St Lucia
Basically
British, though 25 miles south of Martinique and flavored
with French Creole influence, St. Lucia is simply beautiful.
The island's mountainous terrain offers dazzling views
from land and sea.
In the area near Hewanorra, the main airport, the profile of
St. Lucia's distinctive twin mountain peaks Les Pitons is a
favorite subject for travel photographers. There are luxury
resorts snuggled in their foothills. Seas in the surrounding
area are frequented by divers, all of whom appreciate the carefully
maintained marine park environment.
A few hours by car and far less by boat, Castries, the capital
(with a smaller airport, Vigie) is commercial by nature. But
minutes from town in every direction, tourism takes on a vibrant
life in a long chain of resorts, restaurants and marinas that
wind the length of white sand beaches. Sports of all kinds can
be enjoyed here in volume. Crafts and duty free shopping get
lots of attention, too.
Visit Mt. Soufriere, dormant crater of a volcano with naturally
heated sulfur baths. It's the world's only drive-in volcano.
Or opt for something cooler in the refreshing mineral springs
at Diamond Falls. There's charm in the colonial towns and quaint
fishing villages and the rain forests are rich with massive
ferns and abundant with orchids.
Fort Rodney at Pigeon Point offers an interesting walk through
British history. And a Friday night visit to the weekly street
fair at Gros Islet where St. Lucians and tourists go to party
is high on the agenda for food, drink, music and general revelry.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
All persons entering the Island including Canadian and US
subjects must carry valid ID and proof of return ticket. Visas
are not required by citizens of the US or Commonwealth countries.
CURRENCY:
The Eastern Caribbean dollar is fixed to the US dollar at
US$1.00=EC$2.70. Stg, US$, traveler's checks and major credit
cards are generally accepted.
TAXES & SERVICE CHARGES:
Departure tax EC$54.00 or US$20.00. Room tax 8%. Service charge
10%.
COUNTRY PROFILE
GEOGRAPHY:
60 degrees 53 mins and 61 degrees 5 mins West longitude and
30 degrees 43 mins and 14 degrees 5 mins North latitude. The
highest peak is Mount Gimie 3,145 ft high. St. Lucia is a
volcanic island within the curved chain known as the Windward
Islands. It covers 238 sq. mls, 27 mls long and 14 mls wide.
It is separated by a channel some 25 mls wide from Martinique
to the north and St. Vincent is 20 mls away to the south.
CLIMATE:
Average temperature High/Low. Summer 95/75 degrees F. Winter
85/65 degrees F. Humidity ranges from 66 94%. Average rainfall
3 to 5.7mm. Approximate sunrise 0535. Approximate sunset 1829.
LANGUAGE:
English is the official language but most locals speak a French
Creole commonly called patois.
DINING:
Restaurants available Local. Fast food. Gourmet. International.
Dress code Casual is accepted almost everywhere except for
the odd restaurant where jacket & tie may be needed. A
light jumper could be needed for cooler evenings.
NIGHTLIFE:
Entertainment available includes Dinner/Dances. Live Music.
Discos. Cabarets. Nightclubs. Gros Islet Street Party. Anne
La Raye Seafood Friday evening.
SHOPPING:
Locally produced items Coconut and wooden carvings. Shell
jewelry. Local and Caribbean paintings, pottery, sculptures,
hand printed fabrics and garments. Caribbean perfumes. Batik.
Gold, silver and fashion jewelry. Sea Island cotton. Straw
work. China. Crystal. Store hours are 0830 1230 & 1330
1600. Saturday 0800 1200 (Some mall shops stay open later).
SPORTS:
Activities: Aerobics. Deep sea fishing. Golf. Gym. Horseback
riding. Hiking. Jogging. Parasailing. Sailing. Scuba diving.
Tennis. Water sports.
Spectator sports: Basketball. Cricket. Netball. Soccer. Volleyball.
Membership in sports organizations open to visitors on a temporary
basis.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
(2002) October 2: Thanksgiving Day. October 17: Feast of La
Marguerite. October 1-31: Creole Heritage Month. October 27:
Jounen Kweyol Entenasyonnal (International Creole Day). December:
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers
TRANSPORTATION:
Driving is on the left hand side of the road. Rentals available
include Cars, motorcycles and bicycles. Temporary license/permit
requirements On presentation of a valid license and payment
of a fee of EC$54.00 or US$20.00 at the airports or police
station. International driver's license holders obtain permits
free. Temporary licenses are valid for up to three months.
Local Services Taxi. Coaches.
MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS:
Application to be married must be made by a local solicitor
to the Attorney General who prepares and signs the license
after a two day residency period in St. Lucia. The Attorney
General should receive the application at least 4 working
days before the wedding date.
MEDICAL FACILITIES:
Doctor on call at some hotels. Pharmaceutical services. 24-hour
casualty department.
What To Do & See
Diamond Falls and Mineral Baths: These impressive
falls come down through the sulphur springs, changing the
color of the water to brilliant shades of yellow, green and
purple. The warm mineral waters have colorfully stained the
rock face behind the cascade, making this a truly spectacular
"must see" site. Adjacent are sulfuric mineral baths
built in 1784 by order of Louis XVI. French soldiers stationed
in the area often soaked in the "curative" water.
Bring your bathing suit and you, too, can "take the waters!"
La Soufrière (Sulphur Springs): Though
touted as the world's only "drive-in" volcano, tourists
should not expect to go peering down into a volcanic crater
when visiting these natural springs. The crater walls have
long since eroded away, leaving behind 7 acres of barren hillside
terrain pocked with pools of boiling mud and steaming vents.
