Basseterre

Introduction

Basseterre is the capital and largest city in Saint Kitts and Nevis with a total population of about 17,000. It is located in the south of the island of Saint Kitts and is the administrative, cultural and economic centre of the island nation. It is one of the oldest towns in the Caribbean, founded in 1627 by the French, and today functions as an important port town within the region as well, with many cruise ships, other passenger ships and cargo ships all docking in Basseterre. Despite the fact that it has been destroyed by both human and natural influences, there are still many historical and colonial buildings left to admire and the town, although small, has good facilities for tourists.

Sights and Activities

• Independence Square
• St. George's Anglican Church
• Basseterre Co-Cathedral of Immaculate Conception
• National Museum
• Treasure Building
• Warner Park Stadium, for the cricket enthusiasts

Events and Festivals

Independence Day

Independence Day is a public holiday that celebrates the independence and formation of the sovereign nation of St Kitts and Nevis. During the week either side of the day communities have a schedule of events including parades, picnics, and formal cocktail receptions.

St Kitts Carnival

A fun festival held from the middle of December until early January each year, with lively events happening over the Christmas period. For example, a major highlight of the festival is “J’ouvert morning,” whereby steel and brass bands parade through the streets playing music that many people dance to. The music goes well into the early hours of the morning. It is an extremely lively festival, and the basis is to celebrate St Kitts and Nevis’ proud Caribbean culture.

Weather

Basseterre has a warm and humid tropical climate with temperatures usually around 30 °C during the day and around 23 °C at night. June to September is slightly warmer with temperatures above 30 °C at daytime and not dropping below 26 °C on average at night. Rainfall is spread throughout the year and possible in every month but July to November is the wetter time of year while February to May is somewhat drier.

Getting There

By Plane

Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) near Basseterre receives a growing number of international flights. Winair (Windward Islands Airways) flies there from Nevis and Saint Martin while Leeward Islands Air Transport flies to and from Antigua and Barbuda. Other destinations include Miami, New York, London and seasonal flights to Toronto.

By Car

Taxis have a yellow license plate which starts with the letter "T" or TA". Taxis are not inexpensive, but they are reliable, and being vans they can carry a whole family or a group of people plus a lot of luggage. There is a taxi stand at the Bradshaw airport; any taxi driver will be happy to take you into Basseterre, which is only a short distance away.

By Bus

There are 5 bus routes to/from Basseterre. They are:

• Basseterre to Sandy Point travelling west, starting at the Ferry Terminal
• Basseterre to Capesterre travelling west, starting at the Ferry Terminal
• Basseterre to St. Peter's travelling north, starting at College Street Ghaut
• Basseterre to Molyneux travelling east, starting at Baker's Corner
• Basseterre to Saddler's travelling east, starting at Baker's Corner.

By Boat

There are crossings, taking about 45 minutes between Basseterre and Charlestown, the 'capital' of Nevis.
Six ferries operate on this route: the MV Caribe Queen, MV Carib Breeze and MV Carib Surf, the MV Mark Twain, the MV Geronimo and the MV Sea Hustler. The MV Mark Twain is currently inactive, but the other 5 vessels have a total of 15 sailings a day between both towns in either direction, between 6.30am (first sailing from Basseterre) to 7pm (last sailing from Basseterre). From Charlestown on Nevis, the first one leaves at 7am and the last at 6 pm.

Getting Around

When a cruise ship visits, dozens of taxis and cars-for-hire can be seen flanking the duty-free mall near the cruise terminals...many with "brokers" in the mall ready to greet you and negotiate costs. Others serve the airport and key resorts, or can be called by phone.

By Foot

Basseterre is a rather spread out town, but most of the action takes places in or near the centre, just north of the cruise terminal. Most of the sights are within a 5-10 minute walking range.

Sleep

Although many people stay at one of the beach resorts east and north of the city, there are some nice options in Basseterre itself.

Budget

• Seaview Guest House - near the harbor and ferries to Nevis
• Trinity Inn Apartments - west of town

Mid-Range

Palms Hotel - at the Circus, the central square of Basseterre

Upscale

Ocean Terrace Inn - the fanciest in town, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and with all amenities you need, including a pool

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

External Links