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Saint Lucia:beautiful beaches and wonderful natureSt. Lucia is the sort of island that travellers to the Caribbean dream about--a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown. One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent, and north of Barbados. St. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, with a shape that is said to resemble either a mango or an avocado (depending on your taste). The Atlantic Ocean kisses its eastern shore, while the beaches of the west coast owe their beauty to the calm Caribbean Sea.
St. Lucia has been inhabited since long before colonial times, and its cultural treasures are a fascinating melange of its rich past and its many different traditions. The island's people have earned a well-deserved reputation for their warmth and charm, and the island itself is dotted with aged fortresses, small villages, and open-air markets.
There is a broad array of exciting and exotic activities available on St. Lucia. The island's steep coastlines and lovely reefs offer excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. The rainforest preserves of St. Lucia's mountainous interior are one of the Caribbean's finest locales for hiking and birdwatching. Of course, the island also possesses excellent facilities for golf, tennis, sailing, and a host of other leisure pursuits. Not to be missed is St. Lucia's Soufriere volcano, the world's only drive-in volcanic crater.
Beaches
Reduit Beach
This area is renowned for its long white sandy beach sheltered with tropical greenery. The beach stretches to Pigeon Island but it is crossed close to Gros Islet by the waterway to the marina. South of Gros Islet you can find several large hotels and all kinds of water sports facilities. North of Gros Islet you see only sand and trees until Pigeon Island. During the weekend this part is frequented by many St. Lucians.
Vigie Beach
A nice sandy beach, well sheltered, stretching alongside the landing-strip of Vigie airport. Popular with St. Lucians but there is some litter here and there. Choc Bay beach: A nice sandy beach, sheltered by palm trees, with water sports facilities and close to the large hotels. Here you can look out at little Rat Island. The Gablewood shopping centre is in the neighbourhood.
Labrelotte Bay Beach
A very nice sandy beach situated between the East Winds Inn and the Windjammer Landing.
Anse Chastanet Beach
One of the finest dark sandy beaches of St. Lucia and also an excellent place for the scuba-diver or snorkeler. At the beach restaurant you can enjoy fine meals at reasonable prices. This beach can also be reached by boat from Castries or Soufrière.
Soufriere Beach
South of the Town of Soufrier there is a long stretch of dark sandy beach. Between the palm trees you have a grandiose view of one of the Pitons. The beach is mostly used by local people.
Cas En Bas Beach
One of the pre-eminent places for wind surfing. The last part of the road to the beach is in very bad condition and it is as fast to walk down to the beach as it is to drive. There are constant on shore trade winds. At the Turtle Reef Bar, the only wooden house next to the stretched white sandy beach, you can hire a wind surf board and take wind surfing lessons. There are also kayaks for hire. During the summer months, the bar can be closed for a period of several weeks.
Anse Louvet Beach
A protected sandy beach in fantastic, mysterious surroundings can be reached after a two to three hours walk (road no longer drive-able). The La Sorcière mountains make a wall between the sea and the inland giving the surroundings a special distinction. The dry shrubs are home to the Fer de Lance snake, the only really dangerous snake on the island. Here, the Leatherback and other turtles come ashore to bury their eggs during the night (at end winter season, start summer season).
Tours:
Helicopters Tours
Take a breathtaking guided helicopter tour of St. Lucia and discover Pigeon Point, Soufriere Pitons ( A UNESCO world heritage site), the volcano, rainforest and many coastal fishing villages or enjoy last minute cocktails and sunbathing at your hotel and take the exhilerating Helicopter shuttle. Extensive charters and photography flights are also available.
Saint Lucia Tram Tours
Come experience the rainforest in an up close and personal way. Immerse yourself in the rainforest. Nurtured by warm, gentle rains and rich volcanic soils, St. Lucia's forests have achieved a state of sublime ancient majesty. Our gondolas safely glide through and over the treetops, where knotted, twisting woody vines wind to the tops of old-growth rainforest trees. Dense thickets of SUITea! vegetation merge with cascades of flowers. Lavender stars, orange bursts, yellow berries and white lace thrive on the branches of fragrant flowering trees. Giant Chatannier and Gommier trees tower over the landscape.
ATV Tours 
ATV Paradise Tours offers its visitors a personalized service in a relaxing atmosphere and caters to the needs of persons who want to get away for a short period to enjoy a different and exciting activity. Designed for both individuals and couples, who are first time travelers and experienced travelers, who would like to participate in a truly Eco inspired outdoor environment. Be sure to take your camera to capture pictures of our little paradise while enjoying on the ATV tour. ATV Paradise Tours Ltd. is a St Lucian and Belgian joint venture, bringing the best of both nationalities together, in a unique location to pamper our guests.
