Practical Information

Saint Lucia has year-round good weather (average daytime temperatures are around 85° F (29° C) but the high season is between mid-November and March, which are the driest months. Most rain falls between May and October. Hurricane season lasts from June through November.

Getting There

The international airport is at Hewanorra just outside Vieux Fort, about 40 miles (64 km) south of Castries. It receives regular scheduled non-stop services from British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from the UK, American Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines and Delta from the US, and Air Canada and WestJet from Canada. Visitors from Europe and Australia have to connect with one of these carriers. The smaller George Charles Airport at Vigie, just north of Castries, has some international connections, but mostly serves other Caribbean destinations.

Saint Lucia is visited almost daily by cruise ships, and the main terminal is at Pointe Seraphine, just outside Castries. L’Express Des Iles is a great way to explore nearby islands, and runs a high-speed ferry service between Saint Lucia, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Dominica.

Personal Security

Saint Lucia has a low crime rate but stick to well-lit, popular areas, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large sums of money. It is a good idea to keep valuables in the hotel safe. Vendors are likely to pester visitors, especially on the beach or in town, but a firm “No thanks” should do the trick.

Health

All hotels have doctors on call. Victoria Hospital, St. Jude Hospital, Dennery Hospital, and Soufrière Hospital are the island’s main medical facilities. Insect repellent is essential, as mosquitoes can be a problem.

Passports and Visas

A passport is required to visit Saint. Lucia. An immigration form has to be filled in, one part of which is stamped and returned, and must be handed back at the time of departure. Citizens of the US and of specific Commonwealth nations do not require a visa to enter. Check with your nearest embassy or high commission for details. Luggage is often checked, so in case of jewelry or expensive cameras, travel with a copy of the purchase receipt. A departure tax for passengers over the age of 12 is applied at the time of ticket purchase.

LGBT+ Safety

Same-sex activities are illegal for men but legal for women. Government and religious organisations have recently indicated that it’s time for a review of antiquated laws that discriminate against LGBT+ people and make them vulnerable to hate and violence. Though there have been incidents in the past, the island is cautiously promoting itself as a friendly destination and LGBT+ tourists can discreetly blend in at entertainment venues and resorts.

Money

The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Banks are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 2pm, and to 5pm on Fridays. Banks offer a fixed rate of exchange, usually better than the rates offered in hotels and shops. There are ATMs throughout the island and all major credit cards are widely accepted. When arranging for a taxi, guide, or charter, visitors should check which currency they are dealing in.

Cell Phones and Wi-Fi

The international dialling code for Saint Lucia is 1 758. To call the UK, dial 011-44 and the number, and for the US, dial 1 followed by the number. Card and coin-operated public phones are found easily. Cards can be purchased through FLOW offices, which also rent cell phones. Internet access is available at most large hotels, at Pointe Seraphine, and at cafes with Wi-Fi. Visitors bringing cell phones should check with their service providers to determine if they will work in Saint Lucia and if they will be subject to roaming charges.

Getting Around

Car rental is the best way to explore the island. Renters should be over 25 of age and have a valid driver’s license. If they do not have an international driver’s license, a temporary one can be purchased from rental firms such as AVIS, Hertz, and Island Car Rental. In Saint Lucia driving is on the left side of the road. Road signs are rare and some side roads may be pot-holed. In case of an accident or breakdown in a hired car, call the hire company or the police. Taxis and island buses are easily available and cheap. Taxi drivers attend special courses so they make excellent guides; they can be hired for a trip, by the hour or by the day, but always negotiate a price first.

There are regular bus services between the main towns, but evening services are less frequent, and smaller towns and villages may not be served. There are frequent services between Castries and Gros Islet and less frequent services to Soufrière and Vieux Fort. The southern-bound buses do not run late in the evening.

Boat services run between Castries and Soufrière. An exhilarating means of moving around the island is by helicopter, available at Saint Lucia Helicopters.

Visitor Information

The Saint Lucia Tourist Board has its main office at Castries, and overseas offices in the UK, US, Canada, France, and Germany. Tourist information centers are located at La Place Carenage, Pointe Seraphine, Soufrière, and at both airports. In-depth information is located on Saint Lucia Tourism Authority’s website.

At a Glance