Best Things to Do in Nevis (Easy Day Trip from St. Kitts)
- Lacey
- Apr 4
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 7
Table of Contents
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Things to Do in Nevis
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Nevis, taking a day trip from St. Kitts is absolutely worth it. There are a few different ways you can experience the island depending on your vibe.
You can spend the day relaxing at the beach, exploring historic ruins and plantations, walking through the Botanical Gardens, stopping at local restaurants and beach bars, or simply driving around the island and taking it all in.
We chose to make it a full island day instead of staying in one spot, which gave us a much better feel for Nevis as a whole.
Below is exactly how we spent our day, plus what I’d recommend adding to your own itinerary.
How to Get to Nevis
The easiest way to get to Nevis is by ferry from St. Kitts, and there are a couple of options depending on how you want to explore the island.
If you’re planning to stay in one area, a standard passenger ferry works just fine. But if you want flexibility, bringing a car over is 100% worth it. That’s what we did, and it made the entire day so much easier. We were able to explore different parts of the island without relying on taxis or staying in one spot.
The ferry ride itself is quick, about 30 to 40 minutes, and the process felt very organized from start to finish. We didn’t book in advance and had no issues just showing up, which made it feel pretty low stress overall.
We took the iConnect car ferry and had a really good experience. Once you board, you have a few options. You can stay in your car for the ride, which is the easiest option if you just want to relax. You can also head upstairs to a covered seating area with comfortable seating if you want to get out and cool off. Or, you can go all the way to the top deck, which is open air and has great views of the water between St. Kitts and Nevis.
Inside the ferry lounge Views from the top deck on the way to Nevis
You can check the full ferry schedule through the St. Kitts & Nevis port authority website, which also has an app if you want to plan ahead.
Tip: If you’re bringing a car, give yourself a little extra time on both ends. Things generally run smoothly, but delays can happen, especially later in the day.
Start with Breakfast at Cafe des Arts
Cafe des Arts, an easy first stop right after getting off the ferry Cafe des Arts, an easy first stop right after getting off the ferry
We started our day with breakfast at Cafe des Arts, which is right next to the Museum of Nevis History, so it’s an easy first stop once you get off the ferry.
It’s a casual sit-down spot with outdoor seating, nothing fancy, just a relaxed place to ease into the day. We kept it simple with breakfast. I ordered sides of potatoes, bacon, and sausage with coffee, my husband went with a club sandwich, and the kids had a bagel and pancakes.
Simple breakfast and coffee at Cafe des Arts to start the day Simple breakfast and coffee at Cafe des Arts to start the day
Everything was fresh, came out quickly, and it was a good way to start the day before heading out to explore the island.
If you’re looking for something easy and reliable to kick things off, this is a solid option.
Walk Through Nevis Artisan Village
After breakfast, we made a quick stop at the Nevis Artisan Village.
It’s a small area made up of colorful buildings, each set up as its own shop, and it’s one of those places that’s just as good for photos as it is for picking up souvenirs. You’ll also find the “Nevis Nice” sign here, which is worth stopping for.
It was very quiet when we went, which made it easy to walk around and take your time without feeling rushed. You can move through it pretty quickly, but if you want to browse, there’s enough to spend a little more time.
We picked up a few things including a t-shirt, hot sauce, and some souvenirs, and it ended up being a nice, easy stop before continuing around the island.
Visit the Botanical Gardens of Nevis
One of the highlights of our day was the Botanical Gardens of Nevis, and this is easily a must-do if you’re spending time on the island.
The gardens are beautifully maintained and spread out over several themed areas, so there’s a lot more here than just walking through plants. You’ll find everything from tropical flowers and fruit trees to orchid terraces, vine-covered walkways, and water features like fountains and ponds throughout the property.
Swipe to see more of the Botanical Gardens of Nevis
There’s also an aviary where you can see parrots, which adds a completely different element and makes it feel more interactive than a typical garden.
What really stood out were the views of Nevis Peak in the background. You’ll catch glimpses of it as you walk through different parts of the gardens, and it gives the whole place a really scenic, almost peaceful feel that’s different from the beach stops.
There’s also a restaurant on-site called Oasis in the Gardens, which is known for its setting and views, although it’s typically open for limited hours or dinner service depending on the season.
We spent time just walking through, taking photos, and enjoying the slower pace, and it ended up being one of the most relaxing stops of the day.
This ended up being one of the more peaceful stops on the island, and it’s definitely worth building into your route.
Scenic Drive + Historic Stops
One of the best ways to experience Nevis is just by driving around the island and stopping along the way.
We made a couple of stops at places like New River Estate and Hamilton Estate, where you can walk through historic ruins and get a feel for the island’s past. These aren’t major attractions you need to plan your day around, but they’re definitely worth stopping for if you’re already driving by.
