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Twin Volcanic hills blanketed by lush vegetation rising from the sea create the island’s unique feature and induce awe in anyone who sees them. Today, English, French, and African influence heavily shaped the island. English is the first language of St. Lucia, but while on a cruise to Castries you can expect hearing mostly a French-based creole. On your way to Pigeon Island, get your fix of swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving at Reduit Beach, which is only a 20 minute drive north from Castries just past Rodney Bay. You’ll find beach bars and standard fare just beyond the beach. Take the kids to Splash Island for water activities and a playground including monkey bars and slides.
Make Chocolate from Pods to Bar
Saint Lucia uses the East Caribbean dollar, and local ATMs will spit out this currency when you withdraw funds. U.S. dollars are generally accepted at most establishments, but it’s always good to ask. The fixed exchange rate is that $1 USD is equal to $2.70 East Caribbean dollars.
Food, Chocolate and Heritage Tour of the Island
This is just a slice of island life that awaits on cruises to St. Lucia. With some of the Caribbean’s most dramatic scenery — from the velvety twin peaks of the Pitons to the shimmering white-sand beaches — independent St. Lucia speaks with a decidedly French lilt. Climb green-mantled mountains and snorkel in jade seas on your sun-filled Carnival cruise to St. Lucia. Make your way to Marigot Bay— a gorgeous natural harbor straight out of a movie scene, dotted with restaurants, bars and shops. You can stroll the yacht marina, shop at boutiques, visit a French bakery or relax at the secluded beach, accessible by ferry. See the famous Pitons and island vistas from the sea as you glide down the coast of St. Lucia on a coastal cruise.
14 Day Cruises to St. Lucia
Note that the restaurant is closed on Saturday, but they’re known for their fixed rate Sunday brunch. Dishes have a Caribbean and Creole influence, from salted codfish to shrimp and coconut sauce, curried lamb or simple sauteed vegetables. (Check xe.com for current exchange rates.) You can generally use American dollars anywhere on the island, although you may receive change in local currency. Take a walk through St. Lucia’s landscapes of magenta bougainvillea tumbling from mossy peaks, and listen to birdsong filling the air.
Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Castries Cruise Port
Then, take a bath in the mineral-rich waters of Sulphur Springs. This is an experience you don’t want to miss, even if the place smells like rotten eggs. This ride happens on a suspended open-ended gondola that slowly takes you on a tour of the forest’s canopy with a guide who explains the local tropical flora and fauna. Enjoy this activity as you get panoramic views of the rainforest and its inhabitants. You can take a hike into Edmund forest reserve, which is accessible from St. Jacques, or hike the mile-long trail through Barre de Isla forest reserve, which is closer to Castries. When doing a hike in St. Lucia, you are provided a guide who leads you through scenic trails, where you can explore beautiful tropical flowers, plants, and even animals.
Nestled right between the two Pitons outside of Soufriere is Sugar Beach, which is a luxurious Viceroy resort area, but also boasts some of the best views of any of the beaches on the island. Lounging is freely available to the public; you don’t have to be staying at the resort to enjoy the imported sandy beach. After exploring a bit, have lunch or dinner at the resort’s restaurant. Head south by car, and in a little over an hour you’ll be at Sulphur Springs, where you can drive right past an active volcano. They call it the “drive-in volcano,” and it’s one of the most unique sites in St. Lucia. Bathe in the warm sulfuric pools—also called mud baths—while you’re there, which supposedly have healing and relaxing properties.
Find all the beach accessories needed for your time in port. 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.
Check all of these food-related tours for the Caribbean island. With the highest number of endemic birds in the Eastern Caribbean region, St. Lucia is a bird watchers haven. There are over 167 species of birds on the island that you can explore, and you can see many of these colorful birds year-round.
Volcanic Mud Baths & Sugar Mill Meals
Coupled with their hot sauce and chutneys, you will have a true taste of St. Lucian cuisine. Other island cuisine includes fresh fish fry, barbeque, jerk chicken and delicious salads. Soufriere is located south of Castries, and it takes about 75 minutes to get there by road. The way to the town is on a windy road, and the journey can be tiring.
The Castries Market is known for its variety of spices for sale, and the place to stock up on locally sourced spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cocoa. A Caribbean cruise to Castries, St. Lucia offers a different side of the Caribbean than you’ve ever seen before. Castries itself is the capital of St. Lucia, and a walkable, bustling town.
Experience the lush natural beauty and laid-back charm of Saint Lucia on a Holland America Line cruise. From the island’s iconic twin Pitons to its volcanic beaches, Saint Lucia offers a wealth of delights for travelers. Or enjoy an invigorating 4x4 safari trek to La Tille Waterfall—and a short swim. Its western skyline dominated by the pointed peaks of the forest-clad Pitons mountains, St. Lucia is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean.
See the lush vegetation and fishing villages as you make your way to the Pitons. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Make your way through the tropical foliage, and you can find yourself some adventure as you explore the Anse Mamin Plantation.
Another great feature on the island is the Diamond Botanical Garden. This garden boasts plenty of colorful tropical flowers found alongside the walking paths that run through the gardens. But one of the island’s most beautiful beaches is found at Anse Chastanet, which is located in Soufriere. The silvery sands of Anse Chastanet Beach and the abundance of swaying palm trees make this beach a nice escape. Snorkeling is one of the best activities to do at this beach.
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