Saint Lucia Travel Guide

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Welcome to the taste2travel Saint Lucia Travel Guide!

Date Visited: April 2015

Last Revised: June 2026

Introduction

Saint Lucia is part of the Lesser Antilles, located northeast of St. Vincent and south of Martinique.

Due to its close proximity to Martinique the French have had, historically, a huge influence on this former British colony.

The French named the island St. Lucia after Lucia of Syracuse.

Location

Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Saint Lucia is the second largest island in the Windward group in the Lesser Antilles.

The island is located about 39 km (24 mi) south of Martinique and some 34 km (21 mi) northeast of Saint Vincent.

St. Lucia is a volcanic island and hence more mountainous than most Caribbean islands.

The most famous natural landmarks are the Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), twin volcanic plugs located south of the town of Soufrière. Saint Lucia is also home to a drive-in volcano.

History

The French were the first Europeans to settle the island in 1660 after signing a treaty with the native Carib Indians.

The British first took control of the island in 1663 but subsequent wars with France resulted in frequent changes of ownership.

The French ruled the island on seven different occasions.

The British took definite control in 1814.

The island achieved independence from Britain in 1979.

The symbol of St. Lucia, the iconic ‘Pitons’ are twin volcanic plugs.

During the colonial period both the British and the French used the island as a sugar plantation, with slaves being imported from Africa to work the plantations.

Today 70% of the islands’ population are Afro-Caribbean – descendants of the former slaves.

The island has a population of 174,000.

Currency

The Eastern Caribbean dollar.

Since 1965, the official currency of St. Lucia has been the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which trades under the international currency code of XCD.

Since 1976, the EC$ has been pegged to the US dollar at the rate of US$1 = EC$2.70.

Flag

Saint Lucia Flag

The flag of Saint Lucia consists of a cerulean blue field charged with a yellow triangle which fronts a white-edged black isosceles triangle.

The blue represents the sky and the sea, specifically the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea which surround the country.

The black and white allude to the harmonious relationship between the black and white races, while the yellow symbolises ‘sunshine’.

The triangles represent the Pitons, the twin volcanic cones which are the symbol of St. Lucia.

Sightseeing

Castries

A view of the capital, Castries, from Morne Fortune.

Castries is the capital and largest city (population: 60,000) of Saint Lucia – home to more than 30% of the islands’ population.

The city is built on reclaimed land and features a sheltered harbour from which ferries depart regularly for neighbouring Martinique – for more information on the ferry service see the ‘Getting There‘ section below.

Visiting cruise ships dock in Castries harbour.

The downtown market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and for fresh local produce.

There are very few sites of interest in Castries, it’s a nice enough place to spend a couple of hours strolling.

A nice place to eat is the Pink Plantation House, located on Morne Fortune south of Castries.

The food and ambiance are well worth the drive and along the way you will have panoramic views of Castries.

Around the Island

Gros Islet

View of the north coast of St. Lucia from Fort Rodney.

This inlet at the northern end of the island is today a big tourist playground but in former times was the setting for many of the battles between the British and French.

The main attraction is Pigeon Island National Park.

Here you can visit the ruins of Fort Rodney and the various military buildings, which were used during the battles between the French and the British.

From the fort, there are spectacular views of the north-west coast and (on a clear day) neighbouring Martinique.

Located within the park, you will find a nice beach-side restaurant for lunch and a good swimming beach.

Snorkelling trips stop by here so bring your snorkel and mask.

A boat at Rodney Bay marina, flying all the flags of the Caribbean and North America.

On the mainland side of the inlet, Rodney Bay Marina offers many facilities including cafes, bars, restaurants and a supermarket.

Marigot Bay

Boats at Marigot Bay.

Marigot Bay is located on the Caribbean (west) coast, a short drive south of Castries.

The harbour is surrounded by steep hills, which offer magnificent views.

The hills are now home to many guest houses and this is where I stayed while on the island.

The inner part of the harbour provides a safe haven during hurricanes.

There is good snorkeling in the bay and an opportunity to see seahorses on the undersea break-wall – but you have to look hard for these perfectly camouflaged, tiny sea creatures.

