Monday, April 1, 2024

St Lucia cruise port guide

st lucia cruise ship port

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or a combination of all three, St Lucia provides an unforgettable journey. Soak up the sun, explore the rainforests, indulge in local delicacies, and take in the breathtaking views of this Caribbean gem. If you just have time to visit the beach on your stay, Choc Beach is about ten minutes away from the Cruise Port in North St Lucia. These are just but a few things you can try out in St. Lucia for a day in port.

Shore Excursions

Please don’t forget to come back to whatsinport.com for new and updated port guides. December to April is the busiest time of year, and also when accommodation is more expensive. June to November is more humid and wetter, and the Caribbean's official hurricane season.

Bimini Islands, Bahamas

Paddleboarding and kayaking are available and you can even venture out a short distance to Rat Island for a brief hike to explore. The beach boasts clear waters making it a perfect location for swimming, so bring along a snorkel and enjoy the tranquility. Our local port team will be committed to the growth and development of the country because they will be Saint Lucians. At GPH, we strongly believe that the port operator, government authorities and tourism industry stakeholders should work closely as the interests of all parties are aligned.

Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia’s Main Point of Entry

Curaçao and its cruise port in Willemstad - the capital - have a rare charm, stunning colonial architecture, very is both safe and comfortable to explore on your. Curaçao and its cruise port in Willemstad - the capital - have a rare charm, stunning colonial architecture, and is both safe and comfortable to explore on your own. The same fare (US$10.00) is also how much a taxi should charge to go take you to La Toc Beach, the other beach close by - 3 miles south of St Lucia cruise port in Castries. Less time consuming, a visit to the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Falls is a must. This six-acre retreat is an invitation to walk through lush tropical vegetation, bird watching or bathing in the mineral waters of the spa.

South Caribbean Ports

More options include hiking through the rainforest, snorkeling the sunken wreck off of Anse Cochon and horseback riding along the coast. So get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure as you discover the treasures of St Lucia from the comfort of your cruise ship. The next sections of this guide will take you through the top attractions, best beaches, thrilling rainforest adventures, exciting water activities, cultural experiences, and more that await you in St Lucia’s cruise port. Other (tender) ports on St Lucia Island are Rodney Bay - Pigeon island (northernmost), Soufriere (central-west) and Vieux Fort (south).

La Toc beach – Nestled south of the Castries, within a minute drive from St Lucia port, La Toc public beach is a beautiful sandy beach offering all necessary facilities for a memorable beach day in St Lucia. You can access the beach through the Sandals Resort and although located near the town, La Toc Beach is not that busy. Within a short distance downstream from the hot sulfur springs, you can enjoy the geothermal mud baths, a popular tourist attraction. The water in the mud baths reaches 110 Fahrenheit (45 Celsius) and has therapeutic properties – it detoxifies the body and helps heal sunburns, eczema, and more. During the high season, you may encounter crowds as the baths are visited by both tourists and locals. Pointe Seraphine cruise terminal features a wide range of facilities, such as ATMs, a duty-free shopping complex, tour operator stands, souvenir stores, and a few restaurants and bars offering great food and amazing service.

st lucia cruise ship port

Where You're Docked?

Ships anchor in Castries, either at Pointe Seraphine, a duty-free shopping complex on the harbor's north side, or at La Place Carenage, a smaller duty-free shopping complex near the markets on the harbor's south side. Settled first by the Arawaks and then the Caribs, St. Lucia became a hotly contested territory with the arrival of Europeans in the 17th century. The island passed back and forth 14 times between the British and the French until 1814, when the Brits finally took possession for good. Traces of both cultures still remain in the language; many St. Lucians speak both English and a French Creole patois, and it's visible in distinctive place names such as Soufriere, Gros Islet, Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island. Thus, ownership of St. Lucia Cruise Port will remain in the hands of the people of St. Lucia throughout the entire agreement period and beyond. At the end of the 30-year term, the cruise port facility, including all improvements financed by GPH, will be handed back at no cost to the government or the people of St. Lucia.

If docked at La Place Carenage, and considering that this terminal also has quite a few good stores, you really have to be a serious shopaholic to walk all the way to Pointe Seraphine or cross the bay by water taxi. Undoubtedly, Reduit Beach is the most popular - the scenery, sand, water clarity and many activities offered are major attractions for the cruise traveler. And also the proximity to the Rodney Bay Marina (with a few nice restaurants), the Splash Island Water Park which is great for families and the Bay Bay Gardens Resort offering a beach day pass.

