Destination Guide · Leeward Islands
St. Kitts & Nevis
Two volcanoes, one strait, and the longest unbroken beach in the Leewards — Pinney's, on Nevis.
From Antigua
55 nautical miles west · downwind day sail
Best time to sail
December through May. The trades make for fast sailing both ways. Hike Mount Liamuiga in the dry season — January through April.
St. Kitts and Nevis are two islands separated by a two-mile channel called The Narrows — small, lush, and far less developed than their northern neighbours. Together they make a perfect mid-week stop on a Leewards charter: a day on Pinney's Beach, a night at anchor in Charlestown, and a morning sail across to Basseterre.
We sail here from Antigua as a long day or overnight passage — 55 nautical miles on a downwind reach. The islands are quiet by Leeward standards: no big cruise terminals, light traffic ashore, and anchorages that almost always have space. Brimstone Hill Fortress on St. Kitts is a UNESCO site worth the drive; the rainforest hike to Mount Liamuiga is one of the best in the Caribbean.
Nevis is the more memorable of the two for charter guests. Pinney's Beach runs unbroken for three miles on the leeward coast — anchor off Sunshine's beach bar and the rest of the day takes care of itself. The Hamilton Estate ashore is the original 18th-century plantation house, now Hermitage Plantation Inn. Dinner reservations recommended.
Anchorages
Pinney's Beach (Nevis)
Three miles of leeward coast, sheltered from the trades. Anchor in 12-15 ft of clear water; a short tender to Sunshine's, the Four Seasons jetty, or the town dock at Charlestown.
White House Bay (St. Kitts)
Sheltered horseshoe on the south-east peninsula. Two beach restaurants ashore (Salt Plage, Spice Mill); good snorkelling at the southern point.
Basseterre (St. Kitts)
The capital — used as a customs check-in and provisioning stop more than an overnight. Ferry traffic to Nevis from the next pier.
Ashore
Sunshine's Beach Bar
Iconic Pinney's Beach institution. Killer Bee rum punch, grilled lobster, and a long afternoon. Walk-up — no reservations.
Brimstone Hill Fortress
UNESCO World Heritage 18th-century fortress on the west coast of St. Kitts. Drive ashore from Basseterre — the best Caribbean panorama is from the upper bastion.
Hermitage Plantation Inn (Nevis)
Original 1670 sugar plantation, now a small hotel and restaurant. The dining room is a 350-year-old great house. Reservations essential.
Pair St. Kitts & Nevis with
Leeward Islands Week
Two nights between St. Kitts and Nevis on the standard week-long route from Antigua.
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Antigua & Barbuda Week
We can extend any week to include St. Kitts and Nevis as a long out-and-back leg.
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