Saint Lucia is called the “Helen of the West Indies”, a popular destination due to its tropical weather, scenery and its numerous beaches and resorts.
Other tourist attractions include a drive-in volcano and sulphur springs (both in Soufrière), the Botanical Gardens, the Majestic twin Peaks “The Pitons”, a world heritage site, the rain forests, and Pigeon Island National Park, which is home to Fort Rodney, an old British military base.
The twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton) are striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere that are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean.
Tourism is vital to Saint Lucia’s economy, more substantial during the dry season (January to April).
Capital: Castries
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollars “$” or “EC$” (XCD). US$1 ≈ EC$2.7 (pegged).
Population: 178,800
Languages. English (official), French patois.
Country Code: +1758
Driving Side: left
Visa. Most nationalities pay $50 for a single-entry tourist visa.
History. Saint Lucia’s first known inhabitants were Arawaks. Caribs gradually replaced Arawak’s during the period from 800 to 1000 CE.
Europeans first landed on the island in either 1492 or 1502, first by the French, who signed a treaty with the local Caribs in 1660. They began to develop the island for the cultivation of sugar cane on extensive plantations.
Caribbean conditions were hard, and many slaves died before they lived long enough to have children. The French (and later British) continued to import slaves until the latter nation abolished the trade, and then the legal institution. By that time, people of ethnic African descent greatly outnumbered those of ethnic European background. Following the abolition of slavery, the British brought in many indentured Indian labourers to work on the plantations instead, and a significant minority of Saint Lucians are of at least partial Indian descent.
Thereafter Saint Lucia was much contested by the two European powers until the British secured it in 1814. It joined the West Indies Federation (1958–62) when the colony was dissolved. In 1979 it gained full independence.
Climate. Tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to April, rainy season from May to August; Experiences hurricanes.
Terrain. Volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys.
Highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m
Get In
By plane. St. Lucia has two airports,
George FL Charles Airport (SLU), near Castries. George FL Charles Airport is closer to many of the all-inclusive resorts, has a modest terminal and runway able to easily support inter-island commercial flights. For less-experienced pilots in high-performance aircraft, the over-water approach and hills on both sides of runway can seem a bit harrowing, but prevailing winds are usually favorable. The airport is right next to Vigie beach, so it’s possible to top up your sun tan while you wait for your flight. The terminal is about two miles from downtown Castries, so it is walkable if you do not have much luggage.
Hewanorra International (UVF), near Vieux Fort is the larger accepting international flights. Many of the resorts in the north of St. Lucia require a 1 to 1.5 hour journey by car from Hewanorra.
By boat. Ferries to and from neighbouring islands are rather expensive.
Express des Isles, to Martinique, Guadeloupe,
Channel Shuttles Inc. operate a slightly cheaper ferry service.
Get Around
By car. Driving is on the left-hand side and drivers require a permit ($12 US for one day)
By taxi. The main way for tourists to get around using a local taxi operator around $145 per van load. Each van will hold between 6 and 12 people.
By bus cheap and fun using small vans for 10-14 people
SEE & DO
Gros Piton and Petit Piton. Two volcanic plugs arising from the sea created by volcanic activity in the past. They are listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and depicted in the national flag.
Climbing the Gros Piton is an achievable goal for most people. The trailhead begins at an elevation of about 600 feet (approx. 180 m) above sea level and requires about two hours of moderate to strenuous hiking to reach the summit of about 2600 feet (approx. 800 m) above sea level. A further 1-and-a-half hours are needed to descend. Guides are required and entrance costs $30 US. Taxis or local buses can be used to reach the trail head.
Pigeon Island nature reserve – just north of Gros Islet, the park has some of the oldest buildings on St. Lucia and affords views across to Martinique.
The Sulfur Springs – just south of Soufriere, these hot springs are one of the main attractions on the island. There is a pool that the hot water runs through, so make sure to take your swimming trunks and go for a dip
Rainforest hikes – there are several official hiking routes on the island. The Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries site has links to information about the ones they support.
Snorkeling is popular and a number of beaches are suitable.
SCUBA diving – done at Pigeon Island, one of the island’s Historical Landmarks, as well as between The Pitons, a World Heritage Site. (758) 484 3346/ (758) 285 7354.
Ziplining – Several courses are offered throughout the island. The courses in the northern part of the island are more complex and offer views of the rainforests. The course at the Morne Coubaril Estate by Soufriere is simpler and provides a view of the Pitons.
Eat. St Lucian food consists mainly of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and a variety of curry, jerk, rice and stewed dishes. The coal pot is a delicious stew, traditional to native carib cultures and can be found at many local restaurants. Vegetarian and meat rotis can be found at a number of small local restaurants.
For a quick snack, barbeques with chicken and pork on a Friday night. The food is well marinated and spiced. Soak up the sauce with a barbequed or fried bake. Fried chicken and fish can also be found, and are quite delicious.
Safety. Rates of homicide, rape, and mugging have increased drastically. Muggings at gunpoint while you are in the water have become increasingly popular. Pickpockets are in every country – just be careful in crowded areas.
Driving can be fun, but you should be a confident driver as driving is on the left, the roadways can be narrow, steep and in rough condition. A 4×4 or similar high-clearance vehicle is necessary if you decide to venture into the mountains.
This island is a series of hills and mountains. The main west coast roadway is the most hair-raising series of winding hair pin turns you have ever seen, particularly between Castries and Soufriere. The east coast roadway is more direct but it still takes approximately 90 minutes to drive from the airport in Hewannora (UVF) to Castries and Gros Islet in the north.
Health. Tap water is safe to drink, however bottled water is widely available for those who desire it.
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NOMAD MANIA Saint Lucia
World Heritage Sites: Pitons Management Area
Islands: Saint Lucia
Borders: Saint Lucia (sea border/port)
XL: Maria Islands
Airports
St. Lucia – George F. L. Charles (SLU)
St. Lucia – Hewanorra (UVF)
Museums: Pigeon Island: Pigeon Island National Landmark and Museum
World of Nature
Anse Chastanet Marine National Park (Sight)
Pigeon Island
Castries Waterworks Forest Reserve
Edmund Forest Reserve
Grand Bois Forest
Quilesse Forest Reserve
Festivals
Heineken Kalalu World Music Festival
St. Lucia Carnival
St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival
Experiences
Jounen Kweyol
Taste Pouille Dudon
Botanical Gardens: Mamiku Gardens
Windmills: St. Lucia: Old Sugar Mill
Beaches
Anse Chastenet
Marigot Bay (Sight)
Pidgeon Island Beach
Reduit Beach
Sugar Beach
Waterfalls: Sault Falls
Trails 2 – Hikes: Tet Paul Nature Trail
Cities of the Americas
CASTRIES World Capitals
Museums: Castries: Le Pavillion Royal Museum
Markets: Castries Market
Religious Temples: Castries: Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Villages and Small Towns
SOUFRIERE
Sights:
Diamond Botanical Gardens, Waterfall & Mineral Baths, Soufrière Estate
Sulphur Springs Park, Mount Soufriere
House Museums/Plantations: Morne Coubaril Estate
Religious Temples: Church of the Assumption
Botanical Gardens: Diamond Botanical Gardens