Kantours Vacation & Tour Consultants

In Depth

Kantours Vacation & Tour Consultants has been at the forefront of destination management in St Kitts and Nevis for over twenty years. With an office on Liverpool Row in Basseterre and another just outside town at Bird Rock, the company offers a good range of services for today’s traveller. They will arrange airport transfers, organise a wedding for you and sort out a St Kitts tour. They can also arrange day excursions for sightseeing and shopping trips to other islands in the area such as Antigua or St Martin. They have their own IATA licensed travel agency, which allows them to book airline tickets worldwide through SABRE and AMADEUS systems. They operate shore excursions for cruise ships and organise events, including conferences and the on-island organisation of incentive groups. Finally they also provide tour operator representation for in-bound travel organisers.

Started in the 1980s by Teresa Walwyn, Kantours grew out of Antours. It was purchased in 1995 by Delisle Walwyn & Co Ltd, the oldest privately owned limited liability company in St Kitts and it is still a subsidiary of that company. Delisle Walwyn, which still provides insurance and shipping services, was created in 1951 by a merger of ES De Lisle, a shipping and general merchant started in 1857, and WE Walwyn, an insurance agency founded in the 1880s.

As an individual traveller you are most likely to come across Kantours through their island tours and their personal concierge services, which they offer on request. The company also caters to groups. Kantours have a wedding co-ordinator who can tailor-make the entire event for you, large or small and they can also arrange a conference for several hundred people. They have long experience in handling incentive and convention groups, and are able to organise outside activities for delegates and also cater for non-participants.

The team at Kantours numbers just over half a dozen. The Destination Services department is led by Manager, Kayrecia ‘Kerry’ Simmonds, who has been with the company since July 2010 and promoted to her present position in December 2011.  Other members of staff include Errington Fyfield, Manager of the Shore Excursions & Transportation departments, Amanda Pemberton, Shore Excursions Co-ordinator, Jacqueline Hector, Weddings, Groups and Destination Planner and Jasemin Weekes, the Manager of the Travel Department.

The company no longer has a Destinations Department in Nevis and all tours and destination matters for Nevis are now handled from their St Kitts office, including weddings and groups.

Concierge Services

A concierge service can be a convenient help for an independent traveller that wants to arrange something a little extra. The personal advice can help to get the best of the island and if you are travelling in a group, then the assistance can take the weight off your shoulders by assuring the proficient execution of arrangements. While Kantours has no formal programme of Concierge Services on offer, they are happy to make arrangements on an individual basis (with a small service charge). Simply let them know what you would like arranged and they will arrange it. Suggested services are restaurant bookings, meet and greet on your arrival at the airport, ordering and delivery of cakes, wine or champagne, flowers or fruit baskets. They can also help with booking private entertainment and catering for a special celebration and tours of St Kitts or a day trip to a neighbouring island.

Please contact Kantours directly for details and a price for your specific requirements.

Destination Management

Destination Management is a service generally provided to travel organisers, but independent travellers may be interested to see the sort of services that are included in a ‘package’ or flight-inclusive holiday booked through a tour operator/travel organiser. In the UK and Europe it is a legal requirement for all companies selling flight-inclusive holiday packages to provide a local representative/ground handler for their clients, together with 24-hour emergency cover.

Kantours look after most of the top Caribbean specialist tour operators/wholesalers and their clients. They provide a comprehensive service, which is tailored specifically to portray the company’s image to their clients, which saves the tour companies the expense of supporting their own representative on St Kitts.

Services offered by Kantours to travel companies, tour operators, wholesalers, corporate and incentive groups include:

• Confirmation of hotel bookings pre client arrival
• Airport Meet and Greet by a uniformed rep
• Welcome package
• Welcome meeting in resort/hotel
• Airport/pier porterage and baggage handling
• Ground Transfers – air-conditioned, private or shared
• Hospitality Desk
• Restaurant recommendation
• Excursions and tours
• Inter-island travel by ferry
• Airline reservations and ticketing
• Flight reconfirmation
• In-resort assistance with 24 hour emergency telephone contact
• Scheduled hotel/resort visits
• Arrange gifts for clients
• Airport assistance on departure
• Holiday and destination reports
• Co-ordination of travel agent ‘fam’ trips, press trips and hotel site inspections

While most of their tours and transfers are run in conjunction with the taxi associations, Kantours do have a small fleet of their own vehicles, including a 14 seater coaster bus which has a lift for wheelchair bound passengers and a Dodge Caravan.

