Looking for a little help. I have a cruise I am going on in early December with a port being in St. Kitts. I was wondering if you had 8 1/2 hours (9 -5pm) - would you stay in St. Kitts or take a ferry over to Nevis? Which is a nicer place to explore. Was thinking about taking a tour in St. Kitts w/ Thenford Grey - any thoughts? What is there to do in Nevis for that short time? THANKS

If you have never been to St. Kitts, and your cruise is in port there, then I would definitely recommend you explore St. Kitts. It's a beautiful island with so much to see. I would recommend a tour that would take you to Brimstone Hill and Romney Manor. There is a lovely batik shop and garden at Romney Manor. You can finish up in town at the Circle. It would be a shame to stop in St. Kitts and not explore, I think.

I'm a bona fide Nevis fan but will tell you that with only 8 hours in port you'd be better off staying on St. Kitts (touring the island with Thenford - or any other tour guide if he's not available - is definitely a great idea).

While Nevis has a lot to offer you'll spend 45 minutes getting over there on the ferry, another 45 minutes getting back plus there's "wait time" at the ferry dock which means you'll be spending at least 2 to 2.5 hours of your port time doing nothing of substance. While that will give you about 6 hours on Nevis you won't have seen any of St. Kitts.

Topographically St. Kitts & Nevis are similar and both offer numerous things to see and do. It's not necessarilly that one island is better than the other they are just different.

Agree with the St. Kitts advice!

If you had more time to spend I would suggest Nevis but St. Kitts would be a better choice because of your time restraints.
The ferry over takes 45 mins one way. You will spend your time better taking a tour visiting Romny Manor with Caribelle batik, Brimstone Hill (the Gibraltar of the West Indies), Black Rocks, some of the other places to stay such as Ottley's Plantation Inn, Rawlins Plantation Inn, The Golden Lemon and you should take a ride out to the Peninsula if you have time. Don't bother with the Marriott as it could be anywhere in the world. The strip of bars along Frigate Bay Beach is worth a visit with vendors selling locally made crafts and such. The museum in Bassterre is just off the dock showcasing the local culture from colonial to present crnival costumes. Next to that is a small local crafts market with local women selling their wares. Make a stop at Manhattan Gardens for lunch. You can call ahead (1 869 465 9121) perhap before you a scheduled to land on St. Kitts to give her time to prepare) - because of your time limit and Owner Rosalind Warner will be happy to accommodate you with a delicious, Kittician lunch for a goof price.
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There are tons of things to do but you only have eight hours so that is an idea of what you can get done in the alloted time.

I agree with everybody else. THough I much prefer Nevis over St. Kitts, with only 8 hours you're much better off staying on St. Kitts. Definitely see Fort Brimstone, the black lava rocks, the southern peninsula, and maybe finish off with a drink at one of the many beach bars on S. Frigate beach.