Saint Lucia Travel Guide
Useful Tips
Everything you need to know before you fly to Saint Lucia
Average trip cost
NA
When To Go
December to May
Official Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Ideal Length Of Stay
7 to 14 days
About Saint Lucia
Romance. That’s what people think of when they consider Saint Lucia. But that’s not all this lovely island is known for. Its beautifully kept beaches inspire romance; it’s true. The waterfalls and view of the magnificent Piton Mountains all make you want to hold your sweetheart closer. But there are other things to get involved in on the island that make Saint Lucia a popular destination with people from all over the world.
There are many eco-tourism activities available for the interested traveler. Zipline with the Piton Mountains in the backdrop. Hike the many trails. Go bird watching at Millet Bird Sanctuary or turtle watching at Grand Anse. Marvel at the wild ferns and birds of paradise that grow to incredible sizes in the rainforest. Their beauty is protected by the Gros Piton and Petit Piton Mountains on either side of the rainforest. Orchards of banana, mango, and coconut trees will captivate you as well. Enjoy the rainforest and the animals that live within it either on foot or via the island’s unique tram ride. Or, if you would rather spend your time in the water, go snorkeling and diving at some of the best sites in the world.
Food in Saint Lucia is reflective of the mix of people that have populated the island over its history. British, French, African, Indian, and Amerindian influences combine to create one of the most unique gastronomical experienced you can have on any Caribbean island. With many of the chefs in Saint Lucia achieving international recognition, visitors are sure to be treated to stellar cuisine.
If you are looking for a vacation that is more relaxing and meditative, more connected with the beauty around you as well as the tastes, sounds, and smells, St. Lucia is the perfect island for you. Come relax and pamper yourself in the unspoiled beauty of the island. Let yourself imagine what it would be like to live in such beauty for the rest of your life. It’s not just a beautiful fantasy. It’s romanticism at its finest.
Where To Stay In Saint Lucia
Visitors to Saint Lucia stay in a wide variety of accommodations, including private rental, guesthouses, and luxurious all-inclusive hotels. Some of the best hotels in Saint Lucia include:
Castries:
- Bel Jou Hotel
- Rendezvous Saint Lucia
- Villa Beach Cottages
Cap Estate:
- Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa
- Cap Maison Luxury Resort & Spa
- The Body Holiday
Gros Islet:
- Calabash Cove Resort & Spa
- The Landings Resort & Spa
- East Winds
- Bay Gardens Beach Resort
- Windjammer Landing
Soufriere:
- Anse Chastanet Resort
- Boucan by Hotel Chocolat
- Jade Mountain
- Ladera Resort
- Stonefield Villa Resort
- Sugar Beach
Activities In Saint Lucia
Major tourist activities in Saint Lucia include:
- Exploring the capital city of Castries and shopping at Castries Central Market & Vendors Arcade Annex for souvenirs
- Attending a Gros Islet Street Party
- Exploring and hiking at Pigeon Island National Landmark
- Climbing the two volcanic formations that make up the Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Snorkeling and diving in Anse Chastanet Marine Reserve
- Taking a mud bath after touring Sulphur Springs Park
Facts About Saint Lucia
Size:
238 square miles
Population:
170,000
Official Language:
English
Demonym:
Saint Lucian
Capital City:
Castries
Government:
Parliamentary Democracy under British Constitutional Monarchy
Telephone Country Code:
758
Driving:
left side of the road
Local Beer:
Piton Beer
National Dish:
Great Fig & Salt Fish
Main Airport:
Hewanorra International Airport
Electricity:
240 V/50 Hz – plugs are UK standard three-prong
Visa Information For Saint Lucia
All visitors to Saint Lucia will need to have a valid passport that will be valid for at least three months after the completion of your Saint Lucia travel and an onward or return ticket. Visas are not required for United States, European Union, and most Commonwealth citizens for stays under 28 days.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Visa For Saint Lucia
With a valid passport and supporting documents, it typically takes 15 to 20 business days for a visa application to be processed by the nearest Saint Lucia Embassy or High Commission.
Is It Safe In Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Crime levels in Saint Lucia is extremely low, but visitors should take sensible precautions to secure their possessions.
How To Get To Saint Lucia
Most visitors to Saint Lucia arrive via the Hewanorra International Airport (IATA: UVF, ICAO: TLPL) located near Vieux Fort.
From Canada, book flights to Saint Lucia via:
- Air Canada Rouge : Toronto–Pearson
- Sunwing Airlines (Seasonal): Montréal–Trudeau, Toronto–Pearson
From the United States, book flights to Saint Lucia via:
- American Airlines: Charlotte, Miami (Seasonal: Chicago–O’Hare, Philadelphia)
- Delta Air Lines: Atlanta
- JetBlue: New York–JFK (Seasonal: Boston)
- United Airlines: Newark (Seasonal: Chicago–O’Hare)
- WestJet: Toronto–Pearson
From the United Kingdom, book flights to Saint Lucia via:
- British Airways: London–Gatwick
- TUI Airways: London–Gatwick
Within the Caribbean region, book flights to Saint Lucia via:
- British Airways: Grenada, Port of Spain
When To Go To Saint Lucia
The most popular time to visit Saint Lucia is from mid-December to mid-April when the weather is warm, sunny, and typically dry. From August to late October is the low season as temperatures are hot and muggy; also, there is an increased risk of tropical storms. Some hotels close for renovations during this period, and others offer discounts
Major events attracting visitors to Saint Lucia include:
- May: Saint Lucia Jazz Festival
- June: Fisherman’s Feast (Fete Peche)
- July: Saint Lucia Carnival
- August: Mercury Fest
- September: Saint Lucia Dive & Adventure Week
- October: Creole Heritage Month
- November: Mango Bowl Regatta
Weather In Saint Lucia
The weather in Saint Lucia is warm year-round. The temperature stays in the 80°F all year and is cooled by trade winds. The wet season is June through November, intersecting with hurricane season.
Getting Married In Saint Lucia
Marriage Requirements:
Couples wishing to get married in Saint Lucia can do so on the same day of arrival. A local solicitor would just need to apply for a license.
Documents Required:
In addition to the completed application for marriage, both the bride and groom will need their:
- passports
- birth certificates along with driver’s licenses or other forms of identification
- certificates of no impediment or single status report
Also, if applicable:
- divorce papers i.e., decree absolute and/or death certificate of spouse
- proof of parental consent if under 18, stamped and signed by a solicitor
- proof of name change by Deed Poll, stamped and signed by a solicitor
Note: If any documents are not in English, an authenticated translation must be available.
Residency Requirement:
None
Fees:
The marriage license is: EC$335. Also, Special License: EC$540. Plus registrar fees: EC$100 and Marriage certificate: EC$8.
Witnesses:
Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony.
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