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Holidays in Nevis - sports and activities
Nature trails and hikes
Hiking and walking are two of the
most popular activities on Nevis, which is renowned for its unspoilt natural
beauty. There are several trails which you can follow to explore the lush rainforest
surrounding the extinct volcano of Nevis Peak. We recommend you go with
an experienced local guide, who will lead you safely through the forest and
explain all the fascinating features of its plants and wildlife. Upper Ground
Road, built in the 1600s, is being developed as a route that can be used for
hiking, horseback riding, and off-road mountain biking. It was part of an extensive
road system built to provide access to the estate cane fields and communities
that once surrounded Nevis Peak. Golden Rock Nature Trail is easily accessible
to even the most inexperienced hiker and follows a picturesque route through
tropical plants, fruit trees and flowers. If you're lucky, you may spot the local
troop of green vervet monkeys.
Plantation carriage rides
Try a taste of the planter's high life in your own traditional Caribbean carriage. The three-mile trip from Hermitage Plantation Inn winds its way through historic Gingerland, down scenic back roads.
Horse riding
If you fancy an hour or two in the saddle, Nevis Equestrian Centre offers riding lessons to brush up your skills and 10 different rides, which will take you to beaches, rainforest trails and mountain slopes. Hermitage Plantation Inn also organises trail rides in the hills around Gingerland and up to the breathtaking views of Saddle Hill, the mountain that Admiral Nelson used as a lookout.
Horse racing
The Sport of Kings is a favourite pastime on Nevis and races are held each month at the Indian Castle Race Track. The full afternoon meetings have a carnival-like atmosphere, with music and barbecue food. The horses are thoroughbreds and competition is keen.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is one of the many new adventure
sports in the Caribbean and is very popular on Nevis, which now has
its own team that completes regionally. The
island offers an abundance of trails and tracks to suit all levels of
fitness and ability. Bikes and helmets can be rented from Oualie Beach.
Golf
The 18-hole Robert Trent Jones golf course at the Four Seasons Resort has been ranked the 7th best golf resort by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Except for the key holiday seasons in December and January, the course is open to visitors who are not guests at Four Seasons. There is also a small 9-hole course, Cat Ghaut Chip’n Putt in Newcastle, which includes a nature trail.
Diving
With dozens of reefs and wrecks just minutes offshore, even the most experienced divers are impressed with the wide choice of sites. Fully qualified dive centres will take you out to explore the virgin reefs among the majestic stands of pillar coral and long slender tube sponges.
Fishing
The waters around Nevis are teeming with a good range of game fish, including mahi mahi, wahoo, yellow and black fin tuna, kingfish, blue marlin, sailfish & abundant barracuda. Several companies offer sport fishing trips on half and full-day basis in a variety of craft.
Water sports
Take to the crystal
blue waters for a variety of sports, from waterskiing to windsurfing and kayaking.
Oualie Beach is a prime spot for lessons and equipment hire.
Boat and catamaran cruises
Many companies will take you on a full or half-day trips taking in some of the most beautiful sights off the shores of Nevis and giving you the chance to snorkel and swim in some of the best possible locations.
Whale
and dolphin watching
Scuba divers are often lucky enough to see bottlenose, spinner, and other small dolphins during their dives off Nevis. But you don't have to get wet to see them. Sightseeing boats take trips out to see the whales and dolphins between January and April. It's also possible to watch the whales from the top of Saddle Hill, where the U.S. environmental organization Greenpeace has installed a telescope.
Birdwatching
Nevis is considered to be a prime birding location with a variety of habitats, including wetlands, beaches, rainforest and dry country. There are 126 species of birds on the island, from the perky bananaquits, who may visit your breakfast tables, to the eight species of hawks.
Tennis
Some of the plantation houses and hotels have tennis courts for clients to use. Ask our office for details. There are also public courts in Brown Hill and Grove Park.
Cricket
The leading sport both played, and watched, on Nevis. Matches are played between January and mid-July, both locally and on a regional level - or you can do the traditional Caribbean thing and set up your own game on the beach.