The Official FAQs Guide to St. Lucia Travel- Trips for the Tourist
St. Lucia is a beautiful Caribbean island and a must for travelers. Learn what you need to know about visiting this beautiful piece of paradise.
Answers for all the top questions when it comes to visiting St. Lucia
Is St. Lucia safe?
With low crime rates and relatively well-off residents, crime is quite low in St. Lucia and the island is quite safe for travelers.
What is the best time of year to go to St. Lucia?
While late spring and early summer are considered the peak travel times for visitors to St. Lucia, the tropical climate of the island lends itself to nearly year-round ideal travel conditions.
Is St. Lucia Part of the US?
While St. Lucia is friendly with the United States, it is actually a commonwealth of its own.
Is St. Lucia worth visiting?
St. Lucia is absolutely worth visiting. Whether you want to lounge on the beach, enjoy a tropical wedding or honeymoon, take a dip in a volcano, or explore the rainforest, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more perfect travel destination.
When should you not go to St. Lucia?
While there is more rain during hurricane season (September, October, and November), St. Lucia offers something for everyone year-round. Off-peak travel can also be a great way to enjoy the Caribbean while enjoying great financial savings.
Is it safe to swim in St. Lucia?
While there have been occasional shark sightings, swimming in St. Lucia is almost always both safe and enjoyable. Advisories are issued during times of strong currents, but overall swimming in St. Lucia is quite safe.
Are mosquitos bad in St. Lucia?
Due to the climate, there are certainly mosquitos across the island of St. Lucia. This is especially true during wetter months. With that said, however, travel in St. Lucia is not hindered by the insects, which can be kept at bay with the use of repellant.
What is the hottest month in St. Lucia?
The hottest months in St. Lucia are the summer months, during the island’s wet season, with temperatures from May through September averaging around 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
What US airports offer direct flights to St Lucia?
In the United States, travelers can fly direct to St. Lucia from New York, New Jersey, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, and Philadelphia.
What language is spoken in St. Lucia?
While some St. Lucia natives also speak Creole, the island’s official and most commonly spoken language is English.
Is the water warm in St. Lucia?
Thanks to its tropical climate, the water in St. Lucia is warm enough to swim comfortably in no matter the time of year.
Is St. Lucia expensive?
St. Lucia is actually considered one of the best-value islands in the Caribbean, with reasonable prices and a breathtaking setting that is perfect for romance, relaxation, or adventure.
What is the best part of St. Lucia to stay?
While there are Airbnbs, hotels, and resorts across the island, where you stay will depend on what you want to do. While yachters might prefer to stay near Rodney Bay, for example, many attractions and top Airbnbs are located in historic Soufriere, which is also centrally located between the island’s two airports.
Is St. Lucia pretty?
St. Lucia is without a doubt one of the most beautiful islands anywhere in the world. From the beautiful waters to the iconic Piton Mountains that can be seen from almost anywhere on the island, St. Lucia is one of the prettiest places on earth.
What is the national dish of St. Lucia?
The national dish of St. Lucia is known as green figs and saltfish. It is made of salted fish and green bananas and is a very popular delicacy that is prepared in a unique way by virtually all of the island’s top chefs.
Do you need a passport to travel to St. Lucia?
All United States travelers are required to have a valid US passport that is good for six months past the planned return date in order to enter St. Lucia. This includes travelers arriving on the island by sea (with the exception of closed loop cruises).
Do you need vaccines to visit St. Lucia?
While not mandatory, the WHO, or World Health Organization, recommends that travelers visiting St. Lucia be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, rabies, tetanus, and yellow fever.
What’s the best way to get around St. Lucia?
While rental cars are available, most of our guests prefer to use taxis with local drivers who are familiar with the island and its terrain. Take note, however, that St. Lucia taxis are not metered and look for a service with set prices and great reviews.
What should I pack for my trip to St. Lucia?
In addition to cool clothes and essentials such as your passport and other documents, we recommend swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes with good tread, and an umbrella.
Are the locals in St. Lucia friendly?
Absolutely!! Here in St. Lucia we love our traveling guests. In fact, from the Friday Night Gros Islet Steet Party to the Castries Market, locals enjoy hanging with travelers and sharing our culture, music, cuisine and more.
