St Kitts & Nevis

Getting around

Boat

Several passenger-only ferry companies provide service between Basseterre and Charlestown. The trip takes 35 to 45 minutes and is both a pleasant and scenic way to travel. Fares are set at adult/child EC$20/10 one way. In each port, be sure to pay the EC$1 port tax before you depart. Tickets are sold starting about 30 minutes before sailings. It’s a good idea to arrive early as some boats sell out.

Each ferry company operates by its own schedule. Some are more reliable than others. It is a good idea to confirm schedules in advance, which you can do at the ports, tourist offices or by calling 466-4636. Between the various boats there’s service roughly every two hours (much less frequently on Sundays). Boat quality varies: some lack open decks, forcing passengers into close proximity, which may or may not be a good thing when you hit swells.

Ferry boats include the following:

Carib Breeze/Carib Surf (466-6734; mmtscaribe@hotmail.com) The most reliable service. Both boats are large, with enclosed cabins and large, sunny upper decks.

Carib Queen (664-9811) Two trips daily.

Mark Twain (469-0403) No open deck.

Sea Hustler (469-0403) No Sunday service; children under five free.

People with cars can use the new Seabridge (765-7053; www.seabridgeskn.com) car-ferry service. It links Major’s Bay in the south of St Kitts with Cades Point on Nevis. It operates every two hours during daylight hours and trips take 45 minutes. The one-way fare is EC$75 for one car and a driver. Additional passengers cost EC$15. Round-trips cost EC$125. If you have a rental car on one island, this can be a good way to explore the other island on a day trip without having to rent another car.

You can also freelance your way across the 2 miles that separates the islands. At most of the southern beaches on St Kitts you’re likely to find a fisherman willing to run you over to Nevis or even St-Barthélemy or Sint Eustatius for very negotiable rates that start at US$30. The rides can be wet and wild.

^ Back to top

Car & motorcycle

Rental

Rental companies will usually meet you at the airport, ferry port or your hotel. Daily rates start at about US$40. You really won’t need a 4WD for going anywhere – unless it’s rainy season. Most of the major firms have local affiliates. Cars tend to be in good shape on St Kitts but apparently go to die on Nevis. Many on the latter are left-hand drive which can add to the challenge of left-side driving.

^ Back to top

Bus & tram

Bus

Buses on both islands can resemble minivan taxis, so check the front plate to be sure. An ‘H’ means private bus and a ‘T’ means taxi (an ‘R’ is a rental car and a ‘P’ or ‘PA’ is a resident’s car).

^ Back to top

Local transport

Taxi

Taxis meet scheduled flights on both islands.

Taxi island tours on both islands cost around US$75. Those short on time can take a two-hour half-island tour for US$50.

^ Back to top