Island Tours

Kantours can arrange or book not only St Kitts tours and excursions (including offshore excursions and sailing trips) to suit you or your company’s requirements but also trips to St Kitts’ sister island Nevis and even shopping trips to nearby St Martin. Below we set out just a few examples of some of the regular excursions on offer in St Kitts that Kantours recommends.

Please read our guides to St Kitts and Nevis for more details of some of the places and activities mentioned. Both sets of guides illustrate well the breadth and depth of this twin island state, which has a wealth of both historic and natural places of interest, including the amazing Brimstone Hill, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you wish to go ‘private’, any tour can be adapted and arranged to suit individual or company requirements and a vehicle to suit the number in your party (along with a chauffer/guide) will be provided.

Most of these tours are arranged in conjunction with the taxi associations.

St Kitts Island Tour - Learn about the history of Independence Square and The Circus in the capital Basseterre, then travel north along the west coast to Fairview Great House and Botantical Gardens, Old Road to view the Carib petroglyphs, Romney Manor and Caribelle Batik and Brimstone Hill Fortress and National Park. Then you cross to the east coast, passing through Dieppe Town and on to Bellevue Village and the volcanic formations known as Black Rocks. This tour can be offered in French and German (with a recorded cassette). Cost - shared US$25 per person/Private US$90, excluding entrance fees. Duration 3-4 hours.

St Kitts Scenic Railway Tour - A unique way to see St Kitts aboard a specially designed train which travels along a narrow-gauge railway track originally built for the transportation of sugar cane. The track encircles the entire north section of St Kitts, and you can view the passing countryside from one of the five air-conditioned coaches which also have an open-air upper deck. Each car has a service bar and restrooms. Cost US$89 per person, children 3-11 yrs US$44. Duration 3½ hours. Excludes hotel transfers.

Off-the-Beaten-Path - An informative combination tour by jeep which takes you off-road through old sugar estates and the edge of the rainforest to view ruins of a sugar factory, windmills and an old plantation estate house. Cost US$55 per person. Duration 2½ hours.

Sky Safari Ziplining - Kantours introduced its own eco zip-line adventure in 2009. This exciting and exhilarating ride through and above the rainforest canopy gives you a bird’s eye view of the sheer beauty of this part of St, Kitts. Located on the historic Wingfield Estate, there are 5 lines ranging from the training line at a mere 75ft and just a few feet off the ground, to a line of 1,400ft, high above the tree tops, travelling at speeds of up to 80km per hour. To add to this great tour, there will be an opportunity to walk around the ruins of the former sugar plantation which first started out as a tobacco plantation in the 17th Century. Cost- 5 line tour US$89 per person, duration 2 ½ hours. 3 line tour US$45 per person, duration 1hour 50mins. 3 line tour with rainforest walk US$59 per person, duration 2hours 10mins. Transportation to the location can be provided for an extra US$10 per person.

Seasurf - Hydrofoil Glass-Bottom Boat - Enjoy a scenic boat ride aboard the futuristic looking Seasurf, (a Paritetboat Looker 30), as the boat skims across the Caribbean Sea – capable of 40 knots maximum speeds. The ride takes you to sites on the southerly part of the island, where you will experience the incredible beauty of the underwater world, all while staying dry! The boat has a unique glass viewing lens and it is this massive, glass ‘optical’ window, that provides an enlarged field of view as far down as 9 meters. So you get to see much more of life beneath the waves, than from a traditional glass-bottom boat. Cost US$55 per person. Duration 1 ½ hours.

Horseback Riding On The Beach - A short drive to the east coast gets you to the stables. After orientation, helmet and saddle fitting, you set off on your mounted guided tour along the black sands of the Atlantic coast beach. As you meander along the waters’ edge, the foaming crests of the sea wash up on yours horse’s legs. A cool and refreshing drink awaits you at the base. Cost US$60 per person. Duration 2 hours. Not available to children under 10 years of age.

Horseback Riding Through The Rainforest - After orientation, helmet and saddle fitting, you set off on your guided trail ride through the rainforest. Cost US$60 per person including soft drink. Duration 3-3½ hours.

Rain Forest Hike - Skirting the slopes of Mt Liamuiga the hike travels takes you through the rainforest and its mountain streams, where you get to see and learn about the local vervet monkeys, flora and bird life. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required. Cost US$50.00 per person. Duration 3½ hours.

Volcano Hike - A challenging and rewarding hike through the rainforest and up to the top of Mt Liamuiga’s crater rim at 2800ft above sea level. On a cloudless day bubbling hot springs can be seen down in the crater. Expect to get wet and dirty. A good level of physical fitness is required plus you will need a stout pair of comfortable walking shoes, long trousers (pants) and a light jacket/sweater, plus a change of shirt/T-shirt is recommended. Cost US$55 per person. Water provided. Duration 5 hours.

