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GENERAL INFORMATION
GETTING THERE: There are only two ways to get to St. Lucia, or else you’re in for a very long swim. Most people travel by plane - there are two major airports, one on the south shore (UVF) in Vieux Fort, and one to the north in the capital city of Castries (SLU). Though the Castries airport tends to be more central to the major resorts, Vieux Fort is a much larger airport that services most international flights. In fact, many resorts on the north shore offer shuttle services from Vieux Fort, along with a two-hour ride.
The second option for getting to St. Lucia is by ship. There are five major ports, all along the west coast of the island, with the major port in the capital city of Castries. Pretty much every major line sends ships to Castries, even though it is NOT a major Caribbean port - you will often find it on Southern Caribbean routes.
HIGH SEASON: The best time to visit Saint Lucia is in the high season, from December to April. During this season, you'll experience the most sunshine. If you are looking for a more laid-back vibe, the 'wet' season might be your pick during the months of June to November.
LOW SEASON: May through September see the fewest tourist. During these times you will experience a wider variety of options when it comes to accommodations and attractions.
TIME ZONE: St. Lucia is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone (+1 hour ahead of Eastern Time Zone) and does not observe Daylight Savings.
LANGUAGE: The most common language in St. Lucia is English, especially in the younger generations. Natives also speak Kweyol (QUAY-eoll), which is Creole French that has been adapted from its many cultural influences. If you like to be a more immersed traveler and less of a tourist, we suggest learning a few simple phrases and being cognizant of their customs while visiting.
CLIMATE: St. Lucia is essentially the most central island in the Greater Antilles chain of islands and boasts some of the most pleasant weather, too. Average temperatures range consistently between 84 and 87 degrees year-round. Dry season, also high season, is December to April. Rainy season, also hurricane season, is June through December.
Since St. Lucia is considered a tropical rainforest climate, expect rain! Do not fret like many Caribbean islands, the rain leaves about as quickly and suddenly as it starts. And though St. Lucia is not exempt from hurricanes, hurricanes are rare. NOTE: many of the incredible cultural festivals and events happen during low/rainy season, so chancing the rain may be your best bet at getting a full, immersive St. Lucian experience!
MONEY/CURRENCY (CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT CARDS, TIPPING, ATMS):
St. Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar as their currency; however, the US Dollar is accepted, and easily converted at banks and ATMs at the airports and across the island. Be aware! Banks typically close at 2pm during the week. Additionally, many resorts and hotels can do a currency exchange for you.
As with most Caribbean islands, St. Lucia is an independent nation (NOT a US territory), therefore it is advised to notify your financial institutions ahead of time of your travel plans. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and ATM can be found throughout the island, especially in the main port areas/cities, and airports.
As far as tipping goes, tips are NOT automatically added to your bill in St. Lucia. The recommendation for additional gratuity is between 10 and 12%. It is also polite to tip not only restaurant waitstaff, but also bellhops, spa personnel, taxi drivers, and others providing personal services.
ELECTRICITY: It is strongly encouraged to take a power converter, as St. Lucia almost exclusively has higher voltage than the US. St. Lucia uses 240 volts and 50 AC, where US standard is 110 Volts and 60 AC. Most resorts will provide adapters, but purchasing your own inexpensive adapter is advised.
For a more detailed packing list click here.
IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE DAY AS A CRUISE STOP
If you are visiting St. Lucia by cruise ship, chances are you’ll be visiting the capital city of Castries, which lies to the north along the western shore. Castries is a great little town, vibrant and fun, so try to save a little time in your day to explore. The priority here is getting the best cruise excursion and trying to set out first thing once your ship docks. Cruise passengers tend to be a little disappointed when they step out on their balcony and do not immediately see the Pitons … that’s because they lay about 45 minutes to the south in Soufriere!
We recommend either a small group or even a private tour to the Soufriere area. Once in Soufriere, depending on the level of activity you are comfortable with, visiting the Pitons is a must. For the adventurous, take a hike! (Note: Gros Piton is a much easier hike, as its incline is more gradual. Petit Piton, though not as tall, has a nearly vertical incline!). If hiking isn’t for you, hop on a catamaran and view from the water. A water excursion would take you for a sail along
the Pitons, followed by snorkeling and a trip to a local beach. Also nearby: gorgeous waterfalls, a drive-through volcano, and the Sulfur Springs mud baths. There are land excursions that typically include most or all these activities in one outing, before returning you back to your ship.
