Get off the beaten tourist track and discover preserved paradises! Lost in the infinite blue of the Caribbean, Antigua and Saint Kitts and Nevis are two island gems still protected from mass tourism. Nestled in the Lesser Antilles, they offer a captivating blend of golden beaches, tropical forests, and volcanic hills, where time seems to slow down.
These little-known Caribbean islands are accessible by ferry from Guadeloupe with FRS Express des îles.
What to do in Antigua and Saint Kitts and Nevis? How to get there? Why visit both islands?
1. Why Visit the Island of Antigua?
Antigua, often mentioned with its little sister Barbuda, today forms a sovereign and independent state since 1981, called Antigua and Barbuda.
This Caribbean island captivates with its spectacular coastline, bordered by 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. If you don't have a year to see all the beaches, don't miss Dickenson Bay and its turquoise waters.
Visitors also praise Antigua for its rich colonial heritage listed by UNESCO. Among the must-see visits, dedicate some time to English Harbour, a former colonial port, and Shirley Heights, the ruins of an 18th-century English guardhouse. From these monuments, visitors enjoy superb panoramas.
Others will enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere and colorful ambiance inherited from its British past. Take advantage of duty-free shopping!
Its vibrant culture, combining music, gastronomy, and warm hospitality, enchants every visitor. Antigua constitutes an authentic and refined paradise in the heart of the Caribbean.
2. Why Visit Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Saint Kitts and Nevis form a duo of volcanic islands, three kilometers apart. These islands reveal authentic charm.
What to Do in Saint Kitts?
Saint Kitts, the larger of the two islands, is dominated by the silhouette of Mount Liamuiga volcano. Hikers won't miss hiking to the island's summit to discover a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands.
Visit Brimstone Hill Fortress, a military fortress dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, also offering a prodigious view of neighboring islands.
The island offers another must-see attraction: the Saint Kitts Scenic Railway. A vestige of the sugar era, it runs through plantations, green hills, and authentic villages.
Finally, come discover the warm and colorful atmosphere of Basseterre, Saint Kitts' lively capital. Its fragrant markets, pastel houses, and waterfront invite visitors to stroll.
What to Do in Nevis?
Nevis, more discreet, captivates visitors with its peaceful charm, authentic villages, and coconut-lined beaches.
Like its neighbor, Nevis island is dominated by a volcano, Nevis Peak. Where there's a volcanic island, there are hot springs! Relax in one of Nevis's many hot baths.
All around, coconut-lined beaches offer an idyllic setting to savor Caribbean sweetness of life. To enjoy a postcard setting with a view of the volcano, set up your parasol on Pinney's Beach, Nevis's longest beach.
3. How to Reach Saint Kitts and Antigua by Ferry from Guadeloupe?
If you're traveling in Guadeloupe, take advantage of this stay to board an FRS Express des îles vessel.
FRS Express des Îles offers discovery day trips to Antigua departing from Guadeloupe: departure from Deshaies at 7:00 AM, arrival in Antigua at 9:00 AM. The return boat leaves Antigua around 5:00 PM, arriving in Deshaies around 7:00 PM. For the year 2026, Antigua discovery days will take place on the following dates:
- Wednesday, May 27, 2026
- Saturday, May 30, 2026
- Wednesday, July 15, 2026
- Wednesday, July 22, 2026
- Wednesday, July 29, 2026
- Wednesday, August 5, 2026
- Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Saturday, December 5, 2026
