When I think back to our Caribbean cruise, the day that brings the biggest smile to my face is our visit to St. Kitts! Not only is it the most diverse of the islands (in my opinion), but our local guide, Royston, provided a fun and interesting first-hand look at this picturesque, history-rich gem of an island!
Royston was like a ray of sunshine with his friendly personality and pleasant smile. He greeted us just outside the terminal and walked us over to the Royston-mobile (as I like to call it) – a fresh air, windowless van that proved (as we would soon learn) that it could handle any terrain St. Kitts had to offer! Stocked with ice cold beverages and 2 fun married couples from Utah, we boarded the Royston-mobile eager for the adventure ahead!
Basseterre
Our tour began with a drive through the charming capital city, Basseterre.
Built in 1883 and modeled after Piccadilly in London, The Berkeley Memorial is
an ornate clock tower and drinking fountain that sits in the heart of Basseterre.
The stunning Government House.
Did you know that St. Kitts has a Veterinarian school called Ross University?
I had no clue that it existed! And an ocean view too…score!
Around the Island ~ Royston Style!
The thing I think I enjoyed the most was the spontaneity Royston provided on the tour. We already knew what sights we’d see that day, but Royston added something special to it. He sprinkled the day with the unexpected…like for instance, taking us to non-touristy spots that he enjoyed as a child…or gathering sugar cane so we could feed donkeys…or driving us right on the beach! It was moments like those that made his tour better than we could have hoped for!
Royston gathering sugar cane.
Feeding time!
Royston knew exactly where to take us for superb photo opportunities!
My hubby found his Jeep twin in St. Kitts on a random cliff overlooking the ocean!
Did I mention Royston was funny?
He pulled a “photo bomb” with the Royston-mobile while I was taking a photo of hubby!
The Royston-mobile brought us up close & personal to the stunning
beaches of St. Kitts!
As you can see, our tour-mate enjoyed the drive on the beach! 🙂
What’s better than a flock of egrets in a tree?…
A flock of bottles in a tree! 😉
I’d like to introduce the “Rum Tree” – a mango tree adorned with empty
bottles from oh-so-happy men from a nearby bar!
I just loved holding this sweet little monkey!
Bath, anyone?
This oversized “tub” was really used to melt down sugar cane.
The Rainforest
Driving through the rainforest was like entering a different world. The light rain dripping from the canopy of trees created a magical ambiance.
My tarzan swinging on a vine!
The lush rainforest was a sight to behold…
…and so were these cute goats…
…and so was my hubby! 🙂
Black Rocks
On the northeastern coast of St. Kitts is Black Rocks, a picturesque collection of lava rocks adorning the coast from the nearby volcano Mount Liamuiga.
Wingfield Estate
Romney Manor
Formerly owned by Sam Jefferson, this gorgeous 6 acre estate is now home to Caribelle Batik, a shop that sells a variety of popular batik products that are hand-printed in the studio using an old Indonesian wax-and-dye process.
Colorful batik products
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
History buff or not, the Brimstone Hill Fortress is a marvel to behold! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a wonderfully preserved fortification and an architectural masterpiece with unmatched sweeping views in every direction!
Designed by British military engineers and built by African slave labor, this magnificent fortress took over 100 years to construct beginning in the 1690’s.
Looking into the horizon, I could almost see the fleet of 50 French ships coming in to storm the fortress!
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If you’re ever in St. Kitts, put Brimstone Hill Fortress at the top of your list! It’s only $10 to get in…so why not experience this rich piece of history?
Oh, & be sure to bring good walking shoes for those uneven steps up to the fortress!
The Royston-mobile sure got around!
Did I mention the a-ma-zing views?
The Peninsula
Did you know that Royston has an adventurous side? Yep! The Royston-mobile was not afraid to take us off the beaten path and into places other tour companies would not go! We’d be driving along a paved road, and he’d suddenly veer off into the brush and drive us somewhere simply stunning!
NOT the Royston-mobile!
Others may have tried, but only Royston will get you there in one piece! LOL!
You can’t tell from looking, but Royston pulled that van right up to the edge for a simply stunning outlook of the Peninsula!
The parking area for the “other” tour vans was well below us!
Behold – the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea!
