Things to do in St Kitts on a cruise – that will suit all ages

With a laid back and unspoiled Caribbean charm, the island of St Kitts offers lush green landscapes on the slopes of Mount Liamuiga, in contrast to the south of the island where you’ll find the best beaches.

If you’re looking for things to do on St Kitts when visiting on a cruise, you’ll find something for everyone and all within an easy taxi ride of Port Zante, where your cruise ship will dock.

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Things to do in St Kitts for Families

Families with young children looking for a relaxing day on the beach will find everything they need at Cockleshell Beach, a 15 minute taxi ride to the end of the south-east peninsula. The water is shallow and calm and there are plenty of beach bars to hire a sun lounger and buy drinks and snacks.

Once the little ones have tired of playing in the sea we suggest you ‘Rush slowly’ to Reggae Beach Bar, for excellent seafood and a watersports shop next door to hire snorkels and flippers.

Things to do in St Kitts for teenagers

Families with teenagers seeking an adrenaline packed couple of hours should try out the zip-wire at Sky Safaris, at the Wingfield Estate, where you can try out five different zip-lines high above the rainforest.

All ages will enjoy the experience but parents who don’t want to try the Brimstone Blast or River Rocker can wander around the old sugar mill or visit the Caribelle batik workshop at Romney Manor.

This is an excursion best booked through your cruise since Sky Safaris has an exclusive arrangement with most cruise lines.

Read more: Top 10 things to do on St Kitts for cruise visitors

Check out this zipline tour through the tropical forest on a historic sugar estate and rum distillery site

Things to do in St Kitts for Couples

Couples looking for relaxing beach time together will enjoy Friar’s Bay South with a long stretch of golden sand and calm waters on the Caribbean side of the island.

For elegant beachside pampering with a bar, restaurant and indoor seating, as well as sunbeds on the beach try Carambola Beach Club for an upscale beach experience.

If a rustic beach shack is more your style then head to the other end of Friar’s Bay to Shipwreck Beach Bar where you can prop up the bar with a chilled beer and fish tacos while watching the Vervet monkeys play nearby.

Read more: A stylish traveller’s guide to St Kitts

Couples looking for a physical challenge with the reward of views over the whole island can trek up Mount Liamuiga, the extinct volcano at the heart of St Kitts. It’s a demanding hike that’s best done with an experienced guide.

Guide O’Neil Mulraine often takes honeymoon couples up to the edge of the mile wide crater. The hike takes 2-3 hours each way, allowing time to see a freshwater lake and steaming vents. You’re best to allocate the whole day to this activity.

Things to do in St Kitts for Friends

Groups of friends who want to combine a look around the island’s capital of Basseterre, with some relaxing time by the pool should visit Palm Court Gardens. This is within walking distance of the cruise port, with tranquil botanical gardens and views over the bay.

Swing in a hammock, admire the vintage Rolls Royce or shop for jewellery in the Shell Works Boutique. Drinks and home cooked dishes are available in the restaurant. The gardens are close enough to Basseterre for some in your group to relax here while others explore the sights of town.

Read More: 10 views of St Kitts that would make the perfect postcard

Is your group are the kind that can’t lie still on a sunbed for too long? Check out the wide range of watersports are available at St Kitts Watersports at Cockleshell Beach.

There’s something for everyone from glass-bottomed kayak (like snorkeling without getting wet) to the thrill of flyboarding, propelling you up to 30 feet above the sea.

If you want to try them all, buy an all day action pass to get a taste of five different watersports. Jet-ski tours are also available to take you to the best snorkeling spot in a nearby Shitten Bay (be sure to ask how it got its name).

Things to do in St Kitts for Solo Travellers

For travellers who love to eat (who doesn’t?) be sure to sample the food on St Kitts. From the port you can take a gentle walk, stopping at some of the best restaurants and street food vendors around Basseterre.

Try local Kittitian specialties such as salt fish and Johnny cakes. Or, try traditional food, homemade treats and cold drinks on this Basseterre food and drink tour.

As an alternative, witness the breathtaking highlights of the beautiful St. Kitts island on a 3.5-hour guided tour with a local guide. Discover the island’s history, its people, and the wildlife and vegetation backed by beautiful landscapes.

Read more: Top 10 things to eat and drink on St Kitts

Adventurous solo travellers will enjoy a half day catamaran tour of St Kitts. You’ll take in the coastline and turquoise water with plenty of time for relaxing and swimming.

Mix with up to 40 guests with drinks and lunch on board and be taken to some of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Book as a cruise excursion or through one of the local operators such as Blue Water Safaris.

Things to do on St Kitts for Older Travellers

For older travellers who want to see the lush, green landscape of St Kitts in comfort, check out the Scenic Railway Tour. It takes you on the narrow gauge railway that originally connected all the old sugar plantations.

You can feel the breeze upstairs, or stay cool downstairs in the air-conditioned compartment. You’re served with fruit or rum punch and a guide explains the history of the island.

The return journey from the north of the island back to Basseterre is normally made by tour bus or by catamaran. This gives you another perspective of the island.

The St Kitts Scenic Railway needs to be booked in advance so is best taken as a cruise excursion. If visiting St Kitts independently you can pre-book the Scenic Railway tour here.

Older travellers visiting on a cruise who want to discover the history of St Kitts should take a 15 minute taxi ride to Wingfield Estate. Look around the restored buildings of the old sugar mill, rum distillery and stone aqueduct.

A short walk up the hill brings you to the 400 year old Saman tree and botanic gardens of Romney Manor, the Great House of the estate. It’s home to Caribelle Batik where you can see a demonstration of the colorful batik fabrics being made.

Read more: Shopping in St Kitts – where to shop for local crafts and souvenirs

Visitor Information for St Kitts

To plan your visit to St Kitts check out the tourism board Visit St Kitts. Or, follow their social media channels: Twtter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

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British Airways flies to St Kitts from London Gatwick twice a week on Saturdays and Wednesdays with the flight going on to nearby Antigua. There are regular ferries every day to Nevis, with a journey time of 45 minutes from Basseterre. This makes it easy to plan a combined stay on both islands.

Check out prices and book hotels on St Kitts.

For a full range of private tours available check out these St Kitts tour options.

If you’re looking for a guide book for use on a Caribbean cruise, we recommend the DK Eyewitness Caribbean Travel Guide which covers all your likely ports of call, or for something more in depth try the Footprint Guide to St Kitts, Nevis, Antigua and Montserrat.

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This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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