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St Kitts map
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Airport
Robert L Bradshaw International Airport (airport code SKB) is located 2 miles north of the capital, Basseterre. Facilities at the airport include retail and duty-free shops, a restaurant and bar in the departures hall, a tourist information desk and ATM. |
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Art, Artisans & Galleries
Quite a number of artists, Kittitians and residents, work in the island and their art appears in hotels and bars around the island as well as in galleries for sale. The two most visible artists, whose work is known beyond the island, are two British painters (who now call St Kitts home) Kate Spencer and Rosey Cameron Smith. The Ocean Terrace Inn has a wide selection on view in its public areas, including an impressive painting by Barbara Kassab that hang in reception and a mural by Rosey Cameron Smith in their Waterfalls Restaurant. Art also appears in restaurants such as the Ballahou in town, where Rosey Cameron Smith’s prints are up for sale. The National Museum in the Treasury Building in Basseterre occasionally hosts art exhibitions.
Booyork Graphics & Art Gallery, Sir Lee Moore Building, College Street, Basseterre, t 466 9159
Bold and brightly coloured work by Kittitian painter and graphic designer Dennis Richards. Pastel, collage and sculpture as well as painting.
Caribbean Craft Studio, CAP Southwell Industrial Park, Basseterre, t 465 8040
For local craft and artwork.
Caribelle Batik, Romney Manor, Old Road, t 465 6253, batikskb@caribsurf.com
A batik factory set in a very attractive former plantation estate house and ten acres of gardens on the leeward coast north-west of Basseterre. The factory, which was set up in 1974 by owner Maurice Widdowsson, uses pure Sea Island Cotton to create colourful wall hangings and tropical clothing. The batik process can be seen in action – designs are hand painted onto the material in a mixture of bees’ and paraffin wax and it is then dipped and painted with different colour dyes before being boiled to remove the wax. There is of course a shop. Do note that this is a popular stop for cruise ship passengers on island tours in the winter season and can get busy. Open 8.30am-4pm Mon-Fri and occasionally on weekends in season (end Oct to end Apr) when large cruise ships are in port.
Glass Island, 4-5 Princes Street, Basseterre, t 466 6771, glassisl@caribsurf.com
Using a technique called fusing, Italian glass artist Gianni Bracciali, who is affiliated with Vetrate Artistiche Toscane in Siena, Italy, creates colourful collectables including large platters and jewellery.
Kate Design, Bank Street, Basseterre, t 466 5265, katedesign@caribsurf.com, www.katedesign.com
One of the Caribbean’s best known artists, Kate Spencer was born in England and has trained in Italy. Now a Kittitian, she works in oils and watercolours and has produced a charming portfolio of both local and regional scenes, with a very strong sense of colour. She also makes silk screen scarves. Prints and gifts such as place mats and drinks mats are available from Kate Design in Basseterre. Her studio, which can also be visited, is located next door to Rawlins Plantation Inn in the north of the island, Kate Spencer Art Studio and Gallery, Mount Pleasant, t 465 7740.
The Potter’s House, Camps Estate House, Camps Village, t 465 5947, thepottershouse@caribsurf.com
Local potter Carla Astaphan (a former interior designer/decorator) uses local and imported clays in a range of ceramics which has been influenced by techniques handed down by traditional potters within the region. The studio and gallery, which also sells an assortment of gifts, is normally open from 10am to 3pm, Mon-Sat. Out of hours visits are possible by appointment.
Spencer Cameron Gallery, 10 North Independence Square, Basseterre, t 4651617,info@spencercamerongallery.com, www.spencercamerongallery.com
The gallery and shop of Rosey Cameron Smith, set in a very attractive two storey mid 18th century building on the north side of Independence Square. Originally from Scotland, she moved to St Kitts in 1978 and is best known for her watercolours of local vervet (green) monkeys, acrylics of dancing carnival clowns and a series of whimsical Caribbean scenes. It also features work by other local and Caribbean artists as well as exotic jewellery. Examples of Rosey’s work can be seen island-wide. Look out for her wall mural at Waterfalls restaurant in the Ocean Terrace Inn. Open 9am-4pm Mon to Fri and 9am-2.30pm Sat.