Dive trips can be organised from the marina.

Soufrière

View of Soufrière with the twin Pitons.

This town of 8,000 was the original capital of St. Lucia and was founded by the French who managed plantations in the surrounding area.

South of Soufrière are the Pitons – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gros Piton (771m) and Petit Piton (743m) are two volcanic plugs, which plunge into the Caribbean sea.

The snorkelling off the beaches around the base of the plugs is incredible.

It’s no secret that St. Lucia is an active volcanic island so it is fitting that the island boasts the worlds only drive-in volcano.

Located a short drive south of Soufrière, you literally park your car in the crater.

Walking trails take you past bubbling mud and steaming vents.

You should bring your swimmers as you will have the opportunity to take a warm (45 degrees) mud bath, which is apparently medicinal but also lots of messy fun.

Located near the town of Soufrière, Sulphur Springs is the “world’s only drive in volcano”.

A short drive north along the coast from Soufrière will bring you to the remote and beautiful beach of Anse Chastanet.

The beach is occupied by a resort but you are welcome to park your car in their car park and use the beach at no cost.

There is good snorkelling at the southern end of the beach and a restaurant and bar for refuelling.

The access road is very narrow, windy and steep.

South of Soufrière is Sugar beach.

This beach is located between the Pitons and provides excellent snorkeling at the northern end.

The beach is now occupied by a resort but you can park your car and use the beach for free.

Ideal for swimming and snorkeling, picturesque Sugar Beach is situated between the Pitons.

Just off the highway south of Soufrière is Fond Doux Estate.

This is a working cocoa estate with onsite accommodation and a popular restaurant – a good place to stop for lunch.

East Coast

The rugged, wild east coast is less developed than the west coast.

The beaches here are exposed to the Atlantic and feature strong currents.

You could cover the attractions on the east coast on a day-trip from the west coast.

Accommodation

Saint Lucia Travel Guide: View of Marigot Bay from my guest house

View of Marigot Bay from Marigot Palms guest house.

Accommodation is concentrated on the leeward (Caribbean) side of the island.

Many of the best beaches have been sold off to luxury resorts but the beaches are open to the public and are free.

I stayed at the excellent Marigot Palms Guesthouse, which overlooks Marigot Bay.

The large rooms are kept spotlessly clean and overlook a beautiful pool and garden all of which offer panoramic views of the bay.

The guest house is owned by a friendly, enthusiastic Belgium couple.

Peak season is January to April. Best to book accommodation using an online agent such as booking.com

Eating Out

Like other Anglo-Caribbean islands, the cuisine of St. Lucia has been influenced by its African, Indian and European communities.

Curry and Roti are local favourites but have been adapted and modified so they have a distinctly Caribbean twist.

Visa Requirements

The visa policy of Saint Lucia.

Some nationalities require visas for St. Lucia – check your visa requirements prior to arrival.

Those countries highlighted in blue on the above visa policy map can visit Saint Lucia visa-free while those countries in yellow are granted a visa-on-arrival.

Getting There

Air

Hewanorra International Airport

The main international airport of Saint Lucia is Hewanorra International Airport (IATA: UVF) which is located near Vieux Fort, at the southern tip of the island.

The airport is the primary international gateway to Saint Lucia, handling long-haul flights from North America and Europe.

Like many Caribbean countries, Saint Lucia does not have a national airline.

The 53 km (33 mi) drive between Hewanorra International Airport and Castries takes about 1.5 hours.

The following airlines provide services from Hewanorra International Airport:

Air Canada Rouge – services to Toronto-Pearson
American Airlines – services to Charlotte, Miami
British Airways – services to London-Gatwick
Delta Airlines – services to Atlanta
Jet Blue – services to New York-JFK
West Jet – services to Toronto-Pearson

Airport Transport

Travellers arriving at Hewanorra International Airport can reach their destinations via taxis, private transfers (the most popular), shared shuttles or car rentals.

Because the airport is located in the south, trips to popular northern resorts in Castries or Rodney Bay take 60 to 90 minutes by road.

