St. Lucia

Most ships dock at Pointe Seraphine or Place Carenage, both within walking distance of downtown Castries (pronounced "Cast-ree"). Two mid-to-large sized cruise ships can be handled at these ports.

SHOPPING

Pointe Seraphine is the largest and most modern duty free shopping complex in the Caribbean. This Spanish style facility is an extension of the port facilities, conveniently located within walking distance of the city of Castries. Pointe Seraphine consists of thirty nine shops providing a full range of great merchandise at bargain prices, silk screened items, porcelain and china, cigarettes, liquor, jewelry, watches, electronic equipment, fine leather goods and a wide selection of arts and crafts. A restaurant and café provide visitors with fresh local juices, as well as local and international cuisine. Caribbean style braiding can also be done right here dockside. Might not be to your taste--but you can at least try some of their Banana Ketchup and Banana Wine!

Castries Craft Market on Jeremie St. and Peynier in Castries is your best bet for authentic St. Lucian souvenirs. Look for homemade baskets, brooms constructed of palm fronds, clay pottery, and wood carvings, all created by St. Lucian craftspeople.

Craft Market Place Carenage

Downtown Castries is within easy walking distance of both Pointe Seraphine and Place Carenage. You can also take a ferry ride over ($2.00 US). La Place Carenage Shopping Mall in Castries is just across from the market and next to the local fire department. The two story building offers a variety of souvenir items, clothing and cosmetics.

GETTING AROUND

Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the dock and downtown. Regulated taxis in St. Lucia are not metered. Be sure the the driver is fully licensed and that the license plate on the cab or van is distinguished by a red "TX." Be sure also to agree on a price before you get in -- and specify which currency you'll be using.

Rental car: Driving on your own on the island is treacherous. Vehicles travel on the left side of the road in St. Lucia. Roads are reasonably well paved but poorly marked, narrow and winding, with steep inclines/declines throughout the island. There are few guardrails in areas that have precipitous drop-offs from the road. In spite of these conditions, drivers often travel at excessive speed, and accidents are common.

Suggested : If you want to safely see the island, it is best to hire ahead one of the highly recommended tour guides on the island or book a cruise excursion. Most of the top-tier tour guides have late-model 8-15 passenger Toyota or Nissan vans and they usually travel in caravans of 4-6 vehicles--(so you can be assured of the safety in number rule!) The vans have to be less than 5 years old, in order to be licensed as "taxis" in St. Lucia. (Once the vans reach 5 years old, they are sold to be used as local buses.)

WHERE TO GO--WHAT TO SEE

Most of the business development on St. Lucia is in the area around Castries, but in order to appreciate the island's stunning natural beauty you'll have to venture to the south side of the island which is the prettiest. Heading south you'll see the two towering volcanic cones on the southwest coast, Gros Piton and Petit Piton. They remain navigational aides for mariners and are regarded as one of the Caribbean's most famous landmarks. The southern mid-center part of St. Lucia is a protected forest reserve that is home to some excellent hiking trails. The east side of the island has rougher waters so it is surfing turf--along with fishing villages. But most visitors come to St. Lucia for the beaches and it's easy to understand why. Palm-lined beaches open onto crystal clear turquoise water that is perfect for diving, swimming and snorkeling all year. Most of St. Lucia’s beaches are on the west side of the island and all are open to the public.

BEACHES--The West coast from North to South

Pigeon Island

Best Beach for Active Types: Pigeon Island, is located at the very northwest tip of St. Lucia. Since 1970 the island has been connected to the mainland via a causeway which also protects Rodney Bay and Reduit Beach. The white-sand beaches at Pigeon Island have all sorts of amenities, including a restaurant, historical museum and water sports. Fun for both children and adults. Don't miss a hike up to the hilltop ruins of Fort Rodney for sweeping views of the sea and the mainland. This protected National Park is of major archaeological and historical value. Walking through the ruins you can witness the turbulent times of the past. There is also a small museum, worth a visit. Fort Rodney is located on the smaller of the two hills. Climbing the hill you are rewarded with a broad view. In clear weather you can see the French neighboring island of Martinique. Open Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Gros Islet
This quiet fishing village undergoes a metamorphosis each Friday evening when a vast street dance party takes place. A not-to-be-missed spectacle for those who want to experience the true St. Lucian party atmosphere but maybe it's a good thing for cruisers' safety that the ship has already sailed by that time. Many "free spirits" attend the Gros Islet "Jump-Up" each Friday-night and tourists are encouraged to mingle with local people. The caveat is; Petty street crime occurs and drugs are prevalent.

Jump Up Gros Islet Beach

Rodney Bay

On the Gros Islet northern end of St Lucia, is a picturesque bay that is enclosed by Pigeon Island National Park on the north, and on the south by Labrellotte Point. A large portion of St Lucia's hotels and restaurants are in this region. Rodney Bay is also the location of St Lucia's biggest shopping mall. The over-looking hills contain many wealthy homes. In the neighborhood there are all kinds of shops, banks and a wide choice of restaurants offering a varied cuisine : Creole, French, Asian and Continental.

The Rodney Bay Marina with 232 slips is one of the best equipped in the eastern Caribbean. It lies in a man-made lagoon off the center of the Bay. The marina is well known in the Caribbean. Here you can find many sailing-shops and a state-of-the-art boat repair yard.

