Car Hire In Saint Kitts and Nevis & Rental Guide: 2026 Ultimate Road Trip Advice

Car Hire Expert For Saint Kitts and Nevis - The Car Rental Center Review Team

Authored by Desmond Hendrickson

Twin-Island Transport Consultant, Basseterre Native, and Southeast Peninsula Road Veteran

Let me paint a picture for you. You have just stepped off a long-haul flight into the warm, salt-laced air of Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. To your right, the imposing, cloud-capped peak of Mount Liamuiga dominates the skyline. To your left, the Caribbean Sea glitters under the afternoon sun. You have arrived in Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Federation of two incredibly distinct, wildly beautiful islands separated by a mere two-mile stretch of water known as The Narrows.

My name is Desmond Hendrickson. I was born in Basseterre, the bustling capital of St. Kitts, but spent all my childhood summers running wild on the quiet, rustic beaches of Nevis. For the past twenty-two years, I have worked in the hospitality and automotive logistics industry here in the Federation. I have managed fleets for the mega-resorts in Frigate Bay, coordinated transport for the St. Kitts Music Festival, and helped countless overseas visitors navigate the wonderful, sometimes confusing reality of securing a motor vehicle on our shores.

If you take nothing else away from my advice today, let it be this: to truly experience the soul of Saint Kitts and Nevis, you absolutely must rent a vehicle.

Yes, the local "H" buses (minivans with green license plates) are cheap and culturally immersive, but they stick strictly to the Island Main Road and operate on their own island time. Taxis, while reliable and driven by some of the friendliest folks you will ever meet, are exceptionally expensive if you use them every day to hop from your hotel to Cockleshell Bay, then out to Brimstone Hill Fortress, and back into town for dinner. If you want the freedom to pull over and buy a chilled Ting and a patty from a roadside vendor in Sandy Point, or to spontaneously decide to take the car ferry over to Nevis for a "Killer Bee" cocktail at Sunshine’s Beach Bar, you need your own keys.

However, the car hire market here in 2026—whether you call it car rental, auto hire, or simply renting a mashin—is a unique beast. We are a micro-state. Our inventory of vehicles is finite. During the peak winter months, every single Suzuki Jimny and Kia Picanto on these two islands is spoken for. Furthermore, we drive on the left, we require a mandatory local visitor's driving license, and our local rental operators range from highly professional global franchises to a guy named Winston renting out three old sedans from his driveway.

In this exhaustive, deeply personal guide, I am going to walk you through exactly how to secure the best vehicle for your trip using the unified Car Rental Center platform. We will explore the nuances between global and local providers, detail the island collection hubs, break down the exact costs across different seasons, explore the unwritten rules of Kittitian and Nevisian roads, and empty a massive mailbag of over 20 frequent questions to ensure you arrive completely prepared.

Take a breath, adjust your watch to island time, and let’s get your journey started.

The Power of The Car Rental Center in a Micro-Market

When visitors begin planning their transportation in St. Kitts and Nevis, they often default to searching for the brand names they recognize from back home. At the airport in St. Kitts, you will indeed find familiar logos like Avis, Thrifty, and Hertz. However, what many tourists do not realize is that the backbone of the automotive lease market here relies heavily on stellar local and regional agencies. Companies like TDC Rentals, Bullseye Auto, and Sunny Blue are deeply ingrained in the local economy. TDC, for instance, is a massive local conglomerate that often has the best-maintained fleets on the island because they also operate the local automotive dealerships.

Trying to compare a quote from a global franchise’s website with an email quote from a local provider in Basseterre can be a frustrating exercise in comparing apples to oranges. Hidden taxes, ambiguous insurance deductibles, and unclear policies regarding the mandatory local driver's license can lead to a nasty shock at the rental counter.

This is the exact reason why I implore every single visitor to secure their vehicle via The Car Rental Center. This platform is a masterclass in consumer empowerment, particularly for island destinations. Here is why using this centralized platform is your smartest move for 2026:

1. The Ultimate Aggregation of Global and Local Providers

The Car Rental Center does something brilliant: it brings the local heavyweights (like TDC and Bullseye) onto the exact same playing field as Avis and Thrifty. It translates the local terms into a standardized global contract. You can look at a screen and instantly see if the local provider is offering a better rate on a 4x4 Suzuki Vitara than the international franchise. Because these companies know they are competing side-by-side on the platform, the rates are naturally driven down, ensuring you get the absolute best deal possible.

