I was recently in St. Kitts for four days and had the opportunity to experience the island BUT there is so much more to see and do. If it’s your first time visiting the island, and you are an avid tourist, you may not know where to start because there are so many things to do in St. Kitts. Obviously, you will want time on the beach and you may want to visit the rainforest, but there are gems in plain sight everywhere, so we put together something for every type of traveler with the top things to do in St. Kitts:
For the History Buff
Brimstone Hill
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was designed by British military engineers and building began in 1690, through the skill, strength and endurance of the African slaves who built it using nearby volcanic rock deposits. Building the fortress took just over 100 years. It is considered one of the best preserved historical fortifications in the Americas.
As you tour the fortress, you will learn about how it was built and have the opportunity to visit well-preserved barracks. The views from the top of the Brimstone Hill are incredible too – as you can see the Caribbean Sea in the distance. It is a bit of a climb to the top and there are no barriers along the interior looking down at the courtyard, so if you are bringing children – watch them carefully.
Wingfield Estate and Caribelle Batik
Once owned by Samuel Jefferson (Thomas Jefferson’s great, great grandfather) and the Earle of Romney, the 17th-century Romney Manor sugar estate is now home to Caribelle Batik. There are four things to do here including the Old Rum Company (below) and you are going to want to spend some time wandering in the beautifully landscaped gardens.
Visit the Batik Shop where you will find one of a kind patterns made right on the premises on everything from bathing suit coverups to throw pillows. Take some time to watch (and participate) in the batik process – it is fun and doesn’t take too long.
Old Road Rum Company
Old Road Rum has to be on your things to do in St. Kitts list, even if you have seen other rum distilleries. Old Road Rum is the oldest surviving rum distillery in all of the Caribbean dating back to 1681. Old Road Rum is hand bottled on the site of the Old Road Distillery by founder Jack Widdowson, a proud Kittitian committed to re-igniting small-batch Rum production on the island he loves.
We had the chance to do a rum tasting with Bon Jovi and yes, that is his real name, took a tour of the remains of the original distillery and about learned about their founders program. As a Founding Member you will take ownership of one of the first 500 bottles of Old Road Rum ever made. In addition to your founders bottle you will become a life-long member of the Old Road Rum Company. Your name will be etched on the founders’ cornerstone, you will be granted unlimited access to the distillery and receive exclusive options on future small batch releases.
The rum is aged 12 years and it is excellent.
For the Shopper
Port Zante
Port Zante is the main port of the country with cruise ships docked and passengers scurrying around to get last minute souvenirs. You can shop ’til you drop in the colourful stores or stop for a drink or quick bite at one of the restaurants. You may see some of the island’s traditional dancers here doing an impromptu performance. Tourists can also book island tours or get a taxi to take you around the capital city of Basseterre.
For the Nature Lover
Black Rocks
If you are a nature lover who is looking for things to do in St. Kitts, you will find plenty that you can do for free. Black Rocks, is the name of a rock formation on the north eastern coast of the island of St. Kitts. The rocks consist of lava flow from the volcanic Mount Liamuiga where Belle Mont Farms Resort is located. The water is rougher here, but it is very picturesque and a must see when you are visiting St. Kitts. Stop for a drink or snack in some of the colourful little restaurants that dot the walk over.
Timothy Hill Overlook
Timothy Hill Overlook is a point on the southeastern part of St Kitts Island where you can get a view of the rougher Atlantic Ocean waters and the calmer seas of the Caribbean. You can get a panoramic view of the hills of the island and see Nevis in the distance. It is one of the most iconic and yes, Instagrammable photos that you can take. If you want a picture with a monkey, you will find locals who will help you tick that off of your bucket list. This is free and if you are looking for things to do in St. Kitts, this is a must.
*Hosted for review purposes – opinions are our own.