Reduit Beach

Reduit Beach (pronounced RED-wee), is one of the island’s busiest; a long, sheltered stretch of golden sand located in Rodney bay on the northwest tip of the island. It is in the main tourist area, so expect lots of tourists and many restaurants and bars. The northern part of the beach leading to Pigeon Island is quieter and preferred by locals. South of Gros Islet, it's absolutely packed with tourists, restaurants, and bars.

Labrelotte Bay Beach
Labrelotte Bay lies just south of Reduit Beach. This curve of light grey sand is home to Windjammer resort and is a very nice sandy beach. It is situated between the East Winds Inn and the Windjammer Landing.

Choc Beach
Best Beach for a Half-Day Visit: Just a 20-minute taxi ride from Castries, Choc Beach offers a lovely stretch of white sand sheltered by palm trees. South of Labrelotte Bay , it overlooks Rat Island. It's where some of the island's largest hotels are located, and has water-sports facilities. The Gablewood shopping center is in the neighborhood.

Vigie Beach: South of Choc Bay is Vigie, which runs parallel to the landing strip of George F.L. Charles Airport. It is fairly popular with St. Lucians, but it isn't the cleanest beach.

Marigot Bay
     Marigot Bay (MAH-ree-go or MAR-ee-go) is deservedly one of the most beautiful locations of the island. With nature conservation in mind, some smaller hotels have been built on the hills to harmonize with the picturesque green surroundings. Yachts shelter in this natural marina.
     By taking the ferry you can go to the palm beach where you can relax and enjoy sunbathing and swimming in an idyllic environment. For those who like shopping, you can find some shops with St. Lucian goods and souvenirs.
     Around the bay as well as on the top of the hill you can find some nice restaurants. The true St. Lucian atmosphere can be experienced at the renowned JJ's Bar & Restaurant, which also offers a Friday night party and dancing. Marigot Bay is the beautiful sheltered bay where Dr. Doolittle was filmed (the original one, with Rex Harrison rather than Eddie Murphy). Construction of a new resort, Discovery Marigot Bay, has recently been completed here. Their small beach isn't great for swimming, but it's a good spot for water sports and marina.

Anse Chastanet Beach: Best Scenic Beach: Further south is Anse Chastanet—a gorgeous sweep of sand with spectacular views of the Pitons, which also boasts St. Lucia's best snorkeling. One of the finest dark sandy beaches of St. Lucia also has an excellent beach restaurant where you can enjoy fine meals at reasonable prices. This beach can also be reached by boat from Castries or Soufrière.

Anse des Pitons

Nestled between St. Lucia's famous twin peaks on Jalousie Bay, Anse des Pitons is a good place for snorkeling or diving. This crescent-shaped little beach used to be one of the island's black sand beaches until it was covered with powdery white sands. At certain points of the beach you're actually between The Pitons. The beach is used by guests from the nearby Hilton Jalousie as well as those from other neighboring properties like Ladera and several smaller hotels. Anse des Pitons is near the town of Soufriere.

Soufriere Beach

Just south is Soufrière, a long stretch of dark sand edged with palm trees through which you can see one of the Pitons. The beach is mostly used by the locals. If you give a very good tip a local Rasta will, with pleasure, give you a demonstration of how to climb up a palm tree and gather coconuts.

Beaches--East coast from North to South

The Atlantic east coast of the island with its heavy surf beating against the cliffs makes it unsuitable for swimming, but the beaches are spectacular. However, they are so isolated it is difficult to get there without 4-wheel drive and local guidance. Yet, it is a refreshing change from the west coast, if you like windsurfing and kite surfing. This area contains important habitats and nesting places for the island's wildlife, so it is ideal for the naturalist and bird watchers.

Cas En Bas Beach

If you plan on visiting Cas En Bas Beach, the entrance is opposite to the Gros Islet town intersection.

A rocket booster that must have fallen from the sky a few years ago and landed there on shore.

One of the pre-eminent places for wind surfing because of the constant on-shore trade winds is Cas En Bas Beach. At the Turtle Reef Bar, the only wooden house next to the stretched white sandy beach, you can hire a wind surf board and take wind surfing lessons. There are also kayaks for hire. During the summer months, the bar may be closed for a period of several weeks.

The last part of the road to the beach is in very bad condition and it is easier to walk down to the beach than to drive it because the muddy, rocky, unpaved road is nearly impossible to navigate in an ordinary vehicle. The road forks at one point with a hand-painted sign pointing towards Cas-en-Bas straight ahead, or Anse Lavoutte to the right. A kite surfing school operates in the north of the island. It is in Cas en Bas where you will see most of the local riders out enjoying the fresh trade winds and beautiful Caribbean water. With only a few locals who kite surf on the island, they are a pretty friendly bunch who are more than willing to help out at any time or share their knowledge of the island to help you enjoy your stay.

Anse Louvet Beach

     A 3-hour walk from Desbarra (you cannot drive here) will bring you to a stunning secluded beach. Before you set out for the beach, ask locals about the conditions of the roads since they change often. Once there, you'll see waves beating against rugged cliffs that has created a spectacular blowhole. If you follow the river into the main valley, it will bring you to a tall waterfall. See if you can spot the wild vanilla that grows here. The La Sorcière mountains make a wall between the sea and the inland giving the surroundings a special distinction.
     The dry shrubs are home to the Fer de Lance snake, the only really dangerous snake on the island.
     Here, the Leatherback and other turtles come ashore to bury their eggs during the night during the breeding season

You are advised to keep aware about security on the remoter beaches on St Lucia, both of your belongings and yourself. Do not leave valuables unattended in your belongings while you are swimming.