The journey from the south of the island to the north involves driving along winding mountain roads, which adds to the travel time.

Taxis from UVF are the standard airport transfer and are available immediately outside arrivals.

If you’re heading to Soufrière rather than Castries, you’re already close, it’s worth confirming transfer logistics with your accommodation before you land.

George F. L. Charles Airport

A 2nd, smaller airport, George F. L. Charles Airport (IATA: SLU), commonly known as Vigie Airport, is more conveniently located just 2 km from downtown Castries.

The airport mainly serves regional Caribbean flights and inter-island connections.

If you are flying to Saint Lucia from a neighbouring island, you will most probably arrive at George F. L. Charles Airport which is much more convenient.

The following airlines provide services from George F. L. Charles Airport:

Caribbean Airlines: flies to/ from Barbados, Pointe-à-Pitre, Port of Spain, St. Vincent–Argyle
InterCaribbean Airways: flies to/ from Barbados, Dominica–Douglas-Charles, St. Vincent–Argyle
LIAT20: flies to/ from Antigua, Barbados, Grenada
Sunrise Airways: flies to/ from Antigua, Barbados, Dominica–Douglas-Charles, Fort-de-France, Grenada, St. Vincent–Argyle
Air Adelphi: flies to/ from Fort-de-France, St. Vincent–Argyle
Winair: flies to/ from Barbados, Dominica–Douglas-Charles, Fort-de-France, St. Maarten, St. Vincent–Argyle

Airport Transport

Transport options from George F. L. Charles Airport include taxis, pre-booked private transfers, and car rentals.

Because the airport is located very close to the capital of Castries, there are no public buses servicing the terminal directly.

Sea

Cruise Ship

Cruise ships regularly call at Saint Lucia, and it is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the eastern Caribbean.

Cruise ships typically dock in or near the capital Castries, using two main facilities:

Pointe Seraphine Cruise Terminal – a modern duty-free shopping and docking complex close to the city centre
La Place Carenage – another central berth used for additional ships and smaller vessels

When larger ships are in port, some may anchor in Castries Harbour and tender passengers ashore.

International Ferry Services

“FRS Express des îles” route map.

Saint Lucia ↔ Guadeloupe

Saint Lucia has one international ferry service, which is provided by the French company FRS Express des Îles – who happen to offer one of the best ferry services in the entire Caribbean.

A thrice-weekly service operates between Castries (Saint Lucia) and Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday with a sailing time of 7 hours and 15 minutes.

From Guadeloupe, FRS Express des Îles offer regular connections to Roseau (Dominica) and Fort-de-France (Martinique).

Guadeloupe ↔ Dominica

Operated by FRS Express des Îles, this service connects Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe with Roseau in Dominica with a travel time of around 2–3 hours.

Guadeloupe ↔ Martinique

After calling at Dominica, the same high-speed ferry then travels onto Martinique (Fort-de-France) with a sailing time from Dominica of 2 hours and 15 minutes

All tickets can be booked in advance online!

Getting Around

Public transportation on St. Lucia relies primarily on shared minibuses and taxis.

It is a highly affordable and authentic way to explore the island, though it operates on flexible schedules rather than rigid timetables.

Buses have green license plates, while taxis have blue plates.

Public Transport

Minibuses connect major hubs, travelling between the capital of Castries in the north and towns like Gros Islet, Soufrière, and Vieux Fort in the south.

Operating without fixed timetables, they run on fixed routes, departing only when full.

Fares are incredibly cheap, ranging from EC$2.50 to EC$8.00 (approx. US$1 to US$3) depending on the distance.

Taxis

Taxis on Saint Lucia are plentiful and often the best way to travel if you don’t have your own rental car.

Vehicles are clearly marked with a “TX” plate and can be found at every airport terminal, cruise-ship berths in Castries, Soufrière and Rodney Bay, and outside most larger hotels.

To use a taxi you simply queue at the rank or phone any of the island-wide dispatch numbers posted at the stands.

Trips are negotiated before you set off, there is no meter, so its essentially that you agree on the fare first.