Boating in St. Kitts: Marinas, Charters, Diving & More
Explore boating in St. Kitts, from Porte Zante Marina to yacht charters, diving, and fishing. Find the best anchorages, day trips, and local attractions.
St. Kitts, a guitar-shaped Caribbean gem, stretches 23 miles long and 5 miles wide, offering a blend of deserted beaches, lush rainforests, and historical forts. While the island has much to explore on land, its boating opportunitiesare equally enticing.
If you’re planning a boating adventure in St. Kitts, here’s everything you need to know—from marinas and chartersto diving, fishing, and local sights.
Marinas & Boating Facilities in St. Kitts
Porte Zante Marina is the only yacht marina in St. Kitts. Located in the capital, Basseterre, this multipurpose deep-water facility serves as a:
✔️ Cruise ship terminal
✔️ Ferry dock
✔️ Visiting yacht marina
Originally destroyed by a hurricane in 1999, Porte Zante was rebuilt and now provides slips for transient yachts.
📍 Location: Near downtown Basseterre
⚓ Docking: Available for visiting yachts
Boat Charters in St. Kitts
Unfortunately, bareboat charters are limited in St. Kitts. However, you can explore the island as part of a St. Martin-based Moorings itinerary.
Best Charter Options:
✅ Moorings Yacht Charter: Includes St. Kitts and Nevis in St. Martin itineraries.
✅ Local Day Charters: Available for island hopping, snorkeling, and fishing.
✅ Powerboat Rentals: Resorts offer hourly rentals for small day-sailers, kayaks, and jet skis.
📌 Tip: Secluded anchorages on the southeast side of St. Kitts (e.g., South Friar’s Bay & Major’s Bay) offer stunning views but may experience strong groundswells in winter.
Day Trips & Water Activities
For those looking to spend a day on the water, St. Kitts has plenty of options:
✔️ Large catamaran cruises (some glass-bottomed)
✔️ Jet ski and kayak rentals at various beaches
✔️ Snorkeling excursions to reefs and underwater sites
📌 Tip: Resorts rent small daysailers during peak season—perfect for casual sailing.
Diving in St. Kitts
St. Kitts is home to vibrant reefs, shipwrecks, and even underwater caves near Nevis. Dive sites range from 40 to 100 feet deep.
Diving Highlights:
✅ Reefs & wrecks abundant in shallow to deep waters
✅ Cave diving off Nevis
✅ Dive shops offer full-day and half-day trips
📌 Tip: Many dive shops include transportation to and from your hotel as part of their dive package.
Fishing in St. Kitts
🎣 What can you catch?
✔️ Tuna
✔️ Wahoo
✔️ Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)
✔️ Kingfish
✔️ Billfish
The St. Kitts Department of Tourism has been installing artificial reefs and Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) to attract bigger fish closer to shore.
📌 Tip: Most fishing charters can be booked through resorts or local vendors.
Things to Do on Land
Even the most passionate boaters will want to explore St. Kitts by land. Here are some must-see attractions:
✔️ Brimstone Hill Fortress: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking views.
✔️ Rainforest Tours: Explore lush landscapes above the clouds.
✔️ Turtle Beach: Spot monkeys and a giant, large-tusked pig near the restaurant.
✔️ Golf: Enjoy an 18-hole course at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
✔️ Gambling: Try your luck at the Royal Beach Casino.
📌 Tip: Local taxi driver Violet Wigley (+1 869-456-8201) offers fantastic guided tours.
Plan Your St. Kitts Boating Adventure
Helpful Resources:
📌 Official St. Kitts & Nevis Tourism Site: www.geographia.com/stkitts-nevis
📌 Moorings Yacht Charters: www.moorings.com
📌 St. Kitts Tourism Info: www.stkitts-tourism.com
📌 St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Casino: www.marriott.com
📌 Nautical Charts for St. Kitts: www.maptech.com
Whether you’re looking for serene anchorages, thrilling day trips, or world-class diving, boating in St. Kitts offers something for everyone. Plan your adventure today!
J. Summer Westman has written for ALL AT SEA since 2005.
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