2. Exclusive Deals and Wholesale Pricing

The Caribbean has a reputation for being expensive. If you walk up to a rental desk at the SKB terminal in late December without a reservation, the agent knows you have no other options. The walk-up rate will be staggering. The Car Rental Center uses its immense global buying power to secure wholesale rates with our local agencies. When you book through them, your rate is locked in—often months in advance—and you bypass the "tourist premium" entirely.

3. Total Insurance Transparency

The roads in St. Kitts and Nevis are generally in very good condition, but they are narrow. You will share them with wandering sheep, green vervet monkeys, and massive sugarcane trucks. Minor scrapes happen. Local rental desks are notorious for pushing expensive daily Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) policies. When you use The Car Rental Center, you have the option to purchase comprehensive, zero-excess top-up insurance right at the checkout. You arrive on the island knowing that your financial liability is fully covered, allowing you to politely decline the up-sell at the counter.

4. Locking in the Currency

The official currency of St. Kitts and Nevis is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD or EC$), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of $1 USD to $2.70 XCD. However, if you are traveling from the UK, Europe, or Canada, fluctuating exchange rates and foreign transaction fees at local card terminals can add 3% to 5% to your rental cost. Booking via the platform allows you to pay upfront in your home currency, locking in the price and avoiding international point-of-sale fees.

The Twin-Island Collection Grid: Where to Pick Up Your Vehicle

The prompt requested a list of 20 airport collection locations. As a local expert, I have to chuckle a bit at this! Saint Kitts and Nevis has a combined population of roughly 50,000 people. We do not have 20 airports. We have exactly two commercial airports, two main ferry terminals, and a handful of mega-resorts.

To provide you with a genuinely useful, accurate guide for 2026, I have detailed the 10 actual, operational collection hubs where you can take delivery of your rental vehicle across the Federation.

Location Name / Hub	Island	Logistics and Local Pickup Reality
Robert L. Bradshaw Int. Airport (SKB)	St. Kitts	The main international gateway. Located just outside Basseterre. The rental desks are located right in the arrivals area, just past customs. It is a tiny airport; you cannot get lost. You will sign the paperwork, and the agent will walk you out to the parking lot.
Vance W. Amory Int. Airport (NEV)	Nevis	The regional airport for Nevis, receiving smaller propeller flights from San Juan, St. Maarten, and Antigua. It is incredibly laid back. Rental agents from local Nevisian companies (like Striker's or Nevis Auto) will meet you right at the curb with a personalized sign.
Basseterre Ferry Terminal	St. Kitts	Located downtown. If you are taking the passenger ferry (the Caribe Queen or Mark Twain) over from Nevis, rental companies can arrange to meet you at the dock. Be prepared for a bustling, chaotic environment as vendors and taxi drivers vie for your attention.
Charlestown Ferry Pier	Nevis	The arrival point in the heart of the Nevisian capital. Local platform partners will frequently deliver your pre-booked vehicle right to the pier, saving you the cost of a taxi to their main office.
Sea Bridge Terminal (Majors Bay)	St. Kitts	The car ferry terminal at the tip of the Southeast Peninsula. If you arrange a one-way drop-off, some agencies allow you to leave the car here before walking onto the ferry, though this must be strictly pre-arranged via the platform.
Sea Bridge Terminal (Cades Bay)	Nevis	The Nevis side of the car ferry. Rarely used as a primary pickup spot, but useful for coordinated vehicle swaps if your agency doesn't allow their St. Kitts cars to cross the water.
St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino	St. Kitts	The largest resort on the island, located in Frigate Bay. Global providers like Avis and local heavyweights like TDC maintain operational desks directly in the resort lobby or coordinate VIP delivery to the valet stand.
Park Hyatt St. Kitts (Christophe Harbour)	St. Kitts	The ultra-luxury resort at the end of the peninsula. While there isn't a permanent rental desk, premium vehicles booked via the platform can be delivered directly to the resort's grand entrance for your convenience.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis	Nevis	The crown jewel of Nevisian hospitality on Pinney's Beach. Local Nevisian rental partners offer seamless, white-glove vehicle delivery directly to the resort, coordinating with the concierge desk.
Frigate Bay "The Strip" Area	St. Kitts	The main tourist hub for nightlife and restaurants. Several local rental agencies have their main offices located just off the main road here, making it an easy walk from nearby condos and smaller hotels.

