St. Lucia – the loveliest island in the Caribbean.
When I caught my first glimpse of St. Lucia from the deck of my ship, sailing past the famous Twin Pitons on the island’s verdant west coast, I was ready to declare it the loveliest island in the Caribbean — and I hadn’t even stepped foot on it yet! The dramatic mountain peaks seemed to emerge straight from the sea; beyond them was a wilderness of tropical foliage, shimmering green and gold in the early-morning sunlight. I am so thankful that Cruise.co.uk offered me the chance to make a study trip to this Island. As a return , here is a trip report I still had somewhere.
I’m not the only visitor who’s been struck by the island’s beauty, which has earned it the nickname “Helen of the West Indies.” Though St. Lucia has plenty of visitors, both from cruise ships and a steady influx of honeymooners, the island has largely remained unspoiled, largely due to the locals’ commitment to protecting its rain forests and other natural resources. A large percentage of the island (some 19,000 acres) is protected as part of the St. Lucia National Rain Forest.
What development there is on St. Lucia is mostly in the area around Castries, the island’s colorful and energetic capital city. It’s worth a look, especially if you’re in search of duty-free goods or local handicrafts, but to appreciate St. Lucia’s natural beauty you’ll want to take a bus, rental car or cab out of town. Perhaps the prettiest part of the island is in the south, and most visitors head there first to visit the former French colonial capital, the lush Diamond Botanical Gardens and the world’s only drive-in volcano. Other options include trekking through the rain forest to one of the island’s many hidden waterfalls, or taking a snorkeling excursion to the sunken wreck off of Anse Cochon.
Where You’re Docked
Most ships anchor at Place Carenage or Pointe Seraphine, both within walking distance of downtown Castries.
Language
The official language is English, but you may also hear locals chatting in a French Creole language called Patois.
Currency and Best Way to Get Money
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. You can generally use American dollars anywhere on the island, though you may receive change in local currency. ATM’s are plentiful in Castries and other major tourist areas.
Hanging Around
Both Pointe Seraphine and Place Carenage have duty-free shopping. Downtown, seek out the Castries Market and adjacent Craft Market to grab some local souvenirs. Or take a 20-minute cab ride to Choc Beach.
Getting Around
On Foot: Downtown Castries is within easy walking distance of both Pointe Seraphine and Place Carenage.
By Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the dock or from downtown. Regulated taxi operations are available at most places throughout the island. A ride from Castries to Rodney Bay will cost about $16 for up to four people. Be sure to agree on a price before you get in — and specify which currency you’ll be using.
By Car: There are several car rental companies waiting at the port, with rates starting at about $50 per day. You can also rent 4 x 4 vehicles starting at about $60 per day. Unless you have an international driving permit, you’ll need to purchase a temporary permit ($20). Note that St. Lucians drive on the left.
By Bus: St. Lucia’s public transportation system consists of colorful, privately owned minivans, often painted with whimsical names (we rode on one called “Big Time”). They’re mostly used by locals and are the cheapest way to get around the island — for example, a ride from Castries to Rodney Bay costs less than a dollar per person. The bus station is in downtown Castries within walking distance of the cruise terminals.
Don’t Miss
The area in and around the 18th-century city of Soufriere is one of the loveliest parts of the island. Located in the shadow of the Pitons, Soufriere was once the capital of St. Lucia back when it was a French colony, and today its colorful buildings with gingerbread trim still hold plenty of historic charm. This is home to the Soufriere Drive-In Volcano, where you can get up close and personal with a collection of multicolored sulfur pools — an extraordinary sight, but be prepared for the stench!
A more fragrant option near Soufriere is the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Waterfall, where you can stroll through acres of lush flowering plants and trees and even go swimming in one of the mineral baths near Diamond Waterfall. Originally built by King Louis XVI of France, the estate is now owned by the descendents of its 18th-century owners.
One of those much-hyped (but still fascinating) attractions is the Pitons. These twin mountains, whose peaks rise right out of the ocean for almost a half-mile, are on the island’s southwest coast. If you’re really ambitious (and have an extra-long day in port), it’s possible to hike up Gros Piton; be warned that it’s a challenging and time-consuming climb, and you’ll need both a guide and permission from the St. Lucia Forest and Lands Department. For most travelers, the best way to see the peaks is from the water; most cruise lines offer boat excursions that sail along the coast. They are also visible as you drive in and around Soufriere.
Fun for both children and adults is a visit to Pigeon Island, at the very northwest tip of St. Lucia. Once home to a group of Carib Indians and later a pirate hideout, today the island is part of the St. Lucia National Trust, with beaches, a restaurant, and the historic remains of the barracks and garrisons where the French and English once fought for control of St. Lucia. Learn all the compelling history of the island at the Museum and Interpretive Centre, housed in the former British officers’ mess building, which has been restored to the way it looked in 1808. Don’t miss a hike up to the hilltop ruins of Fort Rodney for sweeping views of the sea and the mainland. Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Vendors have gathered for more than 100 years at the Castries Market and adjacent Craft Market to hawk fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, and local crafts. Baskets, wood carvings, pottery and hand-screened clothing are all excellent buys.
Go duty-free shopping at Pointe Seraphine, a harborfront shopping complex in Castries offering imports like designer perfumes, crystal and china, as well as wood carvings and other local handicrafts. The island’s finest silk-screened fabrics and clothing are offered at Bagshaws Studio and Shop, located two miles from Castries.
Those interested in snorkeling should head to Anse Chastanet or Anse Cochon to explore spectacular reefs, colorful marine life and — at Anse Cochon — an old sunken ship.
Been There, Done That
Try your hand at deep-sea fishing. Mako Watersports motors the “Annie Baby” out of Rodney Bay Marina, welcoming both neophytes and experienced fishermen.
Take a horseback countryside tour and enjoy a picnic on the beach in Gros Islet. You can even go for a swim with your horse.
Golfers should check out the St. Lucia Golf and Country Club, an 18-hole course open to the general public. There’s a well-stocked bar and pro shop. Temporary membership, golfing equipment and lessons by the resident pro are available.
One Comment on “St. Lucia – the loveliest island in the Caribbean.”
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I've been a Cruise Consultant for a number of years now and I can honestly say that it is just the best job ever. No two days are the same. I have got to know some fantastic people through the course of my job, both in the industry and clients,…
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Its quite fascinating how you have described my island. you got absolutely nothing wrong……… try researching about MAMIKU Gardens it has fascinating history also or Grand Asne bay where you can watch the leather back turtles lay or the whales come up for air. Ste lucie (St. Lucia in Patois) is truly the Helen of the West.
P.S. Did you kno we speak creole because our ancestor the african slaves were being taught the french dialect now for them to keep some of their heritage alive they infused their own dialect with the french hence french creole alot of our sayings are african dialect……..
Anyhoo glad you loved my St. Lucia simply beautiful………Visit again