NEVIS TO ST KITTS CROSS CHANNEL SWIM

If you are joining a group transfer from St Kitts airport, you will have an opportunity to meet fellow SwimTrek guests and a SwimTrek guide. Once at your accommodation, you will be able to relax and explore your island before finding dinner for the first night.

After breakfast, we will carry out our official welcome meeting at Oualie Beach on Nevis. Throughout the day we will complete a full briefing before your acclimatisation swim, pre event boat tour of the swim route and we will get to know each other over a group lunch. The afternoon is allocated to event registration (compulsory) and any final questions. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the rest of Nevis or head over to St Kitts.

All necessary transfers from your hotel will be arranged and are included in your package but you will be required to make your own way back to your accommodation.

Today we are up early for the Cross Channel Swim race. All swimmers will be transferred to the start of the event. We’ll head to the pre-race briefing before commencing the crossing. Upon arriving successfully at Cockleshell Bay on St Kitts, we’ll be treated to a post-race breakfast at Spice Mill and awards ceremony. From here, a water taxi is included for any swimmers and SwimTrek supporters who want to head back to Oualie Beach. Remaining guests can make their own way back to their accommodation at their own leisure. During the race supporters are able to join the supporters boat to view the race, there is no additional charge for SwimTrek guests. In the evening we welcome you to enjoy a post-race dinner to look back on the success of the day and share stories in the company of other guests.

This is your day to relax and reflect on the successful day before. There is always an opportunity for a swim before breakfast and farewells.

Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim

The Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel swim is the Caribbean's premier open water swim race. We have given this trip a ‘Challenging’ grading. These trips are for experienced open water swimmers who want to push themselves.

Group Size and Boat Support

The Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel swim is a mass start event. Boat support on this trip includes a flotilla of small boats arranged by the event organiser, some of which SwimTrek guides will be aboard. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Swimming Conditions

The Narrows, the strait between Nevis and St Kitts, is a natural body of open water, and is affected by local weather conditions, which can vary considerably from one day to the next. The preferred option is to conduct the race on March 29th however, in the unlikely event that swimming conditions are so unfavourable that the race time is changed, the Race Organisers may reschedule to March 30th or organise an alternative coastal swim.

Please keep this in mind when booking your return travel.

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Race Distance

Race Time Limit

There is a time limit of three hours to complete the course. The event organiser will remove swimmers from the water if they do not finish the crossing within this time.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, the event organisers rely on decent weather conditions in order to carry out the swim. In the event of bad weather and the swim being cancelled, there are no additional alternative times or days available.

Race Organisers

Please note that while SwimTrek organise the tour part of this package, St Kitts and Nevis Swim Events are the organisers of the swim and are fully responsible for race safety, logistics and contingency planning.

Event transport for swimmers on race day

Your race entry includes a transfer to the start of the race, or a transfer after the race back to the island you are staying on. For those staying on St Kitts: A transfer from your accommodation in St Kitts over to Nevis for the start of the race will be organised and is included Once you finish the race, you will be required to make your own way back to your accommodation.

For those staying on Nevis: We will arrange a transfer from your accommodation to the start of the race at Oualie Beach. Once you have finished the race on St Kitts, you will be able to join a water transfer which will return you to Nevis. You will then be required to make your own way back to your accommodation.

For your organised transfers, please allow additional time in the mornings and ensure you pack everything you need for the day. We ask you to use a small waterproof day pack for your belongings.

Supporter's Package

There are a limited number of supporter’s packages available which include shared accommodation with a race participant. Supporters will be able to join the race day transfers between islands and a supporter's boat will be available during the race, the cost is included in the SwimTrek package.

