The Island of St. Lucia, West Indies
St. Lucia, often called “The Helen of the West Indies,” is an unspoiled, stunning Caribbean paradise. Nearly two-thirds of the island is covered in lush tropical forests providing a refuge for exotic wildlife, giant ferns, wild orchids, and trees. Some species, like the St. Lucia Whiptail Lizard (Cnemidophorus vanzoi), exist nowhere in the world except St. Lucia.
Stunning Waterfalls:
Magnificent waterfalls dot the interior of the Island; some of them are hot, creating wonderful mineral springs to soak in.
Friendly People:
The St. Lucian people are friendly and warm. A tour of the Island will take you to local villages, many of whom still rely on fishing as a major source of income. You can always grab a quick fish kebob or roast chicken, pork, or lamb, on your round-island trip at one of the many road-side food stands.
Language:
English is the national language, but local St. Lucian’s also speak a French-Creole language known as patois.
Fresh, Exotic Fruits:
St. Lucia is an ideal climate for a variety of fruit trees that tend to grow all over the island. These include: mangos, limes, lemons, grapefruit, oranges, four types of bananas (plantain), wax apples; and a number of other indigenous fruits and local produce.
Things to Do for Everyone:
St. Lucia really has something for everyone – golf, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, walking in botanical gardens, water sports of every kind, hiking, or basking in the sun on one of its many beaches. Be sure to visit the Pitons, the world-renowned twin peaks rising more than 2,400 feet into the air. You can hire a guide to hike these majestic spires.
Culture and Music:
The Island is also known for its music festivals and cultural events – such as Jazz and Carnival. Be sure to visit the official St. Lucia Tourism site for a listing of these events http://www.stlucia.org.
Geographic Location:
St. Lucia lies roughly between 60° and 61° West longitude and 13° and 14° North latitude. It is approximately 1,300 miles southeast of Florida, in the Windward Islands. The Windward’s are a part of the Lesser Antilles, which are in turn is part of the West Indies. The 238-square-mile island is 21 miles from its nearest neighbour, the French island of Martinique. It is just 24 miles north of St. Vincent and 100 miles northwest of Barbados.
Comfortable Climate:
The climate is subtropical with temperatures ranging from the mid-sixties to the mid-eighties. During the hottest time of the year, from June to August, temperatures can reach the mid-nineties. Things are kept pretty cool by the constant trade winds. Summers are usually warm and wet; while the winters are quite dry. Average rainfall ranges from 60 inches in the coastal regions up to 160 inches in the rainforest. The rainy season is from June to October, but it is by no means a constant downpour.
Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time Zone. Size & Population: St. Lucia is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. The population is about 160,000.
Map:
Click here for a map of St. Lucia
Currency:
The currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC) which is linked to the US Dollar. $1 US equals $2.7EC.The exchange rate at the banks is $2.67 EC for $1 US.
Visitor Requirements:
To enter St. Lucia, a valid passport and return or onward ticket is required for stays less than 6 months (US and Canadian citizens need a valid ID and return ticket). For visa requirements, other information and updates see http://www.stlucia.gov.lc and click on “frequently asked questions.”
Credit Cards:
Major credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, etc.
Tourist Information:
St. Lucia Tourist Board, head office telephone is (758) 452-4094 or visit http://www.stlucia.org.
Departure Tax:
Non-nationals are required to pay a departure tax of US $ 21. Credit cards are not accepted.
Electricity:
220 volts, 50 cycles AC (a few hotels are 110 volts 60 cycles). Transformers and adaptors are required for travel appliances using 110 Volts.
Airports:
Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort is located 40 miles south of Castries (about a 90 minute drive). George F. L. Charles Inter Island Airport is just outside Castries (about a 20 minutes drive to the north of the Island.
Airlines:
Air Canada, Air Caribes, American Airlines, American Eagle, British Airways, Concorde, Delta, Jet Blue, LIAT, US Airways, Virgin Atlantic, West Jet, and several international charters.
Car Rentals:
All major car rental companies are represented on the island. The average rate for a vehicle is about US $65 per day plus insurance. You drive on the left and seat belts must be worn at all times.
Drivers Licence:
In St. Lucia a temporary driving licence is required for visitors. You must show your current driver license to obtain St. Lucian Temporary Driving Permit. Licence’s can be obtained at local police stations or at the car rental office. The cost is US $20.
Government:
St. Lucia is an independent nation since 1979. It is a member of the British Commonwealth under a parliamentary system with a Prime Minister as its head.
Find out more about the beautiful island of St Lucia.