Excursion advice

[Lucy]

Hi - I'll be arriving in St. Kitts in exactly 6 days! My first trip anywhere tropical actually. I have been reading everything on the forum - it's really helpful - especially the recent post about top 10 places to eat. I'm slightly overwhelmed by the excursion possibilities - I was planning on doing the snorkeling/nevis day trip and a hike through the rain forest and of course Brimstone hill. We have 7 nights total - we are staying at Royal St. Kitts resort. So, any suggestions on the 'must-see' 'must do'? I've been reading we should definitely do an island tour - is a local taxi really the best way to do that? Anyone know what the going taxi rates are? I am coming from freezing New Hampshire - we are so excited about our trip! Thanks for any advice.
Lucy

[Liz_Pereira]

Welcome to the forum Lucy.

I highly recommend the full day sail & snorkel excursion to Nevis.  You can book all your excursions through the tour desk located in the lobby of your hotel.

Hiring one of our local taxi drivers is an excellent way to see the island.  The cost of a taxi around the island is $40 USD which includes the entrance to Brimstone Hill Fortress.

[sarah]

Obviously you can drive yourself around the island but if you hire a cab or go on an organised tour you get so much info too. Thenford Grey did our first tour with about 6 others people in his mini bus. He was (still is!) great, very knowledgeable. He advertises on the forum (Grey's excursions). You can easily get a brief tour of Basseterre, Romney Manor and Brimstone Hill , Black Rocks included too. And, since it's pretty much a full day you could have lunch somewhere fab like Rawlins Plantation right at the north of the island.

The Cat trip is a must, such fun.

Enjoy!

[MsJilly]

Not to knock the taxi tour operators, as they are all terrific ambassadors for the island, but you can do your island "tour" as part of your hiking excursion with whomever you contract to do your hike.  Brimstone Hill is great to do first thing in the a.m. after breakfast, but before the heat of midday.  It also need not be done as part of a formal island tour - it is fun to enjoy this beautiful and tragically historic spot when not rushed for time. 

[Jammer]

Hi Lucy & welcome to the Forum!

Don't miss Brimstone Hill Fortress; Full Day Sail & Snorkel Excursion to Nevis; Full Island Tour (Thenford IS good, but most all of the drivers are as they are very proud of their island); any of the old Plantations (which will be included on your island tour); the liquor store within the Marriott that will allow you to sample all of the Brinley's Rum flavors;.  Lastly and most importantly, remember the pace of life on St. Kitts is much slower than the pace you are accustomed to in N.H.  Please be patient, try not to get upset and ENJOY YOURSELVES!   

[Lucy]

Thank you so much everyone - this is helpful. I read on a government website that it is customary not to tip the taxi drivers - is that really true? I want to make sure I'm following the right 'rules'! Thanks!

[Dave]

I would tip if you feel thay you have gotten exceptional service. They do appreciate it. 

[cw]

Agree with Dave.  We've always tipped our cab drivers in St. Kitts and in Nevis.