Simply stunning!
Happy day!
If this is a dream, don’t wake me!
Lunch at South Friar’s Bay
Lunch was included in the tour, and Royston stopped at his friend’s little eatery to pick up 7 ‘rotis’ – a wrap with potato, mild curry, spices, and a choice of beef, chicken, conch or veggie. With lunch in tow, Royston drove us to “The God Father” – an empty beach bar by day (but not by night!) that acts as the perfect place to enjoy the delicious food and gorgeous views of South Friar’s Bay!
South Friar’s Bay
During the tour, Royston stopped by his dad’s house to pick something up.
As the van pulled away, we could hear his dad shout out,
“You hired the best man!”
We couldn’t agree more!
Our wonderful day in St. Kitts was over, but as our ship pulled away,
there was one more surprise awaiting us…
Until next time St. Kitts…
What part of this tour would you enjoy the most?
St. Kitts is lucky to have Royston represent them!
If you’re ever in St. Kitts, please consider taking Royston’s Tours!
For $45, this is a quality tour that you won’t soon forget!
Filling my passport with family, travel and bliss 
Stunning photography , stunning views , St. Kitts looks stunning .
St. Kitts was the most picturesque of the islands! Stunning scenery all around! 🙂
Looks like a fun place! My best friend actually was headed to Saint Kitts vet school and at the last minute was accepted in Colorado. Who would have thunk there was a vet school there!!!???
I know, right? My sister is a veterinarian, but I don’t think she ever knew about that university either! Talk about great location! 😉
What a great place!
I’d love the pic of the Atlantic meeting the Caribbean- I’d have to see that!
Loved all the shots!
Yes, it was absolutely stunning! I loved the Atlantic & Caribbean peninsula too – it was like a dream!
1) You should have taken Royston home with you! He sounds like he is quite the charmer and knowledgeable guide, and it sounds like he should charge more!
2) Sugar bath? How can I…yes please? I lament on my blog all the time about how sugar is like a drug to me and I’m always trying to “come down” and quit for good, so seeing things like that sugar-cane bowl really brings the fiend out! LOL!
3) What views! I wish I could go there! OMG…amazing!
4) You saw the Rain Forest too? What an incredibly beautiful (but terrifying) place!
5) Take me with you next time!
Haha…sure, you’re welcome to join us next time! 🙂
Royston was so great. He is very nice, knowledgable and humble. When I told him I wrote a blog post on his wonderful tour, he said that he doesn’t usually read reviews or blog posts because he is just a simple tour guide, but he sure went out of his way to make our day incredible! I think that is what sets him apart from others!
Beautiful Pics! Almost like I was there!
Thank you MessyJessy! 🙂
The whole trip looks 100% wow! I have never been there, but I would LOVE to go. Your photos make me want to jump on a plane… it looks amazing! What an awesome experience… hehe, have you started to plan the return trip yet?!
Haha…nope, no return trip in the works yet, but thanks for the idea!!! 😉
Gorgeous pictures! I can almost smell the salt air. I’ve never been to St. Kitts, but I would love to visit.
Thank you! St. Kitts was really one of my favorite islands – so much to see and do!
I so envy the sights you have seen. Awesome photography.
I’m determined to one day see more of the world.
Thanks Brycerae! All I did was point & shoot – everywhere I looked was like a postcard waiting to be captured! 🙂 Have fun on your future trips!
I left a comment earlier .. perhaps it didn’t go through. Anyway, I would love to visit the Caribbean, but it’s easier for us to visit Hawaii as we are on the west coast. Will visit your Maui page 🙂
Monica.
Thanks Monica! Yes when you get a chance, I highly recommend the Caribbean! 🙂
For starters, I LOVE your logo!! And as for the post, it was so fun to look through your photos of what looks like an incredible adventure! P.S. I think the adorable donkey was my favorite! 😉
Thank you Caitlin! It was definitely an adventure! 🙂
The Royston-Mobile looks fun. I like how he showed you non-touristy attractions. Your pictures are fantastic.
Haha…the Royston-Mobile was SO fun! I especially liked how it had no windows!
WOW!! The adventure of a lifetime!! Love the photos and how animated/ joyful you are in all of the photos!! 🙂
Aw, thanks dancinmoma!
