gailholmen

We're considering staying at the St Kitts Marriott Vacation Club (Ocean or Surf Club) in July but are concerned about COVID restrictions. Also we've read a lot about the Sargasum Seaweed blight that seems to move around and mars the beaches making swimming or snorkeling undesirable. Does anyone have current knowledge of any of these issues?

Appreciate feedback.

Sassafrass

Have you been to St Kitts before?

RoamsAround

St. Kitts is "open" to foreign travelers but there are certain quarantine policies in place. The most up to date info (as of May 1) on the Covid restrictions can be found here: https://mystkittstouristinformation....from-st-kitts/

Sargassum seaweed can be found around many Caribbean islands (including St. Kitts) and is a function of winds, sea currents and other forces of nature. The amount you find on any given island at any given time can vary greatly from week to week. There's no way to predict what conditions will be on St. Kitts this coming July - there could be some, there could be none, there could be some on the Atlantic side beaches or the could be some on the Caribbean side beaches or there could be some on one beach and none on another. The only thing one can tell you is that if there is Sargassum on one side of the island or a certain beach there probably won't be any on some of the other beaches.

Lastly, St. Kitts is not know for great snorkeling since the island lacks a near shore reef system. The best snorkeling is at Shitten Bay (on the Caribbean side of the island) and is accessible only by boat. There is very little snorkeling at Marriott's beach - you'll find some very mediocre snorkeling around the man-made breakwaters at their beach but be aware that water on that side of the island can be stirred up by winds and waves making visibility somewhat limited. If snorkeling is a high priority for you St. Kitts might not be the best place for you to visit.

gailholmen

Thanks so much for your very helpful feedback on both the seaweed situation and movement as well as the snorkeling on this island. Very helpful.

gailholmen

Have not been there before. Do you have feedback on St Kitts desirability compared to the others such as Aruba, St Thomas, or others?

eastenderusvi

What is desirable to you? St Kitts, Aruba, and St Thomas are three very different destinations. St Kitts (hilly) has (IMHO) the best fort in the Caribbean (Brimstone Hill) and some of the most interesting history, along with Nevis. Also, St Kitts Caribe is the best! Aruba is a flat, dry island, perfect for sitting on the beach. St Thomas (also hilly, but not as much as St Kitts) is good for snorkeling and water sports and great for island hopping. You might want to pick up a Caribbean guide book that explains all the different islands. What do you want to do while you are on vacation?

gailholmen

Thanks for your very helpful comparison of the islands. Frankly, we're just trying to find a vacation spot with availability and freedom from quarantine COVID restrictions. We're trying to use time share points on short notice - very difficult. We are three generations - 2 grandparents, one son, three grandchildren - all very active. Between us we love snorkeling, scuba - but not required, water sports, swimming, sight seeing, beautiful scenery, R&R and are looking for the Caribbean vibe since we've done Hawaii most often.

Sassafrass

I am good with warm sun, a nice pool and a bit of sand, so enjoy St Kitts for a few days in winter. I enjoy the beaches, but do not find them extraordinary, though a couple are nice and certainly kids would enjoy them. The snorkeling is just OK. I do not dive, but would not do it there if I did. Restaurants are OK, a few good, most OK, but I am not too picky. The rooms and pool at the Marriott are nice, but the water by the Marriott can be rough . Driving around the island is interesting and the views are pretty. Hiking is nice. You could also take the ferry over to Nevis for a day or two. Things have changed since COVID, so not sure what is available now. There used to be zip lines, boat rentals, etc. With quarantine continuing, it might not work for you anyway.

gailholmen

Appreciate your feedback on St. Kitts and the options in the neighboring areas.

Sassafrass

There is an outbreak with community spread on St Kitts, schools closed, quarantines continuing. So, expect 9 or more days of quarantine in a vacation resort.