Barre de L'isle Rain Forest Trail
The highlight of this trail, which runs along the perimeter of the rain forest, is a climb to the top of Morne la Combe that is only for the stout of heart. The mountain, towering 1,446 feet, lies on the Barre de Lisle ridge and offers panoramic views west to the Roseau and Mabouya valleys. The walk takes approximately three hours. For more information, call 450-2231/7-8.
Union Nature Trail
A beautiful, looping, graveled path parades through a dry forest punctuated by hummingbirds, warblers, and finches. The nature of the trail allows up close and personal views of several spectacularly introduced tree species, medicinal herbs, and local fruit trees, plus exotic wildlife at a miniature zoo. There is also a center that provides information about the island's endangered species, vegetation zones, and life in the forest. The tour lasts just over one hour.
Naturalist Tour
This tour is particularly appealing to those interested in horticulture, biology, entomology, ornithology, and native flora and fauna. Though it is guided, the tour will venture off the beaten track to wherever the participants desire to go, including up and down mountains, into the forests and bushes. The schedule and prices vary, depending on the type of tour and the number of participants. For further information contact the Forestry Department.
Fregate Island Nature Trail
This tour along St. Lucia's Atlantic Coast offers several scenic views on a mile-long trail circling the national park. The tour calls on the breeding ground of St. Lucia's Fregate bird population, a locale that is also home to a number of rare species of birds, Boa Constrictors, and some unusual forms of vegetation. Tours are arranged through the St. Lucia National Trust.
Morne Le Blanc/Laborie
Morne Le Blanc towers over the coastal community of Laborie and the southern plains of St. Lucia. The mountain's summit affords a view of distant St. Vincent and a scenic, shady rest spot for picnics.
Marine Life
Turtle Watching
Grande Anse Beach, on the north coast, is the center for this activity during mid-March to the end of July. Housed in a little tent city, and soothed by the sea aglow in the starlight, campers can enjoy the spectacle of leatherback turtles rising from the surf. It is a great experience even if the guests of honor don't show. Watches are held on Saturday nights between 4:00pm to 6:30am and the cost is EC$10 per person. For more information, contact Jim Sparks at 452-8100/9951 (before Friday night).
Whale Watching
There is something enchanting and exciting about coming face to face with sea creatures which are 20 metres long, weigh approximately 44 tonnes and make noises that can be heard up to five miles away. The experience of encountering whales in their natural habitat makes for an adventure not easily forgotten. What is even more mind boggling is the affinity that one feels for whales and dolphins when paths cross, even if their appearance is so unlike that of other mammals.
The Caribbean waters have long been noted for their unique aquatic life, coral reefs and tropical fish. They are also a haven for Sperm, Pilot and Humpback whales and bottle-nosed dolphins. The female Sperm whales along with their calves, and the Pilot and Humpback whales are found in the St Lucian waters all year round. The male Sperm whales come to the tropical waters in large numbers during the mating season which last from October until January. When they are ready to travel back to the temperate waters off New Zealand, Iceland, Norway, Canada and around Antarctica, they take with them the young males who are strong enough to make the long trip. Unlike other whale-watching destinations, in St Lucia you can see different species of whales all year round.
Like Dominica, we are lucky to have several different species of whale and dolphin in our waters, either resident in the area or passing through. Some of these are:
SPERM WHALES
Mother and calf groups possible shared with Dominica, St. Vincent and Grenada, but more research needs to be done to confirm that these are in fact the same animals - according to IFAW, who have done some research, they live here all year round.
HUMPBACKS, ORCAS, BRYDE'S, PILOTS and DOLPHINS, such as SPOTTED, SPINNERS, BOTTLENOSE, RISSO'S, and FRASERS, also some (hard to see) BEAKED WHALES, FALSE and PYGMY FILLER WHALES and PYGMY SPERM WHALES.
Fishing
Fishing is as much an occupation as a sport on the island of St Lucia, as anglers from all over come to participate in the Annual Bill Fish Tournament. Whether you have never been fishing or you are an experienced angler, you're sure to have a great time on this thrilling and exciting adventure. Take your turn at the 'big ones' from the fighting chair. All bait and up to date tackle are supplier for you! Regular catches include : Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, Barracuda, Dorado, Blue and White Marlin, Long Bill Spearfish, King Fish, Spanish and King Mackerel, Cavali, Snapper and Shark. Fishing can be very thirsty work so beers and sodas are provided.
Yachting:
A Yachtman's Haven:
St Lucia is the sort of tropical paradise that any yachtsman or charterer dreams about. Yachting in St Lucia is an unforgettable experience. Imagine the crystal clear, warm waters. Picture the fine white sand beaches, lined with gently swaying palms. Where better to go sailing than St Lucia? The white sand beaches are framed by the dramatic Atlantic Ocean, on the east, and the calm Caribbean waters to the west. St Lucia, located halfway down the Windward Island chain, offers some of the finest scenery in the Caribbean. Any yacht charter vacation around St Lucia is bound to be an incredible experience.
