What is the best way to get to Nevis from Philadelphia? We would love to go for a long weekend, 4 or 5 days, but we do not want to waste time on planes. Ideally we could leave in the evening fly south and lay over somewhere then catch a ferry or plane to Nevis and repeat the reverse process on the way home. I can not really find anything direct to Nevis.
Thanks for the help.

It's difficult to get to Nevis as there are no direct flights from the anywhere in the US. Plan on at least one long travel day. I'm not familiar with flights from Philadelphia but offer you the following info. Try itineraries that will connect you to NEV thru either SJU on American Eagle (2 daily flights "in-season" - 1 daily flight "off-season&quot or thru St. Martin (SXM) on Winair (several flights throughtout the day) or LIAT.

Also, I seem to recall hearing that at one time USAIR had a non-stop flight from Philadelphia to St. Kitts (SKN). If it's still operating you might get to SKN in time to catch the afternoon ferry to NEV (you could hire a water taxi if your budget allows, in which case you won't have to rely on the ferry schedule).

Hope this helps.

Plan on a long day. We did the Atlanta to San Juan to St. Kitt's to the ferry to Nevis. It's a full day.

Four Season's has their own boat that picks you up at the airport. We loved that hotel and would go back. Saw many of the other hotels while we were on the island as well so if you want advice on others let me know.

Besides the Four Seasons, what other hotels have you visited on Nevis and how would you rate them? I'm looking at the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, the Oualie Beach Hotel, and the Inn at Cades Bay. I'm looking to do a lot of snorkeling if possible. Thanks for any help that you can provide.

Of the three that you mentioned,I would rate them

1 Nisbet
2 Oualie
3 Cades Bay

All three are nice, but Nisbet is MUCH nicer than the other two.

Unfortunately, if you are really into snorkeling, there is not much to be had on Nevis. Capn Knox leaves out of Oualie on a sporadic-to-say-the-least schedule, and he really only has one site in Shitten Bay over on St Kitts.

He's a great guy, and the trip is loads of fun, but the snorkeling is not very good in either St Kitts or Nevis. (Volcanic in origin.)

If you don't have to be on the beach, Montpelier Plantation is very nice, and Golden Rock gets lots of favorable reviews. They are both at higher elevations down from Nevis Peak.

Nisbet is a really nice resort. Great staff, attractive grounds, terrific food. It's not as plush as the Four seasons but ranks up there as one of the best on the island. They will take very good care of you. Check out their web-site. It accurately depicts the reorts. Oualie beach is OK but not as nice as Nisbet - more "caribbean" in style. Inn At Cades Bay is cute and on a very nice beach. Rooms are comfortable and clean. It's a step or two below Nisbet in terms of quality. For a more upscale feel you might look into Montpelier Estate or Mt. Nevis Resort. Both are located in the mountains so you will not be "on the beach" but that should stop you from consuidering them. Go to www.nevis1.com for a comprehensive list and unbiased reviews of nearly every hotel and resort on Nevis.

As for snorkeling, you should be aware that unlike the BVI's or Bonaire, there's not a lot to see in the waters surrounding Nevis. The best snorkeling is actually at Shitten Bay off of St. kitts. There are several companies that offer day sails that will take you there.