Also known as the “Mother Colony of the West Indies,” St. Kitts and Nevis is the smallest yet oldest of the West Indies nations. Today, the nation, which is composed of two separate islands in St. Kitts and Nevis, remains a popular tourist destination in the Caribbean. If you’re looking to book a trip to this fantastic nation, keep reading to find out more about the islands and the best things to do there.
Let’s jump in!
Where is St. Kitts and Nevis?
Before we begin, let’s answer an important question: “Where is St. Kitts and Nevis located?” Specifically, the nation lies in the Lower Antilles near other Caribbean nations such as St. Martin and Saint Barthelemy.
Is St. Kitts and Nevis Safe?
St. Kitts and Nevis is generally regarded as safe, with the island of Nevis being the safer of the two. While violent crime rates are low, experts warn that theft is a possibility, so precautions should be made accordingly.

Also, travelers are asked to keep in mind that St. Kitts and Nevis hurricane season begins in June and lasts until November (with a majority of hurricanes coming between August and November).
Who Owns St. Kitts and Nevis?
St. Kitts and Nevis is an overseas British territory, with the Queen of England serving as the head of state.
How to Get to St. Kitts and Nevis
Most tourists reach St. Kitts and Nevis by flight to Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport (otherwise known as the St. Kitts and Nevis International Airport). The St. Kitts and Nevis airport code is SKB.
Best St. Kitts and Nevis Activities:
With all this in mind, let’s now take a look at ten of the best things to do in St. Kitts and Nevis:
1) See the Black Sand at Pump Bay
Pump Bay isn’t the most-traveled beach in the nation, but perhaps it should be. With gray-black sand that dazzles the eye and feels pleasant under the feet, the beach is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with family or loved ones. Pump Bay is located on the northwest coast of St. Kitts and offers an incredible look at the Caribbean coastline.
2) Tour Historic Brimstone Fortress

Part of Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Brimstone Fortress was designed and constructed in the 17th century by British military engineers and African slaves. Today, it is the most well-preserved fort in the Americas. The fortress is located on top of Brimstone Hilland was once considered impregnable.
3) Spend a Day at Pinney’s Beach
Pinney’s Beach, located in Nevis just north of Charlestown, is one of the nation’s representative beaches. Complete with beach snack shacks and other amenities, it’s a great location to spend the day with a partner or your family. The waters remain sparkling blue year round and are surrounded by towering palm trees that signify just how much of a tropical paradise Pinney’s really is.
4) Relax at Frigate Bay
Frigate Bay in St. Kitts offers one of the best Caribbean beach experiences in the region. Surrounded by incredible nightlife and shopping opportunities, it’s safe to say that Frigate Bay is the beach that never sleeps. Make sure to add this to your list, as it’s one of the most unique and also offers you the opportunity to stay at one of the amazing St. Kitts and Nevis all inclusive hotels.
5) Go Snorkeling at Shitten Bay
Snorkeling in St Kitts and Nevis can be tons of fun when done at Shitten Bay. The bay is accessible by boat and is by far the most revered snorkeling spot in the nation. If you’re ready to break out the gear and dive down for some underwater fun, make sure you put Shitten Bay at the top of your list.
6) Explore Basseterre

Basseterre Saint Kitts is the Saint Kitts and Nevis capital. The city, which hosts a population of 14,000, is one of the smallest capital cities in the region, but houses many points of interest, including: St. George’s Anglican Church, Independence Square, the National Museum of Saint Kitts, and the Circus. With the right itinerary, this could become one of your favorite St. Kitts and Nevis excursions!
7) Hike Mount Liamuiga
Don’t know what to do in St. Kitts and Nevis? Try hiking Mount Liamuiga. This mountain is home to the highest peak in the nation and beautiful, dense rainforests that will take your breath away. If you plan on making the climb, however, it’s important that you come prepared—the trip takes about a day to complete. Still, if you can make it to the top, there’s not a better view in all of St. Kitts and Nevis!
8) See Charlestown

Charlestown, St. Kitts and Nevis is another great destination for adventurous travelers. Though the St. Kitts and Nevis city has a population of just 1,500, it is the capital city of Nevis and birthplace of American legend Alexander Hamilton (how’s that for interesting facts about St. Kitts and Nevis?). A number of museums make the city lively—in particular the Museum of Nevis History housed in Hamilton’s childhood home.
9) Chill on Oualie Beach
One of the best St. Kitts and Nevis beaches, Oualie Beach is located on Nevis and boasts some of the best watersport activities on the island. When searching for things to do in St. Kitts and Nevis, spending a day at Oualie Beach should be one of your top priorities. Food shacks and jet ski outfitters ring the beach, as do beautiful palm trees that you’ll definitely want to capture on your smartphone.
10) Enjoy Yourself at Sand Bank Beach
Sand Bank Beach is without a doubt one of the jewels of the Caribbean. Located at the southern end of St. Kitts, the beach features rolling sand dunes and towering cliffs that make the beach feel like the ultimate secluded tropical paradise. It helps, of course, that the beach has largely been left untouched. Spend a day here and take advantage of the beautiful St. Kitts and Nevis weather!
The Bottom Line
A trip to St. Kitts and Nevis could be just what you need for your next vacation. Steeped in both beauty and history, the islands of this Caribbean nation are perfect for any traveler. This guide covered some St. Kitts and Nevis fun facts, as well as the top things to do in St. Kitts and Nevis. Use the information here to plan your next trip so that your next vacation is a blast!