St. Lucia gained its independence from Britain in 1976 after switching hands between the French and English no less than 14 times since first European settlement. Its capital city, Castries, and much of the island still show this mixed heritage in the architecture and traditions. St. Lucia also holds the unique distinction of being the only country in the world named after a woman — Saint Lucy of Syracuse.
Sandy beaches, regal palm trees, colorful marine life, and all the iconic Caribbean attractions are part of this island's charm. Trade winds make it an ideal location for watersports like kite-boarding and windsurfing.
Check out these excursions in St. Lucia!
Know Before You Go
St. Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar (pegged to USD at 2.70:1) but US dollars are widely accepted. The road from Castries to Soufrière is winding and slow — budget 90 minutes each way. The Pitons area is genuinely worth the journey but requires good time management on a single port day. Book any Soufrière-area excursions in advance.
Hot Tip
The Soufrière drive-in volcano (La Soufrière) is the only drive-in volcano in the world — you drive into the volcanic crater and walk among steaming sulfur vents, bubbling mud pools, and hot springs. It's bizarre, spectacular, and nothing else in the Caribbean compares.
Castries, St. Lucia – Quick Facts
CurrencyEast Caribbean Dollar. US Dollars are often accepted however unless you are from the United States, it is likely to be easier to simply withdraw EC Dollars while on St. Lucia. There are many banks and ATM’s location in Castries, with several around the central Derek Walcott Square</p>
LanguageEnglish
WiFi & PhoneWifi is available in many cafes and restaurants. Sometimes a per-hour fee is charged. - Free Wifi can be found at the Castries Central Library on Bourbon Street.
Where You DockCastries Harbour, St. Lucia