Today, The Octopus is taking you on an enchanting journey to discover the best anchorages of Saint Kitts and Nevis! This twin-island paradise of the Lesser Antilles is a true beckon for sailors thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and mesmerizing anchorages. Beyond their stunning views, Saint Kitts and Nevis provide a gateway to unparalleled experiences. From the verdant peaks of Mount Liamuiga and Nevis Peak to the tranquil shores of Pinney’s Beach, every corner of these islands invites exploration and discovery.
Without further ado, here are three things to do when sailing in Saint Kitts and Nevis, followed by the best anchorages!
Sailing in Saint Kitts and Nevis: The best anchorages
Three things to do in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Rum Tasting: A Caribbean Tradition
Rum tasting in Saint Kitts and Nevis is an experience that captures the spirit of the Caribbean. Both islands have a rich history of rum production, with sugar plantations of the past laying the foundation for this beloved beverage. On Saint Kitts, visit the local distilleries to sample handcrafted rums. Tours often include a behind-the-scenes look at the rum-making process, from fermenting molasses to aging the spirit in barrels. Don’t miss the chance to try iconic rum cocktails like the Nevisian Rum Punch. You can also enjoy the smooth flavors of aged rum sipped neat – a perfect accompaniment to the islands’ sunsets. Of course, The Octopus would like to remind you to drink alcohol responsibly!
The Culinary Scene: Flavors of the Islands
The culinary scene in Saint Kitts and Nevis is a feast for the senses. It offers a tantalizing mix of traditional Caribbean dishes, tropical flavors, and inventive local creations. At the heart of the islands’ cuisine are hearty specialties like goat water. This dish is a flavorful stew infused with goat meat, spices, and dumplings. Also, try the saltfish and dumplings, a beloved breakfast staple paired with steamed vegetables and plantains. Seafood lovers will delight in freshly caught lobster, conch, and mahi-mahi, often grilled and served with tangy lime butter or spicy Creole sauces.
For those with a sweet tooth, the islands serve up treats like black cake, a rum-soaked fruitcake traditionally enjoyed during holidays.
Spotting Green Vervet Monkeys
The green vervet monkeys of Saint Kitts and Nevis are a delightful and mischievous part of the islands’ natural charm. Originally brought to the Caribbean from West Africa during the colonial era, these monkeys have thrived in the islands’ lush environments and have become a common sight. With their expressive faces, long tails, and striking greenish-brown fur, they’re easy to spot in forests, plantations, and even hotel gardens. They’re known for their playful antics, often seen swinging from trees, scampering across the ground, or cheekily snatching fruit. You might encounter them while hiking Mount Nevis or exploring old plantation estates, where they add a touch of liveliness to the serene surroundings!
Pump Bay
For the first stop of our itinerary of the best anchorages of Saint Kitts and Nevis, we are starting off strong! Pump Bay is located at the northwest of Saint Kitts island, and it is protected from the north to the east by the northeast. You will have a comfortable anchorage in sandy bottoms resting three meters deep!
Not only are the views from this anchorage gorgeous, but it also gives you access to numerous locations and activities at the north of the island. For starters, you can rent a car in Sandy Point Town and begin your exploration of Saint Kitts.
For a bit of history, go to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a historical landmark classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Built in the 17th century, this fortress is a reminder of the island’s colonial past. Indeed, Saint Kitts was a crucial site during the Anglo-French Wars. Today, the fortress offers scenic 360° views of Saint Kitts and its surroundings.
After that, visit Central Forest Reserve National Park. This is one of the most pristine and ecologically significant areas in Saint Kitts. The park encompasses the lush tropical rainforests that blanket the island’s central mountain range. This haven for biodiversity is also a symbol of Saint Kitts’ commitment to conserving its natural heritage and beauty.
In the park lies another one of the island’ symbols. Mount Liamuiga is a dormant stratovolcano. It is also the highest peak in the Eastern Caribbean – standing at 1,156 meters above sea level.
Furthurmore, Mount Liamuiga is the perfect hiking site. The trail will take you through the landscape wonders of Saint Kitts, from the rainforest to the summit of the volcano and its crater. In terms of difficulty, the hike is moderately challenging and takes approximately 4-6 hours round-trip.
In short, Mount Liamuiga is a gem that will take your breath away!
Basseterre Bay
Our next anchorage will hardly be restful as The Octopus has found plenty of things to do! Basseterre Bay is protected from the northerlies, and you will have good holding in sandy seabeds resting 7 meters deep.
This anchorage is located right by the animated capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Basseterre is a charming and historically rich city. What’s more, it is one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean. There, you will explore the numerous attractions of the city. For example, visit the Independence Square, the Circus and Berkeley Memorial Clock, and St. George’s Anglican Church!
