Castries, Saint Lucia
St. Lucia, is a beautiful and unique Caribbean island that stands out from its neighbors with its dramatic, volcanic landscape. The capital, Castries, is a bustling port city with a lively market and a rich cultural heritage. However, the true beauty of St. Lucia lies in its majestic twin peaks, the Pitons, and its lush rainforests, which are a short trip away from the port.2 For a cruiser, Castries is a gateway to the island's many natural wonders, with a variety of tours and transportation options available to help you explore.
⛵ Port Introduction
St. Lucia has two main cruise piers: Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage.3 Both are located in the Castries harbor. Your ship will likely dock at Pointe Seraphine, a large, modern facility. La Place Carenage is a bit older and closer to the town center.4 If your ship is too large to dock at one of these piers, it may anchor offshore and you will be tendered to shore at La Place Carenage.5 In any case, you will have a short walk to the terminal building, and from there you can get transportation to the rest of the island.
⚓ Terminal Information
Pointe Seraphine is a large, modern, and open-air cruise terminal.6 It has a variety of shops, restaurants, and a tourist information desk. La Place Carenage is a smaller terminal building that is more like an indoor mall. Both terminals are well-equipped to handle cruise passengers and provide a great first impression of the island.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
Both terminals have a variety of amenities for your comfort. You'll find restrooms, a tourist information desk with friendly staff, and a variety of duty-free shops selling jewelry, perfume, and local crafts. There are also a few restaurants and bars where you can get a drink or a bite to eat.10 Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the terminals.11 You will find public Wi-Fi available in the terminals, which is a big plus.
🗣️ Language
The official language is English, and you will have no problem navigating or communicating. The local dialect is a form of French Creole, but it is easy to understand.
💰 Money
The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). However, the U.S. Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and used everywhere, and many prices are listed in both currencies. The exchange rate is fixed, with US1.00=EC2.6882. For convenience, it is often easier to use U.S. Dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants and shops. ATMs are available on the main streets in Castries.
🚗 Transportation
To get from the cruise port to other parts of the island, you have a few options.
Walking: The town of Castries is a working city, and while you can walk to the local market and Derek Walcott Square, the most scenic parts of the island are a short trip away.
Taxis: Taxis are the best way to get to attractions outside the downtown area, such as beaches or historic sites. Taxi rates are fixed and regulated, but it's a good idea to confirm the price with the driver before you get in. Taxis are a good option for a group.
Public Bus: St. Lucia has an excellent and very affordable public bus system. The buses are small minibuses, and the fare is very low. The bus stand is in Castries, and you can get a bus to many of the island's main attractions.
Tours: A great way to see the island is to take a pre-arranged tour. Many tours will take you to the famous Pitons, the Sulphur Springs, and other natural wonders.
♿ Accessibility
St. Lucia has an accessibility rating of 2 out of 10. Due to the island's natural landscape, with its steep hills and rugged terrain, many of the main attractions are not accessible for people with limited mobility. The towns themselves have uneven sidewalks and steep streets that can be challenging to navigate.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
If you dock at La Place Carenage, you are already in the town center. If you dock at Pointe Seraphine, you can take a short, 15-20 minute walk to the town of Castries, or take a short taxi ride.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are not very common in St. Lucia. Your best bet is to use the restrooms in the cruise terminals, or in restaurants and bars. Some places may charge a small fee.
💊 Drugstore
Boots Pharmacy: There is a Boots Pharmacy in Castries at Castries St, Castries, Saint Lucia.
M&C Drugstore: 12 Bridge Street, Castries, Saint Lucia.
✨ Authentic Experience
Explore the Castries Market: For a taste of local life, walk to the Castries Market. It's a large, semi-open-air market with a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, spices, local crafts, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to wander, chat with locals, and get a feel for the local atmosphere.
Dine on Local Creole Cuisine: The cuisine in St. Lucia is a delicious mix of Creole, French, and West Indian influences. Seek out a local cafe or restaurant and try a traditional dish like "green figs and saltfish," the national dish, or a hearty pepperpot stew.
Visit Pigeon Island National Park: For a mix of history and natural beauty, take a taxi or a local bus to Pigeon Island National Park. This is a historic island that is now a beautiful national park with hiking trails, secluded beaches, and the ruins of an 18th-century British fort. It offers a stunning panoramic view of the coastline and the island.
