The Island

St Lucia

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Rich in cultural history and natural beauty, the island nation of St Lucia offers a touch of everything you want in a Caribbean vacation. An unspoiled, tropical gem nestled in a chain of islands known as the Lesser Antilles, St Lucia traces its colorful history to long before colonial times, yet it has a legacy of over 400 years of European influence. While the country's economy is mainly agricultural, its natural attributes have made tourism the fastest growing industry. Dramatic coastlines are enhanced by coral reefs and isolated beaches of both white and black sand. The awe-inspiring twin Pitons soar 2,000 feet up from the southwest shore, sheltering a lush interior rainforest with a profusion of giant ferns, wild orchids, and the beautiful plumage of rare tropical birds.

At once exotic and intoxicating, the island's natural wonders are matched by the cultural magnetism of quaint fishing villages, flavorful Caribbean cuisine, and exciting traditional events. The capital of Castries on the island's northwestern tip is a hot spot of tourist activity, with Victorian buildings, open-air markets, and an entertaining nightlife. There are excellent facilities for most leisure and sporting interests, including yachting, tennis, and golf. Explorers find banana and cocoa plantations, St Lucia's famed La Soufrire volcano, aged fortresses, and warm, friendly natives proud of their rich heritage.

Areas Within the Destination

Northern Region: Located on the northwest coast, Castries is St Lucia's capital city and cultural center. Worthwhile attractions include the open Castries Market, Derek Walcott Square, and the imposing Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A large, natural harbor on St Lucia's northeastern tip, Rodney Bay includes the small fishing village of Gros Islet and the resort area of Reduit Beach. Boating enthusiasts can enjoy a day at Rodney Bay Marina, the island's largest yachting port. Connected to St Lucia proper by a manmade causeway, Pigeon Island National Park features the remains of centuries-old military bases.

Soufrire: Founded by the French in 1746, Soufrire is a bayside fishing community on the island's southwestern shore. Named after the nearby sulphur springs, the town emanates a provincial charm that reflects the relaxed coastal lifestyle. An interesting stone Catholic church resides in the town center, surrounded by weathered buildings that have stood for ages. Spend an afternoon at the Soufrire Market, an emporium decorated with colorful murals and gingerbread trim where shoppers can find handmade hats, baskets, and tasty indigenous spices. Not far from here are some of St Lucia's most impressive natural attractions, including the beautiful Diamond Falls, the spectacular Pitons, a rain forest, and the island's highest peak, Mount Gimie,

East Coast Nature Reserves: Two exceptional nature sanctuaries are found off St Lucia's eastern coast, offering the keen-eyed explorer an opportunity to spot many rare species of plant and animal. The Maria Islands Nature Reserves are a few miles east of Vieux Fort, St Lucia's southern most city. It is the only habitat of the Maria Islands ground lizard and an extremely rare grass snake. Since it is also home to many rare sea birds, the reserve is off limits during the nesting season, which runs from June through September. Located midway off the St Lucia's eastern coast, the Frigate Islands Nature Reserves are home to boa constrictors and the lethal fer-de-lance pit viper. The islands also serve as the nesting ground for many of St Lucia's indigenous birds, including the rare Ramier pigeon and St Lucian oriole.

Topography

At 238 square miles, St Lucia is the second largest of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, located between Martinique and St Vincent. Twenty-seven miles long and up to 14 miles wide, the island has an almond shape. The dominating twin peaks of the Pitons rise almost a half mile out of the southwest seashore, punctuating St Lucia's mountainous and alternately hilly terrain. The southwest region has a volcano and natural sulphur springs. The island's fertile volcanic soil supports the thriving orchards of bananas, coconut, mango, and papaya trees. The coast has both white- and black-sand beaches and natural harbors protected by coral reefs.

Best Time to Visit

Like all Caribbean islands, this is a year-round destination, with some seasons that are busier than others. The most popular time to visit is December through May, when the weather is at its best and the majority of activities are scheduled. The most relaxing time, however, is really from April-November, when the crowds are smallest.

