The friendly, well-informed taxi drivers of St. Lucia
are happy to show you this protected paradise of waterfalls, rain
forests, valleys and hillsides that harbor vanilla vines, orchids,
warblers and the endangered St. Lucia parrot. While shopping for
wood carvings, world renown rum, handmade batiks and locally-blended
perfumes, take time to taste the French West Indian or Creole delicacies
like curried goat or shark touffe. Seek out a secluded beach, snorkel,
scuba or simply sway to the Caribbean rhythm of calypso or reggae
- St. Lucia makes no demands but one: relax. St. Lucia is located
between Martinique and St. Vincent, northwest of Barbados. St. Lucia
is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. This exotic destination is also
the home of Les Pitons, the twin volcanic peaks that rise up to 2,619.
Currency
The Eastern Caribbean dollar is fixed to the US dollar at US $1.00=EC
$2.70. Traveler's checks and major credit cards are generally accepted.
A pocket calculator can also be helpful when you shop to help convert
US dollars to Eastern Caribbean dollars.
Language
English is the official language but all natives speak a French
Creole language commonly called patois.
Proof of Citizenship
Acceptable forms of proof of citizenship for U.S. citizens traveling
between the U.S. and our International Destinations are a valid passport,
OR a certified , state issued birth certificate with raised seal
AND a valid government photo ID, (i.e. a driver's license). It is
the traveler's responsibility to provide proper documentation. Married
women traveling with any documentation in their maiden name must
supply a marriage license (a copy is acceptable).
How do I get around?
Taxi service is readily available at taxi stands, airports and hotels.
The island is also serviced by local buses that run throughout the
island. The price to travel from the north to the south is roughly
EC $7. If you rent a car, a valid driver's license is required. Driving
is on the left-hand side of the road.
Tours
Below are a few of the tours offered in St. Lucia. There are many
more in addition to the ones listed.
ActivitiesAttractions
St. Lucia is a natural paradise. The island supports over 1,179
species of flowering plant and more than 150 species of birds. Below
are some examples of the sites you can see in St. Lucia:
St. Lucia best buys are: baskets, wood carvings, pottery, hand
screened clothing and batik textiles.
Castries Market - vendors have gathered here for more than
100 years to sell fresh fruits and vegetables, spices and local
crafts.
Pointe Seraphine - a new shopping complex that offers duty-free
imports such as perfumes, jewelry, watches, crystal and china.
This shopping center offers more than 20 shops.
Bagshaws - is the islands finest silk-screening fabrics and
clothing. It is located 2 miles from Castries.
Nightlife
The northern village of Gros Islet is the site of "Jump Up," a
Caribbean-style street party held once a week. This is a combination
of street dancing and a street fair. Hundreds of locals and tourists
take up the entire main street with Caribbean food, dancing and
music. The "Jump Up" is something you won't want to miss! Another
great spot to go to for night life is the Rodney Bay area. It is
filled with local nighttime institutions.
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