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.