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St. Lucia

Considered to be one of the most romantic of all destinations in the world, St Lucia is a strikingly beautiful tropical island situated at the heart of the Windward chain in the Eastern Caribbean between St Vincent and Martinique. The island is mountainous and fertile, its spectacular peaks and deep valleys draped in the lush greenery of the rainforest and blooming with tropical splendour.

The stunning coastline offers variety from classic stretches of white-sand beaches to the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, and has some of the finest natural harbours in the Caribbean. The iconic towering Pitons are just two of the island’s natural wonders; the spectacular twin volcanic peaks rise majestically from the sea, midway down the Caribbean coast.

As well as being the perfect place to relax and do nothing, St Lucia offers visitors a colourful kaleidoscope of attractions to entertain them. Experience the adventure of exploring its sultry rainforest and swimming in its tropical waterfalls or take advantage of the excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving in the clear turquoise waters surrounding the island which are home to a magnificent array of colourful marine life.

St. Lucia’s Key Facts

Population:
170,650

Capital:
Castries

Area:
616 sq km/238 sq m); 43 km/27 miles long 23 km/14 miles wide.

Geography:
St Lucia is a volcanic island dominated by high peaks and rain forests and is known for the twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton on the southwestern coast. The highest peak is Mount Gimie – 958m/3118ft. The island has 158 km of coastline. The island is divided into 11 quarters – Anse la Raye, Canaries, Castries, Choiseul, Dennery, Forest, Gros Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Soufriere, Vieux Fort.

Time difference:
GMT -4

Language:
Official language is English; the local dialect is French Patois

Climate:
Tropical climate with little seasonal temperature variation averaging 27°c; average daily sunshine is 8 – 9 hours; seasonal rainfall between June and December Location St Lucia is the second largest of the Windward Islands and part of the Lesser Antilles, with the Caribbean Sea on the west coast and the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast.

Airport:
Hewanorra International Airport on the southern tip of the island handles international flights. The George F.L. Charles Airport in Castries handles inter-Caribbean traffic.

St. Lucia – Things to Do and See

  • Gaze in awe at the magnificent Pitons, two extinct volcanoes that are St Lucia’s most famous landmarks – Petit Piton (2438 ft) and Gros Piton (2618ft) – or if you’re feeling energetic local guides will help you tackle the challenging climb.
  • Take a guided tour through the rainforest – choose from the Descartiers Trail at Soufriere and the Barre Del’isle Trail – and watch the birds at Bois d’Orange Swamp and Boriel’s Pond.
  • Soar above the rainforest on a canopy tour. Adrenaline lovers can fly along a series of ziplines from 30 to 150m (100 to 500ft) in length connecting nine platforms 9 to 15m (30 to 50ft) above the ground.
  • Windsurf from the sandy beach of Anse de Sable, ideal for both novice and expert, or for more of a challenge for the more experienced surfers ride the waves at Cas en Bas and Vieux Fort.
  • Explore the underwater world and try snorkelling or scuba-diving to spot turtles, nurse sharks and seahorses. Popular diving sites include Anse Chastanet, Anse Le Raye, the Coral Gardens at the base of the Gros Piton, Fairy Land at the base of Anse Chastanet, and the Lesleen M Shipwreck and Superman’s Flight.
  • Go whale watching and see up to 20 species, including sperm whales, pilot whales and humpbacks.