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+1758Arrival by boat Entry formalities
Clearance
Clearance formalities for entry and exit from the islands of the Caribbean is mandatory for all pleasure boat, for personal or professional use, arriving or departing by sea. The clearance must be pre-filled online at https://www.sailclear.com/ before heading to the customs office.
Visa & Immigration
Immigration Department of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force: https://externalaffairs.gov.lc/visiting-saint-lucia/
Other ressources
Noonsite.com maintains an updated worldwide database of formalities for pleasure crafts. Click here for more details.
Weather & Navigation
Castries
The hub of the nation, Castries, encapsulates the pulse of Saint Lucia. With its deep natural harbour, this city has long been a vital port and continues to be a lively center of commerce and culture. The markets buzz with the exchange of spices, handicrafts, and smiles, while the Cathedral and historic landmarks provide a window into the island’s colonial past.
The Pitons
The dual volcanic peaks of Saint Lucia, the Pitons, are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island’s drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs, offers a rare chance to witness geothermal activity up close. Visitors can bathe in its mineral-rich mud baths, said to have rejuvenating properties. The island’s fertile soil produces an abundance of tropical fruits and vegetables, with bananas and cocoa being particularly notable. Artisanal producers creates exquisite chocolate bars from the island’s cacao.
Soufrière
Soufrière’s charm lies in its French colonial legacy and its dramatic topography, dominated by the twin Pitons. The town is an amphitheater of colorful buildings set against a backdrop of verdant mountains and sulphurous hot springs, remnants of Saint Lucia’s volcanic origins.
Vieux Fort
In the south, Vieux Fort lies at Saint Lucia’s tip. This region is less traversed by tourists, offering unspoiled landscapes, with long, wind-swept beaches and a more subdued pace, making it an escape for those seeking tranquility.
Sailing itineraries in St Lucia
A brief maritime history of Saint Lucia
The island’s first settlers, the Arawaks, came paddling over from South America, bringing with them their rich traditions, pottery, and a love for cassava bread which still flavours the island’s culture today. Not long after, they were followed by the fierce Caribs, a warrior tribe whose name would echo across the Caribbean. These two peoples left behind traces of their lives in the rock carvings and tools scattered across the island, hidden clues that tell the story of a place shaped by conflict and survival.
When the Europeans set their sights on Saint Lucia, it became the focal point of countless battles between the French and British. Known as the “Helen of the West Indies” for its beauty and strategic position, the island switched hands a staggering 14 times between these two powers.
The island’s volcanic landscape, with the towering Pitons serving as guardians over the land, was as much a player in its history as the people who fought over it. In fact, the Caribs often used the island’s steep mountains and dense rainforests to their advantage, launching surprise attacks on invaders who underestimated the difficulty of the terrain. These volcanic origins didn’t just offer protection; they also nurtured the fertile soil that would later make Saint Lucia a hotspot for sugar plantations, a fact that would have far-reaching consequences in the centuries that followed.
It’s impossible to talk about Saint Lucia’s history without mentioning the influence of African slaves who were brought to work the land. Their resilience and rich cultural contributions continue to shape the island’s identity today, seen in the vibrant Creole language, music, and festivals that echo through Saint Lucian life. The island’s culture is deeply entwined with their struggle and strength, as they carved out communities in the shadow of colonial rule.
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