🇰🇳Moderate

Nevis

St. Kitts & Nevis

A tranquil island with plantation inns, hot springs, and the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton. Perfect for a peaceful overnight stop.

50 nm
8–10 hours
Best: November – April
Plantation innsHot springsMount Nevis hikes
Charter a Yacht to NevisTalk to a sailing expert

About Nevis

Nevis is the smaller, quieter sister island of St. Kitts — and many sailors prefer it. The island revolves around its single, near-perfect volcanic cone, Nevis Peak, which is usually wreathed in cloud at the summit. The green slopes are dotted with restored plantation great houses — now elegant boutique inns — and the beaches are mostly quiet and uncrowded.

Nevis has a surprisingly distinguished history for such a small island. It was birthplace of Alexander Hamilton (first US Treasury Secretary), scene of the marriage of Horatio Nelson (who married Fanny Nisbet in the village church at Fig Tree), and a major sugar-producing colony that helped fuel the early British economy.

The anchorage at Charlestown Roads is straightforward and the town itself has a relaxed Caribbean charm — a few good restaurants, a fish market, and the Alexander Hamilton Museum are all within walking distance of the dinghy dock.

Must-See Attractions

1

Bath Hotel Hot Springs

The oldest hotel in the Caribbean (1778) with naturally heated volcanic thermal springs.

2

Fig Tree Church

The historic church where Horatio Nelson married Fanny Nisbet in 1787.

3

Nevis Peak Hike

A challenging 3-hour hike through rainforest to the 985m volcanic summit.

Sailing Route from Antigua

Course

From St. Kitts — 15 nm S around the southern tip

Waypoints

  1. 1Depart Basseterre or White House Bay
  2. 2Round South Frigate Bay Pt
  3. 3Approach Charlestown from W

Hazards & Notes

  • • Ferry traffic between Basseterre and Charlestown — maintain watch
  • • Shoal water inside Charlestown bay

Timing Tip

Afternoon passage from St. Kitts to Nevis allows for lunch stop en route

Anchorages & Marinas

Charlestown Roads

20–40 ft

Good in NE trades, some swell

Dinghy to the government dock. Rolling in swells — Mediterranean mooring recommended for comfort.

Pinney's Beach

15–25 ft

Moderate — open to NW

Beautiful white sand beach. Excellent for an afternoon stop. Beachside bars accessible.

Marinas

  • Charlestown (ferry dock — anchor only)

Insider Tips

  • Book plantation inn dinners in advance — they welcome non-guests for dinner but require reservations

  • The ferry from Charlestown to Basseterre runs frequently if you want to combine both islands

  • Pinney's Beach has beach bars with sun loungers — perfect for a relaxed afternoon

  • The Alexander Hamilton Museum is small but excellent and very close to the dinghy dock