Leonie Warner-Young, t 466 7886, lbyoung@caribsurf.com
A local artist known for her watercolours of St Kitts and Nevis who currently works from her home studio.
Other artists working in St Kitts include Barbara Kassab originally from Saba, who uses a range of media, one of which includes panoramic island scenes in oils. A huge original painting of hers hangs in Ocean Terrace Inn’s reception. Young Kittitian Pierre Liburd is an upcoming artist (and a full time youth worker) who uses acrylic paint on canvas to produce bold paintings with strong lines, of local scenes. Also look out for work by ex-graphic designer Tom Allen Jones from Washington DC, who made St Kitts his home in 1994 is known for his chattel house paintings |
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Banks
Banking hours are 8am-2pm on weekdays, with an extension on Friday afternoons to 4pm or 5pm in most cases (some also have a half day on Saturdays. There are 24 hour ATMs located at the main banks listed below and also one at the airport. They dispense EC Dollars only and accept VISA or MasterCard and accounts linked to your bankcard (using PLUS/Electron or Cirrus/Maestro links).
The following commercial banks have branches on St Kitts:
Bank of Nova Scotia, Fort Street, Basseterre, t 465 4141
First Caribbean International Bank, The Circus, Basseterre t 465 1081
Royal Bank of Canada, The Circus, Basseterre t 465 2389/466 4430
St Kitts Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport t 466 1183
Development Bank of St Kitts & Nevis, Cnr of Church & Central Streets, Basseterre, t 465 2288
National Bank, Central Street, Basseterre t 465 2204 |
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Bars & Nightlife
Nightlife tends to be a fairly low key affair in St Kitts and the action, for travellers at least, is based mainly around the beach bars, a handful of restaurants and some of the hotels. The most happening spot on the island is the strip of beach bars along Frigate Bay beach (south), where tourists and islanders head in the late afternoon for a sun-downer followed by a grilled supper and occasional live music. ‘The strip’ attracts a crowd on Thursday nights with live music and a bonfire at Mr X’s Shiggidy Shack and further action at the likes of the Monkey Bar, Oasis, Inons and Ziggy’s. At the weekends, families also head to Frigate Bay for the day (Sundays are very busy) and later on the party crowd takes over.
Of course there is plenty of action among the Kittitians themselves. One popular place with a nice atmosphere is the Sprat Net seafood restaurant up in Old Road to the north-west of Basseterre. It is popular on Friday nights. Another hot spot on Fridays is the Fish Fry next to Fisherman’s Wharf.
Note: a number of the smaller bars close for a break from mid August to early October. Very few of the beach bars and small restaurants accept credit cards.
Bob and Elvis Party Bus, Frigate Bay t 466 8110, info@caribbeanjourneymasters.com
A unique St Kitts bar-crawl that sets out at sunset every Tuesday and Thursday, an evening of fun aboard a modified Thomas International School Bus which has been kitted out with a bar and sound system. The bus stops off at various bars and pubs along its route and includes a drink per stop. On board, they serve unlimited ‘Purple Mu Foos’ (the house special) in between stops. Dinner is served on the trip. Also available for private parties and tours.
Bobsy’s Bar and Grill, Frigate Bay, t 466 6133
Located at the summit of the hill going over to Frigate Bay, this is a popular eatery as well as a late night spot with occasional live music. DJs and karaoke on weekends. Happy hour 5pm-7pm.
Inon’s Beach Bar and Grill, Frigate Bay beach (south)
A very simple shack plonked on the sand at the top end of Frigate Bay beach (south), with wooden benches under a covered area. The dance floor is made from wooden palettes. Most popular on Friday nights when a DJ draws in the party set. Attracts a local crowd, especially for the eye popping and saucy moves in the dance-offs.
