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Although this natural wonder is not that far traveling to the best scenic views may take quite a while and you don't want to risk missing the ship. Many savvy cruisers argue that the Pointe Seraphine Terminal has better shops than the La Place Carenage Terminal. And, in fact, the cruise traveler will find more stores at the former but also greater diversity in this terminal. The Cathedral is located on another major landmark of Castries - the Walcott Square. This square is, in fact, a quaint garden with wonderful trees, a bandstand and a bust of Derek Walcott, the St Lucian poet, play-writer and Nobel Prize winner after whom the square was renamed in 1993.
Soufriere, St Lucia
You can drive up to the edge of the geothermal springs and see the steam coming out of the Earth, caused by the water in the springs whose temperatures reach up to 340 Fahrenheit (170 Celsius). Cruising along the coast and the Bay of Soufriere will allow you to admire the mountains from the sea, and if you want to go by bus there are several spots in Soufriere town from where you can capture great shots of the Pitons. On your way to the town of Soufriere and the Pitons, you might spot the whales. The hike starts at the town of Soufriere and is around 3 km/2 miles long. The trail is rocky and steep in some parts – therefore, you should go with a tour guide as they know the fastest and safest way to get you to the top.
Things To Do in Castries
Besides the cuisine of Chef Robbiy, the restaurant has Free Wi-Fi and a wide veranda overlooking the pier. One of the nicest aspects of calling on a cruise to St Thomas is that the island is both safe and very easy to explore. Cruise ships offer excellent tours but if you wish to explore the island on your own the taxi services are very good alternatives. Jalousie (Sugar) Beach – If you seek the best views of the Pitons while swimming in the St Lucian crystal clear waters, Jalousie Beach (also known as Sugar Beach) is the top choice! Tucked in Pitons Bay, between Petit Piton and Gros Piton, the beach offers powdery, white sands, and a great snorkeling experience (it is part of St Lucia Snorkel Marine Reserve).
Tours Excursions Transportation:
Along the northern west coast, there are a few other wonderful beaches such as Choc Beach (20-minute taxi ride), Reduit Beach (on Rodney Bay) and Pigeon Island Beach (between US$20.00 and US$30.00 each way by taxi). Although the bay is wide enough to accommodate large ships, mega cruise ships like Queen Mary II may have to anchor outside the bay. Anchoring ships will transport passengers on their own tender boats to La Place Carenage Cruise Terminal.
Nearby at Pigeon Island, the white, soft-sandy beach here features a thicket of lush tropical trees. The beach lacks amenities such as bathrooms but has vendors selling food, and there are small eateries offering snacks. All Caribbean islands have plenty of gorgeous beaches, and it’s the same with St. Lucia.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending festivals, exploring historical sites, and tasting the flavors of Creole cuisine. Engage with friendly locals, shop for unique souvenirs, and make lasting memories as you discover the authentic charm of St Lucia. For a more upscale shopping experience, head to Pointe Seraphine or La Place Carenage where you’ll find duty-free shops offering a wide range of luxury goods, including jewelry, clothing, and perfumes.
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Cruise ships to Saint Lucia Island dock at Castries - port town on the northwestern coast. Before entering the cruise port, vessels must be first cleared by St Lucia's Airport Traffic Control Tower. This is required as the approaching liner blocks aerodrome's runway. All passenger ships dock at Pointe Seraphine, located to the north of Castries Harbour.
Map of St. Lucia Cruise Port
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GPH will never own the port - our local management team will simply be awarded the privilege to manage and maximize the benefits earned through this asset on behalf of all Saint Lucians during the partnership period. Beaches, Beaches and More Beaches – There are a number of… you guessed it! …beautiful beaches in the vicinity of Castries, these include Vigie Beach, Malabar Beach, Choc Beach, and La Toc. There is a small entrance fee to Pigeon Island- $10USD per adult, payable in cash only. The hike to the top of Signal Peak doesn’t take long, but it’s quite steep with fairly crumbly ground in places, so I’d advise against trying it in sandals. (Though I did spot a few people giving it a good go.) There’s also a small beach on the island which is a great place for snorkelling.
Getting Around Castries – St. Lucia
Public Transportation in St. Lucia is present but often crowded and unreliable. The minivans and jitneys depart from Jeremy street (see map above for exact location). At Bridge street you will find the busses leaving for Vieux Fort and Soufriere. Do not take the public transportation unless time is on your side and you are up for the ride. For those seeking a unique culinary experience, consider participating in a cooking class where you can learn how to prepare traditional St Lucian dishes under the guidance of a local chef. It’s a fun and interactive way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
The island of St Lucia boasts rich marine wildlife and offers an amazing snorkeling experience. The best place to snorkel is Anse Chastanet, located within a short drive from the town of Soufriere and the Pitons, and around a 1h 30 minutes drive from the St Lucia port. Anse Chastanet is part of the Marine Reserve and you can explore the beautiful, shallow reef directly from the shore. Pointe Seraphine cruise ship terminal is located on the northern side of the bay, around 1.7 km/1 mile from Castries downtown. To get into town, you can either walk for 20 minutes or take a 5-10 minute taxi ride.
On top of the hill there are the military ruins and cannons open for visitors, and to get there, you need to take a minute hike slightly uphill. It’s totally worth the effort (moderate activity level), as from the hilltop you can admire the exceptional views of the northwest coast of St Lucia and Rodney Bay. A few meters downstream, you’ll come across the mineral baths whose construction and usage date from the era of the King Louis XVI of France. You will find all the necessary cruise port facilities in the terminal area. A 10-minute walk from La Place Carenage is the Castries ferry terminal, providing daily ferry transport from St Lucia to the islands of Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe. The drive to the Pitons from the port took about 1 hour and 20 minutes, yes its a long drive, but it’s a beautiful one with regular stops and some stunning picture opportunities.
There is plenty to see and do, including hiking to the top of the adjacent hills for panoramic views of the bay and the island. There is not much to do in Castries, and an hour exploring is enough. However, a point of interest in St. Lucia is at the northernmost point of the island, Pigeon Island. Pigeon Island is not an island but more of a peninsula now, with a causeway that connects it to St. Lucia. Or maybe not so familiar as St. Lucia boasts of 127 varieties of bananas; it’s actually the island’s main fruit. You can also shop for Caribbean spices, island-made chocolate, and rum.
However, I would recommend splitting it up with Reduit Beach as they are right next to each other, this way you get to visit two different beaches and your kids will get to visit Splash Island Water Park too. If you’d like to remain in the comfort of your lounger there are numerous vendors selling refreshments and food on the beach. Local vendor Shirley sells traditional Rotis or for a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage you can get a natural juice from another vendor named Yvonne.
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