Sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned with a varied itinerary.

As for renting a car, a daily car rental will be slightly more expensive than one roundtrip taxi fare for going to a restaurant. If you plan to go out for more than one meal, or if you want to do island exploration, renting a car ends up being more cost effective. If you just want to go out for dinner someplace, then taxis would be better. Driving on Nevis is easy for the most part.

Definitely do some of the hiking trails while you're staying at GOlden Rock. In the late afternoons you're very likely to see some of the monkeys who live around there.

I enjoyed walking around Charlestown and trying out various beaches on Nevis. Lovers Beach and Nisbet/Newcastle Beach were our favorites. Our best two dinners were at Montpelier for an elegant setting with fantastic food and presentation and service and then at Cla-Cha-Del for a casual, local feel with fantastic food and service. Very different but both superior to many other restaurant experiences on other islands.

We didn't ferry to St. Kitts because we were too enthralled with Nevis, but I recall that from NEV to SKB there were only 2-3 departures per day. One was early, around 8:00 am, but I'm not certain of the other time(s). Hope you have a great time!

You have already mentioned Brimstone Hill (definitely a must see)- on the way there stop at Caribelle Batik - the gardens are pretty and if you want you can get some nice Batik souvenirs. Since you will have a car, my suggestion is to basically circle the northern part of the island, stopping at Caribelle briefly, AT LEAST 1 hour at Brimstone Hill, keep going around, stopping for a photo op at the Black Rocks, you should end up back in the Frigate Bay area. Then if you want you can drive south and do that part of the island (including Turtle Beach). You may see monkeys on your way up Brimstone Hill. You will certainly see them at Timothy Beach (they sometimes come to drink in the pool) and you are likely to see them at Turtle Beach. Take a whole do to do this self tour and you will have a great time. Lots of lovely photo-ops.

oops - whole day not whole do

To answer your questions:

1) Rent a car - in the long run it will be less expensive then taking taxis, especially if you want to come and go as you please.

2) For a catamaran trip from Nevis check out Canoa it docks at Oualie Beach and goes out everyday except Sunday. You sail to Shitten Bay (off of St. Kitts) for snorkeling. The staff at Golden Rock will make reservations for you.
3) If you are in good shape you should have no trouble with the hike up the volcano. It's pretty much a full day trip - you'll get back by mid-to-late afternoon.
4) Can't help you on this point.
5) On St. Kitts, check out Romney Mannor and the Black Rocks. Consider having the West Indian Buffet at Rawlin's Plantation. On Nevis visit the Botanical gardens and explore many of the old ruins.
6) You've heard conflicting reports on ferry times because they leave at different times depending on the day of the week. Also, it will depend on how many ferry companies are running that particular day. The staff at your hotels will have current schedules available. There's usually a morning ferry, a mid-day ferry and late afternoon ferry (departure times will vary so be sure to check for the day you are traveling).

Thank you thank you thank you for your quick replies & great tips so far!

I should clarify, I have seen the ferry schedules and do realize they leave at different times depending on the day, but I have seen suggested in others' messages that they typically didn't even stick to published schedules? I'm sure it depends on the weather, but was just hoping it wasn't another of those 'island' time things! Will definitely check with our hosts at each hotel.

Sunnyboy, is the West Indian Buffet at Rawlin's every day or any particular day of the week? Also, is it very expensive? I think in general, we're planning to approach our meals on a more whenever-we're-hungry-we'll-eat-where-it's-convenient type basis, unless there are some true can't miss experiences (not to mention the fact that *gasp* I don't eat seafood, though the BF loves it!).

Hello,
We just got back on Sunday! We had the BEST time in NEVIS! Everything was just wonderful!! Its a tropical paradise. WE had a rental from Noels all week that is transferable to St Kitts and all you pay for is gas. I think it's the same vice versa. Look into Avis...We stayed at Golden Rock.
Kelly
Email me off the board fro more info.

You'll difinately want to experience the dinner atmosphere at the Golden Rock at least for one night. The quiet, dimly-lit room with great dinner time discussions after the meal is worth it. Pam is a treasure for after-dinner discussions about the culture of Nevis...and relating it all to world affairs. Call Pam, and she'll have a rental car waiting for you at the airport before you arrive. Watch out for the parrot which has taken over the premises; it will greet you each morning (It loves peanuts). Hike the short trail, which begins by the outside patio deck; you'll love the troop of green vervet monkeys. Robert

Hi Robert,
Parrots been missing for over a year. I guess it found a mate in the forest.

cant remember names of places on nevis--bananas is a great romantic restaurant on a cliff. also-- there is a hut like restaurant-- a must do-- wear beach wear-- listen to music,drink beer and eat-- so laid back-- by the four seasons. not part of four seasons.
def rent a car on nevis.