Discover the Beauty and Culture of St Lucia: Your Ultimate Guide
Nicknamed ‘The Helen of the West’ in reference to the great beauty of Helen of Troy, St Lucia is a picture perfect oasis of mountains, rainforest and white sand beaches. Perfect for honeymoon couples and families alike, it is renowned as the most welcoming destination in the Caribbean.
Its most famous features are the Pitons, which rise from the sea to dominate the south west corner of the island. Between these iconic peaks lies the charmingly colourful town of Soufriere and the famous Sugar Beach. Just south of the capital city of Castries, Marigot Bay is a picturesque harbour surrounded by steep cliffs protecting it from the tropical storms that can hit the region. To the north is Rodney Bay, home to numerous restaurants, bars and hotels.
Seventy-seven percent of the island is covered in tropical rainforest. If tourists need a change from snorkeling or scuba diving, they can venture inland to hunt for wild orchids and bird life such as the rare St Lucia parrot. St Lucia plays host to many visitors seeking out its natural spa. Sulphur Springs owns the strange distinction of being the world’s only drive-in volcano. Tourists can drive right to the heart of the volcano, where the mineral rich waters and mud have healing properties for those who can stand the rather strong sulphuric odours.
Overview
The pristine beaches and emerald waters of St Lucia draw in hordes of visitors every year. The island has earned the title of world’s leading honeymoon destination no fewer than eight times, and with good reason.
Most guests arrive on cruise liners at the island’s main port, Castries, where they can go hunting for souvenirs at the Castries Central Market. Many then head for the white sands of Sugar Beach and enjoy snorkeling in the crystal clear waters.
More adventurous souls can enjoy a mountain bike ride beneath the dense rainforest, or brave a zip-line tour through the tree canopies. A visit to the fascinating Soufriere Volcano with its bubbling sulphur springs is not to be missed. Likewise the UNESCO-listed twin peaks of the Pitons, which await the daring hiker. Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens offers a stunning retreat from the world, with its astonishing variety of tropical fauna and flora, hot mineral springs, and rainbow coloured waterfall. The Pigeon Island National Park is also popular among tourists for its pristine beaches. For the best panoramic views of the island, visitors can hike up to the old town of Vieux Fort.
Not just the domain of the newly weds, St Lucia has plenty for the whole family. Children can enjoy attractions such as the safe swimming beach of Anse Chastanet, and pirate-themed sea adventures.
Climate in St Lucia
Like all Caribbean islands, St Lucia enjoys a hot, tropical climate throughout the year, though the average daily temperatures of 80°F (27°C) tend to be tempered by trade winds. Showers can occur throughout the year, but they are usually over quickly; the driest time on the island is between January and March. Hurricane season is generally from June to November.
Health Notes when travelling to St Lucia
There are few health risks associated with travel to St Lucia, although the mosquito-carried dengue fever is a risk throughout the island. No vaccinations are required, but a yellow fever certificate is necessary for travellers arriving from infected areas. Healthcare costs are high and health insurance that covers medical evacuation is recommended.
Safety Notes when travelling to St Lucia
Most visits to St Lucia are trouble-free, but visitors should take common-sense precautions against robbery and theft. Isolated areas, such as beaches, should be avoided after dark. Hurricane season is generally from June to November.
Customs in St Lucia
It is an offence for anyone to dress in camouflage clothing. Certain homosexual acts are illegal.
Duty Free in St Lucia
Travellers to St Lucia who are over the age of 18 may bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 225g tobacco, 1.2 litre wine or spirits, and other gifts or souvenirs to the value of $250 without paying customs duty.
Doing Business in St Lucia
Due to its popularity as an offshore banking location, business dress in St Lucia requires a level of formality. Handshakes for both men and women are the common form of greeting at the beginning and end of meetings, and business cards are usually exchanged. Business hours are generally 8am to 4.30pm throughout the week and 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.
Communication in St Lucia
The international access code for St Lucia is +758. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). Travellers can purchase local SIM cards for their phones, and most accommodations and many restaurants offer WiFi.
Tipping in St Lucia
Most restaurants add a 10 percent service charge; a tip of 10 to 15 percent is standard if a service charge isn’t included in the bill. Taxi drivers, porters and chambermaids also appreciate small tips.
Passport/Visa Note
Visitors must hold documents for their next destination, return or onward tickets and sufficient funds. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from St. Lucia. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens require a passport valid for the period of intended stay in St Lucia. They don’t require a visa if they have an onward or return ticket, confirmation of accommodation, and can produce evidence of their ability to maintain themselves.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens require a passport valid for the period of intended stay in St Lucia. A visa is not required for stays up to 42 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must hold a passport valid for the period of intended stay. They don’t need a visa to visit St Lucia.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must hold a passport valid for the period of intended stay. Australian citizens don’t require a visa for stays of up to six weeks.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must hold a passport valid for the period of intended stay. Irish citizens don’t require a visa for stays of up to six weeks.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must hold a passport valid for the period of intended stay. New Zealand citizens (except those with a passport issued by the Cook Islands) don’t require a visa for stays of up to six weeks.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must hold a passport valid for the period of intended stay. South African citizens don’t require a visa for stays of up to six weeks.
Tourist Offices
St Lucia Tourist Office, Castries: +1 758 452 4094 or http://www.stlucia.org
- Tourist Authority Offices in the United States:
St Lucia Tourist Board, New York, United States: +1 800 456 3984 or [email protected]
- Tourist Authority Offices in Canada:
St Lucia Tourist Board, Toronto, Canada: +1 800 869 0377 or [email protected]
- Tourist Authority Offices in the United Kingdom:
St Lucia Tourist Board, London, United Kingdom: +0 207 347 7005 or [email protected]
St Lucia Embassies
- In the United States:
St Lucia Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 364 6792.
- In Canada:
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 8952.
- In the United Kingdom:
St Lucia High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7370 7123.
Foreign Embassies in St Lucia
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for St Lucia): +1 246 227 4000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission. Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for St. Lucia): +1 246 429 3550.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Castries, St Lucia: +1 758 452 2484.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for St Lucia): +1 (868) 822 5450.
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for St. Lucia): +1 876 620 4840.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
