Scaling the great volcanic summit is one of the top activities around, with hikes taking less than a day to complete and offering some seriously unforgettable views of Soufriere Bay and the green hills of the south! There is an admission fee to enter the Pigeon Island Nature Reserve and costs around $10 per person (the price is discounted for kids). The water and soil are blackened due to the chemical reactions between sulfur, iron, copper, and other minerals and metals, and there are many hot pools and fumaroles all around a truly impressive sight to see!Sulphur Springs. From 1803 to 1844, the British made St. Lucia's capital, Castries, a major naval port and built fortifications on Morne Fortun, the mountain overlooking the harbor. We recommend the Tet Paul Trail for active and outdoorsy families with kiddos ages 6 and above. Named for the sulfur once mined at this site, Mount Soufriere (also known as Sulphur Springs Park) is the most active geothermal area in the Lesser Antilles. You can delight in the local food served on handmade ceramic plates, take a moment to enjoy the tranquility of the gardens, or take some incredible panoramic photos of the island! At Morne Fortune and Pigeon Island National Park, you can learn about the history of the island's many battles between the French and English, who fought savagely for its possession. Cozumel is the largest island in Mexico and the most popular cruise ship port in the Caribbean. Things to do in Castries. Other things to see and do around Soufriere include hiking the spectacular Tet Paul Nature Trail, visiting Sulphur Springs Park, and strolling through the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. Attention all foodies: St. Lucias weekend rigmarole of culinary fests is simply not to be missed. Pink Plantation House Perched above Castries, on Morne Fortune hill, Pink Plantation house is a 140-year-old French colonial mansion spreading over two acres of lush tropical gardens with fascinating views of the Castries port. The landing strip offers beautiful views of the beach. Which 7 NFL teams still have glaring holes even after draft? Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden. The island is known for its beaches, the rainforest, and the Pitons. YjZjODQyMWJhYjMxZWUyNmJkZWI3ZGQ0NzZiZmY2ODc5ZWQ5MjgzYjQ2Nzc2 Currency: The East Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is the legal tender, but US dollars are widely accepted. However, when booking online, the cruise traveler should check the availability at each of Cruise Ship Terminals or in Castries. However, the French-based Saint Lucian Creole (Kwyl) - or Patois ("Patwa") - is spoken by the over 90% of the local population. The scenery is spectacular but cruise travelers should be aware that the beach is small and can get crowded easily. Walking up here to snap some photos is one of the most popular free things to do on St. Lucia. Lush hillsides plunge to the pretty palm-fringed beach, and yachts bob on the bay's blue waters. On line Immigration form issues 7:39 am. MjM5MzgwZDcxNGNhN2FhN2YxZWFhMWE1ODI3ZDJhMjYzYzEzYjdiZTgzNDA0 An earthy, local affair, visitors who come here can expect oodles of chatter and smiling Saint Lucians, not mention stall after stall selling regional produce thats been plucked straight from the fields and trees of the island. The modern site is much smaller, but the draws are the same: waxy orchids the size of pancakes; magenta-red hibiscus blooms; explosions of grass-green ferns and winding pathways that go deep into groves of bamboo, jasmine and creeping figs. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. US Embassy is in BarbadosOfficial Website: bb.usembassy.gov. My name is Katarina and welcome to my cruise & travel blog! ZDRmYTU1M2FkZDhkMDc4M2VjYTQxMmExNTQxN2RjZjZlYzQzNDc3NjE3YWI0 The park also harbors exotic plants, such as the blue mahoe and Honduras mahogany. Once you get down to the bay, you can sunbathe at two wonderful beaches of Rodney Bay, visit the Interpretation Center and learn about the history of the island, stroll through the nature reserve, or grab a bite in one of the neighboring local restaurants. Crowned by the towering twin volcanic peaks of the Pitons, St. Lucia is the beauty queen of the Caribbean. The striking duo of the Pitons, UNESCO-tagged and soaring like spearheads from the rollers of the ocean, mark the coastline around sleepy Soufriere. M2FkMWY0YjhlNWUyZGIwZDQyMmQ5MDUyNjA4Y2NiYTE3MzA3NTU0YWFiOTM0 YzM5YjhhOWNhYTMwMjc5ZDYwY2YxOWI2YjNmNzVjNzU0NzJhNGZjYTU4ZDM5 The gardens are home to the stunning Diamond Falls waterfall, the famous