Port of call

Barster, Saint Kitts and Nevis

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Description — Barster, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre is the capital of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the administrative center of an independent state within the Commonwealth led by the United Kingdom. Basseterre is situated on the shore of a natural bay on the southern coast of the island of Saint Kitts (Saint Christopher), which is of volcanic origin.

The city’s name is translated from French as “lowland” or “low-lying area.” And perhaps it’s the only French touch in the city’s portrait: everything else here is typically British. This is reflected in the city’s architecture and even in the layout of its streets.

But this city is beautiful not only because of its architecture. It also offers excellent beaches, great conditions for active recreation, and-simply-magnificent nature… In general, the city feels like a slice of paradise that you absolutely have to visit!

The State of Saint Kitts and Nevis is located on the territory of the eponymous islands in the northern part of the Leeward Islands group. To the east, it borders Antigua and Barbuda; to the south-east, it borders Montserrat; to the north-west, it borders the Netherlands Antilles (Sint Eustatius); to the north, it borders Saint Barthélemy, which is part of French Guadeloupe (all borders are maritime). The entire country is washed on all sides by the waters of the Caribbean Sea (the total length of the coastline is 135 km). The total area of the state is 261.6 sq. km (Saint Kitts 168 sq. km, Nevis 93 sq. km). This is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere.

Saint Kitts Island stretches 37 km from the north-west to the south-east. In the same direction, along its central axis, stand highly rugged, peak-like mountains with the country’s highest point-a dormant volcano, Mount Liamuiga (1155 m)-in whose crater there is a lake. The south-eastern part of the island is a flat peninsula (height no more than 22 m), dotted with many salt lakes and an irregular coastline that forms many bays with sandy beaches. The sand on some beaches is dark, almost black.

Nevis Island lies 3 km south of Saint Kitts and is separated from it by the narrows of The Narrows. The island has a rounded shape; almost the entire mass of Nevis is formed by volcanic rocks from ancient eruptions, mainly of Mount Nevis (the island’s highest point, 985 m), as well as its side vents-Saddle Hill and Hurricane Hill. Along the coast runs a band of sandy beaches.

Climate

The tropical climate of this region is shaped by the trade winds and ocean breezes, which reduce the heat. The temperature hardly changes by season, staying within +26° C; a drop to +18° C and a rise to +32° C occur only extremely rarely. Precipitation falls throughout the year evenly, with an average amount of 950 mm. Like other Leeward Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis are within the belt where strong tropical hurricanes pass, which are most likely from August to October.

Buster, St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts Island
Independence Square
Fort Street
Beaches of Frigget Bay
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
Black Rocks
Volcano Liamuiga
Romney Manor Sugar Plantation

Location on the map

Sights

Independence Square

Independence Square, formerly known as Pell Mell Square, is a beautiful place in the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the city’s main square and a popular park for relaxing and taking walks among both locals and visitors. It was renamed on September 19, 1983 in honor of the creation of the new state of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Previously, this area served as grazing land on the outskirts of town, but in 1792 construction began on what would become the future square, and in the 19th century a beautiful central fountain with a sculpture of the Virgin was added. Over the centuries, it has been repeatedly renovated and fully refreshed. With its old shops, cozy pathways, and green plantings, Independence Square is a wonderful place to unwind at any time of the year.

Fort Street

Fort Street is a small, historic street in the southern part of the city of Basseterre, one of the oldest and most picturesque streets in the entire city. Many historical buildings are located along it, built on the ruins of the old city fortification wall. Fort Street is not far from Independence Square and leads out to the Circus Square.This street is a wonderful place for strolling and taking photos, as many of the houses here were built in a unique and original architectural style that is found only in the city of Basseterre. Most of the buildings on Fort Street may seem older at first glance, although they were built in the late 19th century, but it is all due to soot-darkened stones left behind after a major fire in the capital.

