Marigot Bay, St. Lucia

St. Lucia Information
Contributed by
Nancy Norris
Nancy@SinglesCruiseCenter.com
http://www.SinglesCruiseCenter.com

Language and Currency
What is St. Lucia Like?
What is the Weather Like?
Where Does the Ship Dock?
Where is the Shopping?
What is There to Buy?
What is There To Do?
Is There Anything of a “Don’t Miss Quality?
Are There Any Great Restaurants or Bars?

St. Lucia Port Reviews

Language and Currency

English is the official language of St. Lucia, but French Creole patois is spoken by the locals.  The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency, but the US dollar is accepted everywhere.

What is St. Lucia like?

St. Lucia Pitons

Measuring 240 sq. miles, St. Lucia is the second largest of the Windward Islands.  Located between St. Vincent and Martinique, there is a hint of the South Pacific about this lush, beautiful island.  Wild orchids abound, on the dense green mountains that surround banana plantations, rain forests, quiet fishing villages and bubbling volcanoes.  Narrow, hilly, switchback roads traverse the terrain and forge a path to exotic beaches and awe inspiring views.  From the Pitons, known as the twin peaks, rising 2,500 ft. from the sea, to the black sand beaches that are a beach connoisseurs delight, St. Lucia is my pick for one of the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean.

What is the weather like?

The weather in St. Lucia is wonderful year round.  From Dec. – May temperatures range from 70 - 85°F and from June – Nov. 80 - 95° temperatures are enjoyed

Where does the ship dock?

The Silver Whisper Docked in St. Lucia

The main docking facility is Pointe Seraphine in Castries.  It is within walking distance to the center of town.  On rare occasions, if the port is unusually crowded, some ships may have to dock at Port Careenage, less conveniently located to the center of town. 

The Dock From a Ship

Taxis in St. Lucia are readily available at the port and are not metered, but most rates are fixed to popular places.  It will cost approximately $100 - $150 for a car or van load hire for the day. 

Where is the shopping?

The Shops at Point Seraphine

Actually, some of the best shopping can be done right outside the pier, in the red-roofed Spanish style duty-free shops of Pointe Seraphine.

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?

Castries, St. Lucia

There is much more to see and do on this island than time in port will allow. You will need to select from the numerous options those that you find most appealing and plan a return visit for further exploration.  A guided tour of this island, either on your own or as an excursion, is a delight to the senses. Your tour is sure to include dramatic views of the Pitons as you wind your way to Soufrière, for a trip to the world’s only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs.  Not only can you drive right into the crater to see pools of bubbling lava, but then 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 an actual working plantation, not far from Sulphur Springs.  You will have the opportunity to witness the processing of cocoa, coffee and manioc, and a reconstructed Arawak Village gives you a glimpse into life for the Amerindian in the 16 th century.  Beaches, beaches, beaches!  St. Lucia harbors a variety of awesome, unique beaches that beg to be explored.  The easiest to reach from the port is Pigeon State Beach, about 20 minutes from Castries.  This small white sand beach is on Pigeon Island, part of a national historic park. Reduit Beach, just south of Pigeon Island is the most popular.  The hotels that line the soft beige sandy beach offer restrooms, bars and water sports services.  Small, secluded Marigot Bay is a picture perfect Caribbean cove framed on 3 sides by emerald hills and palm trees.  Expensive yachts bob 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 trips here as a shore excursion, or you can check at the Jalousie Hilton for boat transportation on your own.  I have saved my ultimate beach experience for last: 

Anse Chastenet, St. Lucia

Anse Chastenet, north of Soufrière, is a hidden treasure.  A very primitive, narrow, winding, dirt road is the only way in or out, but well worth the trek.  This black sand beach in a secluded cove, surrounded by lush hills and glorious palm trees is paradise and makes my top 10 list of best beaches.  Just in case, you have time, or don’t find the activities I have suggested of interest, you can 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?

Without a doubt, no one who visits St. Lucia should miss a chance to visit Sulphur Springs, as well as planning a respite at one of the island’s spectacular beaches.

Are there any great restaurants or bars?

If you happen to get to a great restaurant or bar on your visit, please let me know.  As I had already mentioned, there is so much to see and do in such little time, I have yet to explore this aspect of the island. 

St. Lucia Port Reviews
(Click on the Review you are Interested in Reading)

Caroline Gentry; Soufriere and the Sulfur Spring 
Marina; Snorkeling at Anse Chasnet Marine Park
SIL VENERUS; Tour of Sulphur Springs
Adam McCarthy; Ferry Boat Followed by Shopping
Janet J. Imp; Kayaking Lessons
Jeanne Nouri; A Tour by Taxi
Philip Dacey; A Day of Snorkeling at Anse Chastanet
David; Deep Sea Fishing
Denise Roll; Land & Sea Tour too Long but Buy Lava Necklaces
Megan Dennen; Day Pass at Sandals Resort
Paula; Ship Excursion: Land and Sea to Pitons Tour\
Monty & Cathy Harkies; Shopping Near Piers
Eric Arellanos; Taxi to Reduit Beach
Martijn Nathan; Island Tour - Ship's Excursion
Robert Clark; Ship's Catamaran Cruise to Morne Coubaril Estate
Maryanne Roesler; Sandals Resort for the Day
Nancy Norris; Details of Full Day Private Tour
Chantal Hebert; Ship's Tour - Catamaran to Volcano
Shelley Holtmann; Catamaran to Pitons
Becca Love; Dangerous Drive in a Rental Car
Karen Audet; Highly Recommend Ship's Land & Sea Tour
Anne Goyer; Outstanding Island Tour with Jungle Tours
Mike Malone; Rodney Bay on Our Own but Watch Your Belongings

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St. Lucia Shore Excursions

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