Your photos are stunning. I am super envious. I really need to convince our dance studio to find a compettion someplace amazing. Thats my only real chance of taking a vaction like this for a while. 🙂
It truly sounds like an amzing time. Congratualtions.
Thank you Jacqulyn! I hope your dance studio can find a competition in the Caribbean!!! 😉
I love love love these photos! I am looking forward to travel around more as well 🙂 Looks like you had a wonderful time 🙂
Thank you! Yes, we had a wonderful time – I know you will too!
Wow, looks like an incredible trip! So many gorgeous views, and all that history and local flare. I remember from backpacking Europe that a good guide really makes for an excellent and exciting trip.
That looks like a gorgeous and fascinating trip and I can’t believe you got to hold a monkey!
What a gorgeous place! Your pics are beautiful!
I would love to spend time in St. Kitts. Sounds like I really need to take more of a tour of the islands. Those photos are breathtaking.
Wow! Now that truly was amazing. I would love to vacation there some day.And a really good tour guide does make such a difference. I would love to experience that rain forest.
Looks like such a fun and beautiful trip. Good guides make things so much more fun
Wow – Looks like a real once in a lifetime to me!
I want to get to St. Kitts one day. I love to travel. It is cool that in your short time there you got to see and experience some of the island’s history. It can give you some perspective.
This looks like such an amazing trip. Those are gorgeous pictures and it was so great that you had a guide that you really connected with. One day I know my husband and I will take that vacation.
Fabulous pictures! I’ve been to St. Kitts and this brought back fun memories. I love to travel, too, and happily have a cruise coming up in November.
St. Kitts id so beautiful! I just love all the colorful buildings, it reminds me of Bermuda. And how cool that you got to hold a monkey!! I will def consider this spot for my next tropical vacation
The pictures on this post was amazing felt like I was riding long with you.Im putting this on my bucketlist:)
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We’d definitely enjoy the private tour the most. The personal stories they can add to the mix. Anyone can read about history online, but getting the story from those that live there is priceless.
Stunning photos, I especially liked the Rain Forest and Peninsula. Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed your post very very much!
The fortress looks like a place I would love to go explore. What amazing views and you are making me want to go on another vacation to someplace I have never been!
Thanks for taking me along on your trip. I believe I visited this blog the last time we did this event and you were sharing a trip then as well. I love the pictures. I’m a home body and not really into traveling so I love hearing about other people’s trips.
That place looks amazing! If we ever go there we will look Royston up! It makes such a difference to have someone who knows the land take you around. I felt like I was there with all the great pictures!
Yes definitely look Royston up! He really gives an authentic and FUN experience!
Beautiful pics! I am a native of Trinidad, another small country in the Caribbean and this post definitely had me feeling homesick! That rain forest is amazing isn’t it? I visited once before and was enthralled with the beauty. Glad that you had the opportunity to visit and enjoy.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
What a beautiful place! Thank you for sharing the pictures. I would love to visit some day.
What a fun trip, looks like a wonderful experience, thanks for sharing =)
What a beautiful island, it looks like you had a blast! I’d love to one day visit!
WOW! Such beautiful views! I’d love to check out the batik place as I took batik in high school. ~Adrienne
I love the Caribbean Islands and we are planning a trip next year July, so I will add St. Kitts to the list thank you so much
I love posts where I can visit a place through the post – and your’s sure is one of those! Love love love the photos of St. Kitts through your eyes!
Really neat, thank you for sharing! I don’t know anyone who’s been to St. Kitts so didn’t know it has all that to offer. Your enthusiasm and photos are a great advertisement!
Lovely photos! I’ve never been to St. Kitts, but I would love to visit someday. Your tour guide sounds awesome! How fun that you got to pick sugar cane!
Amazing photos! As a Caribbean gal you have made me totally homesick. Glad you had such an amazing time. Hope you visit again. Try Trinidad the next time..lol.
thrifting diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing! I would love the ruins and old plantations the most as I am a huge history buff. If I’m ever in St. Kitts, will definitely call on Royston’s services! Thank you again for sharing your story and the photos! 🙂
Beautiful pictures. It looks like you had a great day!