Castries
8:59 pm, Nov 12, 2024
temperature icon 26°C
few clouds
Pressure 1012 mb
Wind 2 mph
Sunrise Sunrise: 6:03 am
Sunset Sunset: 5:33 pm

Currency

XCD
Saint Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), commonly called EC$. The currency is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of EC$2.70 to US$1, and US dollars are widely accepted across the island.

Voltage

220V
The standard voltage in Saint Lucia is 240 volts with a standard frequency of 50 hertz. This is particularly important for visitors to know when using appliances at the marinas or anywhere on the island, as they may require voltage converters or plug adapters if they are from countries with a different standard.

Water

Variable
In Saint Lucia, while tap water is treated and is generally considered safe to drink for locals, visitors are often advised to drink bottled or filtered water due to differences in water treatment from what they may be accustomed to, which can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal issues.

Dialing

+1758
To call a phone number in St Lucia internationally, use the country dialing code +1758 in place of the initial zero.

Arrival 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.
Marigot Bay, St Lucia. Photo by violetta

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.

Officers Mess, Pigeon Island, St. Lucia by XeresNelro, CC BY-SA 4.0

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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