Leeward Islands Charters: Sailing the Narrows Between St. Kitts and Nevis
The islands' original catamaran crew, still setting the standard for sail-and-snorkel days
Why Go
Long before catamaran day-sails became a Caribbean staple, Leeward Islands Charters was raising sails out of Basseterre. This is the outfit locals point cruise passengers toward when they ask who actually knows these waters ΓÇö a family-run operation whose boats are as much a part of the St. Kitts seascape as the Peninsula hills themselves.
The Experience
Trips push off from the Port Zante marina area in Basseterre, an easy walk from the cruise terminal and downtown. The signature full-day sail crosses The Narrows to Nevis, pausing to snorkel over reefs along the Southeast Peninsula before dropping anchor for a beach lunch on Nevis' golden west coast. Half-day sail-and-snorkel runs hug the dramatic Kittitian coastline, while evening departures trade snorkel gear for rum punch and a front-row seat to the sunset behind the sister isle. The fleet has real character: the Eagle, a converted racing cat known as one of the fastest in the Caribbean; the Spirit of St. Kitts, a maxi-catamaran with a big covered salon built for groups and dinner cruises; and the Caona, usually moored at Oualie Bay for departures on the Nevis side. Drinks, lunch and snorkel gear are folded into the fare, and the crews are famously good company.
What to Try
The full-day Nevis beach barbecue sail is the classic ΓÇö snorkeling, an open bar and a proper lunch on the sand before the downwind run home. If you're short on time, the half-day sail-and-snorkel delivers the same turquoise water in a tighter window; couples should look at the sunset cruise aboard one of the big cats.
Insider Tip
Book the Eagle if you want genuine sailing ΓÇö she was built to race, and when the trade winds fill in the crew will often cut the engines and let her fly. Claim a spot on the forward trampoline nets early for the best (and splashiest) ride, and keep some cash handy to tip a crew that earns it.
The Practical Stuff
Departures are from the Basseterre waterfront near Port Zante, with Nevis-side departures from Oualie Bay on the Caona. Full-day, half-day, sunset and private charters run year-round, weather permitting; book ahead at leewardislandscharters.com, especially on cruise-ship days. Fares include drinks, snorkel equipment and lunch on full-day trips. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and a dry bag for phones ΓÇö sea spray is part of the fun.
Pair It With
- Carambola Beach Club Guide — Cap a half-day sail with a long lunch on South Friars Bay, one of the Peninsula beaches you'll have just admired from the water.
- Coconut Grove Cafe Guide — A relaxed post-sail dinner spot to swap stories once you're back on dry land near Basseterre.
- Chop Shop ΓÇô Port Zante — Steps from the marina departure point, handy for a pre-boarding coffee or a quick tidy-up before your evening cruise.