St Kitts & Nevis: Catamaran Day Trip, Snorkel & Pinney's Beach

Summary

Sail from St Kitts to Nevis for snorkeling, lunch and beach time

You’ll board a lively catamaran at Port Zante for a day trip from St Kitts to Nevis with snorkeling stops in crystal waters, an open bar after swimming, lunch on board, and free time at Pinney’s Beach. Expect laughter with locals and fellow travelers—and leave with that easygoing Caribbean feeling lingering long after.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not gonna forget this,” the crew grinned as we stepped barefoot onto the catamaran at Port Zante. I was still fumbling with my sunscreen when someone handed me a cold juice (rum comes later, they said — safety first). The boat slid out past the cruise ships, and suddenly it was just blue everywhere, wind tangling my hair and that salty smell you only get in the Caribbean. I kept hearing laughter behind me — families already making friends, or maybe it was just the rum punch anticipation.

We dropped anchor at Shitten Bay (the name made everyone snicker — apparently it’s about acacia trees, not what you think). The water looked almost fake, so clear you could see straight to the boulders below. I hesitated before jumping in but our guide Marcus promised there were parrotfish and trumpet fish if I looked close enough. He was right — flashes of color zipped around my mask and for a second I forgot how awkward fins feel on your feet. Back onboard, towels were everywhere, music started up soft and then louder as we dried off. Someone passed around rum punch that tasted like summer — sweet but with a kick.

The sail over to Nevis felt longer than I expected (in a good way), sun warming my back while Marcus pointed out little coves along the peninsula. When we finally landed at Pinney’s Beach, it was all golden sand and palm shadows. Some folks wandered down toward Sunshine’s Bar for their “Killer Bee” cocktail — Li laughed when I tried to order one in my best attempt at local slang (probably butchered it). Others just floated in the shallows or napped under umbrellas. Lunch came out simple but perfect: grilled chicken, rice that smelled faintly of coconut. I still think about that view from the sand — hazy blue mountains behind us, nothing urgent except maybe reapplying sunscreen.

On the way back to St Kitts the crew turned up soca music and suddenly everyone was dancing or at least pretending to dance (I definitely wasn’t graceful). Drinks kept coming and someone started a limbo contest near the bow; even Marcus joined in for a round before steering us home. My skin felt sticky from salt and sunblock by then but honestly, I didn’t care. That last stretch with wind in my face — it just felt like summer should feel, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran sail, snorkel, and beach visit

• Board catamaran at Port Zante Marina
• Sail down South-east Peninsula of St Kitts
• Anchor at Shitten Bay for snorkeling
• Snorkel with supplied gear and view marine life
• Enjoy open bar with rum punch while sailing
• Arrive at Nevis and visit Pinney's Beach
• Swim, relax, or stroll to Four Seasons Resort
• Shop or visit Sunshine’s Beach Bar
• Sample signature Killer Bee cocktail
• Rejoin guests for party vibe sail back
• Sail back to Port Zante Marina

Top questions

How long is the catamaran tour from St Kitts to Nevis?

The full day trip typically lasts several hours including sailing time, snorkeling stop, lunch, and beach time on Nevis.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts from Port Zante Marina in St Kitts, right by the cruise pier.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkel gear is supplied by the crew for use during the stop at Shitten Bay.

Are drinks included on this catamaran day trip?

Yes—unlimited drinks are available from an open bar after snorkeling is finished.

What is served for lunch during the tour?

A simple lunch is included onboard after snorkeling before heading to Pinney’s Beach on Nevis.

Can children join this day trip?

Yes—children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult’s lap.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; however port pickup and drop-off are included at Port Zante Marina.

What should I bring for this tour?

You should bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection (hat/sunscreen), and maybe some cash for beach bars or shops on Nevis.

What’s included

Your day includes port pickup and drop-off at Port Zante Marina in St Kitts, all snorkel equipment for exploring Shitten Bay’s reefs, unlimited drinks from an open bar after swimming (including rum punch), lunch served onboard before your visit to Pinney’s Beach on Nevis—and plenty of easygoing company from both crew and fellow travelers throughout your journey.