Visit Saint Lucia
St. Lucia is one of the Windward Islands, located in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean chain. Its terrain is a combination of high mountains, forests, low-lying lands and beaches. Mountain ranges runs the length of the island and forests dominate the mountains, while jasmine, scarlet chenille and wild orchids provide splashes of color to the lush green slopes. The average annual temperature range is 75°-85°F.
St Lucia, One of the Windward Islands, it is located in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands and is approximately 21 miles south of Martinique and 90 miles northwest of Barbados. Castries (population 50,000) is the island’s capital and is situated North-west of the island.
St. Lucia is the sort of island that travelers to the Caribbean dream about–a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown. One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent, and north of Barbados. St. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, with a shape that is said to resemble either a mango or an avocado (depending on your taste). The Atlantic Ocean kisses its eastern shore, while the beaches of the west coast owe their beauty to the calm Caribbean Sea.
In natural beauty, St. Lucia seems like an island plucked from the South Pacific and set down in the Caribbean. Its dramatic twin coastal peaks, the Pitons, soar 2,000 feet up from the sea, sheltering magnificent rain forests where wild orchids, giant ferns, and birds of paradise flourish. Brilliantly-plumed tropical birds abound, including endangered species like the indigenous St. Lucia parrot. The rainforest is broken only by verdant fields and orchards of banana, coconut, mango, and papaya trees.
St. Lucia has been inhabited since long before colonial times, and its cultural treasures are a fascinating melange of its rich past and its many different traditions. The island’s people have earned a well-deserved reputation for their warmth and charm, and the island itself is dotted with aged fortresses, small villages, and open-air markets.
Saint Lucia Activities
The beauty of Saint Lucia provides the perfect backdrop for the casual adventure – or the adventure of a lifetime. Take a lofty, laid back ride above the rainforest canopy, renew yourself under the cascade of a refreshing waterfall or take a stroll through the rainforest.
For the adrenaline seekers: hop aboard a Segway, horseback ride along the coast or climb Gros Pitons mountains. With island terrain that ranges from tranquil beaches to lush rainforests the variety of things to do is unending.
The turquoise waters that surround the island of Saint Lucia offer a plethora of rejuvenating and restorative adventures to build the body, mind, and soul. Fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, snuba, sea trekking, snorkeling or simply float atop some of the clearest waters in the world – the adventure awaits. Find Your Activity…..
Getting Around The Island
Minibuses and Taxis
Minibuses serve as the main ground transportation for the island. These buses run on varied times depending on the route. Fares range from EC$2.50 to EC$8.00. All minibuses have a green number plate with an M prefix. Taxis are easily available at taxi stands or by telephone. All authorized taxis have a light blue number plate with a TX prefix. Fares vary by destination and nature of trip. Before you hire a taxi, confirm the fare. From Hewanorra International Airport to Castries takes around an hour.
Car Rental
Cars, 4-wheel drive vehicles and scooters can be booked in advance through your travel agent or locally at the airports, hotels or car rental offices. A temporary driving licence is required for visitors and may be obtained upon presentation of a valid driving license on arrival at the airport, the police station in Castries or the car rental offices. Remember to drive on the left side.
Ferries
Those who prefer to do much of their traveling on the water will find that Saint Lucia is well serviced by ferries, making it easy to include Saint Lucia in any island hopping tour. Several ferry lines connect Saint Lucia with Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe. Visit www.express-des-iles.com which operates a ferry service between Saint Lucia and Martinique. Other ferry services are available on www.stlucia.org
Helicopters
Spectacular aerial tours of Saint Lucia are possible, and helicopter transfers between Hewanorra and George FL Charles airports reduce the travel time between the south and north of the island. For more information, visit www.stluciahelicopters.com.
Weather
Sub tropical climate kept mild by cooling trade winds make St. Lucia a year round delight. From June to November be prepared for sporadic tropical showers.
Airports
Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort is located 40 miles south of Castries. George F. L . Charles Inter Island Airport in Castries.
Currency
The currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar which is linked to the US Dollar at the exchange rate of 1 US$ to 2.70 EC$. US$ are widely accepted on the island.
Customs Regulations
The duty free allowance into St. Lucia is 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars, one liter of spirit or wine. Duty free shopping is available at Pointe Seraphine, La Place Carenage and at the departure lounge of Hewanorra Airport. Luxury items include Jewelry, Batiks, Giftware, Local Crafts, Liquor, Cigarettes and Cigars.
Departure Tax
Departure Tax of EC $68 (US $26) for all passengers over 12 years is applied to ticket prices at the time of purchase.
Domestic Travel within the Island
Minibuses serve as the main ground transportation medium for the island. These buses run up to varied times depending on the route one desires to ply. Buses to Gros Islet, for example, run until around 10.00pm: (longer on Friday nights when the weekly “jump-up” takes place at Gros Islet). However, there is no scheduled bus timetable. Bus fares: Castries – North end of the island EC $2.50, Castries – South end of the island (Vieux Fort) EC $8.00. Car travel via the new West Coast Road from Castries to Soufriere takes about an hour. From Hewanorra Airport to Castries takes around an hour.
For your added comfort, Helicopter transfers are available from Hewanorra to Castries. There is a Heli-pad located at Vigie Hanger and the Jalousie Hilton Hotel. This can be booked directly with St. Lucia Helicopters Ltd on Tel: 758 453 6950, Fax: 758 452 1553 or Paradise Helicopters 758 450 9203.
Electricity
220 volts, 50 cycles AC (a few hotels are 110 volts, 60 cycles). Most sockets take 3 pin square plugs (UK standard) but some take 2 pin round plugs or flat American plugs, which are more rare. Adaptors are generally available at the hotels.
Entry Requirements
Visitors must carry valid passports. Visas are not required where the visitor is a citizen of the USA or certain Commonwealth countries, or where there is agreement for exemption between the home country and St. Lucia.
Your Resorts in Saint Lucia
