A Cruiser’s Guide to St. Lucia
Ahoy, cruisers! Let's get to know Castries, St. Lucia better!
Does your cruise itinerary stop in St. Lucia? It is one of the most popular ports of call in the Caribbean, and for good reason: it offers an overwhelming world of choices for every traveler!
If it doesn't and you need help deciding which cruise itinerary is for you, check out my Ultimate Guide to Top Caribbean & Bahamas Cruise Ports 2024.
Once you ship docks in Castries, get ready to explore an island paradise renowned for its stunning Piton Mountains, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture, making it a beloved destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
From exhilarating hikes through the lush, green hills to relaxing at the mud baths and sulfur springs, resorts offering world-class amenities, Castries has something for every type of cruiser.
You can enjoy picture perfect beaches or dive into the island's rich history as you explore historic landmarks like the Morne Fortune and indulge in culinary adventures featuring fresh seafood, local rums and beer, and tantalizing Creole flavors.
Shop 'til you drop at duty-free boutiques brimming with treasures, rejuvenate your body and soul with wellness retreats overlooking turquoise waters, or dive into thrilling water activities like snorkeling, diving, and sailing.
Join us as we uncover the enchanting allure of Castries, St. Lucia, and discover why it's a must-visit destination for cruisers seeking paradise on earth.
Table of Contents
Landmarks
When you mention St. Lucia, these are the best known tourist attractions you are most likely to hear people discuss. As you become familiar with these places, you will be able to get a better idea of how you will want to spend your day on the island. This is not a port of call to stay on the ship!!
Marigot Bay- A secluded bay that harbored boats safely from hurricanes. It is considered on of the most beautiful bays in all of the Caribbean
Pigeon Island- A 44 acre national landmark island with views of Martinique and St. Lucia. It is connected by a road and offers history and island culture along with beautiful beaches and gardens.
Piton Mountains- Two volcanic mountains that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the symbol of St. Lucia. There are 2 mountains, Gros Piton and Petit Piton. They are near the town of Soufriere and surround by a coral reef.
Sulfur Springs Park- Located in Soufriere, is home to several of the island's top attractions including Toraille Waterfall (One of the easiest waterfalls to access, also has a swimming hole), La Soufriere Drive-In Volcano, and the mud baths.
Diamond Mineral Baths and the Diamond Botanical Gardens– They are part of a 6 acre private park located just outside of Sulfur Springs Park. The baths are fed by underground springs and date back to the late 1700's.
Morne Fortune- St. Lucia's “Hill of Good Luck” is a former military fort and overlooks the harbor.
Rodney Bay Marina- A full-service marina that also offers restaurants, shopping, and waterfront bars.
Adventure
There are so many spectacular adventures in St. Lucia that you will want to return over and over again!
Aerial Tram- The Rainforest aerial Tram takes visitors on a panoramic adventure to see not only views of the rainforest but the ocean and if you're lucky, you may see some wildlife as well!
ATV- If you enjoy ATV's, you can rent one in St. Lucia to head off through the rainforest, what a cool way to spend the afternoon!
Helicopter- Because of the mountainous landscape, helicopter tours and transfers are common. It is a great way to get an awe inspiring view of the island. St. Lucia has been compared to Hawaii and these remind me of the scenic tours that are done in Hawaii.
Hiking- There are lots of different hiking tours available. You can do an easy tour or a difficult tour, there is also different features to the hikes. You may hike to a waterfall or through the rainforest jungle.
Drive-In Volcano- Yes! It's for real! Sitting right by the beautiful Piton Mountains there is a volcano in St. Lucia that you can visit. At the Soufriere Volcanic Center you can drive into the crater and visit the bubbling sulfur springs (It will smell like eggs because of the sulfur). The park also offers a botanical garden and the famous mud baths. There are several tour companies that offer this memorable excursion in several different forms. My recommendation is to think about the features you are most interested in and focus on those for your tour. And don't forget to charge your phone so you can take lots of fun pictures. Many of the tour guides will take pictures for you.
Horseback Riding- You can ride a horse on the beach or on a country trail and there are family friendly options as well. There are many stables and tour companies that offer horseback riding excursions. Some companies, like Atlantic Shores will offer to arrange transportation to/from the cruise port.
Segway- Segway tours are a fun way to get around on a tour and St. Lucia offers some tours in Mount Pimard Nature Reserve in Rodney Bay.
Zipline- To add to the adrenaline rush of the mountains, you can do a zipline tour in the mountains, there's even a tandem zipline!
Beaches
Vigie Beach is the closest local beach to the cruise port.
Reduit Beach is located near the town of Rodney Bay, Reduit Beach is one of the most popular and accessible beaches for cruise passengers. It's an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, making it convenient for cruisers to grab a bite or souvenir.
Pigeon Island Beach is on the northern tip of the island, Pigeon Island Beach offers a more secluded and serene setting compared to Reduit Beach. Visitors can relax on the powdery white sand, swim in the clear waters, and explore the historic ruins and hiking trails of Pigeon Island National Landmark.
