SPORTING and OUTDOORS ACTIVITIES

Tour Operators:

Flamboyant Tours
Local tours and weddings
Tel: 465-6170; fax 465-7042

Kantours
Liverpool Row
American Express Representatives
869/465-2098
Fax: 869/465-4325
kantours@caribsurf.com
www.delisleco.com

Tropical Tours
P.O. Box 393
Cayon Street
Basseterre
St. Kitts W.I.
Tel: 869/465-4039/4167
Fax: 869/465-6400
Cable: Kisco
Ground transfers, sightseeing tours, charter boat rentals, rainforest adventures, water sports, boat cruises, diving, day trips by air or sea.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Nevis Cycle Club
869/469-9682

Each July the Caribbean Cup Race is held - an Inter-island Mountain Bike Race. through rugged terrain, spectacular vistas, a view of lush rain forests, and refreshing air are some of the joys of mountain biking in St. Kitts. The Federation at St. Kitts and Nevis is a host to a leg of the Caribbean Cup Mountain Bike Race series.

Originally conceived in 1993 by David Charrasse of St. Martin, the Caribbean Cup involves riders from 14 different islands, who have the opportunity to travel every month to a Caribbean island for a weekend of riding and adventure, competition and typical Caribbean hospitality. The competition takes place over a seven-month period ending late summer with islands vying for the seven spots available.

St. Kitts was the first of the two islands to enter this major competition under the guidance of accomplished triathlete Dr. Michael Archer, when he introduced the grueling "Cane Road Classic" in 1995. Nevis' entry into the fray came when an inexperienced and newly formed Team Nevis Cycle Club entered the St. Kitts race in the 1997 series.

As both islands of the Federation now host a leg of the Caribbean Cup, residents and visitors alike have two opportunities for participating in the event. Each leg comprises two disciplines, the "Downhill," in which riders compete against the clock, and the "Cross-Country," competing against other rides in their categories: Elite Male (19-34), Female (open), Juniors (17-19), Veterans (35-44) and Masters (over 45), with four fun categories for less experienced competitors. Sometimes, organizers include another event as well such as an Uphill Race, Dual Slalom. or Kids race, which are non-championship.

The cycling terrain of the two islands is vastly different, with St. Kitts offering majestic, sweeping farm tracks through swaying cane fields, and trails that traverse the island of Mount Liamuiga. Nevis offers a more challenging ride on rocky tracks through hills, valleys and ghauts - unused plantations and cane roads - interspersed with lush tropical forest. Contact the Team Nevis Cycle Club at 869/469-9682.

Moonlight Catamarans

Another great trip in St Kitts is the catamaran moonlight ride around the southern peninsula. Catamarans and other types of boats are built in the Basseterre boatyards. During my catamaran cruise, CLR, the local rum, flowed freely onboard. Chicken drumsticks were the finger food of choice. Many participants night dived off the fantail of the boat. The moon was out. In the distance burning scrublands lit up the night, filling the air with a pungent aroma not unlike incense, but with a burnt flavoring. After one too many rum punches and hours of pounding rock and roll on the huge deck speakers, it was a slow cruise by sail back to the Basseterre harbor. By the way, you can buy CLR at the airport duty free shop for about $5US a liter.

Blue Water Safaris Ltd.
P.O. Box 1228
Princes Street
Basseterre, St. Kitts
Tel: 869/466-4933
869/465-9838
Fax: 869/466-6740
waterfun@caribsurf.com

Take a catamaran cruise, sunset cruise, snorkel trip or moonlight cruise on the Caribbean, The cruise includes a party atmosphere with ice-cold beer and relaxed ride. Or you can deepsea fish.

Boat Charters

Leeward Island Charters

For the ultimate in sailing experience, indulge in a catamaran cruise aboard sleek 70-foot cats. Beach barbecues, snorkeling, sailing spacious decks.
Tel: 869/465-7474.

M.V. Caribe Queen
Contact the St. Kitts Tourist Board's website at www.stkitts-nevis.com for ferry info to/from Nevis. Bring your sun visor and sit out on the front deck of the boat to enjoy the view down the peninsula, across the strait and into Charlestown port.