The Fleet: Choosing Your Caribbean Chariot

Choosing a vehicle in Saint Kitts and Nevis requires matching the car to your itinerary. Our islands feature perfectly paved highways, but they also boast incredibly steep volcanic inclines and unpaved paths leading to hidden beaches. Here is the 2026 breakdown of popular vehicle classes, what they are best suited for, and their seasonal pricing realities.

(Note: "High Season" runs from mid-December through April. "Low Season" runs from May through November, encompassing the warmer, quieter summer and the hurricane season.)

1. The Coastal Cruiser (Economy & Compact Hatchbacks)

• Typical Models: Kia Picanto, Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i10, Chevrolet Spark.
• The Reality: If your goal is simply to drive the Island Main Road, travel from your Frigate Bay hotel to the grocery store in Basseterre, and visit the well-paved historical sites like Brimstone Hill, a compact economy car is absolutely perfect. They are incredibly fuel-efficient, their air conditioning is icy cold, and they are effortless to park in the tight colonial streets of downtown Basseterre.
• 2026 Average Daily Rate:$35 to $50 USD (Low Season) / $60 to $80 USD (High Season).

2. The Island Workhorse (Compact Crossovers)

• Typical Models: Suzuki Vitara, Kia Stonic, Hyundai Creta.
• The Reality: This is the most popular rental category for visitors. A crossover gives you a slightly elevated seating position, which is wonderful for seeing over the tall sugarcane grass that sometimes lines the roads. They offer better suspension for the occasional pothole and have enough trunk space to securely hide your snorkeling gear and beach bags.
• 2026 Average Daily Rate:$55 to $75 USD (Low Season) / $85 to $115 USD (High Season).

3. The Rainforest Explorer (True 4x4s and Jeeps)

• Typical Models: Suzuki Jimny, Jeep Wrangler.
• The Reality: The Suzuki Jimny is practically a cultural icon in the Caribbean. If you plan to explore the rough, unpaved tracks leading up the slopes of Mount Liamuiga, or if you want to navigate the incredibly steep, rutted dirt roads that lead to some of the private villas high up on Nevis Peak, you need true four-wheel drive. The Jimny is narrow enough to squeeze past oncoming traffic on mountain paths and tough enough to handle anything the islands throw at it.
• 2026 Average Daily Rate:$70 to $90 USD (Low Season) / $110 to $150+ USD (High Season).

4. The Group Hauler (Minivans)

• Typical Models: Toyota HiAce, Nissan Urvan, Suzuki APV (7-seater).
• The Reality: If you are traveling with a large multi-generational family or a wedding party, a van is essential. Be warned, however: driving a massive Toyota HiAce through the narrow, bustling circus of Basseterre requires confidence and excellent spatial awareness.
• 2026 Average Daily Rate:$100 to $130 USD (Low Season) / $150 to $200 USD (High Season).

The Unwritten Rules: Road Laws and Local Driving Culture

Driving in the Federation is an absolute joy, but it requires a mental reset if you are coming from North America or continental Europe. Our roads are a shared community space, and understanding the local rhythm will keep you safe and smiling.

Rule #1: We Drive on the Left

As a former British colony, Saint Kitts and Nevis strictly observes left-hand driving. The steering wheel on your rental car will be on the right side of the vehicle. For American and European drivers, the hardest part is not the driving itself, but remembering to look the correct way at roundabouts and resisting the urge to turn the windshield wipers on when you mean to use the turn signal! Take your time leaving the airport lot to acclimate.

Rule #2: The Mandatory Visitor's Driver's License

This is critical. You cannot simply use your home country driver's license to drive here. By law, all foreign visitors must purchase a temporary Saint Kitts and Nevis visitor's driver's license.

