St. Kitts Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Nevis

Port Zante Marina in Basseterre

Port Zante is the marina and cruise port of Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts, built on reclaimed land right in front of the old town. The marina gate is just a two-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal, so this cruise is easy for both cruise passengers and island visitors, and it is the starting point for most boat trips on the island.

You meet the crew at the security gate of the marina before the 10:00 departure. As the catamaran leaves the harbour you get a fine view of Basseterre's waterfront, its church towers and the green hills behind the town. If you are wondering how to get from St. Kitts to Nevis for a day, a catamaran from Port Zante is the most relaxing way, combining the crossing with snorkelling and beach time.

The crossing to Nevis

From Basseterre the catamaran follows the coast of the south-east peninsula of St. Kitts, a dry, hilly strip of land with quiet beaches and salt ponds, toward the narrow channel that separates the two islands. Nevis appears ahead as an almost perfect cone, its summit, Nevis Peak, at about 985 metres and usually wrapped in a white cap of cloud.

This is the time to sit on the front nets, feel the trade wind and watch the colour of the water change from deep blue to turquoise over the shallows. On calm days flying fish skim the surface, and sea birds follow the boat. The crew shares stories about the two islands, which together form the smallest sovereign state in the Americas.

Snorkelling in a secluded cove

On the way the catamaran drops anchor in a secluded cove for the snorkelling stop. The instructor gives a briefing and hands out masks, snorkels and fins, then you slip into the clear water to explore huge underwater boulders covered in coral and sea fans. Snappers, damselfish, trumpetfish, angelfish and several species of colourful parrotfish live around the rocks.

Beginners can stay close to the boat while confident swimmers follow the boulders further along the cove. The water is warm and visibility is usually very good, especially in the morning. Snorkelling in St. Kitts is at its best in sheltered spots like this one, away from the waves of the Atlantic side. After the swim you climb back aboard and the crew serves the buffet lunch on deck.

Pinneys Beach, Nevis

Pinneys Beach stretches for several kilometres along the west coast of Nevis, just north of the small capital, Charlestown. It is a wide ribbon of golden sand lined with tall coconut palms, with calm, clear water and the forested slopes of Nevis Peak rising behind, and it is the best-known beach on the island.

Here you have free time to swim, walk along the sand or relax under the palms. Beach chairs and umbrellas are not included, and food and drinks on shore are at your own cost, so bring a towel and some cash. In the mid-afternoon the catamaran sails leisurely back to Port Zante, with soft drinks and water on board, as the sun lowers over the sea. A day trip to Nevis from St. Kitts does not get more relaxed than this.