Anse Chastanet Beach is between the majestic Pitons in Soufriere. Anse Chastanet Beach is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and pristine waters. While it's a bit farther from the cruise ports, it's worth the journey for its breathtaking views and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Sugar Beach (Jalousie Beach) is another picturesque beach in Soufriere. Sugar Beach is famous for its postcard-perfect scenery and luxurious amenities. Cruise passengers can take a short taxi ride or water taxi from the port to reach this beach, where they can lounge in the shadow of the Pitons and indulge in water sports or spa treatments.
Marigot Bay Beach is known as one of the most beautiful bays in the Caribbean, Marigot Bay offers a tranquil escape for cruise passengers seeking relaxation and natural beauty. While the beach itself is small, it's surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the bay and surrounding hills.
Cultural
Food tours- A food tour is a great way to spend the day in St. Lucia! The island not only offers wonderful seafood, but it also serves up Caribbean food with a Creole flair.
The island's national dish is green figs and salt fish, locals boil unripe bananas and then add salt-cured boiled or flaked cod. Other foods to try include lambi, which is a conch stew, and my favorite drink is the cocoa tea, which is St. Lucia's answer to hot chocolate!
St. Lucia offers tours to banana plantations and a chocolate factory or there is an experience where you can make chocolate from bean to bar at Hotel Chocolat!
Distillery Tours- The Caribbean is famous for its rum, and St. Lucia is no different
Breweries- Antilla Brewery's Beer Garden is located at Port Seraphine. They are a local craft beer company. Piton Beer is St. Lucia's local beer and can be found all over the island.
City and Scenic Tours- Some of the highlights of a city or scenic tour will be seeing the government house, Castries Market, the view overlooking Marigot Bay, Rodney Bay, and attractions in Soufriere.
We always try to look carefully at the tour description and how far away each stop from the next. The roads in St. Lucia are many times uphill, windy, and bumpy. So a long tour in a van on those roads is not always the best for those who may get carsick.
Resorts
Many resorts and beach clubs offer day passes so you can enjoy their facilities while taking in all of the beauty the area has to offer. Some of the resorts offer an all-inclusive experience, pools, water activities, spa, and beach. Below are the ones that we are aware of in St. Lucia.
Sandals Halcyon– One of 2 Sandals resorts on the island. Sandals is a luxury, adults-only resort.
Bay Gardens– Offers several different day packages that include transfers, food, drinks, and water sports.
Marigot Bay Beach Club– Marigot Bay is one of the island's most beautiful coves.
Calabash Cove- Is an adults-only resort on a secluded beach.
Royalton– Is a family friendly all-inclusive resort offering a pool, beach, and buffet.
Jade Mountain Resort is a top resort in the Caribbean, offering state of the art infinity pools and a chocolate lab. While they do not do a true day pass, they do offer opportunities to visit the spa, restaurant and chocolate lab.
ResortPass and Resort For A Day are third party websites that you can use to book a resort day pass. Resort For A Day is specifically for cruisers and has a feature that allows you to put in your cruise information and it will show you all of the resort day passes available for each day of your cruise.
Shopping
You're in luck on a cruise because the best shopping is right at the pier! Pointe Seraphine cruise terminal has a wonderful duty-free shopping plaza with souvenir shops and if you are at the La Place Carenage Cruise Terminal, there are duty-free shops at the port area or the Castries Market offers local vendors with local crafts and is within walking distance!
Be sure to save time after your fun filled adventures to do some of the best cruise port souvenir shopping!
Water Activities
In St. Lucia, you can dive deep into adventure with scuba diving, where you'll meet colorful fish and curious sea turtles in their natural habitat.
If snorkeling is more your style, glide through clear blue waters and discover hidden treasures beneath the surface.
Feel the wind in your hair on a leisurely catamaran or sailing trip, taking in the beauty of the island from a whole new perspective.
For a dose of excitement, zoom across the waves on a speedy speedboat or try your luck at reeling in the big one with deep-sea fishing.
Whatever water activities you enjoy, St. Lucia's got it all, so dive in and let the good times roll!
Combination Tours
We highly recommend taking a tour that combines some of the islands' features that most interest you.
You will be able to combine some sightseeing with the beach or the mud baths with lunch at a local restaurant.
Many of the shore excursions include some type of water activity and using the water for transportation here is overall a better way than taking the windy, mountainous roads.
Where to Book
Cruise Line
Once you have booked your cruise, you will be able to see what shore excursions the cruise line will be offering as they become available for your sailing. You will also be able to purchase them online at that time. When you see an excursion that you are interested in, it is best to book it because they do sell out online. Sometimes there will be additional availability once you are onboard, but there is no guarantee.
An advantage to booking your shore excursion with the cruise line is that you will be under their care and supervision for the totality of the tour. Therefore, if any issues arise, a crew member will be available to guide you through it. That can be anything from bad weather to a medical emergency.
