St. Lucia Information
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Start Planning Your St Lucia Vacation
St. Lucia Overview
If you’re looking for a vacation where you can do anything from lounge on the beach, drive right up to the base of a dormant volcano, or splash around in mineral springs, then book a trip to St. Lucia. St. Lucia is a lush, mountainous island that literally lifts your five senses – sight, taste, hearing, feel and smell. See the gorgeous beach and mountains. Taste the fresh rain air as you hike through rain forests past waterfalls. Hear amazing music at the numerous family-friendly music festivals. And feel the history of this magical island as you tour historic plantations, all while smelling the sweet, ocean air. St. Lucia has you covered on all fronts. Although it’s been known in the past as the ultimate destination for romance, St. Lucia is also perfect for adventure and relaxation; you don’t have to be in love to love St. Lucia. It's got plenty to suit all your senses.
Other Destinations in St-Lucia
Mapping Out St. Lucia
Steep hills and sharp turns might be common on the west coast, between Castries and Soufriere, but the scenery is amazing. If you're looking for the country’s pinnacle landmark, the Piton Mountains, you can find them here.
With dense vegetation and stunning mountains, the terrain becomes flat and arid as it nears the tip of the Southern Coast, between the Pitons and Vieux Fort. This is where you'll find the Hewanorra International Airport.
The northern region of the west coast, from north of Soufriere up to Pigeon Island and Marigot Bay, is the main tourist area. You’ll want to spend some time there or at Rodney Bay for restaurants, casinos, shops and nightlife.
Find Paradise at the Pitons
Name a landmark for New York City. I bet you said "the Statue of Liberty." When you ask people to name a landmark for St. Lucia, they'll say "the Pitons Mountains."
If you're in St. Lucia, you've got to see the Piton Mountains. Not only are they the most photographed landmark on the island, but they're also a breathtaking sight to see. Just imagine two lush, green peaks towering over the blue ocean. It's something you really have to see for yourself.
If you're an adventure-seeker and a seasoned hiker, then you can hike the mountains, too. However, if you're a beginner, you might want to just stay on the ground and take some pictures. It's just as beautiful below as it is on top!
You'll Wow at These Waterfalls
While you're in St. Lucia, definitely plan on spending some time at Soufriere.
Once you arrive, you can explore the botanical gardens and see mesmerizing waterfalls cascading into the waters below. Take a tour of the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Waterfall, and you'll hike along easy paths lined with lush gardens. Eventually, you'll come to a bubbling springs where you can take a dip.
Once you reach the base of the Diamond Waterfall, slip on your bathing suit and soak in the cool, refreshing mineral springs. What a perfect way to spend a day!
Let Smooth Jazz Soothe You
Every year, the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival turns up the island beats. The country’s most popular event hosts thousands in quaint, rustic village settings like Port Castries and Pigeon Island National Landmark.
The 13-day festival has featured artists such as R. Kelly, Ojays, The Jacksons, Tito Puente Jr. and several more.
You’ll enjoy a fusion of music, art, fashion shows, and Friday night fish-fries. Get ready to tap your feet to the sounds of Caribbean jazz, Creole collaborations and African-infused funky rhythms that can only be found here.
Summertime Carnival
If you're ready for a taste of the real St. Lucia, head to the Summertime Carnival.
Here, the streets come alive with colorful parades, steel drum competitions and lots of street dancing. If you want to make sure not to miss the St. Lucia Summertime Carnival, make sure you'll be visiting during the month of July. It's a month-long celebration, so any time that month would be the perfect time to visit.
While you're there, you'll be treated to music, dance, costumes and theatre. As the energy fills the streets, you’ll find your foot thumping to the sounds of Calypso. This cultural explosion cannot be missed.
Step into the Past with this Plantation
If you consider yourself a history buff or are just interested in learning about the culture of St. Lucia, then visiting one of its plantations is the perfect way to spend a day.
We recommend checking out the Balenbouche Estate. There you can stay in one of the charming cottages on the property, or just stop by for the day and take a guided tour of the plantation.
You'll get to see organic farming and solar power put to work. The mother and daughter duo who run this estate will make sure you have a great time and learn a lot, too!
Shopping St. Lucia
When it comes to souvenirs, we believe in shopping local – and often! And some of our favorite island items are the colorfully painted masks from local woodcarver Zaka. You can find his Technicolor totems in gift shops across the island but if you’re in Soufriere, stop by his cottage for the largest selection of masks (made from recycled wood and old telephone poles), starting at just $20. Other tried-and-true souvenir sources: In Castries, we head to the main market for straw baskets and spices; and Caribelle Batik, where you can watch artisans make tropical-printed fabrics and buy island-inspired clothing to take home. Searching for a designer bauble at duty-free pricing? Check out the jewelry shops in the arcade at Point Seraphine, also in Castries.
St. Lucia Quick Facts
Language
English is the official language.
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the country’s currency, but also the US Dollar and the Euro are widely accepted
Electricity
220v
Passport/Immigration
Visitor passports must be valid for at least three months prior to the completion of travel to St. Lucia.
Drinking Water
Drink only bottled or boiled water
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (UTC/GMT -4 hours)
Peak Season
The peak travel season for St. Lucia runs from mid-December to mid-April.
Climate
| High* | Low* | Precip.* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82°F | 76°F | 5 in. |
| February | 82°F | 76°F | 3 in. |
| March | 83°F | 77°F | 3 in. |
| April | 84°F | 78°F | 4 in. |
| May | 86°F | 80°F | 5 in. |
| June | 85°F | 81°F | 7.5 in. |
| July | 85°F | 50°F | 10 in. |
| August | 86°F | 80°F | 10 in. |
| September | 86°F | 80°F | 10 in. |
| October | 86°F | 79°F | 12 in. |
| November | 84°F | 79°F | 11 in. |
| December | 83°F | 77°F | 6 in. |
*Historical averages.