St Lucia waterfall particularly intriguing due to the changing colors of the water. To get into town, you can either walk for 20 minutes or take a 5-10 minute taxi ride. Don't expect to see or discover much more in Castries close to the Cruise Terminals but do not miss a walking exploration of the town as it can be enjoyed before or after spending some time on a tour or on one of the many beaches close by. Horseback riding, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, or jet skiing are just a few of the many thrilling activities you can experience on a cruise to St Lucia. ZThkYzc4MTBhODdlOGZhODQxZWM2Mjc0MjdlMTMxZThiYzg0MzMwY2M4NGJl Water shuttles ferry visitors across the bay to St. Lucia hotels on the opposite side. Some boats are large (like ferries), with little shade, so make sure you bring sunscreen and a hat. There's nothing to be afraid of at La Soufrire Drive-In Volcano, but expect the smell of sulfur from the steams. Although its just a 1-hour tour, this aerial escape will give you a plethora of beautiful memories. Port & Terminals | Driving, Tunnel & Parking | Highlights | Shopping. Check out Adventure Park tours and activitiesif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventourbegins_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_17',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-narrow-sky-1-0');St Lucia zipline. Petit Piton is quite dangerous and requires previous mountaineering experience, while the Gros Piton hike is safer and requires a moderate level of physical activity. It is best viewed from a vista point on the road between the main Caribbean coastal route and the bay itself. Constructed on the steep hill of Morne Fortune, with breathtaking views of the Bay of Castries and the town, this beautiful 2-story white house features antique furniture, artifacts, valuable paintings, and locally hand-crafted artwork. Up to 50% off. ZjVmNWQ2YzQxMTUxN2QzOTU1NmZkNjgyZWY3MTkwNmJlODBmNWRhMmYzOTAx Alternatively, hungry travelers can make a beeline for the charming seaside town of Dennery Quarter on the east coast, where BBQ fish joins reggae until the early hours. Even better, it offers childcare services, making it a terrific resort for moms and dads with a baby. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Castries - Tripadvisor Discover the amazing sights of Saint Lucia as well as the history and culture of the island on this catamaran tour. The plantation tour includes a hike to the coast, while the garden lover's tour provides more information on the plants and their habitat. Oceania Cruises organizes 49 shore excursions, Holland America offers 18 cruise excursions, and Princess has 26 excursions available. OGU0ZTA4NGE2NGQ0MmRjYWI3NGY1NzgzNmNiNGJiNDE5Y2FmNDZhZDA0M2Jl ZDM3NTFjOThjN2U5YTMwYzZjNmJjM2YzMTRiYzFjYzc0NzAzNGU0OWM4ZWMw Tobacco, spirits, and liquors are some of the best buys in St. Lucia. St. Lucia with Kids: 15 Fun Things to Do (for 2023) ODZkMjFiYzQ1NDdjZTYwYTBhYmNiOGU0MWZmMWIxODY0MzJjOTEzYzQzYmJh Pharmacies:Cruise February will find Pharmacies in Castries. NjlhM2QzZWE3OWEyMzRiODEzODYwMTc5MWJiOGJlMjE0MzM5M2ExOTVhYTJi However, tobacco, spirits, and liquors will have fixed prices. Void of all the gaudy souvenir shops and pushy touts, and without any rows of plastic deck chairs or sun umbrellas, Vigie Beach has an indelible charm of its own. NjYxYzdlZGYzYWI3Y2FjMmRhYmVhYjVhMGEwMGE5MjFmMDI5OWJkNiJ9 Castries, the island's capital and cruise ship port, offers a colorful slice of St. Lucian life. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Villa Beach Cottages, Also See:Fun Things to Do in Barbados with KidsBermuda Attractions for KidsKid Friendly Things to Do in Bali. Set high above the city streets of Castries, the hill known as Morne Fortune is a fine spot to get a fascinating glimpse of the long and bloody colonial histories that have coalesced on this rugged isle of the Lesser Antilles. NGI1MTVhYTJmMTM0NTJmN2RkZTcxYWZhZDI4Zjc3NmM0ODUzODcwMzdhZWYw See Tripadvisor's 49,007 traveller reviews and photos of Castries free attractions. Whatever you decide to do in St Lucia, be sure to plan your day ahead to maximize your day in this wonderful port of call. Castries central market - Dating from the 19th century, the Central market is a bustling open-air bazaar packed with stalls selling fruits, vegetables, spices, handmade crafts, arts, and clothes. Castries and Saint Lucia are on AST (Atlantic Standard Time) and do not participate in daylight saving time. For Everyone: Mystic Man Tours - The best way to see St. Lucia's famous Piton mountain peaks: on a catamaran cruise down the island's west coast. Deep Sea Sport Fishing St. Lucia. Another magnificent example of Victorian architecture, the estate is 122 years old and offers a wide variety of facilities to enjoy. 