Leeward Islands · Saint Kitts and Nevis

Position
17.3°N · 62.7°W
Region
Saint Kitts and Nevis

Overview

Two islands, one channel apart

Saint Kitts, formally Saint Christopher, is the larger island of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis. Its capital, Basseterre, faces the Caribbean on the southwest coast, and the dormant volcano Mount Liamuiga rises over 1,100 m behind it.

The island's most distinctive feature for boaters is the Southeast Peninsula, a long arm of land reaching toward Nevis. At its tip, The Narrows, a shallow strait about 3 km wide, separates the two islands. Crossing to Nevis for a beach afternoon at Pinney's Beach is one of the most popular day sails here.

St. Kitts is a smaller charter market than larger islands, which keeps it relaxed but means choice can be limited, particularly in busy weeks. We check what is available for your date and confirm the details for the vessel you select.

Port Zante Marina, Basseterre

The downtown marina beside the cruise pier, a short walk from the center of Basseterre. Day catamarans to Nevis commonly start here. It is a compact marina, and the waterfront is busy on cruise-ship days.

Christophe Harbour Marina

On the Southeast Peninsula, a superyacht-capable marina acquired by Safe Harbor Marinas in 2025, convenient for the southern beaches and The Narrows.

A sailing catamaran at anchor close to a tree-lined shore
CatamaransExample vessel style.
A paddleboarder setting out from an anchored sport yacht
Swim stopsWater toys vary by vessel.
An aft-deck lounge with sofas and a coffee table aboard a motor yacht
Motor yachtsShade and space on deck.
Guests raising a toast during a private yacht charter
CelebrationsArranged where the vessel allows.

Where you'll cruise

Peninsula beaches and Nevis

A St. Kitts charter typically pairs the Southeast Peninsula with a crossing to Nevis, or cruises the Caribbean coast past Brimstone Hill.

The waters within 2 miles of both islands form the St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area, zoned for fishing, conservation, recreation and transport and managed by the Department of Marine Resources.
  1. Southeast Peninsula

    Cockleshell Bay & Banana Bay

    Long white-sand beaches facing Nevis across the channel, with beach restaurants and resident vervet monkeys known for stealing drinks.

  2. Southeast Peninsula

    White House Bay

    A rocky reef with a sunken tugboat that attracts fish, one of the island's best-known snorkeling spots.

  3. Southeast Peninsula

    South Friar's Bay

    A calm Caribbean-side beach, lively at weekends, with snorkeling near its southern end.

  4. About 3 km across The Narrows

    Nevis & Pinney's Beach

    Pinney's Beach runs for about 3 miles along Nevis's Caribbean coast north of Charlestown, the classic destination for a day sail from Port Zante.

  5. West coast

    Brimstone Hill Fortress

    A UNESCO-listed fortress built on a hill above the Caribbean coast, impressive from the water. Visiting the fort itself is a land tour.

Seasons

Weather in St. Kitts

Temperatures are remarkably steady, with monthly averages in Basseterre between about 24 °C and 27 °C.

Rain peaks in October and November; February and March are usually the driest months.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October.

Further afield: St. Barths and other neighboring islands are international voyages requiring customs and immigration clearance, so they are planned as longer charters rather than casual day trips.

For your St. Kitts quote

  • Date, group size and charter length
  • Nevis day sail, peninsula beaches or a sunset cruise
  • Where you are staying, or your cruise ship's port hours
  • Preferred vessel style

Current fleet & availability

Ask about yachts in St. Kitts

Tell us your date, group size and plans, from a Nevis beach day to a sunset cruise off Basseterre. We will check the vessels available.

Related destinations

St. Kitts FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charters in St. Kitts

Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most about chartering in St. Kitts. If yours is not here, ask us when you request a quote.

Where do St. Kitts charters leave from?

Commonly from Port Zante Marina in Basseterre or from Christophe Harbour Marina on the Southeast Peninsula, depending on the vessel.

Can we visit Nevis on a day charter?

Yes. Nevis lies about 3 km across The Narrows, and day sails to Pinney's Beach on Nevis's west coast are a well-established charter.

Is Pinney's Beach on St. Kitts?

No, Pinney's Beach is on Nevis, the sister island, running north from Charlestown along the Caribbean coast.

Where is the best snorkeling in St. Kitts?

White House Bay on the Southeast Peninsula, with its rocky reef and sunken tugboat, is one of the best-known spots. South Friar's Bay is another option in calm conditions.

Can we see Brimstone Hill from the water?

Yes. The UNESCO-listed fortress stands above the west coast and is visible from the sea; visiting it requires a land tour.

Can superyachts berth in St. Kitts?

Christophe Harbour Marina on the Southeast Peninsula accommodates very large yachts.

Are there protected marine areas around St. Kitts?

Yes. The St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area covers the waters within 2 miles of both islands, with zones for different uses.

When is hurricane season in St. Kitts?

June 1 to November 30. October and November are usually the wettest months.

Which beaches can we reach by boat on the Southeast Peninsula?

Cockleshell Bay and Banana Bay are long white-sand beaches facing Nevis, with beach restaurants and resident vervet monkeys known for stealing drinks. White House Bay and South Friar's Bay add snorkeling, and the exact stops are confirmed for each itinerary.

Can we sail from St. Kitts to St. Barths?

Yes, on a longer charter. It is an international voyage requiring customs and immigration clearance, so it is not a casual day trip, and the island lies about 30 nautical miles from Christophe Harbour Marina.

Can we book a charter during a cruise stop in St. Kitts?

Yes, if the timing works. Port Zante Marina sits beside the cruise pier in Basseterre, so share your ship's port hours when you request a quote and we will look for vessels that fit your time ashore. The waterfront is busy on cruise-ship days.