Catamaran Cruise - Full day cruise aboard a catamaran with an open bar, starting with a sail along the coast of St Kitts’ South East Peninsular to one of the secluded bays for snorkelling. Then a sail across The Narrows to Nevis for a barbecue and afternoon on the beach. Cost US$90 per person including drinks, lunch and transfers. Duration 7 hours.

A 3½ hour Sunset Cruise costs US$50 per person drinks included.

Kayaking and Snorkelling - After snorkelling in one of St Kitts’ secluded bays, paddle your way along the South East Peninsular in a self-bailing, sit-on-top, Ocean Kayak, whilst discovering remote bays, nesting sea birds, monkeys and maybe turtles. Cost US$50 per person including drinks and snacks. Duration approximately 4 hours.

Fairview Great House & Botanic Garden - Explore and enjoy the 3½ acres of Fairview Great House with the old world charm of its lovingly and meticulously restored 18th Century French Great House along with the tropical botanical garden oasis surrounding it. Opened in October 2010 the facilities at this historical site include a museum, period set rooms, artifact areas, swimming pool and sundeck, the Nirvana restaurant, a small chapel, meeting room and a gift shop. The 300 year old Great House is 85% wheelchair accessible and is run by Kantours who also have their ATV/Quad Bike Tours based there. Please contact Kantours for more information by using the above web link or email facility.

Nevis Island Tours - Take the ferry across to Nevis for a day of sightseeing and visit Hamilton House, the Museum of Nevis History, Nelson Museum and the Botanical Gardens. Cost from US$58-70.50 per person with a minimum of 4 persons required.

Note: All prices are in US$ per person for regular excursions on offer in St Kitts and Nevis and are subject to change without notice. Please add US$1.50 Government Tax to all listed tours. An EC$1 per person tax is collected at the ferry terminal for tours in Nevis. Please check with Kantours for confirmation of costs and excursion contents.

Cruise Ship Service

St Kitts has a modern cruise ship terminal at Port Zante, Basseterre, which is seeing an ever increasing number of large cruise ships putting in for the day. It is one of only two ports in the Caribbean which is currently able to allow the Queen Mary II to berth alongside its pier. Port Zante has a selection of duty free shops and restaurants and is only a short stroll into the heart of town where Kantours has its offices. Kantours is a regular supplier of St Kitts shore excursions for cruise ship passengers, and should a local shipping agent be required, Cruise Ship Agency Services can be provided by parent company Delisle Walwyn & Co Ltd, which has a long history of shipping.

Weddings & Event Planning

Kantours will work with you to ensure a most memorable St Kitts wedding day or renewal of wedding vows ceremony. They can arrange anything from a simple beachfront wedding to a grand ceremony in, say, one of the island’s magical historical or natural settings. They can also help if you would like a more formal ceremony in a church, or in one of the romantic plantation inns.

Some of the most popular locations for St Kitts weddings include the historic Fairview Great House & Botanic Garden, the awe inspiring Brimstone Hill Fortress and National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which has a number of locations to choose from, and Romney Manor, which has 12 acres of beautiful botanical gardens and a backdrop of old sugar estate ruins and rainforest. Other settings you might consider are South Friar’s Bay, a very pretty beach, and Cockleshell Beach, where there is a beach bar. You might even marry on board the scenic railway or on a catamaran. Another option is to get married on Nevis, for instance on Pinney’s Beach or in the delightful botanical gardens there.

The great thing about working with a wedding organiser is that they can take all the effort and stress out of organisation, allowing you to enjoy your holiday and the day itself. Kantours have a number of packages to offer but they can also tailor-make weddings to your requirements. Their wedding co-ordinator will liaise with you before you arrive on island, making suggestions to fit your ideas and putting it all in place. When you reach St Kitts they will take you through the documentation to fulfil government regulations and then enact everything you have planned together, providing flowers, a cake, music, a photographer, a dinner and transportation as needed. With their experience in dealing with incentive and conference groups, Kantours can arrange everything from the simplest ceremony to a large wedding that requires cocktail parties, receptions and wedding dinners with outside caterers if necessary. It may be worth noting that marriage in a Protestant church is relatively simple, but if you wish to marry in a Catholic Church there will be quite a bit of planning in advance.

Kantours Wedding Packages, St Kitts

Kantours specialises in off-property weddings however a simple wedding which will normally be conducted where you are staying starts at around US$500 for the basics. The ceremony can be as elaborate as you wish, so costs will vary. Kantours prefers to treat each wedding request individually, so that your day can be tailor-made to suit your own specific requirements. At all times you will have the full services of their wedding co-ordinator, who will accompany you throughout your wedding procedures, having taken care of requirements (such as your marriage licence) prior to your arrival. Please see below for some of the wedding packages currently being offered, including their Tropical Garden Wedding at the historic Fairview Great House & Botanic Garden.