Monkey Bar and Restaurant, Frigate Bay beach (south), t 465 8050
Run over the last two decades by proprietor Roy Gumbs, a Kittitian and former Commonwealth Middleweight Boxing Champion, the Monkey Bar is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. It sits in the midst of the string of bars on the Strip, an octagonal wooden bar is attached to a raised, covered dining deck. It serves fresh lobster and other seafood dishes and is a very pleasant spot for a sundowner. On the weekends the pace picks up with music played late into the night.
Mr X’s Shiggidy Shack Bar and Grill, Frigate Bay beach (south), t 762 3983, info@MrXShiggidyShack.com, www.mrxshiggidyshack.com
Ultra-rustic, barefoot-style drinking hole, literally a collection of wooden shacks and picnic benches on the sand. The Shiggidy Shack heads up a string of beach bars on the Strip on Frigate Bay beach. On Friday nights it attracts the afterwork crowd of mostly locals, veterinary students from Ross University and ex-pats who gather to watch the sunset, followed by a grilled lobster supper from the open air kitchen. Karaoke on Saturday nights, live band on Sunday afternoons and a bonfire with fire-eating and live music on Thursday nights. Full Moon Party with bonfire and music for dancing.
Oasis Sports Bar and Grill, Frigate Bay beach (south), t 466 9332
Attracts the young and the young at heart and gets very busy (and loud) on weekends with live entertainment. Outside dancing area, inside bar serving a variety of cocktails and draft beer, plus casual dining area with kitchen open until 2am on Friday and Saturday – serves ribs, burgers, pizzas, tacos, steaks. Sports bar - large plasma TV with eighteen smaller TVs showing a variety of games, also slot machines, pool table and air hockey. Popular haunt of the veterinary school students. Happy Hour from 4pm-6pm. Wednesdays is ‘Ladies Nite’ with drinks half price. Closed Tuesday.
Ocean Terrace Inn/Fisherman’s Wharf, Fortlands, Basseterre, t 465 2754
West Indian buffet every Friday night in Ocean Terrace Inn’s Waterfalls restaurant, with a live steel band and fashion show in season. Down on the waterfront is their popular seafood grill Fisherman’s Wharf, which gets lively on weekends with occasional live music. The Friday night Fish Fry takes place on the roadside next door.
PJ’s Restaurant and Bar, Frigate Bay (north), t 465 8373
Italian restaurant is popular for its pizzas, including the oddly-named Garbage Pizza (made with anything to hand in the kitchen) and as a late night liming spot. TV for sports events. Closed Mondays.
Rock Lobster Bar and Restaurant, St Christopher Club, Frigate Bay, t 466 1092
Seafood restaurant (with lobster speciality) in a cheery modern setting with some traditional West Indian touches, set back off the road on the north side of Frigate Bay. There are some tables and chairs out on the patio, so you can sit outside or at the bar tucked into a far corner – it gets a little cosy. Rock Lobster has a regular, late night ex-pat crowd on weekends. Open 5pm until… Closed Weds.
Shipwreck Bar and Grill, South Friars Beach, South East Peninsular, t 466 9523
The quintessential ‘barefoot’ beach bar for ‘Nuf Nuf Niceness’, as their sign proudly proclaims. Quirky, slighty shabby-looking wooden structure, a favourite liming spot for an interesting mix of ‘barflies’ from all walks of life. The roof is festooned with fishing nets containing all sorts of interesting oddments, from toy cars and Barbie dolls. Folk head there for late afternoon sundowners before moving on to the late night bars on Frigate Bay. Live entertainment on Sundays from 4pm. Moonlight bonfire party every full moon. Watch out for the ‘no see ums’ (sand flies) in the late afternoons.
