St. Lucia is rich in natural beauty – and there is so much to see and do. This tropical island beckons the visitor to explore. Historical, cultural and heritage sites can be found throughout the island. Local tour companies combining several of the sites and attractions offer a large variety of tours.

Attractions and tours can be sought by location as well as by type. More recently St. Lucia has developed a multiplicity of community based heritage tourism sites, these are well marked with Heritage Tourism Site signage.

Of course, St. Lucia being a tropical island, is surrounded by water. Boat tours – daytime or at sunset are also options to choose from. St Lucia lies at latitude 13 54’ north of the Equator and 60 50’ west. 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.

The island is 238 sq. miles (616 sq.km), 27 miles long, 14 miles wide with a combination of high mountains, forests, low lying lands and beaches. A central mountain range runs the length of the island, with peaks ranging between 1000and 3145 feet. Forests dominate the mountains, while jasmine, scarlet chenille and wild orchids provide splashes of colour to the lush green slopes. The two towering volcanic cones on the southwest coast, Gros Piton (797m) and Petit Piton (750m) are one of the Caribbean’s most famous landmarks. The volcanic origin of the island provides visitors with an opportunity to visit a “drive-in volcano” and take a dip in the reputedly therapeutic sulfur springs.

Tourist Board

St Lucia Tourism Board - http://www.stlucia.org

Getting There

Air: From the United States, there are numerous flights with:  American Airlines, US Airways and Delta.

From the UK, St. Lucia is serviced by: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

American Eagle

and LIAT offers an extensive service for regional travel and connections to international destinations.

There are two (2) airports on the island: Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort (UVF) is located 40 miles south of Castries and George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU) which adorns a pleasant coastline on the outskirts Castries.

Ferry: L Express Des Isles operates a new ultra modern high speed Catamaran service between St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe. http://www.stlucia.org/planner/inter_island.asp

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES 

#1 ~ Scuba dive world class sites: Keyhole Pinnacles consisting of 4 sea mounts rising from incredible depths to within a few feet of the surface or Superman's Flight, adrift dive on a gentle wall which drops to 1,600 feet. Snorkeling opportunities are also available to see the stunning and colorful marine life.

#2 ~ Biking has become a popular way to enjoy the island, and there are biking tours for beginners and the more experienced riders. For the adventurer, head into Soufrière for an ocean-side trail ride at Anse Chastanet. View of the world-famous Gros Piton and Petit Piton mountains, this is an experience unique to St. Lucia!

#3 ~ The natural beauty of this tropical island seems to have been created for romantics making it ideal for weddings and honeymoons. Palm fringed beaches,elegant old plantation houses, the soft tropical air, hypnotic steel band music, the tantalizing aroma of the cuisine combined all make weddings,honeymoons and anniversaries popular.

#4 ~ Hike Millet Bird Sanctuary Trail with over 30 species of birds including five endemic species: St. Lucia Parrot, St.Lucia Black Finch, St. Lucia Oriole, St. Lucia Pewee and St. Lucia Warbler. The hike provides breathtaking views of the Roseau Dam, largest in the Eastern Caribbean. For other top hikes see: www.stlucia.org/activity/soft_adventure.asp

#5 ~ The island is recognized as one of the leading marine watching in the region. Over 20 whale & dolphin species are spotted throughout the year, including humpbacks, pilot and sperm whales plus spinner and spotted dolphins. An abundance of turtles emerge on beaches November through March thanks to the environmental protection on these threatened species.

#6 ~ Experience the St. Lucian way of life with a tour to a heritage community in Babonneau called Fond Assau. Learn traditional practices such as preparation of cassava bread, cooking on macambou leaves,catching crayfish in the river, and the authentic display of wood-sawing while Chak Chak band plays traditional music.

#7 ~ Windsurf the challenging waves at Casen Bas and Vieux Fort, the most popular spots for advanced and intermediate windsurfers, while beginners will find the calmer waters of the west coast perfect for sharpening their skills. Top-of-the-line equipment and instruction is available at most hotels and several windsurfing centers around the island.

#8 ~ Choose from a huge variety of spa treatments, from the conventional to the weird and wonderful! Some of St. Lucia’s spas use the island's natural resources - banana leaf, volcanic minerals,papaya, cocoa, coffee and other rainforest plants - in their treatments.

#9 ~ Support St. Lucian artisans by purchasing authentic souvenirs at Choiseul Crafts Centre. Sitting on the main road between Hewanorra and Soufrière just south of Choiseul, this provides an outlet for local artisans. The shop sells basketry, wood carvings, pottery, dolls and cane furniture.

#10 ~ Soufrière was named by Trip Advisor as one of the top places in Latin America and the Caribbean. Among the highlights there, have a therapeutic soak in the nearby sulfur springs. This hot springs emerge as a result of the activity of a collapses volcanic crater.

Events and Festivals

Annual Food & Rum Festival http://www.foodandrumfestival.com/

AnnualJazz Festival http://www.stluciajazz.org/

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