Are there any attractions I absolutely must see?
Certainly. Whether you hike the majestic Pitons is up to you, though you’ll certainly want to see them, but attractions such as Diamond Falls, Pigeon Island, and the drive-in volcano at Sulphur Springs and its mud baths are as exciting as our beaches!
Which St. Lucia airport will I be arriving at?
While inter-Caribbean travelers arrive on the island via George F.L. Charles (SLU) Airport, our international guests arrive at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort to the south.
How far is my Airbnb or resort from Hewanorra International Airport?
St. Lucia’s top Airbnbs and many resorts are located in Soufriere, which is about 45 minutes from UVF. Guests staying at Sandals and other northern resorts will find that they are about an hour and a half from Hewanorra.
St. Lucia Pitons FAQs
Can you hike the Pitons in St. Lucia?
Absolutely! In fact, the summit of Gros Piton is one of the best drone flying & photography spots on the island.
THE PITONS
Where in St. Lucia are the Pitons?
The Pitons are located in Soufriere, St. Lucia, about 45 minutes from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and a little over an hour away from Castries and Rodney Bay.
How tall are the Pitons in St. Lucia?
Gros Piton is 798 meters high, or 2,618 feet, while Petit Piton is 743 meters or 2,438 feet in height.
Are the St. Lucia Pitons volcanoes?
Sort of. The Piton Mountains in St. Lucia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the remnants of a large volcanic eruption that occurred hundreds of thousands of years in the past.
Can you hike St. Lucia’s Pitons without a guide?
Technically, yes, though only a Gros Piton hike is formally sanctioned by the government. Hiking Petit Piton is much more strenuous and an experienced guide is highly recommended. While Gros Piton is a moderate climb, a guide is still recommended for safety and educational purposes.
How long is the St. Lucia Gros Piton hike?
Hiking Gros Piton is a four-mile hike to the summit and back, taking anywhere from three to six hours depending on speed, weather, and other conditions.
What beach is at the base of the Pitons in St. Lucia?
The beach at the base of the Pitons is called Anse L’Ivrogne, also known as Sevoin.
How far are the Pitons from Castries and can you see them from there?
The Piton Mountains in St. Lucia are 22 kilometers directly from Castries and 48.6 kilometers by road. While you can see the Pitons from most of the island, we certainly recommend that guests take a trip to Soufriere to see these iconic landmarks up close and personal.
What is the cost to hike Gros Piton?
Costs to hike St. Lucia’s Pitons start at about $50 USD per person including an experienced guide and the entrance fees. Some tour companies, such as Real St. Lucia Tours, also include pickup and drop-off service.
Pigeon Island St. Lucia FAQs
Where is Pigeon Island St. Lucia?
Pigeon Island is located off the northwest coast of St. Lucia in the Gros Islet quarter and just north of Castries. It can be easily accessed via public transit or by taxi or rental car.
How much does it cost to visit Pigeon Island in St. Lucia?
Entry to Pigeon Island costs $10USD for adults and $3 for children between the ages of 5 and 12.
What is there to do at Pigeon Island St. Lucia?
There is much to see and do at historic Pigeon Island. From military ruins and an ancient lookout that offers stunning panoramic views to two beaches, restaurants, and a pub.
What hours can I visit Pigeon Island St. Lucia?
Pigeon Island is open to visitors from 9AM until 5PM, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
Tet Paul Nature Trail St. Lucia FAQs
Where is St. Lucia’s Tet Paul Nature Trail?
Located in Soufriere, St. Lucia, the Tet Paul Nature Trail is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located quite near other Soufriere attractions such as the Pitons and Sulphur Springs, visitors will find themselves just over an hour from Castries and about 45 minutes from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF).
Is hiking the Tet Paul Nature Trail in St. Lucia difficult?
The Tet Paul Nature Trail is a relatively easy hike and is suitable for most travelers, though comfortable shoes with tread are highly recommended.
How long is the Tet Paul Nature Trail?
The Tet Paul Nature Trail is approximately .6 miles and forms a loop. Including time to visit the sights along the way, the hike takes approximately 25 minutes, making it a good addition to almost any tour of the island.