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Castries, St. Lucia

October 31th, 2014
8:00AM - 5:00PM

St. Lucia is a sovereign island country in the eastern Caribbean Sea. St Lucia is a mountainous volcanic island whose terrain is best known for the Pitons, a pair of steep mountains located between Soufrière and Choiseul on the western side of the island. Castries, the capitol and largest city, is located on the northern part of the west coast of the island.

Weather

The local climate is tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds, with a dry season from December to May and a wet season from June to November.

Language and Currency

As a member of the British Commonwealth, English is the official language in St. Lucia. St. Lucia used to be a French colony, and Saint Lucian French Creole is still widely spoken. Like St. Kitts, the official currency is the East Caribbean Dollar ($), which is fixed at a rate of US$1 = EC$2.70. US dollars are widely accepted around the island and many vendors will have prices listed in both EC$ and US$ (prices with just a $ sign may be in either currency). If you pay in US$ some smaller vendors may give you change in EC$.
 
Getting Around

Cruise ships dock at dock at Pointe Seraphine, to the north of the harbor. The port is served by both taxis and water taxis.

Standard bus routes run from Castries to all outlying districts on the island. These buses bear green license plates with numbers that start with an "M". Private minivan buses offer transportation from bus stops and can be flagged down on the roadside.

Taxis in St. Lucia have blue license plates.

Things to Do

Attractions
  • Beaches: Vigie Beach, Malabar Beach, Choc Beach, and La Toc Beach are all near Castries.
  • Sulphur Springs, the world's only "drive-in volcano", is located in the town of Soufrière, in the South-Western region of the island.
  • St Lucia Botanical Gardens, also known as the Diamond Botanical Gardens, is home of the Diamond Waterfall and the oldest botanical gardens on the island. They are located in the town of Soufrière, in the South-Western region of the island. 
  • "The Pitons" are two volcanic plugs in a World Heritage Site in Saint Lucia. The Gros Piton is 771 m, and the Petit Piton is 743 m high; they are linked by the Piton Mitan ridge. The Pitons are located near the towns of Soufrière and Choiseul on the southwestern coast of the island.
  • Rainforest Sky Rides Park features an aerial tram that run 125 feet above the ground, passing through and over the rainforest canopy.
  • Treetop Adventure Park, located in the rain forest in the middle of the island, features the highest and longest zip lines on the island.
  • Pigeon Island National Park, which is home to Fort Rodney, an old British military base.