Turtle Boat Tours
Tel: 869/469-9086 (Day)
Tel: 869/465-0645 (Night)
Fax: 466-2902
Pager 467-6123
For private charters, snorkeling, fishing, Nevis shuttle and sunset cruises.

SCUBA DIVING ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

St. Kitts Scuba
Bird Rock Beach Hotel
Bird Rock, St. Kitts
Tel: 869/465-1189
Fax: 869/465-1675
brbh@caribsurf.com

The dive sites of St. Kitts and Nevis are not as well known as other Caribbean sites and so have remained in pristine condition. Local dive operators are ecology minded and continue to protect this beautiful underwater environment as divers from around the world discover the untouched reefs. Many of St. Kitts and Nevis dive sites are within a short boat ride, and a two-tank morning dive returns about 1 p.m. Each dive master has his or her own secret spots. There are over 200 off-shore wrecks around the island, according to tourism officials.

Dive Sites

Monkey Shoals - Situated off the western coast of St. Kitts; southwest peninsula is home to lobsters, rays, lizardfish, and a nurse shark or two. Average depth on the reef is only 50 feet, allowing extensive dive time.

Coconut Tree Reef - One of the largest reefs in the area, beginning at a depth of 40 feet and plunging to nearly 200 feet. With its expansive, clear water, tremendous depth and abundant marine life, it is a good site for new and experienced divers alike.

Nags Head - Situated at he southernmost tip of St. Kitts where the Caribbean and Atlantic meet. The current here is usually strong, making this a destination for experienced divers. The reef plunges to about 80 feet and is populated by rays, turtles, lobsters, and large reef fish.

Sandy Point - Has been designated as a National Marine Park and offers world class diving. Two of the most popular mooring sites are here. Paradise Reef is a beautiful site of large coral heads with swim through canyons sloping to about 90 feet. Anchors Away is a flatter reef system with under-cut shelves to peer into and 18th Century coral encrusted anchors. Bring your camera. From the volcano helicopter tour your can se the anchors from the air.

The Wreck of the River Taw - A 144-foot long island freighter sunk intact in 50 feet of water. It has broken in half and the stern turned 180 degrees, providing easy swim through and views directly into the hull, a macro photographer's delight. Skin Diver Magazine has called this one of the best 20 wreck dives in the Caribbean, but it is probably in the top 10.

The Caves - A series of coral grottoes lying in 40 feet of water south of Nevis. Divers can navigate tunnels and swim throughs filled with many types of coral, sea fans, sponges, squirrelfish and lobsters.

Beach Index

Most of the best beaches on St. Kitts are on the southern end of the island, where the terrain is drier. Black sand lava beaches are found to the north and are more secluded, and less populated. Nude bathing it illegal in St. Kitts.

Cades Bay Beach - Cool swimming with several beach bars and restaurants.

Pinney's Beach on Nevis - Good for jogging, swimming and sunset walks with several beach bars and restaurants and accommodations on site.

Fort Ashby Beach - Good for swimming and birdwatching in the lagoon.

Qualie Beach - Nevis- Sheltered coves, good for swimming, fishing, wind surfing, sailing and kayaking, dive shop, bar, restaurant and hotel nearby.

Lovers Beach - A short-forested trail opens onto the secluded beach. Bring the wine.

Newcastle Beach - Good for walks and watching the planes take off at the airport nearby.

Nisbet Beach - Nevis - Where the coral sand is white, good for swimming and snorkeling, with a beach bar and restaurant.

Turtle Beach- Great open air dining, wide beach, boat rentals, scuba shack, banana boat rentals, pontoon sundeck, and reefs nearby. Great views of Nevis. Pick up the helicopter here or the airport.

Sportsfishing

Annual Sports Fishing Tournament
October - Organized by the Nevis Yacht Club. The event is headquartered at Qualie Beach Hotel, Nevis. Call 869/465-9690/9060; fax: 869/465-8124

Regattas

Guavaberry Sailing Regatta
June - Boat race from St. Maarten to St. Kitts ends in Nevis and sponsored by Guavaberry. For details call 869/465-0682

Parasailing

Fantasy Parasailing
P.O. Box 422
Bentels Drive
Bird Rock, St. Kitts
Tel: 869/466-8930
Fax: 869/465-1802
bentels@caribsurf.com