Basseterre, the capital city of St. Kitts and Nevis, is a vibrant and bustling destination that offers a plethora of things to see and do. One of the best ways to explore this stunning Caribbean paradise is on a motorized city tour. With so many options to choose from, we’ve narrowed down the top 7 motorized city tours that we believe offer the best experience for exploring the city. From scenic coastal drives to historic landmarks and bustling marketplaces, these city tours have something for everyone. Join us as we take a closer look at what makes these tours truly stand out and why they deserve a spot on your itinerary when visiting Basseterre.
The 7 Best Motorized City Tours in Basseterre
- St Kitts: Jungle Bikes Off-Road ATV Tour
- Basseterre: Plantation and Beach Extravaganza
- Best of St. Kitts Tour
- Basseterre: Ultimate Rum Runners Tour
- St. Kitts Island Half-Day Bus Tour
- Panoramic Landmark Tour (Brimstone Hill & Batik)
- From Basseterre: Half-Day Nevis Island Tour
The 7 Best Motorized City Tours in Basseterre
1. St Kitts: Jungle Bikes Off-Road ATV Tour
Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of St Kitts on this Jungle Bikes Off-Road ATV Tour. Ride through sugar cane plantations and remote woods trails while enjoying the panoramic views of the island. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you experience the thrill of off-roading through different types of terrain. Learn about the history, vegetation, and wildlife of the island from a professional guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off, tour guide, ATV ride, and snacks and drinks are included. Please note that the tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old or wheelchair users. Closed-toe shoes are required, and participants must be 16 years or older to drive the ATV themselves. Participants should have a moderate fitness level to keep up with the tour.
2. Basseterre: Plantation and Beach Extravaganza
Basseterre: Plantation and Beach Extravaganza is a must-try tour when in St. Kitts. You will get to experience a sightseeing tour of the historic capital of Basseterre before heading to Romney Manor, an exquisite plantation that houses Caravel Batik. Take a tour of the beautiful plantation before heading to Timothy Hill, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of both Frigate Bay and the South East Peninsula, offering a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Next, head to the guide’s top choice for a beach visit, Friar’s Bay, which has the Carambola Beach Club. The beach offers various activities such as water sports, including snorkeling, water skiing, and sailing. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing with all the available amenities such as bathrooms, change rooms, beach chairs, umbrellas, restaurants, and beach bars. The tour includes headsets to hear your local guide clearly, entrance fees, food and drinks, and gratuities.
Meet your local guide at the dock arrival hall and witness the wonders that St. Kitts offers. Don’t miss the chance to join the Basseterre: Plantation and Beach Extravaganza tour, the perfect way to appreciate the beauty of this Caribbean island.
3. Best of St. Kitts Tour
Experience the best of St. Kitts on this motorized city tour. Start off with a pick-up from the cruise terminal and a drive through the historical Basseterre to see the city’s churches and the Independence Square where slaves were sold. Then, head to Romney Manor, a former estate now turned into a lush tropical garden that houses the Caribelle Batik workshop and boutique. After that, visit the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers stunning panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and neighboring islands. Lastly, take in the panoramic view of St. Kitts’ sister isle Nevis and the majestic backdrop of the Frigate Bay valley at Timothy Hill before relaxing at Carambola Beach. This tour includes a local guide and driver, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, food and drinks, and tips. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring a towel, as no lunch is included on this tour.
4. Basseterre: Ultimate Rum Runners Tour
Experience the ultimate rum runner’s tour in Basseterre and explore the history of St. Kitts’ rum industry while enjoying delicious cocktails at local bars. The tour begins at Cheers Bar on Port Zante before heading to Tony’s Bar in the village where you’ll have a chance to mingle with locals. Continue along the Southern Peninsular and admire panoramic views of Timothy Hill where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea while sipping the signature “Holy Ghost” rum drink. The tour ends at Vibes Beach Bar where you can take in the stunning beauty of the Caribbean Sea with a final drink. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, alcoholic drinks, and light snacks, but is not recommended for pregnant women or children under 18 years. Remember to bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothes. This tour is not recommended for people who do not drink alcohol. If your ship arrives at the Port Zante pier, head towards the sign that says “Richies” to meet your local driver/guide with their sign that says “Welcome to Annie’s Caribbean Tours.
5. St. Kitts Island Half-Day Bus Tour
Enjoy a half-day scenic drive around St. Kitts on this guided bus tour to explore some of the island’s must-see attractions. Discover the Caribelle Batik factory at Old Road surrounded by lush rainforest, and then head to Brimstone Hill fortress, a U.N.E.S.C.O World Heritage Site, and learn about the island’s rich history. Admire the stunning views of the Black Rocks where the Carribean Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet and visit Basseterre, a picturesque city showcasing French and English architecture. The tour includes pickup from hotels in Frigate Bay, Basseterre, or from cruise ship ports, a refreshment stop, and entrance fees to Brimstone Hill ($15 per person) and Caribelle Batik ($3 per person). Please note that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Meet your guide holding a “Tropical Tours / Get Your Guide” sign at the cruise terminal or pick-up from hotels on request. Don’t forget to bring your passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and cash.