Tours

  • COSOL TOURS -  FULL
    • Organized by Esahuma and mom4mom. If interested contact them using the email address in this post and this post, respectively.
    • The tour fee will be increased as of May 1st because the sites will be increasing their entrance fees. It will be US$75 per person.
    • We will be meeting at 8:20am and leaving at 8:30am. As soon as you get off the ship you walk into the building right in front of you, and look for the sign "COSOL TOURS".
    • The tour is 5 - 6 hours. You only pay cash (USD) at the end of the tour. We will be stopping every 10 mins for your "wow" photo moments. Entrance fees to the waterfall, volcano and water taxi is included in the price.
    • We will be visiting the banana plantation where you will learn about the bananas growth and taste them, then we head down to the fishing villages (Anse La Raye and Canaries), also Marigot Bay where the movie Dr. Doolittle was filmed.
    • Then we will be stopping for breakfast where you can sample the local fish cakes, johnny cakes, coconut cakes, and a variety of local fruits from the Island. We will be having a mobile bar with rum punch, water, local beer and sodas. You will also get to sample locally made spice rum. All eats and drinks are complimentary.
    • Then we head down to Soufriere where you will have an overlook of the pitons. Then to the only drive-in volcano in the world, there you will be getting an informative guide to show you around and give you a brief history of the place. At the volcano you can also take a dip in the mud bath and feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
    • From the volcano we will be going to the Toraille Waterfall there you can stand under the cascading water.
    • Then to the Jalousie Beach between the piton for swimming and snorkeling, where we will be taking the water taxi and you will enjoy unbelievable views of the coast. Please bring along your snorkeling gears. It is also available for rental.
    • On the way back to the north we will be stopping for the best local hot bread and cheese. Our last stop will be 5 mins. drive from Castries where you can do all your shopping for local souvenirs to take back home.
    • Bring along your camera an towels. Because of the small changing room at the beach you can wear your swimsuit under your garment to save time.
    • If you have any more queries call me on my cell 1(758)7196697 or visit my website at www.cosol-tours.com 
    • Participants - Eshuma's van (12 max):
      • 2 – Esahuma
      • 2 – paws223 – Bob & Gail
      • 2 – JBSteelerfan – Jeff and Sherri
      • 2 – OCSuzie – Suzanne & Ahalt
      • 2 – BetteandBill – Bette and Bill
      • 2 – Cruisen Elf
    • Participants -  mom4mom's van (12 max):
      • 2 – Jim and Kathleen
      • 2 – Steve and Marcy
      • 2 – Margit and Randy
      • 2 – Kathy and Jerry
      • 2 – Julia and Steve
      • 2 – SafetyTiger – Betsy & Michael
    • Waitlist (unofficial):
      • 2 – Barecove – Tuyet & Tang
  • Herod's "Land and Sea Safari" Tour - FULL
    • Organized by golfpccc. If interested email  or post on the roll call thread.
    • Cost is US$80/person including tour, entry fees, lunch, and drinks (water, beer, soda, rum punch, etc.).
    • Tour departs 8:30AM and runs 6-7 hours. Bring Swimsuits & Towels, Camera/Video, Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat, Walking & Water Shoes, Snorkel Gear (Rentals US$11/set addtl.).
    • Tour begins in at your door or portside of your vessel with an introductory motor tour of Castries, Capital of St. Lucia, with an informative and lively narrative history that will leave you with the feeling that you are on familiar grounds.
      • Derek Walcott Square, full of history and one of the venues for St. Lucia’s World Famous Jazz Festival
      • St. Lucia War Memorial, one of the few official monuments on the Island
      • The Renowned Samaan Tree (reportedly more than 400 years old)
      • Overlook Stop at Morne Fortune (Northern St. Lucia) and the Port area; breathtaking ‘Kodak Moments’
      • The Government House (19th century Victorian residence of the Governor General)
      • Marigot Bay (location of the 1966 Rex Harrison movie “Dr. Doolittle,” St. Lucia’s ARC and other Yachting events, and trusted safe harbor from hurricanes)
    • Drive through the largest banana plantation in St. Lucia and not tour the largest banana plantation.
    • Walking Stops at both Canaries and Anse La Raye, two charming and singular fishing villages that will allow you to marvel at the unique micro-cultures that is St. Lucia; you will see the striking fishing canoes that are used to this day to fish daily; have time to casually tour and shop these memorable towns; enjoy a timely complimentary sampling of local breads and cakes and other refreshments
