Riding Through St. Kitts on a Big Banana
Written: Feb 12 '07 (Updated Feb 12 '07)
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Pros: An all around fun tour, free refreshments, beautiful island, bananas
Cons: Not one
The Bottom Line: Totally random yet fun and informative!
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| chelledun's Full Review: Big Banana Tours, St. Kitts |
After a slightly rocky start trying to go it on our own in getting around St. Kitts, mr_chelledun and I happened upon Michael B. of Big Banana Tours. When I say “happened upon”, I mean we saw his gloriously tacky open-sided trucks with bananas painted all over the side. We had already decided to take a tour but when I saw the Big Banana vehicles I stopped in my tracks and began heading straight for them like a toddler to a sharp, shiny object. Mr_chelledun wanted to check out all our tour options, but I WANTED Big Banana. Clearly, this marketing concept is a winner.
Banana Logistics
On the day we visited St. Kitts, Big Banana Tours had a booth in the tourism tunnel directly adjacent to St. Kitts port. I’m not sure what the requirements are for having such a booth, but it gave the Banana an air of legitimacy as opposed to the other dozens of operators running around with maps in hand. We met Michael B., who assured us he would give us the best tour that had ever or could ever be given of the island of St. Kitts for $25.00 each. The tour was leaving NOW, and off we went to the hop aboard the Big Banana. We joined a group of ten or twelve others who spoke all different languages and generally seemed to have a fun, adventurous attitude about our journey.
Should you wish to actually book your tour ahead of time instead of wandering randomly like we did, Big Banana Tours has some contact information available at http://www.sknvibes.com/Transportation/Hike.cfm?iz=14&pgz=tours. I believe the company may also go by the name of Platinum Taxi Service.
Banana Tour
Over the course of our three hour tour, the Big Banana took us to see every place the ship excursion tour busses stopped and then some. We first visited Romney Gardens and browsed the wonderful batik store there. A later stop gave us time to admire the beautiful black rock formations formed by cooled lava on the water’s edge. We drove through part of the rainforest and over the lush hills of St. Kitts, catching a good view of Brimstone Hill Fortress.. We spent about two hours on the bus and a total of about an hour off wandering around. St. Kitts is a truly beautiful island, and it would be difficult not to appreciate its scenery.
Banana Hospitality
As wonderful as the island is, our day would not have been half as memorable without the Big Banana. As soon as we first heard the ridiculous sing-song horn of the Big Banana (which was to be honked at everyone we passed), I knew we were in for a unique adventure. Michael B. told us funny stories and information about the island, making jokes constantly. Pretty much everything he told us was punctuated with “and that’s why you picked the Big Banana, the best tour on St. Kitts!” I guess you have to be proud to drive a banana truck around all day. The tour really was hilarious and tons of fun. I also loved the open-sided vehicle as it allowed us to experience the island breeze and take plenty of wonderful pictures.
Early on in the tour, Michael mentioned something about the bar and how it had rum, lemonade, and coke today. Mr_chelledun turned to me and asked, “Are we going to a bar?” Sometimes it was a bit tough to understand Michael’s accent what with the wind and the moving bus. As it turned out, we were not going to a bar, we had a bar on the bus. At each stop, we were offered refreshments from a cooler including water along with the above-mentioned liquids. This was a great touch and would have been even more highly appreciated on a truly hot day. That’s why we picked the Big Banana, the best tour on St. Kitts, I guess.
Banana Bottom Line
We had a wonderful day on the Big Banana for less than half of what we would have paid for a similar cruise excursion. Admittedly, Big Banana Tours would not be a good choice for everyone. Enjoying one’s day on a banana requires a certain sense of adventurousness, an affection for all things tacky, and a tolerance for frequent horn blowing. If this is not you, perhaps find a more sedate tour company. Try looking for one without bananas painted all over the side of its vehicles. If this is you, though, Big Banana Tours will definitely provide you with a one-of-a kind St. Kitts island experience.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Tour type: Group
Tour format: Bus
Tour length: Several Hours
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