There are several experienced tour guides on the island that can take you where you want to go. While some places are accessible on your own, island officials recommend that you go with a tour guide into the mountain to visit Nevis Peak or climb on other trails. Not only will this insure your safety, but it will make the trip more meaningful as you learn about the flora, fauna and history from the experts.
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Biologists Jim and Nikki Johnson offer 17 different educational hikes throughout the island from a walk in the “green ghaut” to climbing Nevis Peak to a favorite with children: beach stargazing and stories on the beach, ending with a bonfire. For reservations, call 869-469-9080 or E-mail walknevis@caribsurf.com
Heb's Nature Tours
Michael Herbert, also know as the “bush doctor,” has a wealth of information about local bush remedies, and he’ll share them with you on his rain forest hikes. He’ll climb Nevis Peak, lead village walks and monkey observation walks. For reservations, call 869-469-3512.
Eco-Rambles
Historian David Rollinson specializes in unique walking excursions exploring the history and landscape of Nevis. Using his proper British wit, his tours include historic Charlestown and narrative visits to the rainforest and ruins throughout the countryside. A must-do for history buffs especially. For reservations, call 869-469-2091 or E-mail droll@caribsurf.com
Sunrise Tours
The little-known areas of the Devil’s Copper, New River Spring, and three waterfalls, can be visited with guide Earla Liburd, a local teacher. This is an interesting and moderately challenging hike. For reservations, call 869-469-2758. E-mail info@nevisnaturetours.com Website: www.nevisnaturetours.com
Herbert's Heights Village Experience
The village possesses the panoramic views you would expect to find at the summit of Nevis Peak. At 1200 feet above sea level, your guided journey up will leaf you through fields of ferns and tropical rainforest. Visitors are able to experience the simplicity of past Nevisian life in unspoilt natural surroundings. The reconstructed thatched cottages provide overnight accommodation and to each guest, a personal breathtaking view of up to 3 neighboring islands, with a close-up view of mountains wildlife. The village also hosts a large picnic area, able to accommodate visitors to enjoy Caribbean cuisine and refreshments with the more modern convenience of a shower and a flush toilet. Visitors can choose to participate in activities, which include a trail following part of the route used by runaway slaves on their way to Maroon. They may want to join in discussion as they view the highest discovered ruins found on the island or witness the making of age old natural remedies. Alternatively visitors can retreat to the village for quality, rest and recuperation. No modern day distractions, just a time to experience simple peace. For reservations contact (869) 469 2856; Mobile (869) 664 9628; E-mail: info@herbertheights.com Website: www.herbertheights.com
Upper Round Road
This 9-mile (14.8km) road, constructed during the 1600's, is being developed as a trail 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. Organized by the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society with a grant from RARE, Center for Tropical Conservation, the project received an ecotourism award from Islands Magazine.
The road connects the Golden Rock Plantation Inn on the windward or eastside of Nevis with the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club on the northern tip of the island. It passes through local villages, past quaint West Indian houses, a seasonal rain forest, and locally grown fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. Don’t be surprised to see monkeys frollicking and mongoose running around on your journey.
The Golden Rock Nature Trail
The Golden Rock Nature Trail at Golden Rock Plantation Inn features an almost localized troop of African Green (Vervet) Monkeys. The trail is easily accessible to even the most inexperienced hiker, but offers an exotic array of tropical foliage. The trail runs along a picturesque ridge-line and meanders down a dry, gentle sloping ravine bed, featuring huge rain forest plants to local fruit trees and flowers. Maps of the trail are available at Golden Rock. Call 869-469-3346 or E-mail info@golden-rock.com.
Plantation Carriage Rides
Leave the Hermitage Plantation Inn, feeling like a king or queen, in your own traditional Caribbean Planter's Cottage. The 2 to 3-mile trip will wind its way through historic Gingerland, down scenic back roads from where you can see the routines of everyday West Indian country life. The Carriages are authentic, classic Creole adaptations of mid 19th century "Victoria" styles, crafted of West Indian mahogany. Call 869-469-3477 or E-mail nevherm@caribsurf.com for reservations
Additional Resources
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