6. Panoramic Landmark Tour (Brimstone Hill & Batik)
The Panoramic Landmark Tour (Brimstone Hill & Batik) is a 3-hour experience that takes you on a journey through the picturesque city of Basseterre in St. Kitts. Meet your guide at Independence Square and drive to Romney Manor to learn about traditional cotton-dying techniques.
Your next stop is the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress, where you can immerse yourself in British colonial history and admire fascinating 18th-century artifacts. Take in the stunning scenery and do not miss the chance to spot local wildlife, such as green Vervet monkeys and butterflies, in the surrounding tropical rainforest.
On the way back to the cruise port, Port Zante, you will have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from the port or any hotel in the Frigate Bay area. Note that additional costs apply for hotels not in this area. Please make sure to bring your passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera.
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Refunds will not be issued if you miss the tour due to the late or non-arrival of cruise ships. The tour may be canceled if there are not enough passengers to meet the requirements, but you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
7. From Basseterre: Half-Day Nevis Island Tour
Looking for a way to explore the sights and sounds of Nevis Island in a half-day tour? Look no further than this exciting motorized tour that starts from Basseterre. You’ll begin your adventure with a relaxing 45-minute ferry ride around the island, followed by a visit to the Old Bath House with its thermal spring bath. After that, you’ll explore historic attractions such as the Museum of Nevis and St John’s Anglican Church, where Lord Horatio Nelson and Fanny Nisbet were married. Then, it’s time to discover the natural beauty of the island with a visit to the Botanical Gardens, where you’ll see beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, Mayan-style sculptures, and a rainforest conservatory. Finally, there’s time for lunch (at your own expense) and a little shopping before heading back to St Kitts. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop off from selected Basseterre hotels, ferry tickets, entrance fees to museums and the Botanical Gardens, a professional guide, and food and drinks. Please note that it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, your passport or an ID card, and your camera.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basseterre: A Comprehensive Guide
With its vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and rich history, Basseterre, the capital city of St. Kitts and Nevis, is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. From its stunning beaches to its bustling markets, there’s always something to explore in this charming Caribbean city. However, before you pack your bags and head to Basseterre, you may have a few questions. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the most frequently asked questions about Basseterre to help you plan your trip with ease.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Basseterre?
The best time to visit Basseterre is from December to April, which is the dry season. During these months, the weather is consistently warm and sunny, with little to no rainfall. This period is also the high season, so expect higher hotel rates and crowds. If you’re on a budget, the low season, from May to November, may be a better option. While there is a higher chance of rain during these months, you can still enjoy great weather and lower hotel rates.
What Is The Currency Used In Basseterre?
The official currency of St. Kitts and Nevis is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which is pegged to the US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted in Basseterre, as are major credit cards, but it’s always helpful to have some local currency on hand for small purchases and transactions.
What Language Do They Speak in Basseterre?
The official language of St. Kitts and Nevis is English, so you won’t have any communication issues while in Basseterre. However, locals may also speak a Creole language called Kittitian, which is a blend of English, French, and African languages.
What Are The Must-See Attractions in Basseterre?
Basseterre is home to a wide variety of attractions, from historic landmarks to natural wonders. Some of the must-see sights in Basseterre include:
- The Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The National Museum, which houses artifacts from St. Kitts and Nevis
- The Independence Square, the heart of the city and home to local markets and street performances
- The St. Kitts Scenic Railway, a narrow-gauge railway that offers scenic views of the island’s countryside and coastline
- The beaches, including Cockleshell Bay and Frigate Bay
What Is The Food Like in Basseterre?
Basseterre offers a blend of Caribbean and international cuisine, with something to satisfy every palate. Some local dishes to try include:
- Spiny lobster, usually served grilled or in a salad
- Stewed goat, a succulent meat dish often served with rice and peas
- Conch fritters, a popular snack made with ground conch meat and spices
- Rum drinks, including the famous St. Kitts and Nevis rum punch
Is Basseterre Safe For Tourists?
Basseterre is a relatively safe destination, with low levels of crime. However, it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially when exploring the city at night. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas and keep an eye on your belongings while in crowded areas.
What Should I Pack for A Trip To Basseterre?
When packing for a trip to Basseterre, it’s important to keep the warm, tropical climate in mind. Some essentials to pack include:
- Light clothing and breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- A hat and sunglasses to protect against the sun
- Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
- Swimwear and beach towels for a day at the beach
Conclusion
Basseterre is a beautiful and fascinating city, rich in culture and history. With its warm climate, stunning scenery, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder so many tourists choose to visit this Caribbean gem. By familiarizing yourself with the most frequently asked questions about Basseterre, you can have a more informed and enjoyable trip. From knowing the best time to visit to the essential items to pack, this guide has everything you need to plan your perfect getaway to Basseterre.
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