• How it works: It costs $62.50 XCD (about $24 USD) and is valid for 3 months.
• How to get it: Most major rental agencies at the airport or your hotel can issue this temporary license directly at the rental desk upon presenting your valid home license and passport. Alternatively, you can obtain one at the Traffic Department in Basseterre or the police station in Charlestown, Nevis. Do not drive without it; if stopped by the police, the fines are stiff.

Rule #3: The "Toot" and the "Kittitian Wave"

The horn is not an instrument of anger in the Federation; it is a communication tool. A short, quick "toot" of the horn means "hello," "thank you for letting me in," or "I am pulling out." You will see drivers constantly tooting at pedestrians they know or acknowledging another driver yielding at a narrow junction. Embrace it. A friendly wave goes a long way here.

Rule #4: Roundabout Etiquette

We love roundabouts here, especially on the Kim Collins Highway leading out of the airport. The rule is simple: traffic already in the roundabout (coming from your right) has the absolute right of way. Yield to them. Do not force your way in.

Rule #5: Livestock and Wildlife Hazards

Once you leave the urban centers, the Island Main Road becomes a thoroughfare for nature. You will frequently encounter herds of goats, sheep, and occasionally cows crossing the road. More importantly, St. Kitts and Nevis are home to a massive population of green vervet monkeys. They frequently dart across the roads, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. If an animal is in the road, simply stop, wait for it to cross, and proceed. Never swerve blindly.

Rule #6: Speed Limits

Speed limits are posted in miles per hour (MPH), despite the country generally using the metric system for other things.

• City/Built-up areas: 20 MPH.
• School Zones: 15 MPH.
• Country Roads / Main Highways: 40 MPH.

There are no highways where you can drive 70 MPH. The pace of life is slower here; enjoy the scenery and keep your speed down.

Epic Drives: Navigating the Federation

With the keys to a reliable rental from The Car Rental Center in your hand, you hold the passport to incredibly diverse landscapes. Here are three routes that define the driving experience in our twin-island nation.

The South East Peninsula Peninsula Road (St. Kitts)

This is, without a doubt, the most spectacularly beautiful paved road in the Federation. Starting from the Frigate Bay roundabout, the Dr. Kennedy Simmonds Highway snakes its way down the narrow, mountainous appendage that forms the southern tail of St. Kitts.

You will climb up Timothy Hill, where you must pull over at the viewing platform. From here, you can see the Atlantic Ocean crashing on your left, the calm Caribbean Sea gently lapping on your right, and the volcanic cone of Nevis rising majestically in the distance. The road then swoops down past the salt ponds, ending at the pristine sands of Cockleshell Bay and Majors Bay. The road is wide, modern, and a joy to drive.

The Island Main Road Circuit (St. Kitts)

The Island Main Road traces the coastline of St. Kitts in an almost perfect 30-mile circle around the central mountain ranges. You can start in Basseterre and drive west, passing through the historic town of Old Road (where the British first landed). You will wind past the imposing fortress of Brimstone Hill, continuing north through the black sand beaches of Dieppe Bay.

The eastern side of the island takes you through endless, rolling fields of old sugarcane estates, passing through towns like Sadlers and Cayon before bringing you back into the capital. It is a full-day adventure if you stop for lunch and photos, offering a true slice of local Kittitian life.

The Nevis Island Loop

Nevis is essentially one large, circular road that wraps around the towering, cloud-covered Nevis Peak. It is roughly 20 miles to complete the circuit. The pace here is remarkably slower than on St. Kitts. You will drive through the quaint, historic capital of Charlestown, past the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, and through old plantation estates that have been converted into stunning boutique hotels like the Golden Rock Inn. The road is narrower here, and the tree canopy often forms a tunnel over the asphalt. Watch out for the wild donkeys and enjoy the serene, rustic beauty.

The Linguistic Arsenal: Your Local Glossary

English is the official language of Saint Kitts and Nevis, but the locals speak a vibrant, fast-paced Caribbean Creole dialect. Knowing a few terms will endear you to the locals and help you navigate.

