Nevis Half Island and Botanical Gardens

The rich history and unique heritage of Nevis are the focus of this introduction to this small yet delightful island. It’s a short drive from the yacht to the heart of the capital and port of Charlestown, whose 18th- and 19th-century Georgian-style buildings are elegant in their simplicity. Go inside the Museum of Nevis History, also known as the Hamilton House. Here Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States and the first treasurer of the new nation, was born. The tour continues on to St. Thomas’ Lowland Church, the island’s oldest. Built in 1643, this historic parish served the original capital, Jamestown. Early settlers as well as prominent names from Caribbean history are among those buried in the adjacent cemetery. Then travel through quaint villages en route to the Botanical Gardens of Nevis, created by a Philadelphia couple who transformed five acres of the old Montpelier Estate into a beautiful and tranquil oasis. The glorious collection of tropical flowers, shrubs and plants are from around the world, including the spectacular Poinciana, the national flower of St. Kitts and Nevis, orchids, cacti, bromeliads and more than 100 varieties of palms. Sculptures, fountains, water-lily ponds, a replica of a Great House, and the rainforest conservatory make these gardens a delight to explore.