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St Lucia, One of the
Windward Islands, it is located in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean
chain of islands and is approximately 21 miles south of Martinique and
90 miles northwest of Barbados. Castries (population 50,000) is the
island’s capital and is situated North-west of the island.
St. Lucia is the sort of island that travelers to the Caribbean dream
about--a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown. One
of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located midway
down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent,
and north of Barbados. St. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles
wide, with a shape that is said to resemble either a mango or an avocado
(depending on your taste). The Atlantic Ocean kisses its eastern shore,
while the beaches of the west coast owe their beauty to the calm
Caribbean Sea.
BEST ST. LUCIA
RESORTS:
OTHER
MAIN ATTRACTIONS AND ECOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE ADVENTURIST:
 St. Lucia possesses a
topography and ecology of stunning beauty, matched by no other location
in the Caribbean. The island's pride in its natural resources is evident
in the country's ongoing protection and conservation efforts. In the
mountainous interior lies the enormous National Rain Forest, and the
island's protected coastal sights include the breathtaking,
unforgettable spires of Les Pitons. All sorts of nature hikes, tours,
and programs have been developed to showcase these peerless assets,
allowing visitors to enjoy the island without harming its complex and
fragile environment.
St. Lucia's environmental philosophy also extends beyond its shoreline
to the protection of its beautiful coral reefs, with their rich and
diverse tropical sea life. The government has created four preservation
areas, encompassing all of the island's outstanding reefs. Watersports
enthusiasts, divers, and boat owners are required to purchase a permit
before entering the reserve, and the fees are used for repairs to the
reef and preserving threatened marine species.
The Pitons
Located near Soufriere, these primeval twin peaks, topping 2,000 feet,
are St. Lucia's most famous landmark. Only the most daring climbers have
ventured an ascent to their summits, but they can be seen in all their
glory from Mt. Gimie or from the decks of a boat offshore.
National Rain Forest
Of particular appeal to bird watchers, hikers and nature lovers, it
covers 19,000 acres of lush mountains and valleys. It is home to giant
ferns, birds of paradise and many other indigenous tree species, exotic
flowers and fruits, and its paths are strewn with tiny bromeliads, wild
orchids and mushrooms. Among the rare and beautiful birds adding color
to the scene are the brightly-hued St. Lucia Parrot, known locally as
the "jacquot," the White Breasted Thrasher, the St. Lucia Peewee, and
the St. Lucia Oriole. For organized tours, contact the Forest and Lands
Department at 450-2231.
The Sulphur Springs
Now dormant, it is the world's only drive-in volcano. A tour of its
bubbly, steamy sulphur springs offers a direct and fascinating lesson in
the violent geology of the Caribbean Rim.
Mt. Gimie
At 3,117 feet, it is the highest point on St. Lucia. One of the best
eye-filling views of this peak is to be had on emerging from the rain
forest. Guided tours are conducted up the mountain.
Diamond Falls
France's King Louis XVI had bathhouses built for his troops at these
natural, mineral-rich falls. An invigorating shower under the cascading
waters is still a refreshing break.
Latille Gardens
This beautiful hidden treasure of St. Lucia is filled with luscious
fruits, blooming flowers, thriving plants, shading trees, and vibrant
waterfalls. A walk on the waterfall trails or a relaxing night under the
moon and stars, amidst the scent of healthy vegetation, are adventures
not to be missed. For more information, contact the Gardens at (758)
454-0202.
Wildlife
Two small islands off the coast of Vieux Fort, the Maria Islands are a
nature reserve and the refuge of two species found nowhere else in the
world. The Kouwes Snake, noted as the world's rarest snake, and the
Zandoli Te, a ground lizard whose males display a brilliant blue tail.
Frigate Island is a haven for frigate birds during mating season.