Sprat Net, Old Road Town, t 662 5688, chiefscallywag@hotmail.com
Informal and simple but hugely popular seafood eatery on the waterfront in Old Road to the north-west of Basseterre. Owned by local fishermen and brothers Jack and Marcus Spencer, the Sprat Net is open sided and has views to the sea and picnic benches under a corrugated tin roof. Serves freshly caught fish (pick your own) and lobster, plus chicken and ribs which are grilled to order. Although it is quite way out along the west coast and therefore a bit of a trek, the Sprat Net has become a favourite night spot. Live music on Fridays and Sundays in the winter season. Open from 6pm onwards. No credit cards.
Ziggy’s Beach Bar, Frigate Bay (south) beach
Another favoured chill-out spot, the first in line at the north end of the beach next door to Inon’s. Similar in build and style to its neighbour, with shaded area for relaxing and a simple wooden dance floor on the sand. |
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Beach Bars
There are two main strips of beach bars in St Kitts, on Frigate Bay (south) and on Friar’s Bay (south) and increasingly individual bars now opening up on other bays. In Frigate Bay they stand almost shoulder to shoulder on the grey-black sand. Most of the bars are fairly simple, with a classic Caribbean feel and a wooden, open-sided layout and they all have a lovely setting looking out onto the Caribbean Sea. Some are no more than shacks. They may not be open all day during the week (though at least a couple on the main beaches will be, so you can always find one at which to base yourself for the day), but things liven up for the weekend from Thursday nights, starting with the weekly bonfire party at Mr X’s Shiggidy Shack. On Sunday people converge along the beach throughout the day for watersports and beach activities and often they stay well into the night for the live music and grilled fare. Most visitors to St Kitts will include a trip to the Turtle Beach Bar down at the end of the South East Peninsular where green vervet monkeys romp about.
Note: Very few of the beach bars and small restaurants will accept credit cards.
Mr X’s Shiggidy Shack Bar and Grill, Frigate Bay (south), t 762 3983, info@MrXShiggidyShack.com, www.mrxshiggidyshack.com
The most popular beach bar along Frigate Bay beach, Mr X’s sits at the southern end, near the car park, just opposite Timothy Beach Resort. The scene is very laid back and simple, with a relatively small, stand-alone wooden bar surrounded by tall stools set on the sand, picnic benches dotted around (some with shade) and an eating area to the rear with larger tables under canvas. A basic, open-air kitchen serves a variety of grilled dishes including fresh fish, lobster (their most popular at US$22 for a whole one), ribs, burgers and chicken. No credit cards. This is a fairly active area of the beach, which becomes pretty busy at weekends, especially on Sundays. You can hire kayaks, pedal boats, snorkelling gear, windsurfers, sail boats, jet skis, beach umbrellas and sun loungers from Mr X’s Watersports (MrX_watersports@hotmail.com), which is part of the setup. On Thursday nights there normally a bonfire, live music and a fire eating display. There is karaoke on Saturday nights and a bonfire party every full moon.
Monkey Bar and Restaurant, Frigate Bay (south), t 465 8050
Owned by Kittitian Roy Gumbs, a former Commonwealth Middleweight Boxing Champion, the Monkey Bar is a favourite with locals and visitors. It sits in the midst of the string like bars along the beach, although the Monkey Bar is rather less rustic looking than some of the others. An octagonal wooden bar is attached to a raised, covered dining deck which serves fresh lobster amongst other seafood dishes. Open for lunch and dinner – reservations required in season. On weekends the pace picks up and music is played late into the night.
Rainbow Bar, Frigate Bay (south)
At the heart of the Strip, a brightly painted wooden bar with some parasols and loungers out front. Very easy and cool place to linger for a few hours and a few beers.
Sunset Café, Timothy Beach Resort, Frigate Bay (south), t 465 8597
Friendly and pleasant seafront setting just above the bottom end of Frigate Bay beach, with a covered dining area and a full service bar. You can opt to dine alfresco or simply enjoy a cocktail out on the terrace, where colourful picnic benches set along the white picket fence look out to sea and along the beach. Inside the covered dining area you can watch the chef at work through a large bar hatch. A varied menu includes both international and local dishes such as conch fritters, fungi and fish, roti, burgers, BBQ ribs and grilled fish. A good option for those looking for an alternative and less hectic option from the more rustic bars along the beach.