Rodney Bay Marina:
Rodney Bay Marina is truely a yatchsman's haven. It is the official port of entry with immigration and customs' offices. It is a full service facility with 232 berths, each with individual meters for electricity and water. The best endorsement for the Rodney Bay Marina is the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers or ARC, the largest transoceanic race in the world. With more than 200 participating yachts. Rodney Bay has been the finishing line for the ARC for the past 16 years; testiment to the level of service that is unmatched anywere in the Caribbean.
Within the Marina complex there are restuarants, banks, a supermarket, car rental and a host of other amenities you would come to expect from a premiere facility. The dry dock facility accommodates up to 120 boats, with on-site workshops for wood, fibreglass, aluminum, stainless steel and bronze. Dute free fuel is available for outgoing boats and there is a well equipped duty free chandlery on site.
The ensemble of great beaches at Reduit and Pigeon Point, and the near by restaurants situated in the Rodney Bay Village, St.Lucia's largest leisure center, is an added incentive to dock at the Rodney Bay Marina.
Vigie Creek:
Vigie Creek (near GFL Charles Airport) and the Castries City are the harbour's two main anchorages. Services include repair and replenishments facilities, hardware shops, restaurants and the capitals open-air market. Vigie is the more secluded of the two anchorages. When entering Castries Harbour, it is necessary to avoid the shoal that extends to the west of Tapion Peak. Vigie Hill has a is equiped with a light that flashes every 10 secs allowing you to easily identify the harbour at night. Castries harbour does not have customs officials, but it is easier for yachtsmen to clear through Rodney Bay or Marigot. Officials insist that yachts entering the habour come directly to the Custom's dock (if there is no room, anchor east of the Customs bouy). It is wise not to ignore this directive as a fine could be incurred.
Marigot Bay:
Marigot Bay has been photographed so many times, that first time tourists often experience a jolt of recognition. Not surprising. This peaceful landscape of swaying palms and sparkling clear water also caught the eye of film makers who used the bay as a location for the filming of the original Dr Dolittle starring Rex Harrison in 1967.
The Marina at Marigot Bay is located in the South-East Corner of Marigot Bay in front of the Discovery at Marigot Bay Resort and Spa. The Marina can accommodate 40 yachts from 30 ft to 240 ft LOA with a maximum draft of 16 ft and a maximum beam of 44ft. The Marina is approached through a buoyed entrance channel, 160ft wide, from the entrance waypoint at 13 degrees 58.1 minutes North, 61 degrees, 01.8 minutes West.
St. Lucia Carnival
Saint Lucia is quickly earning a reputation for having one of the most enjoyable Carnival celebrations in the Caribbean. That sentiment was revealed in the latest survey of visitors who come to Saint Lucia every year for the July Festivities.
Up until 6 years ago, Saint Lucia’s Carnival was celebrated as a pre-Lenten event in February. The move to July meant more visitors to the Festival as the island would not have to compete with Trinidad and Tobago. This experiment has surely paid off, as statistics show a steady growth in arrivals for this period. Among the persons surveyed up to 2004, 59% were repeat visitors, mostly from the islands of Martinique, Barbados, Trinidad, Guadeloupe and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
What makes Saint Lucia Carnival unique is the presence of all cultural art forms like theatre, music, dance, song, costumes and drama and this year is no exception.
This year’s launch boldly features a myriad of local artistes; soca and calypso. This provides an avenue for local artistes to present their new music for the season. The capacity crowd is also introduced to the contestants vying for the Carnival Queen title. The Carnival Bands give the audience a glimpse of their costumes when their models parade the stage and interested persons can sign up almost immediately with the band of their choice as booths are set up by the various Bands for that very purpose.
The official launch paves the way for the start of a series of related events like calypso competitions (national and inter-commercial), Panorama, Mas on the Derek Walcott Square in the day time and Square Jam at night, the Carnival Queen Pageant, Junior Carnival, j’ouvert, OECS Soca Monarch, Lucian Line Jam and the King & Queen of the Bands.
On Monday July 16th, the Carnival Bands return to the Mindoo Phillip Park to be judged and on Tuesday July 17th, they take to the streets of Castries for the last lap jam session. So how can you be part of this exciting spectacle of colour, music and revelry? Pack your bags, get to the airport and take the next flight out to the island paradise of Saint Lucia. There you will experience this truly extraordinary fiesta of color, gaiety, merriment, dancing, calypso and the pulsating rhythm of steel bands.
Everyone is welcomed and you’re sure to become one our many repeat visitors after taking in the action during this year’s Carnival, which promises to be even bigger and better. The Cultural Development Foundation along with The St. Lucia Tourist Board which are the main organizer of Saint Lucia Carnival, are ready to provide you with the information and assistance you need to make your stay here for Carnival a comfortable and enjoyable one.
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