iw

We are thinking of visiting St. Kitts this summer and would like to also visit any islands that are close to it. We have been to St. Kitts before so we know about Nevis. We would like to take the ferry to Nevis for a few days. Are there other islands that would be easy to access from there? Any hotel suggestions?

Sunnyboy

Nevis is the only island you can get to from St. Kitts by regularly scheduled ferry service. About once a month (usually on a Sunday) Sea Hustler has a trip to St. Eustatia but there's no set schedule.

You can fly from St. Kitts to numerous other islands via Winair (www.fly-winair.com) or LIAT (www.liatairline.com) or Caribbean Star (www.flycaribbeanstar.com) but some flights don't go everyday or schedules might be such that you might not too much time on-island unless you overnight. Go to the websites mentioned for schedules, fares, travel days, etc.

Of course you can always get to nearby islands by chartering an airplane, figure $1,000 to $1,500US for a r/t to places like Anguilla, St. Barths, Barbuda or Saba.

iw

Thank you for your reply. We do plan on spending some nights on Nevis and the other island that we decide to visit. Airfare may be more than I am thinking it will be. I will check it out. I know that when we flew from Nevis to St. Kitts, the plane was very late and we lost some island time. Go with the flow, I guess.

cw

If you're interested in going to another island after Nevis, you can fly directly to Antigua and St. Martin from Nevis.

Take a look at www.nevisisland.com and they list the carriers under "How to get here."

cw

iw

Thank you, cw. I have been to St. Martin and have stayed on the French side. Does anyone have an opinion on the two sides, French or Dutch? I will also check out Antigua.

Sweege

Nevis has lots of neat places to stay and things to do, depending on the type of lodging and activity you prefer. May I suggest you search "Nevis" on the forum and you'll read interesting discussions about lodging, dining and things to do. It was a great source for our recent trip there. Enjoy!

cw

iw,

We know people who spend time in St. Kitts or Nevis every year then then spend time in Barbuda.

Two different islands. They go to SKN for the lush landscape and to Barbuda, off of Antigua, for the beach experience. Always sounded wonderful to me.

My somewhat second-hand knowledge garnered from a brief visit to Dutch St. Martin years ago, and accounts from friends who have stayed in French St. Martin more recently, the French side is less busy, and more "Caribbean." Just anecdotal impressions.

cw

Sweege

I agree with cw. Can't recall enough about the beaches, though. French side is much less crowded; Marigot is cute and you can take a boat ride to Anguilla from there.

Statia

I've always preferred the French side over the Dutch, especially Marigot over Phillispburg. However, Phillipsburg has been totally revamped in the past year or so and is now much nicer than Marigot.

The two sides are very easy to get between so it doesn't really matter which one you stay on. My personal suggestions for areas to stay are Grand Case on the French side, and Simpson Bay on the Dutch side.