Nature Hikes, Tours, and Programs - Barre de L'isle Rain Forest Trail
The highlight of this trail, which runs along the perimeter of the rain
forest, is a climb to the top of Morne la Combe that is only for the
stout of heart. The mountain, towering 1,446 feet, lies on the Barre de
Lisle ridge and offers panoramic views west to the Roseau and Mabouya
valleys. The walk takes approximately three hours. For more information,
call 450-2231/7-8.
Union Nature Trail
A beautiful, looping, graveled path parades through a dry forest
punctuated by hummingbirds, warblers, and finches. The nature of the
trail allows up close and personal views of several spectacular
introduced tree species, medicinal herbs, and local fruit trees, plus
exotic wildlife at a miniature zoo. There is also a center that provides
information about the island's endangered species, vegetation zones, and
life in the forest. The tour lasts just over one hour.
Naturalist Tour
This tour is particularly appealing to those interested in horticulture,
biology, entomology, ornithology, and native flora and fauna. Though it
is guided, the tour will venture off the beaten track to wherever the
participants desire to go, including up and down mountains, into the
forests and bushes. The schedule and prices vary, depending on the type
of tour and the number of participants. For further information contact
the Forestry Department.
Fregate Island Nature Trail
This tour along St. Lucia's Atlantic Coast offers several scenic views
on a mile-long trail circling the national park. The tour calls on the
breeding ground of St. Lucia's Fregate bird population, a locale that is
also home to a number of rare species of birds, Boa Constrictors, and
some unusual forms of vegetation. Tours are arranged through the St.
Lucia National Trust.
Morne Le Blanc/Laborie
Morne Le Blanc towers over the coastal community of Laborie and the
southern plains of St. Lucia. The mountain's summit affords a view of
distant St. Vincent and a scenic, shady rest spot for picnics.
Southern Safari
This tour by bus travels through St. Lucia's interior with stops at
historic sites, including a working still at an old plantation house in
Balembouche, interesting remains of a waterwheel, and ancient Amerindian
"potholes." Another version of this tour includes a visit to the Pitons
and a petroglyph site, returning by boat along the west coast. Lunch is
included in the tour. For further information, call 452-5005.
Hardy Point Cactus Valley Walking Trek
This walking tour (which can also be taken by bus) begins at Hardy
Point, a natural outcrop with splendid views of the entire Esperance
Bay, the northern coast and the La Sociere mountain range. There are
stops in Cactus Valley (aptly named because of its numerous resident
species) and at several of the "blowholes" created by the force of the
Atlantic Ocean. Across Donkey Beach, the trek visits Pigeon Island for
sightseeing and swimming. Lunch at the Jambe de Bois Restaurant is
included.
Mankote Mangrove
Located on the southeast coast, just outside of Vieux Fort, it is the
principle source of nutrients for the island's natural fish nursery in
the nearby Savannes Bay. A viewing tower provides an excellent vantage
point for bird watching and a diorama and brochures provide information
on the unique features of the Mangrove. Guided tours can be arranged
through the St. Lucia national Trust (452-5005) or the Caribbean Natural
Resources Institute (454-6060).
General Sales Information
Arrival and Entry
Formalities:
Valid passports are required for all visitors, except US and Canadian
citizens who possess valid return tickets and I.D. and stay for less
than six months. Visas are not required for citizens of the US or
Commonwealth countries, or where there is agreement for exemption
between the home country and St. Lucia.
Currency:
The currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar which is
linked to the US Dollar at the exchange rate of US$1 to EC$2.65. US
Dollars are readily accepted throughout the island. Most hotels will
exchange reasonable amounts of foreign currency, and there are change
bureaus in Castries. The National Commercial Bank (NCB) has a branch at
Hewanorra International Airport where EC Dollars can be exchanged for
foreign currency. It is open daily from 12:30pm until the last flight
departs. A passport and ticket are required as proof of returning
visitor status.
Departure Tax:
There is a Departure Tax of EC$35 for all passengers leaving the island.
Language:
St. Lucia's principal language is English,
but a French-based patois is widely
spoken.
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