Attraction Overview
Saint Lucia is the perfect destination, whether you're after romance, rejuvenation or adventure. Natural waterfalls, breath-taking views, friendly locals and authentic culture impress the most travelled individuals for a holiday with lasting memories. Tropical weather, welcoming accommodations, and unexpected adventures await all who travel to this paradise island. Explore the market resorts and intimate inns. Bask together under the Caribbean sun, sail into a champagne sunset, and cuddle beneath the vast starry sky. Go snorkeling and scuba diving on St. Lucia Natural and artificial coral. Explore Castries, the island capital city, beautiful in every shade or time of the day. It is surrounded by hills and its large bay is a condtant hive of activity.
Visit the picturesque little village of choiseula nd Laborie and marvel at the Diamond waterfalls in the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Sulphur Springs. Soar above the rainforest in a high adrenaline zip line experience or check out the weekly Friday street party at Gros Islet for some nighttime fun.
For nature lovers plantation tours cover Amerindian settlement and historic buildings of the sugar trade. Explore the islands, rainforest, mountain and plantation walks with local guides. Turtle and whale watching are fun extras
Business
Saint Lucia’s economy still relies heavily on agriculture but has broadened during the last 15 years to tourism and light manufacturing. The government is focusing its efforts on further diversification of the economy and deregulation measures have been put in place. The main agricultural exports are bananas, coconuts and cocoa and manufactured goods.
Climate
The hot tropical climate which occurs throughout most of the year is an invitation to tourists. December and May but there is increased rainfall in summer and towards the end of the year. The beaches around the North receive cooling trade winds while the interior is susceptible to hurricane.
Communications
Cell phone coverage is good on the island with roaming agreements being made in progress. Airmail takes up to one week.
Customs
St. Lucians are friendly and hospitable and encourage tourism. Casual wear is acceptable although some hotels and restaurants encourage guests to dress for dinner. t is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing. Certain homosexual acts are against the law. English is the official language but French patois is widely spoken.
Duty Free
The following items may be imported into St Lucia by travellers over the age of 18 without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco.
• 1.2L of alcoholic beverages.
• Other gifts or souvenirs to the value of US$250.
You may only claim this allowance once a year.
Banned imports:
The following items may not be brought into the St Lucia:
• Counterfeit currency and coins.
• Indecent or obscene photographs, painting or objects.
• Any narcotics including marijuana, morphine, LSD, opium and morphine.
• Flick knives and blades.
• Shaving brushes made in or exported from Japan.
• All matter associated with black magic and occultism.
Banned exports:
The following items may not be exported from St Lucia without the correct consent:
• Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
• Ginger and dry coconuts.
• Any goods that have the coat of arms or the flag of St Lucia.
• Rare or threatened species of animals or plants, their products and derivatives.
Electricity
St. Lucia has 220 volt electricity, meaning unless your computer or appliance is dual voltage or designed for 220 volts, you will need a converter or transformer. The cycles (Hz) are 50 per second.
Getting Around
Local minibuses are available and are affordable too. Boat charters can be accesed at Castries, Marigot and Rodney Bay. Car hire and taxi services are cheap but you should agree upon a price before you get in. Tipping is unnecessarily.
Health
The cost of healthcare is high and payment in cash is usually expected. Serious health cases are transferred to other neighboring countries. Water from the mains is relatively safe and bottled water is available. Barracuda should not be eaten due to risk of ciguatera poisoning.
Language
English is the official language but French patois is widely spoken.
Money
The official currency of Saint Lucia is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Passport Visa
To enter St. Lucia a passport of six months is required. Cntact your embassy/high commission for visa requirements