Getting around is only part of a day ashore in St. Kitts. Entry fees, a beach chair, lunch and a drink add up too. Here is what the main pieces cost, from the places that set the prices.
Money first
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. It has been fixed at EC$2.70 to US$1 since 1976. US dollars and major cards are widely accepted, so most cruise visitors never change money.
Pay in US dollars and your change may come back in EC dollars, worked out at a rate a little under 2.70. Small US notes save you the arithmetic.
Getting around
Taxi fares are set by law and priced per car for up to four people. A taxi from Basseterre to Frigate Bay is US$20, to Cockleshell Bay US$40, and a full island tour US$100. Our scooter or taxi guide compares the two properly.
A scooter is US$65 for the day, plus PayPal’s fee when you book online. It seats two.
Entry fees
- Brimstone Hill Fortress: US$15 for adults, half price for children 12 and under. Open daily 9:30am to 5:30pm.
- Romney Manor and Caribelle Batik: US$3 for adults, free for children 11 and under. Open weekdays 9:00am to 3:00pm, and Saturday mornings from November to April.
Both come from the operators’ own published information. Hours move with the season, so check before a tight day.
The beach
The sand is free. Chairs and umbrellas are not. Carambola Beach Club on South Friar’s Bay sells a US$45 day pass with a chair, umbrella, towel and one rum punch for six hours from 10am. Food and other drinks are extra.
The smaller bars along Frigate Bay and Cockleshell rent chairs by the piece. Ask the price before you sit down.
Tipping
Look at the bill first. Many restaurants add a service charge of about 10%, and then nothing more is expected. Where there is none, 10 to 15% is normal.
Two sample days for two people
History day, on one scooter: the scooter at US$65 plus the US$3.62 PayPal fee, Brimstone Hill for two at US$30, and Romney Manor for two at US$6. That is US$104.62 before fuel and lunch.
Beach day, by taxi: US$40 out to Cockleshell and US$40 back, then chairs and lunch at whatever the bar charges. Call it US$80 before you have sat down.
Before you book anything
Check your ship’s hours in port. Scooter collection at Port Zante runs from 8:00am to 12:00pm, with the scooter back by 4:30pm. The cruise passenger guide has the timing, and the prices page has the deposit and fees. When you know your date, check availability.