I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed and genuine Caribbean feel of St Kitts, which is part of the twin island nation of St Kitts and Nevis. Whether you’re exploring the island’s rich history or taking a leisurely walk through the rainforest, there’s something for everyone.

You can get active with water sports or simply relax like a local on one of the beautiful beaches. Here are my top 10 recommendations for things to do in St Kitts, especially if you’re near the cruise port or visiting on a cruise.

Start your island visit with a stroll around the laid-back capital of Basseterre. From Port Zante, walk through the archway of the Old Treasury to reach the Circus roundabout (there are no traffic lights in St Kitts!). Look out for the green Berkeley Memorial clock, a famous landmark. As you walk down Fort Street and Bank Street, you’ll find market stalls and food vendors offering everything from fruit smoothies to local dishes. If you love food, consider taking the Basseterre food and walking tour.

Nearby, you’ll find Independence Square, once the island’s slave market. The small doors at the base of the colonial houses nearby lead to basements where slaves were held before being sold.

Visit The Old Treasury, an impressive 19th-century building made of black volcanic stone at the edge of Port Zante. The central archway is known as ‘The Gateway to Basseterre,’ and upstairs you’ll find the small National Museum with charming displays that offer fascinating insights into the history and culture of St Kitts, including colorful carnival costumes and national dress.

All over St Kitts, you’ll find remnants of a once-thriving sugar industry. At Wingfield Estate, you can see the ruins of an old sugar mill and learn about the sugar industry. The aqueduct here once brought water from Mount Liamuiga to power the mill wheel, and the old rum distillery has been uncovered with plans to start rum production again.

Adjacent to Wingfield Estate is Romney Manor, named after the Earls of Romney who owned it for 200 years. Surrounded by botanical gardens, the estate’s Great House offers a peaceful setting where the gardens blend into the rainforest. Don’t miss the 400-year-old Saman tree and the Caribelle Batik workshop where you can buy colorful batik crafts and clothing.

Fairview Great House gives you a glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy plantation owner in the 18th century, with elegant porches, balconies, and a dining room set with antique silver. Upstairs, you’ll find the bedroom where Prince Charles stayed when the house was a hotel. Some tours include rum tasting or cookery demonstrations, and you can enjoy the well-kept gardens after your visit.

Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built by the British in the 17th and 18th centuries. Known as ‘The Gibraltar of the West Indies,’ the fortress offers spectacular views from the top of the stone citadel, with an impressive array of cannons. The fort can be reached by taxi and is included in many island tours.

The mountains of St Kitts are covered with natural rainforest, home to birds and Vervet monkeys. The most challenging walk is to the top of Mount Liamuiga, best done with a local guide. For a gentler walk, follow the trails on the Wingfield Estate under the Sky Safari zip wire. To learn about the forest trees and medicinal plants, consider hiring a knowledgeable guide such as O’Neil Mulraine.

The narrow gauge railway, built in the 1920s to transport sugar cane, now offers visitors a scenic tour around the island. The double-decker St Kitts Scenic Railway passes over steel bridges with views of Mount Liamuiga. Rum punch is served onboard while the guide provides an entertaining account of the sugar industry on St Kitts. The 3-4 hour round trip is best booked as a cruise excursion.

St Kitts offers plenty of watersports options. From glass-bottomed kayaks to exhilarating flyboarding, most beaches have kayaks, snorkels, or paddle boards to rent. The best range of watersports can be found at St Kitts Water Sports on Cockleshell Beach, where you can also join a jet-ski safari to the best snorkeling spots. A 4-hour sail and snorkel tour offers an ocean-side perspective of St Kitts and usually includes lunch.

If you prefer a relaxing day, take a taxi to the beaches on the South East peninsula. Cockleshell Bay is a popular choice with various beach bars and sunbeds to rent. For a quieter option, try South Friar’s Bay and rent a sun lounger at the Carambola Beach Club, or enjoy a hammock at the rustic Shipwreck Beach Bar.

Visiting St Kitts on a cruise is a fantastic way to get a taste of the island, but one day is never enough! If you’re planning a longer stay, I recommend the Marriott’s Resort for a luxurious experience. There are many other great hotels to choose from, and you can plan your visit by checking out the tourism board’s website.

British Airways flies to St Kitts from London Gatwick twice a week, and there are regular ferries to Nevis, making it easy to plan a combined stay on both islands. For guidebooks, I recommend the DK Eyewitness Caribbean Travel Guide or the Footprint Guide to St Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, and Montserrat.

Enjoy your visit to St Kitts!