IF YOU ARE VISITING FOR A WEEK
A whole week in St. Lucia means seven days of pure bliss. This idyllic destination sets the stage for ultimate R&R, with a little adventure mixed in. When you mix the size of the island with its draw for down time, the goal is to take your time and spread out activities throughout the week. Keep in mind that cost of airfare can vary greatly from season to season, and even day to day. Flying in and out on days other than Friday or Saturday is most ideal. Our itinerary is from Thursday to Thursday/Friday.
DAY 1
Your first day is all about transitioning into vacation mode. Most flights to St. Lucia will get you there by mid-afternoon, which means you’ll only have a few hours left to get checked in and acquainted with your accommodations. Also, most international flights will arrive on the south side of the island, and the most popular resorts are in the north, which can be a one to two-hour drive. Unpack, rewind, and enjoy dinner on site.
DAY 2
Ease into adventure today. This is a great time to dive into the culture and get to know the island a bit. After breakfast, take a trip to the capital city of Castries. Things to do - head up to the city viewpoint, or even tour the Hilltop View Guesthouse to get a literal lay-of-the-land, and then take a stroll through Central Market, along the main harbor, and along the beach. By late afternoon, make your way to the town of Gros Islet, and get ready for a truly St. Lucian experience! Most of the town is transformed into their weekly street party, which includes local food vendors, performers, live music, and a blend of locals and tourists enjoying island life!
DAY 3
This is a great day to sleep in and take your relaxation to the max. Consider brunch on the beach or even in your room and spend the day basking in the sunshine and warm waters. If you’d prefer to venture off property, this is a great time to head up to Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island. Once there, go for a swim, meander through the fort, or even snorkel offshore.
DAY 4
Today is the day for epic adventures! You’ll notice other visitors heading home today, which makes today perfect for doing the more popular attractions. There are a few companies that will do a half or full day tour, either as a small group or even privately - they will pick you up and return you to your resort and will take you to all the best sites! Start with a morning hike near or on the Pitons (depending on your activity level and commitment!). If you choose only a half-day adventure, head over to explore either Diamond or Toraille Falls, followed by a drive literally through the volcano, and then a stop at the Sulphur Springs and Mud baths before heading back to your resort. If you choose a full-day adventure, we suggest hiking first, followed by a trip to the chocolate farm for a tour and tasting, then heading out after lunch to do the waterfalls, volcano and finally mud baths before returning to your resort.
DAY 5
After all of yesterday’s activity, today is for decompressing, and probably going through all of your pictures from your adventures. Grab a pool or beach cabana, order some lunch, and give yourself permission to do as little as possible. Six months from now, you’ll be glad you took the time to do nothing! St. Lucia is also known for its world-class spas, so we highly recommend pampering yourself today! This evening, consider getting dressed up a touch and enjoying an unforgettable dinner on the beach, watching the sun sink below the horizon.
DAY 6
There’s one more thing you must do before heading home: getting out on the water! Seeing St. Lucia from the water is the best way to appreciate its incredible landscape. Water charters/tours can range from two to eight hours, depending on your preference. Ideally, choose an excursion with a little bit of everything: swimming, snorkeling, food, and sailing. Aim for an afternoon adventure too, that way you can catch one last sunset, but from the water this time!
DAY 7
Depending on your flights, you may leave either mid-afternoon or later into the evening today, giving you part or most of the day today to get in a few more hours of enjoying St. Lucia. Chances are, your resort has so much to do, and you’ve realized you haven’t quite seen or done it all yet - well this is your chance! One more restaurant, one more dip in the pool, or one more stroll along the beach, before packing up, checking out, and heading back home.
Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to take your next adventure! Let's plan your St. Lucian Adventure.
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER BLOGS ON ST. LUCIA
Our Top 7 Adventures to Experience in St. Lucia
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