Standard Term	Kittitian / Nevisian Term & Context
Car Rental	Rentin' a mashin or Rental (The word "mashin" implies any vehicle).
Police	The Babylon or simply Police. You will see them in grey and black uniforms.
Airport	Airpot (The 'r' is often silent).
Gas Station	Gas Station (Note: They are all full-service. You do not pump your own gas).
Highway	Main Road (No one says highway, unless referring to the Kim Collins stretch).
Food/Snack	Wittles or Nyammins. If you pull over for a snack, you are looking for wittles.
A steep ravine/valley	Ghaut (Pronounced "Gawt". You will drive over many dry ghauts).
Everything is good	All is well or Me aright.
Hello / Good Morning	Mornin' or Good Day. (It is considered very rude not to greet someone when entering a room or rental office).
Alcohol/Drink	A Ting (A local grapefruit soda) or A Carib (The local beer).

The Driver's Mailbag: 25 Vital FAQs Addressed

To ensure you step out of the airport terminal with the absolute confidence of a local, I have expanded our mailbag to answer the 25 most critical, granular questions overseas travelers ask about renting a vehicle in Saint Kitts and Nevis for 2026.

1. Is it safe to drive in St. Kitts and Nevis?

Absolutely. The islands are very safe for tourists. There are no major security risks associated with driving, carjackings are practically unheard of, and the locals are incredibly helpful if you get lost. The main "dangers" are simply navigating narrow roads and dodging livestock.

2. Can I take my rental car on the ferry between St. Kitts and Nevis?

Yes, but with major caveats. The "Sea Bridge" is a roll-on/roll-off car ferry that operates between Majors Bay (St. Kitts) and Cades Bay (Nevis). It takes about 15 minutes. However, you must explicitly check with your rental agency first. Some agencies forbid their cars from crossing the water due to insurance reasons. If they allow it, you just drive on, pay the fee (around $35 USD round trip), and enjoy the ride.

3. Do I really need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

No. An IDP is not required. You only need your valid driver's license from your home country (US, UK, Canada, EU) to present at the desk in order to purchase the mandatory temporary local visitor's license.

4. Why is booking through The Car Rental Center better than just showing up?

Booking through the platform guarantees your vehicle availability in a micro-market where cars regularly sell out. It locks in your price in your home currency, avoiding expensive island markup rates, and allows you to secure comprehensive zero-excess insurance before you even land.

5. Are gas stations self-service?

No. All gas stations in St. Kitts and Nevis (Delta, Sol) are full-service. You pull up to the pump, roll down your window, hand the keys to the attendant if the gas cap requires it, and tell them how much you want. They will pump the gas for you. Tipping a dollar or two is appreciated but not mandatory.

6. Can I pay for gas with a credit card?

Most major stations in Basseterre and around Frigate Bay accept Visa and Mastercard. However, card machines frequently go down due to internet outages, and some smaller rural stations are cash-only. Always carry enough Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD) to buy a tank of gas.

7. Can I use a Debit Card for the rental security deposit?

Generally, no. Almost all rental agencies on the islands require a physical, embossed Credit Card in the name of the main driver to place a hold for the security deposit (usually $500 to $1000 USD). Debit cards are routinely rejected at the counter.

8. Are child car seats required by law?

Yes, children under the age of 5 must be in a proper child restraint. Because specialized baby seats are in very short supply on the islands, you must request them via the booking platform months in advance, or strongly consider bringing your own from home on the airplane.

9. What do I do if I get a flat tire?

Due to rougher edges on rural roads, flat tires can happen. If you have a flat, pull over safely. Your rental car will have a spare in the trunk. If you cannot change it yourself, call the rental agency's local number. Every village has a local "tire shop" that will patch a puncture for about $10 USD.

10. What is the legal drinking and driving limit?

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%. However, police checkpoints do occur, especially on weekend nights near the Frigate Bay strip. The roads are dark and winding at night; we strongly advise a strict zero-tolerance policy. If you are drinking Carib beers on the beach, take a taxi back to your hotel.

11. Is parking expensive or hard to find?

Parking is incredibly easy and mostly free! There are no parking meters on the islands. In downtown Basseterre, finding a spot during weekday business hours can be tight, but you just park along the street where you find space. At hotels and beaches, parking is ample and free.

12. Are there any toll roads?

No. There are absolutely zero toll roads on either Saint Kitts or Nevis.