What to see

Beaches of Friget Bay

Fryget Bay, the island’s main resort and beach area, covers the northern end of the peninsula. Here you’ll find the island’s best shorelines-Turtle Beach (apart from the most beautiful stretch of beach, there’s also a charming little restaurant, Pepper Turtle), the Bubi Island coastline, Cockleshell Beach Bay, the modest white White House Bay beach, bays that enclose the peninsula’s narrowest point-North Fries Bay and South Fries Bay-and the long beaches of Sand Bank Bay, along with many others. Stunning pink saltwater ponds, of which there are quite a number in this part of the island, provide a vivid alternative to colorful seashores. The water’s color is determined by myriads of tiny crustaceans living in these “lakes”.

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is one of the most vibrant attractions in the state of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The park is based not on forests or reefs, but on the large, rather chaotic namesake fort from the 18th century, which was once nicknamed “the Gibraltar of the West Indies.” In 2000, the entire complex of fortifications was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The region’s main outpost stands atop a 244-meter ancient volcanic massif, and its walls are surrounded by sulfur outcrops, which give the fort additional imposing grandeur. Brimstone Hill Fortress was built over the course of a full century. During your journey through the park and Brimstone Hill Fortress, visitors will see the main stronghold tower-the famous Citadel-from which a breathtaking view of the towns of Sandy Point and Sint Eustatius opens up.

Black Rocks

Black Rocks are majestically located along the northern coast of St. Kitts, not far from the crater of the dormant volcano Liamuiga. This incredibly dramatic formation was created by a volcanic eruption many years ago. A piling of statuesque figures made of black lava stone-where you can make out human forms standing on the shore facing the boundless blue expanse of the Atlantic Ocean-is truly impressive. Waves crashing in with thunderous roar break against the black rocks, shattering into tiny particles and sending up fireworks of spray. Near the Black Rocks, there are souvenir shops and small eateries.

Liamuiga Volcano

Mount Liamuiga is an incredibly beautiful, dormant volcano on the island of Saint Kitts with a height of 1156 meters, located in the middle of a large tropical forest. Liamuiga, formerly known as “Mount Misery,” is the youngest of the three volcanic centers on the island. The slopes of the mountain are covered with rural farmland and small villages. Many tours and excursions to the mountain usually begin in the village of Saint Paul. Then the route is laid out to the summit through abandoned areas of sugarcane, through mango trees, and through a humid tropical forest. At the top of the mountain, an amazing view opens up of the Caribbean Sea and the neighboring islands. You can also see the extinct volcanic crater, which after rainfalls fills with water and creates a small lake.

Romney Manor Sugar Plantation

Romney Manor Sugar Plantation is the oldest sugar plantation on the island of St. Kitts, set in a beautiful, vast rainforest. Here you can find the ruins of the original plantation castle, known as Romney Estate. Built in the 17th century by European colonizers, the estate passed from generation to generation for 350 years. Here, the Earls of the Romney family established their own sugar plantation and lived in the built mansion until 1735. After the abolition of slavery in 1834, sugar production declined not only at Romney Estate, but throughout the entire area. Today, the famous “Caribel-batik” factory is located here, producing beautiful painted fabrics, as well as beautiful botanical gardens.

Recommended excursions

St. Kitts Island Sightseeing Excursion

Travelers will stroll through the historic streets of the capital of the island and the state of Baster, and will see the city’s main sights, including Independence Square (the former name is Pell Mell). In the past, the square was the center of the slave trade; today, a wonderful garden has been laid out in its place. The next stop is the former Romney Manor sugar plantation, once owned by Sam Jefferson, an ancestor of Thomas Jefferson-the 3rd President of the United States. Today, on the plantation grounds, the Caribelle Batik factory operates, where fabrics are painted by hand. Here you can see the entire batik production process and buy any finished items you like. The tour will end at one of the magnificent beaches of St. Kitts. Here you can try snorkeling, swim, or sunbathe while enjoying wonderful sea views.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check it out after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.