St. Kitts Scenic Train Experience

The St. Kitts Scenic Railway has become one of the best know tours on the island of St. Kitts. It's one of the most popular tours on any platform. So why not experience what it's like to hop aboard the restored and refurbished train which has been transformed into a unique sightseeing experience, offering breathtaking views of St. Kitts' natural landscapes, historic sites, and charming villages? Like any other island or country, there are always the sights of development and underdevelopment. This is what makes it interesting. One can see past, present and future development on the island. Get ready to taste crunchy potato chips, sugar cake (a local delicacy), fruit punch, and daiquiris.

Let's begin an exhilarating experience by sitting on the top open-air section of the train (the bottom is enclosed and air-conditioned). Originally built between 1912 and 1926 to deliver sugar cane from the fields to the sugar mill in Basseterre, the "Last Railway in the West Indies" now provides a fascinating way for visitors to see the island from the comfort of modern passenger train cars and sightseeing buses. As the train begins to chug out of the station you begin to be treated to stunning vistas of the island's dramatic coastline and rolling hills. As the train hugs the railway into the Northeastern coastline spectacular vistas of the ocean, surf, cliffs, and lush vegetation surround you. The train rolls across tall steel bridges spanning deep "ghuts", or canyons, and winds through small villages and farms. Dark green rainforests are skirted by rippling fields of remnant sugar cane fields with the volcanic cone of Mt. Liamuiga rising above the railway.

As the train winds its way through the island's interior, passengers will have a majestic view of Mount Liamuiga. This dormant volcano, standing at 3,792 feet (1,156m), dominates the landscape and is covered in dense rainforest.

The train continues it chugging through the coastline of the fishing village of Dieppe Bay. This is the Atlantic Ocean side and where the fishermen dive for conch, and catch the best fish using small customed made fishing boats. This is also home to the Kittitian Hill (Belmont Farm) the hotel situated in the mountain side As you continue out of Dieppe your tour conductor will point out all the sights as the train passes old sugar cane estates with abandoned windmills and chimneys. See St. Paul's Village, home of St. Kitts's first national hero Sir. Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw;

The train passes through the charming village of Sandy Point Town, located on the northwest coast of the island. Passengers can catch a glimpse of traditional Caribbean architecture and witness the laid-back lifestyle of the locals. The rail ends in an area of this village where passengers can disembark and have a restroom break before boarding the bus to continue the tour. As you continue this informative journey the guide will point out to you the Brimstone Hill Fortress a must-see attraction on your next visit. The train passes by this imposing fortress, a well-preserved 18th-century military fortification that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The train bus slows down near Wingfield Estate, a former sugar plantation dating back to the 17th century. Passengers can catch a glimpse of the ruins of the old sugar factory ad learn about the St. Kitts sugar industry and its historical significance. Along the same route, the bus tour guide will point out the area where Sir Thomas Warner, founder of the English colony on St. Kitts and the first governor is buried beside his friend Samuel Jefferson, American President Thomas Jefferson's great-great-grandfather. (Alexander Hamilton was born on the neighboring island of Nevis.) As the bus journeys closer back to the city of Basseterre where your cruise ship docked, you will pass drive through the path which is known as "Blood River". It is known by this when one of the Kalinago female Indians sold out her people to the British soldiers. It is said from further up the river the massacre of the tribe caused the river to run like a river of blood hence, the name today "Bloody River".

Entering the city Basseterre from the West side you will have a chance to glimpse the city building architecture and other historical landmarks. The bus will drop you off at the cruise por if you arrived via cruise ship or return you to the train station located in Conaree Village close to the airport for your transportation back to the respective hotels. Transportation arranged privately or through your local tour provider. This unique rail and highway experience allows visitors to see the country in a very short period of time. The 18 miles by rail and 12 miles by bus make a complete 30-mile circle around the island. Approximately 2 hours by Rail and 45 minutes by Bus. The journey offers a unique perspective on the island's beauty, history, and culture, making it a memorable experience for visitors.