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These are just a few of the many attractions waiting to be discovered on the picturesque island of St Lucia. Whether you prefer adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, there is something to delight every traveler. The absolute worst time to cruise the Caribbean Sea would be between August and September. Or try the popular chocolate tea, which is nothing like hot chocolate but hot water added to grated chocolate sticks with sugar. Of course, the one attraction that you shouldn’t miss on the island is the Pitons.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, usually referred to as “The Cathedral” is 200 ft long (61 m) by 100 ft wide (30 m) and said to be the largest church in the Caribbean. Throughout history, the place was occupied by the Amerindians, pirates, French and British, mainly due to its favorable strategic position. Known also as Soufriere Qualibou Volcano and Soufriere Drive-In Volcano, Sulphur Springs is the world’s only drive-in volcano whose last eruption took place in the 1700s and is nowadays considered a dormant volcano. You can also book a chocolate-making tour and create your own exciting chocolates with different flavors, and learn how organic chocolate bars and coconut oil are made.

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With its landmark Pitons – a pair of green volcanic fangs rising out of the ocean – and a mountainous interior coated in rainforest, St Lucia is one of the Caribbean's most dramatic-looking ports of call. It also has lovely beaches, but such is St Lucia's beauty it would be a shame to just flop about under a parasol all day. A relaxing and popular way to take in the scenery is on a boat trip down the west coast. For the more active, hiking or zip-lining in the rainforest, or climbing a Piton, is also highly recommended. Cruise ships can dock in different places when visiting Castries, St. Lucia. Pointe Seraphine is one of the main cruise docks and it is most likely your ship is going to dock here.

The Rainforest Aerial Tram transports guests up and away from the heat and bustle of the lowlands to an ecological park located in the heights of St. Lucia’s forest reserve. Back in Castries, Pointe Seraphine has a sizeable and pleasant open-air duty-free shopping complex, that is also well stocked with local art and mainstream gifts. A smaller selection of similar shops is available at La Place Carenage shopping centre. Whichever type of tour you choose, ideally you'll visit Marigot Bay, a deep-set, verdant and extremely photogenic 'hurricane hole' that is often full of snazzy yachts. It's about 20 minutes' drive from Castries to Rodney Bay, the island's only resort and the location of the best beach. From Castries to the Soufrière area – location of the Pitons and Sulphur Springs Park – takes about 75 minutes, much of the journey on a very windy road.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, savor the flavors of traditional Caribbean cuisine, and let the beauty of St. Lucia leave you breathless. Lastly, also in the north east of the island, is Rain Forest Adventures, where you can go zip lining through the stunning tropical rainforest. This tour includes your pick up from the port as well as a hike with a guide and a ride on an aerial tram if the adrenaline gets too much. Outside the entrance to Pigeon Island is Causeway Beach, a small beach with stunning clear water and beautiful views of the old fort and across the bay. St Lucia's superlative scenery lies in the south-west of the island.

Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs, looking for luxury goods, or indulging in delectable cuisine, the shopping and dining scene in St Lucia is sure to leave you satisfied. So go ahead and satisfy your cravings, explore the local flavors, and take home memories of a truly gastronomic adventure. Shopping in St Lucia is a delightful experience, with opportunities to browse local markets, boutique stores, and duty-free shops. The Castries Central Market is a bustling hub where you can find fresh produce, spices, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Explore the vibrant stalls, interact with friendly vendors, and take home a piece of St Lucia’s culture.

An artisanal favorite to bring home from here is the traditional pottery, made from the clay of the Pitons. See the beauty of St. Lucia as you drive from Castries to the Pilon Waterfalls, where you can underneath the cool waters. Nearby is the Drive-In Volcano where you’ll see the bubbling springs as well as the mountainous Pitons.

Next, we’ll explore the shopping and dining scene in St Lucia, where you can find everything from local crafts to international cuisine. Next, we’ll dive into the best beaches in St Lucia, where you can soak up the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, and indulge in a variety of water activities. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. A solid week is what you need to really get a feel for everything St Lucia has to offer visitors.

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