Saint Lucia is a sovereign island country in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the Lesser Antilles, it is located north/northeast of the island of Saint Vincent, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. It has 2 distinctive mountains, the Pitons, on its west coast. It's known for its beaches and reef-diving sites, as well as its rainforested interior with waterfalls such as at Toraille. It's home to quiet volcanic beaches and fishing villages as well as luxurious resorts, and the capital, Castries, is a regular cruise ship stop.
Population: 182,273 (2013)
Area: 238.2 mi²
Capital: Castries
Languages: English
Currency
The official currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean dollar(EC), U.S. dollars are widely accepted at most businesses on the island. In fact, prices are quoted in U.S. dollars at many St. Lucian resorts, restaurants, and tourist destinations.
Climate
The local climate is tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds, with a dry season from 1 December to 31 May, and a wet season from 1 June to 30 November.
Average daytime temperatures are around 29 °C (84.2 °F), and average nighttime temperatures are around 18 °C (64.4 °F). Since it is fairly close to the equator, the temperature does not fluctuate much between winter and summer. Average annual rainfall ranges from 1,300 mm (51.2 in) on the coast to 3,810 mm (150 in) in the mountain rainforests.
Safety
St Lucia is as safe as any other country. However you should exercise the same caution as you would at home. Pickpockets are in every country - just be careful in crowded areas.
There have been muggings in Gros Islet during the Friday night "lime" parties. Stay in the busy areas, and stay away from the jetty without a guide.
Use of camouflage bags is illegal in Saint Lucia if you're not military personnel; if you show up at the airport with one, it will be confiscated.
Street vendors are decidedly less aggressive than most Caribbean nations. A simple "no thank you" is sufficient.
Some of the locals will offer gifts when you stop however don't be naive - they expect something in return, so either refuse the gift in the first place or be prepared to pay a dollar or 2 for the proffered "gift". These people are very poor and unemployment is high so tourists are often the sole means they have to make some money.
Sexual acts between men are illegal and carry a custodial sentence of up to 10 years, though it is not known how strictly this is enforced.
Health
This island is a series of hills and mountains. The main west coast roadway is the most hair-raising series of winding hair pin turns you have ever seen, particularly between Castries and Soufriere. The east coast roadway is more direct but it still takes approximately 90 minutes to drive from the airport in Hewannora (UVF) to Castries and Gros Islet in the north. In preparation for the shuttle, people who are staying in the north and are prone to motion sickness, should bring Dramamine and take it immediately upon arrival at Hewannora Airport.
Tap water is safe to drink in most tourist areas, however bottled water is widely available for those who desire it.
Transportation
Minibuses (green license plates) are available island-wide in towns and villages. There is no scheduled timetable. Minibuses at start/end points leave when filled with passengers.
The local buses are good value for money, and all fares are in EC currency. Try and have the local monies instead of the US dollar or you will find that some drivers will over charge you or charge you the fare in US dollar.
Minibuses, which can accommodate up to 14 passengers, can be hired as taxis for small groups.
Water taxis are a main source of income for many locals and can be a much quicker, convenient and picturesque method of travelling short distances to private beaches or coastal towns. Many water taxi operators in the Town of Soufriere can be found at the jetty. The rates of these drivers are a little high and can be bargained down. There are a few taxi owners who regularly play dominoes and sell drinks near the Hummingbird Hotel and Soufriere beach. They can offer a much cheaper rate. From Soufriere, you can take a water taxi to Anse Chastenet and Jalousie Beaches.
A helicopter taxi can be taken from Hewannora airport to Vigie airport and is a quick and spectacular way to get to the resorts on the Northern end of the island.
Popular car rentals: Economy, Sixt, drive st.lucia.
Top Beaches
Anse Chastanet
Anse Chastanet Beach is a lovely spot. It's in possession of that smooth, soft sand that begs to be squished between your toes. There are great umbrellas all along the beach for shade. The water is warm and inviting, with a smooth ocean floor. Located toward the center of the island of Saint Lucia, 1.4 miles west-northwest of downtown Soufriere, Anse Chastanet is on the South West edge of the island, you should consider dropping by even if you aren't staying in the vicinity. Those of you who want the best of both worlds a sense of seclusion, but the option for activity may really like a visit to Anse Chastanet. Generally, it's not an overly popular part of the coast, but it's also not completely secluded.
Anse Couchon
While visiting Anse Couchon, beachgoers can enjoy some underwater sightseeing at the beach's shallow reef, which is home to an array of fascinating sea life. Visitors will doubtlessly fall in love with the exotic and picturesque shores of this romantic getaway. If you so choose, water sports equipment, including kayaks and snorkeling gear is available to rent from the Ti Kaye resort, even if you're not staying there. Set in Ti Kaye, Anse Couchon is on the West edge of Saint Lucia. You might want regardless of whether you are staying particularly close by. You will generally find plenty of places to set up shop, since the surrounding area and the beach itself are not overflowing with tourists.
Anse Louvert
On the island's rocky eastern coast, this beach will only be accessed by the adventurous and, as a result, you'll likely have it all to yourself. Bring lots of water and some food as you won't find any beach bars or other facilities on this part of the island. For those looking to do some exploring, this is a very special, magical spot. Located on the island of Saint Lucia, Anse Louvert is on the North East edge of the island, You should consider dropping by even if you aren't staying in the immediate vicinity. Anse Louvert stands out from other beaches because it's perfect for escaping over-crowded hangouts in the town proper. Most other beaches you'll come across on St. Lucia may be just as breezy and refreshing, but tend to be more crowded since they're located by some of the most popular tourist areas in town.
Choc Beach
The smooth blue waters of Choc Bay are peaceful and great for swimming. This gorgeous stretch of sand is lined by majestic coconut palms, which provide an excellent source of shade for overheated beachgoers. The small, but picturesque Rat Island just off shore is another interesting, distinctive feature. Please note that public restrooms are not available, so those of you traveling with small children may want to consider another spot. Happily, the off-shore waters are fit for snorkeling, so purchase or rent some gear if you are looking to do some underwater exploration. Families with children seem to love Choc Beach because of its placid waters, which make a great swimming spot for the entire family.
Dauphin Beach
Nestled deep within a cove, the waters just off shore are calm and deep blue. The surrounding landscape is stunning and features dramatic depressions. The interior is teeming with vegetation, and you'll find many interesting elongated stones here. Unfortunately, public restrooms aren't available, which is something to consider if you're bringing the kids, or plan to spend all day outside.
Donkey Beach
The beach is a short, though pleasant, strip of sand at the end of a long, thin cut into the interior of northwestern Saint Kitts. It's nestled in between a couple of distinctive pitons, begging to be photographed. The water inside the cut is calm and clear. Palms and other interesting flora cover the interior and provide some shade. Public restrooms aren't available, so those of you traveling with small children may want to consider another spot.
Grand Anse
Located near the middle of the island of Saint Lucia, 4.0 miles east of Babonneau, Grand Anse is on the North East coast of the island, You might think about stopping by regardless of whether you're staying in the immediate vicinity. This isn't just another pretty beach, it's special in that it's one of the few quiet beaches on St. Lucia. While Grand Anse might be a little more difficult to reach, it allows you to relax without being bothered by the noise of the crowds.
Accommodation
 Booking |
 Venere |
 Hotels.com |
 Agoda |
Activities
 Treetop Adventure Park |
 Aanansi ATV |
 Scuba Steve's Diving Ltd |
 Zaka Art Café |
 Eudovic's Art Studio |
 Smarty Tour & Spa |
