Nevis

There's something about this small, sombrero-shaped island that grabs you. The charm and tranquility takes you back to a time when things were simpler, when life was more peaceful, when stress was just a word, not a way of life. This 36-square-mile island lies near the top of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, about 200 miles south of Puerto Rico, and just west of Antigua. This island jewel is approximately 7 miles long and 5 miles wide, with natural vegetation that is unparalleled. Green and serene, Nevis is truly one of the remaining unspoilt places and proudly carries the name, "Queen of the Caribees."

Attractions

From the top of the 3,232-foot Nevis Peak to the depths of the clear waters offshore, there is a world of flora and fauna to be explored. In the hills, the comical green vervet monkeys chatter and scamper; in the sea, the whales cruise by. Stroll around and see the architecture of eras gone by: churches, windmills, and refurbished Great Houses.

Adventures

• Cricket - In the true British tradition, cricket is the leading sport both played - and watched - on Nevis. Matches are played between January and mid-July, both locally and on a regional level. School children, both boys and girls, can often be found playing in schoolyards around the island. You can watch both men and woman play cricket Thursday nights in the season in Grove Park in Charlestown.


• Football (soccer) - This game is played during the months of September and October in Grove Park in Charlestown.


• Golf - The 18-hole Robert Trent Jones golf course at the Four Seasons Resort has been ranked the 7th best golf resort by CondeNast Traveler magazine. Except for the key holiday seasons in December and January, the course is open to play for people who are not guests of the Four Seasons.


• Horse Racing - Horse racing is one of the most popular spectator sports on the island, sponsored by the Nevis Turf and Jockey Club. Held each month at the Indian Castle Race Track, the races are a full afternoon event, with races, music, barbecue food, and a carnival-like atmosphere enjoyed by young and old. The horses are thoroughbreds and the competition is keen. Wages are calculated using a pari-mutuel system.


• Mountain Biking - A very popular activity on Nevis, the island now has its own mountain biking team that completes regionally, Team Nevis, and is currently looking for major sponsorship for its team. Lead by Winston Crooke, who rents out mountain bikes (helmets are provided) at Oualie Beach, the team has also hosted races in the regional Caribbean Cup mountain biking series held each year, which brings dozens of riders and spectators to the island. Crooke developed the team, organizing racers young and old, which now races year round and participate in regional triatholons.

Shopping

Fiery Nevis' hot sauce, fragrant honey, and handcrafted red clay pottery items are among the most popular souvenirs to take home from Nevis. But there are plenty of small shops and boutiques offering a full line of tropical clothing, swimwear, and colorful men's shirts.

Food

From the classic West Indian goat water stew to fresh, grilled lobster, Nevis restaurants can satisfy the simplest to the most sophisticated palates. Using local in-season fruits and vegetables, chefs' delight their visitors creating unusual colourful cuisine.

Currency

Currency in St. Kitts & Nevis: East Caribbean dollar

Cruise Lines	Dec	2009 Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov
SeaDream Yacht Club
Windstar

Click to view sailings.