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Travel guide – St Lucia

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Overview

St Lucia is indeed a Caribbean dream: a small, lush tropical gem of an island that is still relatively unknown and undeveloped, although it does offer a good variety of accommodation for tourists, including a few discreet resorts. St Lucia is one of the Windward isles of the Lesser Antilles, situated midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain between Martinique and St Vincent, just north of Barbados. It is tiny - only 27 miles (43km) long and 14 miles (23km) wide, shaped like an avocado.

The volcanic island’s main landmarks are the Pitons, two soaring peaks on its southern coast, that rise up from the sea and shelter magnificent dense rain forest where wild orchids grow and brilliantly-plumed tropical birds abound. The Creole people of the island are as warm as the tropical climate, and visitors are treated to plenty of smiles as they make the most of the island’s natural beauty and secluded golden beaches, where coral reefs beckon snorkellers and scuba divers.

Most visitors are day-trippers who arrive on cruise liners at the island’s main port, Castries, and generally do little more than shop for souvenirs. Those who have time to explore, however, are enchanted by the walks, cycling trails and natural beauty spots on the island, including the fascinating Soufriere volcano, with its bubbling sulphur springs.

The island has been left with a distinct French flavour, although its earliest colonists in the 17th century were British. The colonial history of the island, first settled by Arawak Indians around 200 AD, is a long saga of battles for control between the French and British. Britain eventually won the war in 1814, and granted independence under the Commonwealth to St Lucia in 1979.

Climate

Like all Caribbean islands, St Lucia enjoys a hot, tropical climate throughout the year. The average daily temperatures of 80°F (27°C) tend to be tempered by trade winds. The driest time on the island is between January and March but showers can occur throughout the year, however they are usually over quickly.

Health

There are few health risks associated with travel to St Lucia, although the mosquito-carried dengue fever is a risk throughout the island. HIV is prevalent and precautions are advised. No vaccinations are required, however a yellow fever certificate is necessary for travellers arriving from infected areas. Health care costs are high on the island and health insurance is recommended, which should cover medical evacuation. EHIC card holders are entitled to emergency medical treatment in the case of evacuation to Martinique, on the same terms as Martinique nationals, of which 70 percent of the costs can be reclaimed.

The basics

Time

GMT -4.

Electricity

240 volts, 50Hz. Three square-pin plugs are standard.

Language

English is the official language, but St Lucian Creole is widely spoken.

Tipping

A service charge is not automatically added to bills and about 10% of the bill es expected. Taxi drivers, porters and chambermaids also expect to receive tips.

Safety

Most visits to Saint Lucia are trouble-free, but visitors should take common-sense precautions against robbery and theft. Isolated areas, such as beaches, should be avoided after dark. Hurrican season is generally from June to November.

Customs

It is an offense for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.

Communications

The international access code for St Lucia is +1 758. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom), the outgoing code is not needed for calls to Canada and the US. Pay phones accept coins and pre-paid card phones, available at shops throughout the island. AT&T calling cards can be used for cheaper international calls. Mobile phone operators provide good GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 network coverage of the island. Email and internet access is available at internet cafes throughout the island.

Duty Free

Travellers to St Lucia may bring in 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco, and 1 litre wine or spirits without paying customs duty.

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Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.