Optional Wedding Extras:
Champagne
Sparkling wine
Caribbean wedding cake
Decorated car
Photographer
Videographer
Steel band
Defence Force Band
Personal assistant for dress and makeup
Hairdresser
Additional flowers: buttonhole, corsage, posy
Transportation for guests

The following information comes directly from Kantours in St Kitts and provides details of some of the wedding packages that they offer. All weddings are tailored to suit clients’ specific requirements:

SIMPLE ELEGANCE PACKAGE
Pre – wedding administration
Bridal Bouquet of Tropical Flowers
Bridegroom’s Buttonhole
Marriage Ceremony
Official Documentation
Cost of this package starts from US$500.

BAREFOOT ON THE BEACH
Feel the fine, warm, golden sands trickle between your toes as you say your “I do’s”. You will have the perfect setting, the glistening, clear blue, tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea to form the picture perfect back drop. Listen to the sweet but soft melody of sweet Caribbean music as you make your pledges. What more can you ask for when you will have it all.

What you get...
The package includes all the elements of “The Simple Elegance” package plus:
1 bottle of chilled sparkling wine
Live music
Tropical floral arch
Transfer to location for the bride and groom
Price on request

Why not...
Upgrade your transfer to a decorated car.

TROPICAL GARDEN WEDDING
You could not choose to exchange your vows in a more charming setting than that of the Fairview Great House & Botanical Garden . You will enjoy the 2 ½ acres of Fairview Great House with the old world charm of its lovingly and meticulously restored Great House along with the tropical botanical garden oasis surrounding it at your leisure. The meticulously landscaped tropical botanical garden and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, The South-East Peninsula and St. Kitts’ sister island of Nevis offer great photo opportunities. The grounds feature settings and plants of the 1700s – 1920s with a wide variety of fruit trees, palms, shrubs and flowering plants. The riot of tropical colours will make this special day all the more splendid and memorable when complemented with live tropical music. You will also receive a complimentary gift to remind you of the beautiful property.

What do you get...
The package includes all the elements of “The Simple Elegance” plus:
1 bottle chilled champagne
Rich 7” Caribbean Wedding cake
Live music
Gift
Transfers for the bride & groom
Prices on request

Why not...
Arrive in style, for just a little extra, why not arrive in a luxury vehicle

MAJESTIC FORTRESS WEDDING
We call this Majesty on the Hill. Brimstone Hill is a 17th Century Fortress fought over by both the British and the French. But in your case the battle of hearts has already been won. So do it in style, atop the lofty citadel that sits some 800ft above sea level, and affords, on cloudless days, splendid views of nearby islands seemingly swimming motionlessly in the tranquil Caribbean Sea. In the tradition of the Hill, the ceremony will be accompanied with live music, that will play through out. The couple will receive a special complimentary gift to add to the memory of the day.

What you get...
The package includes all the elements of “The Simple Elegance” package plus:
2 Bottles Chilled Premium Champagne
Rich 9” Caribbean Wedding Cake
Live Music
Special Gift
Album with 12 wedding photographs
Complimentary bouquet for the bridesmaid
Complimentary buttonhole for the best man
Transfer for Bride in decorated car
Transfer for groom
Prices on request

Please contact Kantours directly for further information, quotations and to discuss your specific requirements.

Corporate Travel / Incentives

St Kitts offers some interesting options for group travel, both for corporate meetings and conferences, and for incentive trips. There are improving international air links and so the island is quite easy to get to, with onward flights from nearby Antigua and also Puerto Rico, and there is a range of resort conference facilities to cater to groups of all sizes. There are also good opportunities for activities around a conference, with side-trips, places to visit and the introduction of new facilities for spectator sports such as cricket and horseracing. There is a first rate golf course. There are also some excellent plantation inns, which have real style and top notch service and would make an impressive retreat for a small, top level board meeting. If you need something with a more standard international style, with convention and entertainment facilities to cater for groups of almost 1000, then that is also available.

Kantours have the knowledge and experience of handling groups of up to 250 for conventions, conferences and incentives and they will help to locate the right venue and create a suitable programme for your needs. They offer a range of services that includes airport meet and greet, ground transfers, hospitality desk, tours and excursions, receptions, customised theme parties, cruises, entertainment, team-building activities, VIP room gifts, dine-arounds, spouse activities, guest speakers and photographic services.