Going by Ferry to Nevis from Basseterre, St. Kitts

Going to Nevis from St. Kitts (Basseterre) is a popular day excursion to visit its beaches and upscale resorts. Only a thirty to forty minute ferry ride with a round trip costing only about US$24.

The twin island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis gained full independence from Great Britain in 1983. The country is a federation with a unique constitutional provision that gives the island of Nevis a high degree of autonomy and the right to secede if a two-thirds majority of its citizens vote for it. The population of the island of Nevis is 13,180 according to the 2021-2022 census and represents about 26% of the total population of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Basseterre

Port Zante St. Kitts

If you’re interested in visiting St. Kitt’s sister island of Nevis while spending time in the port of Basseterre there are a number of tours available. starting from US$100 per person that can be booked with companies like Viator (example click HERE). There are water taxis between the two islands that start from about US$40 each way, but the least expensive option is to catch a scheduled ferry. There are several ferry docks available around the island but the most convenient to the cruise port (Port Zante) is located at the Basseterre Ferry Dock with fares starting at US$12 each way.

All the ferries are independent concessions and at the Basseterre Ferry Terminal ticket windows open to sell tickets for each ferry before its scheduled departure. Because they are independently operated it’s best to buy one way tickets. Return ferries from Nevis work much the same way but be careful to catch the ferry back to Basseterre Ferry Terminal.

Getting to the Ferry Dock is only a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Port Zante cruise pier and it’s located right next to the Basseterre bus terminal. The ticket offices accept cash only both EC and US$. The trip takes about 40 minutes and the ferry will dock on Nevis right in Charlestown. There are a number of attractions near town like the Hot Springs, a craft village and the Nevis Museum but it will require a taxi to visit the resorts or go up on the mountain.