We spent a little time walking around and taking photos, and it ended up being a nice break between stops. If you enjoy historical sites or just want to see a different side of the island beyond the beaches, this is an easy way to add that into your day.
New River Estate
Swipe to explore more of New River Estate
New River Estate dates back to the early 1700s and was once a large sugar plantation when sugar production played a major role in Nevis’s economy. Today, you can still see parts of the old sugar mill, stone structures, and the chimney that was used during processing.
It feels pretty untouched, which makes it a cool place to walk around and take photos without it feeling overly built up. You can explore the ruins at your own pace and get a sense of how the estate was laid out.
Hamilton Plantation
Swipe to explore Hamilton Estate, one of Nevis’s most historic plantation ruins
Hamilton Plantation has a slightly different feel and a bit more history tied to it.
The ruins here date back to the late 1700s and are often associated with one of the earliest hotel-style properties in the Caribbean. It was once a social hub on the island, which adds another layer to the experience when you’re walking through it.
Now, it’s mostly stone ruins sitting on a hill surrounded by greenery, with open views that make it a really nice photo stop. It’s another easy place to pull over, walk around, and take in a different side of Nevis.
Lunch at Chill Beach Bar & Grill
We stopped for lunch at Chill Beach Bar & Grill, and it ended up being a really good choice.
We originally planned to go to Sunshine’s Beach Bar, but it was completely packed, so we pivoted and headed here instead. It was busy since it was right around lunch time, but it didn’t feel overcrowded and we were able to get seated immediately.
We weren’t super hungry, so we ordered a few appetizers and drinks. The corn cheese balls were easily a standout, definitely get those if you go. We also ordered the fish fingers and chicken gyoza, and everything came out fresh and flavorful.
The corn cheese balls were easily the standout, crispy on the outside and packed with flavor The “COVID-19” cocktail, refreshing, tropical, and exactly what you want in the Nevis heat
I ordered a drink called the “COVID-19” and loved it. It was one of those places where you can sit back, enjoy your food, and not feel rushed.
Overall, this ended up being a great option, especially if other spots are busy.
Stop by Pinney’s Beach
Before heading back to the ferry, we made a stop at Pinney’s Beach, which is one of the main beach areas on Nevis.
If you’re already in the area, it’s definitely worth stopping by. The beach is wide, easy to access, and just as nice as the beaches in St. Kitts. It’s a good place to relax for a bit or at least take in the views before wrapping up your day.
There were quite a few people there when we went, but it didn’t feel overcrowded. There’s enough space along the beach that it still feels comfortable.
We didn’t stay too long, but it was a nice final stop before heading back.
More Things to Do in Nevis
If you have more time or want to mix things up, here are a few other experiences worth adding to your itinerary.
Go diving or snorkeling
Nevis has clear water and healthy reefs, making it a great spot for diving or a quick snorkeling trip.
Hike Nevis Peak
For something more adventurous, you can hike to the top of Nevis Peak through the rainforest. It’s a challenging hike, so it’s best to go with a guide.
Try a fishing charter
Whether you’re into deep sea fishing or just want a relaxed day on the water, there are plenty of options to get out on a boat.
Take an ATV tour
A fun way to explore parts of the island you wouldn’t normally see, especially if you like a little adventure.
Visit Vanilla Paradise Nevis
A unique stop where you can learn about how vanilla is grown and processed. It’s a quick but interesting experience that you won’t find everywhere.
Is Nevis Worth It?
Absolutely. Nevis ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip.
Even as a day trip, it felt like we got a completely different experience from St. Kitts. It’s quieter, more relaxed, and has a slower pace that makes it easy to just enjoy where you are without feeling like you need to rush from place to place.
That said, I would absolutely go back and spend a night or two. A day trip gives you a great overview, but staying longer would give you more time to really settle in, especially if you want more beach time.
Nevis is a great fit for just about anyone, but especially if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience with a mix of beaches, history, and scenic views.
Final Thoughts
Nevis is an easy addition to your St. Kitts trip, and it’s one of those places that doesn’t require a lot of planning to enjoy.
We were able to bring our car over, explore the island at our own pace, stop where we wanted, and still make it back the same day.
Just make sure to give yourself a little buffer time when heading back to the ferry. Traffic delays can happen, and while everything worked out for us, it’s not something you want to cut too close.
If you’re planning your trip, don’t skip Nevis. It adds a completely different side to the experience. Also, check out our best things to do in St. Kitts post and our full St. Kitts and Nevis travel guide to help map out the rest of your time.
If you want help planning your trip, we can help you put together a personalized St. Kitts and Nevis itinerary based on exactly how you like to travel.
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