Saint Mary Cayon: The Spring and the wider destination

The Spring is an 18th-century sugar plantation in Saint Mary Cayon Parish that included an enslaved village. In July 2008, a two-day archaeological survey was conducted to confirm the village’s location. This gives Saint Mary Cayon a specific local connection to the history of plantations.

Nature in the wider destination of St. Kitts and Nevis

The St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve includes northern and southern reefs. Sea moss is harvested from these reefs, which also serve as natural spawning grounds for marine life. The beach in the biosphere reserve is an important nesting site for the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), an endangered species. Protecting it is a priority for the reserve. The reefs’ role as spawning grounds and the beach’s role as a nesting site illustrate two distinct ecological functions within this natural environment.

Colonial history on St. Kitts

On the island of St. Kitts is Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. The fortress is an outstanding, well-preserved example of 17th- and 18th-century Caribbean military architecture. The British designed it, and enslaved Africans built it. Its history bears witness to European colonial expansion, the African slave trade, and the emergence of new societies in the Caribbean. Compared with The Spring, the fortress brings military architecture and colonial power relations to the fore.

Culture and nature on Nevis

On Nevis, kite-making is a craft that has been practiced for generations. At Easter, families fly kites together and share techniques. Nature-focused experiences offer a different emphasis: a guided hike leads through the rainforest around Nevis Peak and introduces visitors to the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. This is distinct from the climb to the summit, which takes about four to five hours. The duration depends on conditions and pace.

Pinney’s Beach stretches for four miles along the western side of Nevis. In Oualie Bay, you can snorkel among reefs and tropical fish; Dive Nevis rents equipment for this. Check rental availability before your trip. Nevis’s natural geothermal hot springs are next to the Bath Hotel, which was built as the Caribbean’s first hotel.

Island connections and choosing where to stay

When choosing where to stay, you can weigh whether Saint Mary Cayon and the history of The Spring should be the main focus, or whether you would also like to include places and experiences on St. Kitts and Nevis. Passenger ferries connect Basseterre Pier on St. Kitts with Charlestown Pier on Nevis. The crossing takes 25 to 45 minutes; travel times and schedules may vary. Check the schedule before your trip.

The Sea Bridge Car Ferry connects Major’s Bay on St. Kitts with Cades Bay on Nevis and also carries vehicles. The iConnect Car Ferry connects Charlestown Pier on Nevis with Major’s Bay on St. Kitts. Check the current service and schedule for both routes before your trip.

Explore more destinations: Saint George Basseterre, Saint James Windward, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint George Gingerland, Saint John Capisterre.

Return to the wider travel guide: St. Kitts and Nevis.