    • Descend on toward one of St. Lucia’s first settlements, old French town Soufriere (first Capital and today 3rd largest Town), the island’s first coaling station and economic port, famous for abundant Night Life opportunities
    • On the outskirts of Soufriere, stop at the “Cold Falls” for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear pool beneath a waterfall amidst the lush surrounding beauty
    • The botanical Gardens at Toraille is an excellent place to immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of St. Lucia flora and fauna, and to understand how important a role it plays in the life this Island Paradise; Opportunity to sample Big Mama’s Johnny and Fish Cakes at this singularly exquisite locale
    • Adventure continues to Sulphur Springs, the world’s only drive-thru/walk thru active volcano, one of St. Lucia’s most notable National Parks; you will smell your approach, and the distinctive pungent aroma is reputed to relieve sinusitis and pressure (definitely a “Kodak Moment’)
    • Along the way are opportunities to see and take picture of the famous “Sisters of St. Lucia,” the Pitons - the most recognizable landmark throughout the Caribbean, rising majestically above 2600 feet stubbornly at the water’s edge.
    • Continue toward the Pitons to the water’s edge to enjoy more refreshing swimming and optional snorkeling in some of the best waters of all St. Lucia (and reportedly the Caribbean). Marvel at the abundant squid, grouper, parrot fish, and the many beautiful varieties of abundant underwater life in the clear blue Caribbean Sea that embraces St. Lucia.
    • After being rejuvenated by the abundance of Lucian Magic, you will be whisked away to a secluded respite to enjoy a specailly prepared sumptuous authentic Creole buffet luncheon, guaranteed to inspire much storytelling for years to come!
    • Only a few minutes drive to the docks in Soufrriere where you will meet our perfectly appointed 32 foot twin 250 HP outboard boat and your professional Captain who will continue your touring along our mesmerizing coast. You will experience the strange and wonderful Bat Caves, local history, and much more.
    • Your time as our guest will seem to come too soon, even though we shared a good part of your special day in St. Lucia. After much laughter, smiles, and singularly treasured experiences, the tour concludes as your Water Taxi delivers you safely portside to your ship timely, rested, and officially a Member of the Greater St. Lucia family!
    • Participants (10 minumum, 14-22 maximum):
      • 2 – cruisingcanadian (Suzy and Rita)
      • 2 – golfpcc (Dave and Carla)
      • 2 – watchin flying fish (Mark and Nancy)
      • 1 – Phyllis
      • 2 – Katfish841 (Kathy and Mark)
      • 2 – carencpa (Robert and Caren)
      • 2 – newportqld (Sonia and Philip)
      • 2 – Samzgirl84 (Cherie and Sam)
      • 2 – mom4mom (Al and Joan)
      • 2 – Mary Ann & Ed (es5s5)
      • 2 – Carol & Bill Earle (redsoxfanforever)
      • 2 – Linda & Lee Potter - friends of Carol & Bill
  • All Day Tour w/ Julian Tours
    • Organized by Bluesky2Star (email to join).
    • $ 110 US each- if we get 12 it is $ 900 for the boat, down to $ 75 US...
      • has another boat and price TBD
    • St Lucia- Highlights- Julian tours good as we avoid the 2 hr drive in a crammed small bus on bad roads with little/no a/c-   ( many complained about that tour bus ride to volcano/mudbaths/waterfall that others use w/o these extra goodies)
    • This Trip:
      • Pick up near ship
      • See great views of Pitons from boat and take good pix
      • Cruise coast to Marigot Bay (famous) , enter bay and go into Batcave first ( many do not and It IS Halloween) then tour around shoreline / get guided chat
      • Continue past several fishing villages
      • land at Soufieres Bay- get on his shuttle to drivethru in volcano
      • nearby warm, sulfur mudbaths for those that want a dip for beauty's sake...
        • (FYI- your skin will like it But- wear old, dark swim suit, bring old dark towel - RCL will charge if you lose or ruin their white -nice one, take off or do not wear jewelry - it will not like sulfur)
      • then to a Waterfall with "refreshing" water swim hole - means chilly - there is a shower and changing/restrooms at waterfall -(get off mud suit)
      • back to his aunt's modest hotel/inn for a home cooked meal family style- pix are online of it- very casual
      • time in Soufieres Bay town to shop a little (other tours do often not allow this)
      • back on boat- stop at Jalousie beach for either swim, chill, or snorkel- I plan to snorkel
      • continue back towards port and stop by "Lovers Rock" arch and watch popular jump off  and take pix. (you can get out of boat, swim over and jump if you are brave)
      • - back to ship
    • I have been in direct contact with owner- need info how many before Boston Dept., Prefer by Oct 22 at Latest !!!
    • Confirmed 4 people

Eat and Drink

  • Coming soon...