Arriving at Port Zante, Basseterre 

Your cruise ship will dock at Port Zante, the gateway to Basseterre, where up to four ships can dock at once. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Ship Tour Meeting Areas – Clearly designated for those booking excursions through the cruise line. 

• Tourist Information Booths – Located both at the pier and within the terminal. 

• Shuttle Service – Available for $1 per ride to transport passengers from the pier to the terminal. 

• Taxi Dispatch Desk – Look for the old-school dispatch blackboard! Taxi prices are regulated, but fare lists aren’t always easy to find. Check our link above for a PDF of official rates. 

Exploring the Terminal and Shopping Complex 

The Port Zante shopping complex is expansive, offering everything you’d expect from a cruise port: 

• Duty-Free Shops – Souvenirs, jewelry, and liquor stores. 

• Casinos & Restaurants – A variety of dining options available. 

• Bathrooms – Some charge a fee, so use the free restrooms at the terminal before heading out. 

• Independent Tour Operators – Located near the casino, though we recommend pre-booking for a more reliable experience. 

Navigating Basseterre 

Once outside the complex, two main roads lead into town: 

• Bay Road – Home to an AVIS car rental, a small shopping mall, government buildings, and the ferry terminal. 

• Fort Street – The central hub, known as “The Circus,” featuring shopping and several ATMs. 

The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD), but US dollars, euros, and major credit cards are widely accepted. If you plan to take a ferry to Nevis, the Carib Queen ferry costs about $23 round trip, taking roughly 45 minutes each way. A faster option is pre-booked water taxis via Blue Water Safaris—check our link for details. 

Why We Chose a Tour 

While Basseterre has its charms, venturing beyond the city offers rich history and natural beauty. Instead of taking a basic taxi tour, we opted for something different: The Local Behind-the-Scenes Tour of St. Kitts, aka “Hang with the Boys.” 

This highly-rated small-group tour promised an authentic local experience, so we booked through Viator for $100 per person. Was it worth it? Absolutely! 

Our Tour Experience 

We met our guide, Dominic, at the main square outside the terminal. Right away, we knew we were in for something special. With deep historical knowledge, local insights, and humor, Dominic made the tour both educational and fun. 

What Made This Tour Special? 

• Lively Storytelling – A mix of historical and current events, with a pop quiz here and there! 

• Cold Drinks – Not just water—local beer and fresh juices served ice cold. 

• Tasty Samples – No full meal, but we got to try delicious roadside snacks. 

• Small Group Feel – We could ask anything, and Dominic had an answer! 

Tour Highlights 

We explored amazing sites across the island, including: 

• Central Forest Reserve National Park – Lush, green, and full of wildlife. 

• Brew’s Lookout – A stunning viewpoint overlooking the coastline. 

• Blackrock Lookout – Formed by volcanic rock, offering dramatic ocean views. 

• Timothy Hill – Perhaps the best panoramic viewpoint on the island. 

Final Thoughts: Should You Book This Tour? 

Without hesitation—yes! This was more than a sightseeing tour; it was an immersive, cultural experience. Dominic was a gracious host, and we’d book this tour again in a heartbeat. If you want to experience St. Kitts like a local, check the link in our resource to book via Viator.