The islands of St Kitts and
Nevis offer a range of outdoor recreation activities for anyone on vacation on these two
islands that bill themselves as "Two islands, One Paradise". The low level of
built infrastructure means that the holiday maker can truly enjoy their outdoor recreation
in natural surroundings.
Hiking
With verdant countryside and dormant volcanoes clothed in rainforests, hiking is a
popular outdoor recreation activity in St Kitts. Mount Liamuiga, the highest peak in St
Kitts, is the most popular hiking area. Mountain walks however are not the only form of
hiking on St Kitts.The lowlands of St Kitts also offer some excellent walking, in which
you will discover the remains of old sugar works. There are also hikes to remote locations
in the southern part of the island.
On Nevis, while ascending Nevis Peak is the most popular hiking attraction, there are
also hikes through rainforests with bands of African Green (Vervet) monkeys and walks to
waterfalls. There are several tour
guides who will arrange hikes for the beginner through to the most experienced hiker.
Mountain Biking
Moving around on a bicycle can be a fun way to see the island and a great form of
outdoor recreation. On Nevis you can rent a mountain bike and head off on your own to
explore the island or join a group on a fascinating trip off road, up into the hills, to
see ruins, villages, sites and vistas not accessible by car.
Bikers of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the trails that wind through St Kitts
historic countryside. A mountain bike ride gives you the opportunity to visit many of the
island’s plantation ruins and small villages.
Bird Watching
Despite its small size, St Kitts has diversity in its birding habitat, ranging from
coastal mangroves and swamps on the South East Peninsula up to rainforest and even stunted
cloud forest in the northern mountain range. As a result of this diversity you can see
water birds such as herons, brown pelicans, stilts, oystercatchers and frigate birds in
the salt ponds and lagoons of the South east peninsula especially at Shitten Bay. As you
move towards the lower mountain slopes you will encounter thrashers, doves, hummingbirds,
elaenia and kingbirds, while ascending the slopes will present hawks and vireos.
Turtle Watching
During their nesting season, sea turtles crawl onto the beaches of St Kitts at night to
lay their eggs in holes that they dig in the sand. Viewing the nesting of these marine
creatures is a rewarding and educational experience.
Beach Volleyball
Most hotels on Nevis have volleyball courts on the beaches for visitors and locals to
enjoy.
Horseback Riding
Nevis offers you the opportunity to go horseback riding that includes beaches, trails,
and mountain slopes. Led by experienced
guides you will be amazed by the different species of bird life among the luxuriant
tropical vegetation. On St Kitts the horse rides trail up to the rainforest along old
sugar cane tracks. On some rides you can dismount and bathe in river pools.
Tennis
Several hotels have tennis courts available for play while on the island. There are also
public courts located in Brown Hill and Grove Park in Nevis.
Golf
Both St Kitts and Nevis have international standard golf courses. In fact you can play
on one golf course in St Kitts on one day and then take the short ferry ride across to
Nevis and play on another golf course on another day.
Scuba and Snorkeling
With dozens of reefs and wrecks just minutes offshore, even the most experienced scuba
divers are impressed with the wide variety of choices off the shores of St Kitts and
Nevis. You can dive below the surface to explore the virgin reefs with majestic stands of
pillar coral and long slender tube sponges. If you are on vacation and want to try scuba
diving, as we say in the island "No problem", one day introductory scuba diving
trips are arranged. There are several dive
shop operators on St Kitts and Nevis.
Those you just want to go snorkeling will also enjoy the waters of St Kitts and Nevis
and all the watersports operators offer snorkeling trips and snorkel equipment rental.
Watersports
The clear blue waters surrounding St Kitts and Nevis provide the perfect environment
for outdoor holiday recreation. You can experience surfing, kayaking, water skiing, wind
surfing and jet skiing. There are several watersports
shops that provide lessons for all levels as well as rentals. Oualie Beach on Nevis is
the windsurfing headquarters, while Frigate Bay on St Kitts is the main location for
beginners. Experienced windsurfers will enjoy Turtle Beach on the South East Peninsula and
may even take the challenge of surfing the Narrows, the channel between St Kitts and Nevis
with its strong and constant winds.
Whale Watching
Who could argue with the fact that whales are among the most fascinating creatures on
earth? There is something exceptionally special about watching whales in the ocean and it
provides a memory to last a lifetime. Between February and April several species of whales
pass through the waters of St Kitts and Nevis. There are charter boat operators who
provide whale watching tours, giving you the opportunity for a once in a lifetime outdoor
adventure.
Deep Sea Fishing
The waters around St Kitts and Nevis are teeming with a good range of game fish; mahi
mahi, wahoo, yellow and black fin tuna, kingfish, blue marlin, sailfish & abundant
barracuda, occasionally even reef sharks. There are several game fishing boats available
for either half day or full day charter.