However, many people choose to book elsewhere for their shore excursions. Some reasons you may choose to do this are because of the group sizes of the excursions, the higher cost, and the lack of flexibility of the tour.
There are many ways to make the most of your day in port. You can choose the way that best suits your level of comfortability.
Online Booking Companies
There are numerous third party companies online where you can book your shore excursion. These companies are third party operators and typically receive are paid from the tour operator.
Their websites will give you detailed information about the tour-pricing, restrictions, available times, etc., and once you have purchased the tour, they will provide contact information for the tour operator in the location.
Shore Excursion Group– A nice feature of Shore Excursion Group is that you can search for your cruise and the website will go over all of the shore excursions available for each day of your cruise.
Direct
You can book shore excursions directly with the tour operator. You can use google or social media to get contact and tour information from the provider for booking your excursion. Many tour operators have websites that offer schedules and payments. However, some will have you pay in cash the day of the tour.
Pier
This is our least favorite way to book a tour.
Most times, when you enter a cruise port, there are people trying to sell you a tour or provide a cab for you. While I am happy that this an option and we have done this numerous times (with good and bad results!), we prefer to have our day planned out ahead of time.
An advantage to booking right at the pier is that you can wait until the very last minute to decide what you would like to do, which is great for a beach day because if the weather is not good you can do something else.
There are some things that you should be aware of when booking at the pier. No one has vetted these people/companies, so when you leave with them you are on your own. The cruise line or an outside company does not know where you are or who you are with. If the excursion does not go as planned, you have no recourse. Always look for port security and check for the areas where licensed cabs and tour operators are available.
Port Information
Cruise Piers in Castries, St. Lucia
When it comes to exploring the vibrant port city of Castries, St. Lucia, cruisers are greeted with two main cruise piers: Serafine and La Place Carenage. Each offering its own unique charm and convenience, these piers serve as gateways to the island's enchanting attractions and experiences. Let's take a closer look at what you can expect from each pier:
Serafine Cruise Pier: Situated in the heart of Castries, the Serafine Cruise Pier welcomes cruisers with its convenient location and modern facilities. As the primary cruise terminal on the island, Serafine Pier offers easy access to downtown Castries, where you'll find a bustling hub of shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. With its spacious docking area and well-equipped facilities, including duty-free shopping, excursion desks, and transportation services, Serafine Pier ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors disembarking in Castries.
La Place Carenage Cruise Terminal: Nestled within the scenic harbor of Castries, the La Place Carenage Cruise Terminal offers a picturesque setting for cruisers arriving in St. Lucia. Located adjacent to the bustling La Place Carenage shopping complex, this pier provides convenient access to a variety of retail outlets, dining options, and local attractions. From here, cruisers can embark on guided tours of Castries or venture further afield to explore the island's natural wonders and cultural heritage. With its charming waterfront promenade and vibrant atmosphere, La Place Carenage Cruise Terminal sets the stage for an unforgettable island adventure.
Whether you dock at Serafine Cruise Pier or La Place Carenage Cruise Terminal, you're sure to be greeted with warm hospitality and the promise of exciting discoveries awaiting just beyond the gangway. So, grab your sunscreen and sense of adventure—Castries, St. Lucia, awaits!
FYI
Cruise Contact Information: Please be sure to take a picture or screenshot of the cruise ship contact/emergency information before you leave the ship. It will be printed on the daily newsletter or on the cruise line's app.
Language and Communication: The primary language spoken in St. Lucia is English, making communication with locals a breeze for English-speaking visitors. However, you'll also encounter a delightful blend of Creole patois, adding to the island's cultural richness and charm.
Currency and Money Matters: The official currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), although the United States Dollar (USD) is widely accepted at most tourist establishments. Be sure to have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases and transactions, and consider informing your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your credit or debit cards.
Local Laws and Regulations: While exploring Castries and beyond, it's important to respect local laws and regulations. Keep in mind that St. Lucia has strict drug laws, and possession of even small amounts of illegal substances can result in severe penalties. Additionally, it's customary to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or local communities out of respect for the culture and traditions.
Safety and Security: St. Lucia is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but like any travel destination, it's essential to exercise caution and common sense. Keep your belongings secure, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid wandering into unfamiliar or secluded areas, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and consider booking shore excursions through reputable providers for added peace of mind.
Health and Medical Services: While medical facilities in St. Lucia are generally of a good standard, it's advisable to travel with travel insurance that includes medical coverage.
Be sure to pack any necessary medications and take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk.
Emergencies Abroad: How to be Prepared has additional tips on how to handle emergencies and apps to download.
With help from Shore To Cruise, we hope that you have become more familiar with Castries, St. Lucia. You'll now be ready to choose how to spend your day and disembark your cruise ship to have a memorable time filled with sunshine, smiles, and Caribbean charm!
