Official Name: Nevis Capital: Charlestown Flag: Population: 12,106 Language: English Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) Government Website: www.gov.kn Chamber of Commerce: www.stkittsnevischamber.org Emergency Info:

About Nevis Island

St. Kitts and Nevis are two uniquely different Islands, both rich in Caribbean appeal. Coveted for their stretches of sandy beaches and pristine dive sites, vacationing on St. Kitts & Nevis is twice the bang for the buck. Although both Islands posses the naturally relaxed atmosphere of Island life, the island of St. Kitts is vivacious, while Nevis is peacefully lethargic and low key.

Located in the eastern Caribbean, both Islands are formed in spectacular peaks that rise into the clouds. The center of St. Kitts is Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano covered in thick tropical vegetation. Nature lovers from around the world revere St. Kitts and Nevis as a spectacular place for experiencing nature in all its glory.

Basseterre, the small capital city of St. Kitts is home to almost half the population of St. Kitts. It’s backdrop is lush and the city’s architecture is that of graceful Georgian, and although a small capital city of the Caribbean, it is considered by many to be one of the best. The second largest of St. Kitt’s towns is Sandy Point, which was the center of the Islands Tobacco trade during the 17th century. Visitors to Sandy Point can walk through the large, fascinating tobacco houses.

Another point of interest in St. Kitts is Frigate Bay Peninsula, a dramatic stretch connecting the body of St Kitts to the southeast peninsula. One side of the Peninsula has rough waters while the other side is smooth and calm. The southeast peninsula boats some of the islands best treasures including nine pristine beaches and a pink salt pond which gets its brilliantly unordinary color from its immeasurable amount of minuscule krill shrimp. The wilderness area on the southeast point is protected and full of tropical animals like the black faced vervet monkey.

For a historical taste of the Island, St. Thomas church holds the tomb of one of the most prominent men in the colonial history of the Island. The Treasury building tells the tale of the importance of sugar cane in the Islands history. For many years until recently, everything and everyone that came to St. Kitts had to pass through the Treasury building. The Circus, a centerpiece roundabout of the city of Basseterre displays the presence of its British Colonial past. Another historical point of interest is Independence square, built in 1790 and used for council meetings and slave auctions, the square was named in 1983 to mark the Independence of St. Kitts and Nevis from Great Britain.

The capital of Nevis, which is just under half the size of St. Kitts, is Charlestown. Although Charlestown is the largest town in Nevis, it is not at all large in the way of towns, but its charming quaintness only adds to the appeal of Nevis. Home to the oldest synagogue in the Caribbean, Charlestown has a fascinated historical past. The towns market place is the main activity on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, full of all sorts of local goods. There is also a cotton gin which is only active during the seasonal months.

The museum of Nevis, located in Charlestown, holds photographs and other items relevant to Nevis’s history and culture. One of the main attractions of the museum are portraits of Alexander Hamilton, an American Statesman who was born in the Georgian styled building that is the museum.

The Botanical Gardens of Nevis are located nearby Charlestown and have an exceptional variety of rare plants and flowers as well as a rainforest conservatory all marked for easy identification. Other features of the Botanical Gardens include Martha’s Tea House, the gardens enchanting restaurant, and a gift shop perfect for finding creative souvenirs.

The Brimstone Hill Forest National Park, an 18th century compound, experience a major restoration in the 1960’s allowing for visitors to experience the fortress in top form. There are 24 grand canons displayed atop the main hilltop compound, Citadel, and it has some superb views of Sandy Point Town and St Eustatius.

Diving is an incredible experience off both Islands, and they remain well known for being very well preserved. There are good locations for both experienced and inexperienced divers as well as opportunity to explore some amazing shipwrecks. Some of the best spots include Black Coral Reef, Monkey Reef, The Caves, Coconut Tree Reef, and River Taw Wreck. Rental diving equipment is available on both Islands.

Nevis Island Map