13. What should I do in the event of an accident?

Do not move the vehicles. In St. Kitts and Nevis, it is the law that vehicles involved in an accident must remain exactly where they are until the police arrive, even if it blocks traffic. Turn on your hazard lights, call 911 (or 311), and call your rental agency immediately. You must obtain a police report for your insurance to be valid.

14. Are automatic cars the norm, or will I get a manual?

Unlike Europe, the vast majority of the rental fleet in St. Kitts and Nevis consists of Automatic vehicles, catering heavily to the American tourist market. However, if you specifically want a manual transmission, you must filter for it on the platform, as they are quite rare.

15. What is the "Full-to-Full" fuel policy?

This is the standard practice here. You will receive the car with a full tank of gas. You must return it full. If you return it half-empty, the rental agency will charge your credit card a vastly inflated per-gallon refueling fee. There are gas stations located very close to both the SKB and NEV airports for a final top-up.

16. Are there speed cameras?

No, there are no automated speed cameras on the islands. However, local police do use handheld radar guns, particularly on the long, straight stretch of the Kim Collins Highway and the road leading down to the Southeast Peninsula. Obey the 40 MPH limit.

17. Do I need a 4x4 if I am staying at the Marriott or Four Seasons?

No. If your itinerary consists of traveling between the airport, your major resort, the capital city, and the main paved beaches, a standard front-wheel-drive sedan or compact SUV is completely fine. A 4x4 is only necessary if you are renting a private, remote hillside villa with a steep dirt driveway.

18. Is Google Maps reliable on the islands?

Yes, Google Maps is surprisingly accurate for both St. Kitts and Nevis. It will guide you flawlessly around the Island Main Road and to all major tourist destinations. However, signal can drop on the backside of the island, so downloading offline maps is a smart move.

19. What happens if I lose my temporary driver's license?

Do not lose it! It is a physical piece of paper. If you lose it, you will have to go back to the rental desk or the Traffic Department, wait in line, and pay the $62.50 XCD fee again to have a new one issued. Keep it folded safely with your passport or home license.

20. Can I rent a car if I am under 25?

The minimum age to rent a car here is generally 21, but almost all agencies apply a daily "young driver surcharge" for renters between the ages of 21 and 24. Furthermore, young drivers may be restricted from renting large vans or premium 4x4s.

21. Are there many roundabouts?

Yes, particularly around Basseterre and the airport. Remember the golden rule: yield to traffic approaching from your right (those already inside the roundabout), and signal as you exit the roundabout.

22. How dark does it get at night?

Very dark. Outside of the capital and the Frigate Bay resort area, street lighting is minimal to non-existent. Driving the Island Main Road at night requires high beams and extreme vigilance for pedestrians walking in dark clothing and livestock sleeping on the warm asphalt.

23. Can I pay for my rental with cash upon arrival?

No. Even if you want to pay the final bill in cash, you must have a major credit card to secure the booking and the security deposit. Booking via The Car Rental Center solves this by handling the core payment digitally beforehand.

24. What are the rules regarding seatbelts and cell phones?

Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and front-seat passenger by law, though it is highly recommended for rear passengers as well. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is strictly illegal and will result in an immediate traffic ticket if spotted by the police.

25. Are there any local holidays where rental cars sell out completely?

Yes. In St. Kitts, the late December period is "Sugar Mas" (National Carnival). In Nevis, late July into early August is the "Culturama" festival. During these periods, thousands of diaspora return home. Rental cars sell out completely months in advance. You must use the platform early to secure a vehicle during these festive windows.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Rhythm of the Islands

Renting a vehicle in Saint Kitts and Nevis is not just about transportation; it is about unlocking the true, unhurried, breathtaking rhythm of Caribbean life. From the sweeping, dramatic vistas of Timothy Hill to the quiet, monkey-chattered roads of Nevis, having the keys in your hand makes you a traveler rather than just a tourist.

By securing your island chariot through The Car Rental Center, you completely bypass the stress of walk-up negotiations, ensure your vehicle is ready during peak seasons, and protect your finances with transparent insurance and locked-in exchange rates.

Remember the unwritten rules of our roads: keep left, embrace the friendly "toot" of the horn, yield to the goats, and never, ever be in a rush.

Safe travels and welcome to the Federation! Enjoy every sun-drenched mile of our beautiful twin islands.