Best Caribbean Ports Of Call - St Lucia

Your cruise ship will be due to berth at Pointe Seraphine in Castries. From here the center of town can be reached on foot in 15 minutes. On rare occasions, when the main port anchorages are full, your ship will dock at Port Careenage, which is further from town. The main facility can handle 5 to 6 ships on any one day. Taxi fares are set, so ensure you use a regulated, marked by a TX on the number plate.

For more port details check the St Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority Website. For a comprehensive list of cruise ships that call at St Lucia see Cruises Visiting St Lucia.

Shops
You'll find two modern tax-free shopping cemters at either side of the docks. Pointe Seraphine, the closer, offers souvenirs and regionally sourced handicrafts. The island's best-known products are hand-screened batiks, impressive pottery and simple straw baskets and jars. Across the port La Carenage is a large shopping center packed with outlets and restaurants. Water taxis are available between the two centers. For an entirely different experience, drop in on the local and rombustious market situated in midtown Castries. Here the first Market Hall, constructed entirely of iron and completed in 1894, still exists. The market hosts over 300 vendors.

Dining
For food-lovers 2 establishments stand out in Castries. The Coal Pot, which features New World cooking, a match of Creole seafood with exquisite French cooking. Alternatively try Froggie Jacques Tropical Bistro for another type of fusion cooking. Both these two establishments are located in Ganters, near the dock.

Derek Walcott Square
The square is named after the St. Lucian-born Nobel Prize Winner for Literature, best known for his superb poetry. For a quote-

Those five or six young guys
lunched on the stoop
that oven-hot summer night
whistled me over. Nice
and friendly. So, I stop.
MacDougal or Christopher
Street in chains of light.
(Blues)

The main building on the square is the 19th century Cathedral. Its sombre shape belies a stylish inside famous for the colorful stained-glass windows. Also in the square don't miss a 400 year old samaan tree. Nearby you will reach Morne Fortune, translated as lucky hill. At the top sits Fort Charlotte, from here it's possible to enjoy a all around view of the surrounding island.

Tour to Soufriere
Soufriere is St Lucia's oldest town named by the French after the sulphorous odour that seeps down from the closeby volcano. Situated to the south of the island and in a beautiful setting, it is about an hour's trip from Castries, along a winding road traversing steep, green-clad terrain.

The town still contains some ancient Creole wooden houses, but it is most famous for its stunning natural surroundings. Wonder at the famous twin Pitons,a drive-in volcano, visit its sulphur pools. And include in your visit the impressive Diamond Falls waterfall. Currently Holland America offer a cruise that visits both Castries and Sourfriere. See Cruises to Soufriere.

Trip to Pigeon Island
This beauty place isn't actually an island, as it is joined to the mainland by a articificial causeway. Pigeon Island has a greater amount of history than any other part St Lucia. It has been used both as a pirate hideout and a military station. Interesting are the partially restored ruins of an eighteenth century fort constructed by the British. Also check out the Pigeon Island Museum, which chronicles St Lucia's development. Windstar cruiseline call at Pigeon Island,.

Trip to Rodney Bay
Rodney Bay is St Lucia's main resort, a buzzing town of shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels centered on Reduit Beach, a beautiful stretch of fine sand. The town is about a 15 minutes by taxi from Castries.

Excursion to Fond Doux Estate
This nineteenth century West Indies style operational plantation gives visitors the opportunity to experience a real feel, taste and smell for St Lucia due to the tropical fruits and plants in the grounds. There are acres of cocoa bushes, banana trees and coconut palms along with nutmet, coffee, cinnamon, and lots of citrus fruits. The fruit orchards, sugar mill and fascinating herbs garden are open for tourists to see. Fond Doux's restaurant serves a typical Creole cuisine.

Jungle Adventures
St Lucia's steep, hilly terrain is ideal for adventure. On offer are walking, biking and horse-riding. The daredevils amongst you will try out the zip-wire lines soaring above the jungle. An alternative is more relaxing Aerial Tram, which offers wonderful views of the lovely surroundings.

Day Out at the Beach
St Lucia is well-known for its stunning beaches. A handful are in or closeby to Castries. Vigie Beach, Malabar Beach, Choc Beach, and La Toc Beach are all easy to get to.

Local Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) U.S. dollars are widely ok
Language: French & English
Time Zone: GMT minus 4 hours
Destination Guide: Castries Port Guide