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St Lucia Cruise Discovery Adventures
St Lucia Language and Currency
English is the official language of St. Lucia, but French Creole (patois) is spoken by the locals. The Eastern Caribbean (EC) Dollar is the official currency, but the US dollar is accepted everywhere.
What is St. Lucia like?
Measuring 238 sq. miles, St. Lucia is the second largest of the Windward Islands. It is located between St. Vincent to the South and Martinique to the North. It is said that in the South Pacific, St. Lucia is the most lush and beautiful island. Some of St Lucia attractions are: an abundance of wild orchids found, on the dense green mountains that surround banana plantations, rain forests, quiet fishing villages and bubbling volcanoes. Narrow, hilly, switchback roads go across the terrain and create a path to exotic beaches and picturesque views. A trip in St Lucia will reveal the Pitons, known as the twin peaks, rising 2,500 ft. from the sea, to the black sand beaches that are a superb view for visitors. The St. Lucia trip is my pick for one of the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean.
What is the weather like in St Lucia?
The weather in St. Lucia is fantastic year round. From Dec. – May, the temperatures range from 70 - 85°F and from June – Nov, 80 - 95°F temperatures are enjoyed. To make better use of the St. Lucian attractions, the time of year previously mentioned would be the most appropriate for a trip in St. Lucia.
Where does the ship dock?
The main docking facility is situated at Pointe Seraphine in the capital of Castries, which is a stone throw away from the heart of town. Anytime the port is crowded which seldom happens, some cruise ships may have to dock at Port Careenage, making it less convenient to proceed to the center of town.
Unmetered taxis in St. Lucia are readily available at the port, however most rates are fixed to popular places. It cost about US or EC $100 – US or EC $150 to hire a car or van for the day.
Where is the shopping?
The Shops at Point Seraphine
At Pointe Serphaine, one can do the best shopping outside the pier, in the red-roofed Spanish style duty-free shops.
Castries Market
Shopping in downtown Castries is found on William Peter Blvd. and Bridge Street.
The Shopping Streets of Castries
What is there to buy?
Castries Shopping
Bone china, jewelry and crystal are the best options in St. Lucia.
What is there to do in St. Lucia?
Castries, St. Lucia
There is so much to see and do on this island than time in port will allow. You will need to select from the various options that you find the most attractive and plan a return visit for further exploration. A guided tour of this island, either on your own or on an expedition is rather an experience and breathe taking. A St. Lucian trip is sure to include spectacular views of the Pitons as you wind your way to Soufrière, to the world’s only drive-in volcano named the Sulphur Springs. Not only can you drive right into the crater to see the pools of bubbling lava, but you can visit the Diamond Botanical Garden with its rich and colorful flora and spectacular waterfall formed by the sulfur springs.
Morne Coubaril Estate is a working plantation, another magnificent site not far from the Sulphur Springs that you should not leave out. You will have the chance to see the processing of cocoa, coffee and manioc, and a reconstructed Arawak Village which will give you a peek into life for the Amerindian in the 16th century. The St. Lucia shoreline trip consists of a variety of breathtaking, unique beaches that beg to be explored. The easiest beach to reach from the port is Pigeon island Beach, which is about 20 minutes from the city of Castries. This small white sand beach forms part of a National Historic Park. Reduit Beach, just south of Pigeon Island is the most popular.
The hotels that line this sandy beach, offer restrooms, bars and water sports services and that you should not worry about anything. Marigot Bay is a small secluded beach which can be regarded as “a picture perfect Caribbean cove framed on three sides by emerald hills and palm trees”. There, one would find very expensive yachts moving gently in the calm waters of the harbor. Anse Couchan, south of Anse-Le-Raye, provides the best snorkeling, but can only be reached by boat. Many cruise lines offer catamaran shoreline trip or you are free to make your own boat transportation reservation with the staff at the Jalousie Plantation Resort.
Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia
Anse Chastanet, north of Soufrière, is a hidden treasure. A very ancient, narrow, zigzag and dirt road is the only way in or out by land but is well worth the trek. The best way to get there would be by sea. This black sand beach in a private cove, encircled by lush hills and superb palm, is paradise and makes my top ten lists of best beaches. Just in case, you have time, or don’t find the activities, I recommended that you take the “Bike St. Lucia” 10 mile trek through the jungle, hike along the Pitons, go deep-sea fishing, golf, rent a 4X4 for an off-road adventure through the rain forest, or even go horseback riding.
Is there anything of “Don’t Miss” quality?
If you ever have a St. Lucian trip, make sure you take time to visit the St Lucia Volcano, as well as one of the island’s spectacular beaches or else you would have miss a heck of a lifetime.
Are there any great restaurants or bars?
I would agree that there are lots to do and see, in the St. Lucian attraction trip; however time does not permit me to do so. If you happen to get to a great restaurant or bar on your visit, please let me know. I have yet to explore this aspect of the island. More on amazing St Lucia Cruise Excursions . Affordable St Lucia airport transfers .
Hi Janus,
We had a wonderful time on our St. Lucia tour! Raphael was a great tour guide and we were impressed by his knowledge of the fruit and plants on the island. Thank you so much for sharing your island with us.
Victoria
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Would please like a suggestion of what is the best way to see the most in one day but also have some adventure! We are a family of 2 adults and 3 teenagers. Thanks!
JoAnn
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