10 Fun Things to Do in Castries April 2023 | Expedia The beaches are as stunning as numerous, highlights like Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights shouldn't be missed. The beaches are stunning and relatively close to the cruise port in Castries. Furthermore, the tour has a nature interpreter that will highlight the vegetation and wildlife of the area. 01:00 Only In Your State Derek Walcott Square Named after one of St. Lucia's two Nobel Laureates, Derek Walcott Square is surrounded by handsome colonial buildings, including the Castries. Splash Island Water ParkReduit Beach Ave, St. Lucia(758) 457-8532. Carnival lists 17 shore excursions. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Visitors traveling by plane will land in the George F.L. St Lucia Cruise Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions Here is a list of links to the best beach club day-passes in St Lucia: Cruise travelers interested in exploring historical landmarks will find a few sites in Castries worth a visit. 8 Best Things to Do in Castries, St. Lucia - Cruiseline.com March/April (movable) - Good Friday One of the nicest aspects of calling on a cruise to St Thomas is that the island is both safe and very easy to explore. Personally, its a better and more enriching experience than gazing at sea creatures in a cramped aquarium. St Lucia cruise port comprises two main cruise terminals: Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage, both located within a walking distance from the town center. You will find all the necessary cruise port facilities in the terminal area. Guests are usually offered refreshments and banana chips, a local delicacy.The view of the port in St Lucia from St Marks Colonial HouseSt Marks colonial house. Klarna Bank AB (publ). 7. All inclusive 24 April 2023. Discover where cruise ships dock, how to get to town, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Cabbage or Junkanoo. Across from Rodney Bay, Pigeon Island National Park is one of St. Lucia's most important historic attractions. For more experienced and daring ones, St Lucia scuba dive is an alternative option. Majestic Gros Piton Hike 2023 - Cap Estate - Viator With the Aerial Tram Tour, youll get an awe-inspiring view of the islands tantalizing rainforest. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. For full information, please see mydisclaimerhere.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventourbegins_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_15',139,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); Your email address will not be published. Cruise portsCrew membersDestinationsBlogAbout me, ContactPrivacy policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimer, We use cookies to improve your experience. The site owner may have set restrictions that prevent you from accessing the site. Birders with sharp eyes are in for a treat. Sulphur Springs Park is a great experience for adults, teens and children of all ages. What and Where | Top Highlights | Landmarks | Shopping and Restaurants. December 13 - National Day There is also a gallery and a gift shop displaying the owners artwork including hand-painted ceramic and pottery items. For more ideas on beautiful places to visit on this idyllic island, read our list of the top attractions and things to do in St. Lucia. Malabar Beach 58 Beaches Aside from the soothing waters and volcanic mud bath, the park will also teach kiddos about the islands geology. More recently (and the reason so many modern visitors opt to alight on Pigeon Island), one Admiral Rodney of the English fleet commandeered the rocks and constructed a formidable fortress on its top. There are two main piers (and Terminals) in St Lucia's main cruise port, which is located on a very nice bay next to Castries - the main city and capital of the island. Natural Wonders, Hiking . Things To Do In Castries 2023 - Activities & Attractions | Travelocity Thanks to the island's dramatic topography, hiking in St. Lucia can be especially rewarding, and the Tet Paul Nature Trail, near Soufrire, offers some of the most spectacular views in southern St. Lucia. With a gorgeous beachfront location, a water park and a childrens club, this resort offers tons of kids activities. OGE0ZTRmMmQ2ZDM1ZWNjZDY5NTY2M2M1ODM1MDdkNTZiZGJiZThjYmMyZjhj You'll see plenty of pineapples growing along the way as well.