Discover the City of Castries: The island's
capital and commercial center, Castries has several cultural
and historical attractions to explore. This bustling port
is set on a large natural harbor and, as a tourist hotspot,
is surrounded by the majority of the island's resorts.
- Castries Market: This lively open-air
market at the intersection of Jeremie and Peynier Streets,
just south of the port, is a 100-year old tradition with
locals selling their tropical fruits, vegetables, spices,
and handmade arts and crafts.
- Derek Walcott Square: Three disastrous
fires destroyed most of the city's original 18th-century
buildings, but a few 19th-century buildings survive in this
central square, named after a St Lucian native and 1992
Nobel laureate.
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception:
An imposing structure adjacent to the square, this cathedral
reflects St Lucia's mix of English, French, African, and
Caribbean influences. The building itself is of French design
with an interior painted in bright African-inspired colors.
It is highlighted by portraits of a black Madonna and child,
and the Roman Catholic services are delivered in English.
Natural Wonders: St Lucia is treasure trove
of natural attractions. Volcanic soil and a tropical climate
combine to create the perfect environment for lush vegetation
and exotic wildlife. The island's coasts, interlaced by coral
reefs and beautiful beaches, are among the world's most beautiful,
and the panoramic views from the mountainous interior will
take your breath away.
- The Rain Forest: Stretching over 19,000
acres from coast to coast, the national rain forest has outstanding
locales for birdwatching and hiking. The sprawling lush foliage
covers mountains and valleys, interrupted only by verdant
fields and plantations. There is a 7-mile nature walk with
guided tours.
- The Pitons: Gros Piton (2,618 ft) and
Petit Piton (2,438 ft) are twin volcanic peaks that provide
a stunning backdrop to the southwest coastline. Take a boat
over for the best view.
- Mount Gimie: This is St Lucia's highest
point. The mountaintop rises up to a pinnacle of 3,145 feet,
with a great view of the rain forest and valleys further inland.
Scuba Diving: St Lucia consistently ranks
tops in the Caribbean, with sites like Anse Chastanet Reef,
one of the island's best spots with shallow reefs, deep walls,
and a plethora of little sea creatures packing the corals.
With water temperatures ranging from 78° to 82° and
visibility averaging 60 - 100 feet year-round, every dive
is a success!
Golf: St Lucia's only public golf course,
the Cap Estate, has scenic views, a well-stocked"19th
hole," and a resident golf pro who's happy to share pointers
on perfecting your swing.
Water Sports: The options are plentiful
in addition to scuba diving. Play at your favorite or pick
up a new diversion from windsurfing, to sailing, deep-sea
fishing, snorkeling, water-skiing, parasailing, and good old-fashioned
swimming!
Birdwatching: Home to some of the world's
most exotic species of our feathered friends, St Lucia is
a avian aficionado's dream come true. Several rare and indigenous
birds can be seen at the rain forest, Boriel's Pond, and the
2 nature preserves found off the eastern coast.
Pigeon Island: This national park was first
used as a French military base in the 16th century, was later
fortified by the occupying British army in the 18th century,
and then again by American forces during World War II. You'll
have fun exploring the island along walking paths that wind
through the scenic ruins.
Dining
The Caribbean diet is peppered with the region's many exotic
victuals, and St Lucia's chefs make good use of local fruits,
vegetables, spices, and fresh seafood. There is also a significant
sampling of international cuisine, inspired by the island's
French, British, and American influences. A food lover's dream
St Lucia has restaurants to fit all budgets.
Gourmet: The Fox Grove Inn is one of the
island's finest restaurants and offers a magnificent view
of the Frigate Islands. The Swiss/St Lucian-owned restaurant
serves all day starting with breakfast, and has a friendly
country atmosphere. Always a plus, the owner is the head
chef and he makes sure you get great value for your money.
Mon Repos
Highly Recommended: Razmataz Restaurant
is recommended by The New York Times and is St Lucia's first
Tandoori Indian eatery. Beautiful sunset views over Rodney
Bay accent the tasty lamb and chicken dishes served here.
Rodney Bay
Local Flair: Bang is set in a collection
of relocated country homes with a restaurant and rum shop
best reached by boat. The delicious grilled food served
from "Ye Old Jerk Pit" will give you the best
taste of local fare. On the Waterfront between the Pitons
Romantic: The Captain's Cellar is a romantic
tavern designed in British colonial style and preparing
authentic 18th century recipes. Pigeon Island
Nightlife
When the sun goes down, St Lucia gets down. The local people
are known to take part in some good, clean-spirited bacchanalia,
and visitors to the island are expected to join in the fun.
The natives enjoy a variety of musical styles from jazz to
the richly accented rhythms unique to the Caribbean islands.
Most hotels offer some form of entertainment, including performances
by local singers, steel pan bands, and limbo dancers. There
are also several nightclubs with live entertainment to keep
you partying all night long.
Shamrocks Pub: Great pub food is matched
with live jazz and dance music in a relaxed and informal
atmosphere at this club in Rodney Bay.
Rodney Bay Marina Yacht Club: Nightly
BBQs and live entertainment accent the good times at this
waterfront restaurant and bar, open 7 days a week.
The Lime: With live music and an outdoor
setting, this casual bar and restaurant keeps the party
jamming and its patrons dancing well into the wee hours.
The food is inexpensive, whether hot off the grill or from
the snack bar.
The Great House: Serving traditional French
cuisine with Creole piquancy, this popular eatery houses
The Derek Walcott Center for the Arts, which features a
variety of entertainment to please the cultured palate.
