St. Lucia Island Information

St. Lucia is a unique vacation destination, filled with primeval beauty in the rainforest (regarded as a National Treasure) and tourist amenities in the northern, more developed, section of the island. A little off the beaten tourist path, the island offers the laid back Caribbean and the amenities you want.

Near Soufriere, the Pitons are spectacular remnants of an extinct volcano. You can climb to the top, snorkel around the base or just have lunch and drink in their rugged beauty. A guided trip into the rainforest will be filled with exotic flora and fauna. You may even be lucky enough to see St. Lucia's indigenous parrots, now making a comeback from a brush with extinction.

The northern end of the island offers golden sand beaches, fine dining, an 18-hole golf course and duty free shopping. There is plenty to do on St. Lucia; the problem is getting it all seen and done in a week. Many people come back year after year. Maybe you will too! English is the predominant language.

Climate: St. Lucia is a windward island and gets plenty of sea breezes. Day time temperatures average in the mid 80's and the nights dip into the low 70's. May is regarded by locals as the hottest month. St. Lucia is below the "official" hurricane belt and has had only two hurricanes in the last hundred years.

Beaches: All beaches are part of the Queen’s chain so, technically, there are no private beaches on St. Lucia. You’ll find golden sand in the north and dark, volcanic sand in the south. There is great snorkeling, diving, and swimming all over the island. Although beautiful, the beaches on the Atlantic side of the island are generally not recommended for swimming.

Shopping: The local market on Saturday morning in Castries is a must see. Point Seraphine is the large duty free shopping area. Local artisans and their work are found everywhere. However, if shopping is at the top of your list, St. Lucia is not the island for you.

Dining: There is everything from great brick oven pizza to elegant Italian, Continental and Pacific Rim. Many excellent choices for dining out. The drinks are wonderful, too, particularly at night looking over the sea after a great meal and an unforgettable day.

Activities: Golf, tennis, squash, mountain biking, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, hiking and climbing, Nature Tours, and more.

Money: East Caribbean dollars. The rate is fixed at $2.67EC to $1US in cash.

Transportation: We can arrange car rentals for you. St. Lucians drive on the left side of the road. Taxis are available for hotel guests.

Travel Documents Needed: It is best to travel with a passport but US citizens can get onto the island with an "official" birth certificate - one with a raised seal - and a government issued picture ID such as a driver's license.