On Saturdays, walk through the Public Market, where you will find handmade crafts and local culinary delights. For instance, try the Saltfish and Dumplings, the national dish! Another dish worth trying is “Conkies”, a sweet cornmeal and coconut dessert steamed in banana leaves.
For a jump back in time, visit the National Museum of Saint Kitts, and learn more about the rich history of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
From Basseterre, rent a car and see what the rest of the area has to offer! For instance, you can go to Timothy Hill Overlook, one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Saint Kitts. This spot is the perfect place to capture the quintessential postcard-like scene of the island.
If you want to see more of Saint Kitts’ mesmerizing landscapes, embark on the Scenic Railway! The “Last Railway in the West Indies” was once used to transport sugar cane from plantations to the capital. Today, it was turned into a scenic tour experience. The tour will take you through a 2-hour and 45 minutes circuit by train and bus around Saint Kitts. This unique experience will show you all of the island’s landscapes, with views on rolling hills, sugar cane fields, dense rainforests, volcanic peaks, and the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
White House Bay
After the adventure of the first two anchorages, The Octopus was looking for a calm place to rest awhile. White House Bay is protected from the north to the southeast by the east. However, you will have to be careful to avoid the rocks and the seagrass when dropping your anchor.
Once safely anchored, you will be surrounded by lush, emerald-green hills that cascade gently toward the deep blue sea. This makes it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling!
From White House Bay, you can undertake the southern tip of Saint Kitts. This part of the island is quieter, with less infrastructure. This makes it an ideal location for a peaceful retreat! Thus, a walk ashore is a must. After reaching dry land, make a stop at Shitten Bay – famous for its shipwreck laying ashore!
If you continue, you will find yourself at the pristine and quiet beach of Major Bay. Heading further, make sure to visit Cockleshell Beach, a lively yet relaxed spot with stunning views of Nevis!
Back at the anchorage, you can enjoy watching the sunset from the deck of your boat! As the sun sets, the hills take on a golden hue. The reflections on the water create a magical ambiance, with colors shifting to shades of molten orange and soft pink.
The bay becomes a peaceful haven in this magical hour, the water now still and glassy, reflecting the fading light like a mirror.
Pinney's Beach
Now that we have toured Saint Kitts from shore to shore, we’re setting sail to Nevis! Pinney’s Beach is protected from the northeast to the southeast by the eastern coastline, ensuring calm waters for a secure anchorage. You can choose between dropping your anchor—carefully avoiding the patches of seagrass—or taking a buoy, with both options requiring you to pay a fee at the Charlestown Port.
Once well-settled, you can take in the beauty of your surroundings. From your boat, the view is nothing short of breathtaking. The golden sands of Pinney’s Beach stretch for miles, framed by swaying coconut palms. In the background, the deep green slopes of Mount Nevis rise majestically. As you relax on deck, watch for pelicans (the national bird) gliding effortlessly above the water!
When you’re ready to explore, take your dinghy ashore to discover all that Pinney’s Beach has to offer. Stroll along the soft sands, enjoy a refreshing swim in the gentle waves, or snorkel just off the beach to observe the colorful marine life. With its serene anchorage and captivating scenery, Pinney’s Beach is the perfect gateway to the wonders of Nevis!
Charlestown
To end our itinerary of the best anchorages in Saint Kitts and Nevis, we decided to stop at Charlestown. This mooring spot is protected from the northeast to southeast by the east – but anchoring there is forbidden!
From there, take your dinghy to the shore, and visit Charlestown – the capital of Nevis! Stroll through its quiet streets, lined with well-preserved Georgian-style buildings and vibrant local markets, where you can feel the unique blend of Caribbean charm and British heritage.
A highlight of your visit is the Museum of Nevis History, located in a stone building that was the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton. It offers fascinating insights into the island’s history, from its role in the sugar trade to its cultural evolution.
After immersing yourself in history, rent a car to explore more of Nevis. A must-see on the island are the Botanical Gardens! This tranquil haven features exotic plants, colorful orchids, and cascading fountains. Walk through beautifully landscaped paths, and take in the sweet fragrances of tropical flowers in utter peace.
But the island’s true gem is no other than the Nevis Peak. This dormant volcano towers at 985 meters, dominating the Nevis skyline. The peak is surrounded by lush rainforest, home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including vibrant tropical flowers, chattering vervet monkeys, and colorful birds. The climb to the top is very challenging, and it is recommended that you do a guided hike to ensure safety, and to learn more about the unique ecosystem and history of the peak. After finally reaching the top, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the island and Saint Kitts – and turquoise water as far as the eye can see !
This is the end of our article on the best anchorages in Saint Kitts and Nevis! We hope you enjoyed this article, and we cannot wait to see your pictures of your sailing journey to the island!
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If you would like to read more on the Caribbean, read our articles on Saint Lucia, Martinique, and Saint Vincent and the Grenandines!
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