Race Equipment

Swimmers must wear appropriate swimwear and although not compulsory, it is recommended that swim goggles are worn. As stated in the Event Rules, please see the following:

• Swimsuits must be FINA approved. Tech-suits banned by FINA are not allowed in this race.
• All swimmers must wear an official race hat (provided by the organisers) and a tow-float. A tow float is included in your SwimTrek merchandise package. Failure to start, swim or finish with both your swim hat and tow-float will lead to disqualification from the event.
• The use of swimming aids such as pull buoys, flippers, paddles, and wetsuits is allowed but will result in the swimmer not being considered for the general classification results and podium places.
• The use of snorkels is prohibited.
• The use of, mp3, radio devices etc. during the race is prohibited

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please see our Packing List page on the website. For all additional location specific items please see the table below

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

The easiest way to travel to St Kitts or Nevis is to fly into St Kitts (Robert L. Bradshaw Airport - SKB) as this is the larger of the two islands and there are generally more flights available.

Travel from St Kitts Airport to Accommodation

A group transfer from St Kitts airport to your accommodation on Day 1 is included in your SwimTrek package. Group transfers are available at 2pm or 5pm. Our customer team will confirm with you nearer the time whether you would like to join the group transfer.

Alternatively, if these times do not suit your schedule or you choose to arrive prior to the start of the trip, you can arrange your own transfer to your accommodation at your own expense. Your hotel may be able to assist with this so please contact them directly.

We have accommodation options on both St Kitts & Nevis islands, and there are a number of twin and double rooms with a limited number of rooms for single occupancy which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability. Some double rooms can be offered as a triple or quadruple, perfect for travelling families. Please enquire with our customer team at info@swimtrek.com for more information.

Oualie Beach Resort, Nevis Island

The resort is located on a coconut tree-lined beach on the quiet and unspoilt island of Nevis. The rooms are light and spacious, scattered along the beach in single and two storey ‘gingerbread cottages’ that reflect the traditional Caribbean style architecture of the island. Rooms are based on twin share in Deluxe Twin/Double or Queen rooms with en suite facilities.

Royal St Kitts, St Kitts Island

The resort is located in Frigate Bay on St Kitts. The suites are Studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. All rooms are en-suite and equipped with air conditioning and a kitchen or kitchenette.

Mount Nevis Hotel, Nevis Island

The elegant Mount Nevis Hotel, on Nevis island, is situated in 17-acres of the Round Hill Estate. With an elevated location it enjoys stunning views and a hideaway feel. Rooms and suites offer comfort matched with modern and convenient in-room amenities.

St Kitts Marriott Resort, St Kitts Island

The Marriott resort on St Kitts is an inviting and relaxing resort, offering everything from a large on site pool, to beach front access and even a golf course. The resort caters for all guests with a variety of rooms and optional extras, there is something for everyone. All rooms in the resort have an en suite bathroom and are comfortable double or twin beds with air conditioning, a TV and refrigerator. The hotel also a number of an onsite restaurants for you to choose from.

If you would like to extend your stay and need to book additional nights’ accommodation before or after your trip, you will be able to contact your chosen hotel directly

Food and Drink

All breakfasts are included in your package, however due to the early start on race day, you may not be able to have a full breakfast. We will do our best to ensure a small packed breakfast is available for you but please consider bringing additional items you require for race day. For swimmers, a post swim race breakfast on St Kitts is included in your race entry.

For SwimTrek package guests, one group lunch and the post swim celebratory dinner is included in your package. The remaining dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience other bars and restaurants on the island over the course of your trip. Some restaurants will require a taxi drive away which will be at your own expense, however reasonable rates are offered for groups and our guides will help arrange transport.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as dinners, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, and transfer travel costs. The official currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) although US dollars are commonly accepted and used. Change is usually given in XCD, regardless of the payment currency.

Please note that upon departure, there is a fee of approximately US$37 for leaving the island, which includes an environmental levy and airport tax. This fee is often included in the cost of your airfare, however, this can vary from one company to the next, so please check with your own airline.

In some countries tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture. In others, it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters, or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek guides, but many groups like to present something to the guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of St Kitts and Nevis require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay.

Citizens of all E.U. member states, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter the St Kitts and Nevis, however, if travelling via the US, you may need to obtain a visa. For further information on St Kitts and Nevis visas, please visit www.foreign.gov.kn/countries-that-need-visas-to-travel-to-st-kitts-and-nevis.

For information about US visas, please visit esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

There is complimentary Wi-Fi internet access in the hotel and bedrooms.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit worldstandards.eu.