Ziggy’s Beach Bar, Frigate Bay (south)
Another favoured chill-out spot, the first in line at the north end of the beach next door to Inon’s. Similar in build and style to its neighbour, with shaded area for relaxing and a simple wooden dance floor on the sand.
Carambola Beach Club, Friar’s Bay (south)
A wine bar and restaurant for a leisurely lunch looking out through the sea grape bushes and a lovely view of the South East peninsular. Some watersports. Opened October 2007.
Shipwreck Bar and Grill, Friars Beach (south), t 466 9523
Down a dirt track in the southern corner of South Friars Beach is a weathered and unassuming wooden cabin, the infamous Shipwreck Bar, home of ‘Nuf Nuf Niceness’ as their sign proudly proclaims. A quintessential ‘barefoot’ beach bar with an open sided dining deck full of quirky touches - fishing nets hung from the roof feature an intriguing array of ‘collectables’ - it is the favoured liming spot for ultra laid back rogues and barflies from all walks of life. The views across to the peninsular are eye-catching and the snorkelling is good (there is gear for hire) and the sand is mousey grey. Beach chairs are available. A good place for sunsets to accompany one of their signature drinks - Green Flash, Pirates Punch or Beach-A-Loda. There is a very simple lunch menu serving grilled ribs, chicken and fish, burgers and tacos. On Sunday afternoons they have live entertainment from 4pm and things get fairly lively, and there is a bonfire party on the full moon. Watch out for the ‘no see ums’ (sand flies) that come out in the late afternoons.
Sunset Beach Bar, Friar’s Bay (south)
Also known as Olivia’s and Handy’s, Sunset Beach Bar is an octagonal bar with a covered deck at the top end of the beach. Parasols and loungers and some sports equipment.
Lion Rock Beach Bar, Cockleshell Bay, South East Peninsular
Very simple, open-sided beach bar plonked right on the sand, with splendid views across the Narrows to Nevis. Lovely strip of golden sand and ideal for a day of beach-bound peace and relaxation. Run by owner George, aka ‘Lion’, who is clearly identified by his grey Rasta dreadlocks. Open daytime only, serving simple food and drinks.
Reggae Beach Bar, Cockleshell Bay, South East peninsular
Newly opened for the winter of 2007, an open-sided bar around a colourful chattel house on the nice strip of sand. Some watersports, good music and a very easy air.
Turtle Beach Bar and Grill, tip of the South East Peninsular, t 469 9086
Breezy spot on the south east point of the Peninsular, facing across ‘The Narrows’ channel to Nevis – a speed boat shuttle is available from their jetty to take you across to Oualie Beach. Beach chairs, umbrellas and beach volleyball, kayaks and snorkelling gear for hire. Relaxed open-sided bar and restaurant. Small boutique/gift shop. Open on Friday nights for grilled lobster special, Happy Hour from 5pm-6pm. Live steel band on Sunday afternoons, which attracts a fun crowd of Kittitians and ex-pats. Occasional special events. Look out for the resident pig, Wilbur and the tame vervet (green) monkeys, which you can feed by hand. Regular opening hours 10am to 6pm.
The Turtle Beach Bar was sold in the summer of 2007 and is expected to reopen for the winter season in early 2008. |
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Beaches
As a mountainous, volcanic island with areas of coral growth along its Southeastern Peninsular, St Kitts has a variety of sand, giving beaches with glistening black/grey beaches in some areas and others that are golden or blond. The coastline in the North tends to be rocky, but there are some inlets, and here the sand is usually jet black or the colour of dark molasses. Further south, where the underwater land flattens out towards Nevis and corals grow in greater numbers, the colour of the sand becomes paler. Along the peninsular you will find coves with superb mounded golden sand that are often deserted.
You should be careful when swimming on the Atlantic because there are often currents. Take advice.
