasses, shoes that can get wet, a towel and non-oil sunscreen. Personal belongings will be transferred by minibus to the second beach. You will be required to wear a lifejacket. Snorkel equipment is included. Please note that there are no changing facilities on this tour. Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Your tours starts off with a scenic drive through the town of Basseterre, taking in some of the city’s many restored colonial buildings, including the Roman Catholic Cathedral. Journey along the island’s main road where you will catch a glimpse of the shimmering Caribbean Sea and fields of swaying sugar cane blanketing the hillsides. Ahead lies a lovely view of Romney Manor, set in beautifully manicured grounds.

The route then heads along the main road and continues towards the Frigate Bay Resort area for more beautiful views over both coasts.

On top of Timothy Hill you can see the stunning panorama from a different vantage point. View the vast expanse of the Frigate Bay Resort with its long stretches of golden sandy beaches, the foaming crests of the Atlantic waves to the north and the tranquil Caribbean Sea to the south.

Note: Guests must be able to negotiate steps onto and off the bus. Disembarking the bus at any of the photograph stops is optional.

Built between 1912 and 1926, to deliver sugar cane from the fields to Basseterre, the railway provides a fascinating way to see some of the island from the comfort of custom built sightseeing railcars.

After a brief drive to Needsmust Station, you will board the train. Heading north along the striking coastline, you will roll across tall bridges and gently wind your way through villages and farms and see the light green fields of cane. The unique railcars feature an upper level with a spacious open-air observation deck and air-conditioned seating on the lower level. Each car has a service bar and restrooms. During the journey, you will be treated to musical entertainment, a colourful narrative history of the island and complimentary drinks.

Note: Guests must be able to negotiate steps on and off the train and bus. There are approximately eight steps leading to the upper level of the train. This tour may operate either by train from Needsmust to the substation returning by bus, or vice versa. Total time on the train will be approximately two hours.

Explore the best diving St Kitts has to offer as you encounter an array of exotic marine species and coral formations that are in abundance in the clear and warm waters.

The local Dive Master will select the best dive sites for you to explore, including wrecks, large colourful reefs or walls.

Note: To participate in a certified dive you must hold a PADI open water scuba certification or BSAC Ocean Diver certification. Divers with a PADI Junior Open Water or a PADI Scuba Dive rating cannot be accepted due to the depth limits imposed. In line with the sports-diving industry we advise divers to undertake a refresher course if they have not been diving within the last six months. You must be aged 15 or over, carry your dive certification card with you, and your diving log or proof of a recently completed refresher course. If you are a certified diver but unable to meet our requirements we advise taking the Discover Scuba tour. The tour duration is dependent on both divers and local conditions, so a return time cannot be confirmed. Dive equipment includes two tanks, weights, BC, regulator, mask, fins and snorkel. Wetsuits may be hired at extra cost. Those with asthma, diabetes, heart problems, epilepsy or sinus problems may be declined from the dive. All participants must complete a PADI medical questionnaire. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’/ ‘Scuba Diving’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Take the plunge and learn a new skill – Scuba Diving. At a local hotel you will be taught the basic skills of scuba, fitted with the equipment and asked to perform basic procedures in a confined water setting.

Once everyone has satisfied the Dive Master’s requirements, you will head out to the ocean to encounter some of the local marine life and marvel at this incredible new underwater experience.

Note: The course is for non-certified divers. The tour duration is dependent on participants and local sea conditions. A PADI medical questionnaire must be completed. This tour is accompanied by a Dive Master and includes equipment and transportation. Children may not participate. Those with asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure or other medical conditions may not be able to participate. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’/ ‘Scuba Diving’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

As you board your catamaran at the pier, you will be greeted by your captain and crew and set off on a scenic and relaxing cruise. As you head along the unspoiled coastline of the southeast peninsula, you will enjoy panoramic views as you pass by Frigate Bay Resort and Friars Bay.

After around one hour, your snorkeling adventure will begin, as your catamaran anchors off shore in a sheltered secluded cove. Don your snorkel gear and head into the clear inviting waters to discover the fascinating marine life and coral formations.

Back on board the catamaran, it is time to set sail once more and head back to port Zante.

During your tour you will be offered soft drink refreshments, rum punch and ice-cold beer will also be available on the return cruise.

Note: Children under eight may not participate. Snorkel equipment is included. Participants must be competent swimmers. Marine life sightings are dependent on sea conditions and visibility on the day. Please remember your swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. Depending on sea swells, an alternative anchorage may be used. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities. Water shoes are recommended. Before booking this excursion you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Your tour begins with a drive through the capital Basseterre, taking in classic Victorian architecture and passing by many of the historic buildings of the city.

Your drive continues to Clay Villa Plantation House, a ten acre property which has been transformed into an unusual and unique Kittitian home, with lush and mature gardens and an abundance of flora and fauna. Inside the House is an eclectic collection of artefacts from a bygone era, contemporary art, hand-embroidered parasols and locally-crafted items. Clay Villa also has an interesting array of aquariums featuring a variety of marine life

After your visit to Clay Villa, you will head south east and enjoy panoramic views of the Basseterre Valley and the Frigate Bay Resort area with hotels, an 18-hole golf course and hundreds of elegant homes.

Catch the breathtaking view from the top of Timothy Hill before taking some time to relax, enjoying a swim and a refreshing drink on the golden sandy beach of Frigate Bay.

Note: This tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking over some uneven gravel surfaces including steps. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. Please remember your swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Imagine playing golf in an area that lies between the tranquil Caribbean Sea and the restless Atlantic Ocean. Re-designed by the renowned Canadian golf course architect, Thomas Mc Broom, the course covers 125 acres, which offer striking views of the ocean.

This newly renovated championship Golf Course offers the very best for the beginner to the professional. Located in the scenic Frigate Bay area, the Golf Course is just a short drive away from Port Zante.

Note: Collared shirt and tailored shorts are recommended. Denim shorts, jeans and t-shirts are not permitted. Clubs and shoes are available for hire at a local cost. Green fees and cart rental are included.

This wonderful off-road ‘safari’ takes you through fields of swaying sugar cane, quaint country villages and along the scenic St Kitts coastline, before heading up into cool mountain forests. During your drive, you will stop at a number of sugar plantations to gain a fascinating insight into the sugar plantation heritage of St Kitts, as well as the evolution of the sugar industry.

Your off-road route will take you into parts of the lush rainforest, where only a jeep can access and where you may catch a glimpse of green Vervet Monkeys in amongst the tropical flora and fauna. Be sure to take your camera to capture the beauty of these natural surroundings.

During your tour you will be offered some picnic refreshments of exotic Caribbean fruits, homemade island juice drinks, fresh pastries and local coconut rum.

Note: This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under eight may not participate. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. Before you book this excursion you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Setting off from the port, you will take a scenic drive to the Bayford Mountain area and onto the lush rainforest. Upon arrival, your guide will offer a short briefing and provide you with a complimentary snack and a bottle of water.

Its then time to embark on your nature walk, as you head through the rainforest and along a nature trail. Your guide will provide interesting facts about the area and point out the various flora and fauna, whilst listening and looking out for the many sights and sounds of the rainforest.

As you reach the end of your walk, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy your refreshments, before rejoining your minibus for the return drive to the port.

Note: This tour involves approximately two hours of walking at a relatively moderate pace. The terrain is rough and uneven in parts and may be slippery when wet. Flat, non slip, comfortable closed walking shoes are essential. It is recommended to take a hat and sunscreen.