Castries, St. Lucia was very beautiful. Great weather and scenery. You can do your shopping right at the dock (if you're on the other side, get the ferry to the good side for $2.00 US) it's all the shopping you'll need to do. Pick up some Banana Ketchup and Banana Wine. Taxis are all off the shopping grounds so you can relax. Take a short taxi ride to "the Wharf" beach, it's really nice. Great bar near the ferry drop off. We went horseback riding at the beach: it was good, but the horses seem very grouchy (3 people out of 30 maybe got kicked off, and the horses were all kicking each other a lot). It was fun once you reach the beach, great view. But overall, the guides don't teach you how to control the horses that well and they rag on ya if you're lagging behind. Didn't enjoy it all that much. St. Lucia was a great photo place and beautiful weather, great shopping and great beaches. Head to "the Wharf" for sure.