Banana Bay
Backed by a few coconut palms, a secluded spot on the tip of the Southeast Peninsular. No facilities but you will find ruins of a failed resort. Excellent views of Nevis.
Cockleshell Bay
Another quiet spot just above Banana Bay, which has a stretch of light golden sand. There is a bar, Reggae Beach.
Conaree Bay
Popular bodysurfing beach with a narrow strip of dark golden sand on the breezy Atlantic side of St Kitts, to the North of Frigate Bay. Half Moon Bay to its south has darker coloured sand and Hermitage Bay to the north offers similar conditions. They are all good beaches for walking, however swimming is not recommended due to dangerous currents.
Dieppe Bay
A dark sand beach on the north east corner of St Kitts which is good for snorkelling and windsurfing, but is not a swimming beach due to strong currents. The Golden Lemon Inn sits at the top of the beach and is a nice spot for a posh lunch in a plantation house setting – famous for its Sunday brunch.
Friar’s Bay (South)
Set on the Southeast peninsular, South Friar’s Bay is the nicest beach on the island and a favourite with Kittitians as well as visitors. It has a wonderful stretch of mounded golden sand, backed by palms and sea grapes, excellent views and good swimming (it is on the calm Caribbean side). There is a trio of beach bars such including the Shipwreck, the Godfathers and Sunset Bar. A salt pond and mangrove to the rear of the beach is home to vervet monkeys, crabs and varied birdlife. This marvellous stretch of beach has finally fallen prey to developers and a 4 acre marine park (to include dolphin encounters and a stingray lagoon) was under construction at the northern end of the beach. The park was due for completion mid 2006 however all work on the project ceased during the early stages of construction, and the entire project is currently on hold. North Friar’s Bay is on the Atlantic side of the peninsular and so it is much wilder.
Frigate Bay (South)
St Kitts busiest beach and the most popular outside those down on the Southeast Peninsular. The sand is quite dark in colour and the beach offers lovely views down towards the peninsular. There are some good areas for swimming and a range of watersports including kayaking, windsurfing, water-skiing and jet skiing. On weekends beach volleyball is popular with locals. There are a number of beach bars and grills to choose from including, Mr X’s Shiggidy Shack, Monkey Beach Bar, Ziggy’s and Inon's. North Frigate Bay is on the other side of the island in the same bay. A number of condominium developments have sprung up along this section of coast, including a colossal Marriott resort in the midst of the bay. North Frigate Bay is on the Atlantic side and so the sea is choppy, however the beach stretches for some distance and is good for walking or horseback riding.
Major’s Bay
On the tip of the Southeast Peninsular, below Banana Bay, a strip of white sand backed by a salt pond.
Pump Bay
A dark sand beach in the north west of the island, just off the Sandy Point National Marine Park. It has good snorkelling and scuba diving.
Sand Bank Bay
Tucked into the north-eastern side of the Southeast Peninsular looking along the Atlantic coast, Sand Bank Bay is unusually sheltered and isolated cove – take a picnic. There are shallow waters for swimming and a crest of golden sand.
Turtle Bay
The most popular beach at the end of the peninsular (also a regular stop on the tour route), Turtle Bay has pale golden sand and good swimming. There is a good beach bar and restaurant, hammocks hanging in the trees and various watersports facilities including scuba diving and windsurfing. There is often a live steelband on Sundays, which makes for a good day out. Renowned for its visiting green monkeys, which inhabit this part of the island.
White House Bay
A small rocky cove just north of the Great Salt Pond on the Southern Peninsular, with good snorkelling reefs, and a number of sunken wrecks offshore.
Beware of manchioneel trees, which can be found on some of St Kitts' beaches. They are fairly large trees, with small dark green leaves and small yellow/green apples. Contact with the sap of the tree or apples will cause blistering. In fact even rain water dripping off the leaves can have the same effect, so do not shelter under them during rainfall. The small apples are fairly prevalent. You should seek immediate medical advice if they are consumed. |
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