Saint Kitts and Nevis has several key seaports and marine facilities that support tourism (especially cruise ships), cargo handling, and inter-island transportation. Here’s an overview of the major seaports on both islands:
Seaports in Saint Kitts and Nevis
On Saint Kitts (Main Island)
1. Port Zante (Cruise Ship Terminal) – Basseterre
- Primary cruise port in Saint Kitts.
- Located in the capital, Basseterre.
- Can accommodate multiple large cruise ships simultaneously.
- Features:
- Duty-free shopping center
- Restaurants, bars, and tour operators
- Easy access to downtown Basseterre
- A major hub for tourism and port calls from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, etc.
2. Deep Water Port – Bird Rock, Basseterre
- Handles cargo and commercial shipping.
- Located just south of Port Zante.
- Operated by St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA).
- Key imports: building materials, food, fuel, vehicles.
- Also has a small ship repair facility and container storage areas.
3. Ferry Terminal – Basseterre
- Provides passenger ferry services to Nevis and other nearby islands.
- Operates fast ferry services used by locals and tourists daily.
On Nevis
1. Charlestown Ferry Terminal
- Located in the capital, Charlestown.
- Main port for inter-island passenger ferries between Nevis and Saint Kitts.
- Ferries run frequently (about 30-45 minutes crossing time).
2. Long Point Port (Nevis Deep Water Port)
- Nevis’s commercial cargo port.
- Handles bulk cargo, vehicles, and containerized shipments.
- Used for import/export and some inter-island commercial traffic.
Port Management
All major ports are managed or overseen by:
St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA)
Website: https://scaspa.com
- Responsible for operations, security, customs clearance, and development.
Regional Connectivity
- Seaports support trade with Caribbean neighbors, North America, and Europe.
- Also facilitate fishing vessels, yachts, and private charters.