Reasons to Visit

St Lucia is rightfully known as the "Helen of the West Indies" because it is as desirable to the Caribbean traveler as Helen was to Troy. St Lucia combines many qualities found on islands throughout the Lesser Antilles. There are lush rainforest, beautiful beaches, natural harbors, volcanic mountains, and friendly native people with a rich and colorful culture for you to explore.

What To Do & See

Diamond Falls and Mineral Baths: These impressive falls come down through the sulphur springs, changing the color of the water to brilliant shades of yellow, green and purple. The warm mineral waters have colorfully stained the rock face behind the cascade, making this a truly spectacular "must see" site. Adjacent are sulfuric mineral baths built in 1784 by order of Louis XVI. French soldiers stationed in the area often soaked in the "curative" water. Bring your bathing suit and you, too, can "take the waters!"

La Soufrire (Sulphur Springs): Though touted as the world's only "drive-in" volcano, tourists should not expect to go peering down into a volcanic crater when visiting these natural springs. The crater walls have long since eroded away, leaving behind 7 acres of barren hillside terrain pocked with pools of boiling mud and steaming vents.

Discover the City ofCastries: The island's capital and commercial center, Castries has several cultural and historical attractions to explore. This bustling port is set on a large natural harbor and, as a tourist hotspot, is surrounded by the majority of the island's resorts.

* Castries Market: This lively open-air market at the intersection of Jeremie and Peynier Streets, just south of the port, is a 100-year old tradition with locals selling their tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, and handmade arts and crafts.

* Derek Walcott Square: Three disastrous fires destroyed most of the city's original 18th-century buildings, but a few 19th-century buildings survive in this central square, named after a St Lucian native and 1992 Nobel laureate.

* Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: An imposing structure adjacent to the square, this cathedral reflects St Lucia's mix of English, French, African, and Caribbean influences. The building itself is of French design with an interior painted in bright African-inspired colors. It is highlighted by portraits of a black Madonna and child, and the Roman Catholic services are delivered in English.

Natural Wonders: St Lucia is treasure trove of natural attractions. Volcanic soil and a tropical climate combine to create the perfect environment for lush vegetation and exotic wildlife. The island's coasts, interlaced by coral reefs and beautiful beaches, are among the world's most beautiful, and the panoramic views from the mountainous interior will take your breath away.

* The Rain Forest: Stretching over 19,000 acres from coast to coast, the national rain forest has outstanding locales for birdwatching and hiking. The sprawling lush foliage covers mountains and valleys, interrupted only by verdant fields and plantations. There is a 7-mile nature walk with guided tours.

* The Pitons: Gros Piton (2,618 ft) and Petit Piton (2,438 ft) are twin volcanic peaks that provide a stunning backdrop to the southwest coastline. Take a boat over for the best view.

* Mount Gimie: This is St Lucia's highest point. The mountaintop rises up to a pinnacle of 3,145 feet, with a great view of the rain forest and valleys further inland.

Scuba Diving: St Lucia consistently ranks tops in the Caribbean, with sites like Anse Chastanet Reef, one of the island's best spots with shallow reefs, deep walls, and a plethora of little sea creatures packing the corals. With water temperatures ranging from 78 to 82 and visibility averaging 60 - 100 feet year-round, every dive is a success!

Golf: St Lucia's only public golf course, the Cap Estate, has scenic views, awell-stocked "19th hole," and a resident golf pro who's happy to share pointers on perfecting your swing.

Water Sports: The options are plentiful in addition to scuba diving. Play at your favorite or pick up a new diversion from windsurfing, to sailing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, water-skiing, parasailing, and good old-fashioned swimming!

Birdwatching: Home to some of the world's most exotic species of our feathered friends, St Lucia is a avian aficionado's dream come true. Several rare and indigenous birds can be seen at the rain forest, Boriel's Pond, and the 2 nature preserves found off the eastern coast.

Pigeon Island: This national park was first used as a French military base in the 16th century, was later fortified by the occupying British army in the 18th century, and then again by American forces during World War II. You'll have fun exploring the island along walking paths that wind through the scenic ruins.