Considering Basseterre’s incredibly tragic past – it has burned to the ground, been invaded, been destroyed by earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters several times – this port of call still boasts an amazing number of well preserved colonial buildings, making it quaint and enjoyable to explore. A large duty free shopping area and plenty of additional small shops and stores make Basseterre a joy for those who love to shop, and the area’s white sand beaches are out of this world. If your cruise ship comes to this port of call, be sure to get off and look around.

Sightseeing & Things To Do

From its spicy local cuisine to its white sand beaches, Basseterre is a delightful place to discover. Evidence of its tumultuous past is all around you, yet plenty of well preserved and simply stunning colonial buildings are scattered around the town as well. Whether you choose to check out Bloody Point – or simply opt to shop at the massive waterfront marketplace – Basseterre is a wonderful port of call to explore.

When your cruise ship docks at Basseterre, you have plenty of great attractions to enjoy during your visit. No matter where your tastes lie, there’s bound to be something that will hold your interest in this scenic part of St. Kitts & Nevis. Consider these attractions:

Visit The Carib Petroglyphs

Located just north of Basseterre, the Carib petroglyphs are a wonderful way to learn more about the long, stunning history of this tiny Caribbean island. The petroglyphs themselves are carved into large black rocks and are a really neat way to glimpse back into the distant past and get a feel for what the island’s original inhabitants felt.

The Black Rocks

Be sure not to miss the famous Black Rocks, which are volcanic rocks that have been eroded into stunning and unusual shapes. They are a real feast for the eyes, and visiting them helps give you a bit of perspective on the awesome geological forces that are constantly at work on our amazing planet.

Bloody Point

A stunning vista – including the majestic Mount Liamuiga – forms the backdrop of this very somber place. After all, Bloody Point is where more than 2,000 Carib Indians were massacred by French and British soldiers back in the year 1626. This place is a good way to remember that even among incredible beauty, the dark side of human nature can reveal itself.

St. George’s Anglican Church

Originally completed back in 1710, this attractive church in Basseterre has been damaged, destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. Despite all of the tumult, though, it is an impressive place to visit while in Basseterre.

Shopping

One of the most immediately apparent things about Basseterre is its massive, open air marketplace. Located right on the water, it is the best place to find the broadest assortment of goods imaginable. Indeed, this marketplace is geared specifically towards cruise passengers and there is a huge array of duty free goods available to purchase. You can easily find an amazing deal or two here – and it’s just as easy to spend hour after hour roaming around.

Best Souvenir To Bring Back To the Cruise Ship

One of the best-known products made in Basseterre is batik, a special kind of cloth that can be used to make a number of different things. Stroll around the town here and find a sample of batik that you like; bring it home to use as a very pleasant souvenir. In addition to plain cloth, you can find batik clothing and accessories for the home for sale all over Basseterre.

Eating – Sample the Local Cuisine

One thing’s for certain: the food that you’ll find in Basseterre is unfailingly fresh and delicious. Many locals will recommend the pumpkin soup, and it’s definitely a safe bet for those who want to sample the local cuisine but who don’t like excessively spicy fare. Creole cuisine is huge in St. Kitts & Nevis, so there is a huge array of restaurants serving up that spicy food. From fresh fish to stewed goat, the Creole dishes that you’ll be able to enjoy in Basseterre will undoubtedly thrill you.

When, Where, and How

When To Go

If you want to experience the best weather that St. Kitts & Nevis has to offer, try to come between June and August. Although the weather is pretty great all year round, the summer months bring out the best of the island and Basseterre is in top form during that time of year.

Where You’re Docked

The cruise ships that come to Basseterre dock over at Port Zante. Fortunately, Port Zante is only a very short stroll from the primary sights in Basseterre; you won’t have to worry about hiring a taxi or anything. The walk itself will help introduce you to the area and is pleasant in and of itself.

Which Cruise Ships Go Here?

Many of the most popular cruise lines have itineraries that include stops at Basseterre in St. Kitts & Nevis. A couple of the major cruise lines that stop in Basseterre include P & O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean. However, there are a huge array of other options in terms of dates, ships, days in port and at sea when it comes to Basseterre.