St. Lucia Vacation Packages

Name a landmark for New York City. I bet you said "the Statue of Liberty." When you ask people to name a landmark for St. Lucia, they'll say "the Pitons Mountains." If you're in St. Lucia, you've got to see the Piton Mountains. Not only are they the most photographed landmark on the island, but they're also a breathtaking sight to see. Just imagine two lush, green peaks towering over the blue ocean. It's something you really have to see for yourself. If you're an adventure-seeker and a seasoned hiker, then you can hike the mountains, too. However, if you're a beginner, you might want to just stay on the ground and take some pictures. It's just as beautiful below as it is on top!

While you're in St. Lucia, definitely plan on spending some time at Soufriere. Once you arrive, you can explore the botanical gardens and see mesmerizing waterfalls cascading into the waters below. Take a tour of the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Waterfall, and you'll hike along easy paths lined with lush gardens. Eventually, you'll come to a bubbling spring where you can take a dip. Once you reach the base of the Diamond Waterfall, slip on your bathing suit and soak in the cool, refreshing mineral springs. What a perfect way to spend a day!

Every year, the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival turns up the island beats. The country’s most popular event hosts thousands in quaint, rustic village settings like Port Castries and Pigeon Island National Landmark. The 13-day festival has featured artists such as R. Kelly, Ojays, The Jacksons, Tito Puente Jr. and several more. You’ll enjoy a fusion of music, art, fashion shows and Friday night fish-fries. Get ready to tap your feet to the sounds of Caribbean jazz, Creole collaborations and African-infused funky rhythms that can only be found here.

If you're ready for a taste of the real St. Lucia, head to the Summertime Carnival. Here, the streets come alive with colorful parades, steel drum competitions and lots of street dancing. If you want to make sure not to miss the St. Lucia Summertime Carnival, make sure you'll be visiting during the month of July. It's a month-long celebration, so any time that month would be the perfect time to visit. While you're there, you'll be treated to music, dance, costumes and theatre. As the energy fills the streets, you’ll find your foot thumping to the sounds of Calypso. This cultural explosion cannot be missed.

If you consider yourself a history buff or are just interested in learning about the culture of St. Lucia, then visiting one of its plantations is the perfect way to spend a day. We recommend checking out the Balenbouche Estate. There you can stay in one of the charming cottages on the property, or just stop by for the day and take a guided tour of the plantation. You'll get to see organic farming and solar power put to work. The mother and daughter duo who run this estate will make sure you have a great time and learn a lot, too!

When it comes to souvenirs, we believe in shopping local–and often! Some of our favorite island items are the colorfully painted masks from local woodcarver Zaka. You can find his Technicolor totems in gift shops across the island, but if you’re in Soufriere, stop by his cottage for the largest selection of masks (made from recycled wood and old telephone poles), starting at just $20. Other tried-and-true souvenir sources include: in Castries, where you can head to the main market for straw baskets and spices; and Caribelle Batik, where you can watch artisans make tropical-printed fabrics and buy island-inspired clothing to take home. Searching for a designer bauble at duty-free pricing? Check out the jewelry shops in the arcade at Point Seraphine, also in Castries.

Language:
English is the official language.

Currency:
Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the country’s currency, but the US Dollar and the Euro are also widely accepted.

Electricity:
220v

Passport/Immigration:
Visitor passports must be valid for at least three months prior to the completion of travel to St. Lucia.

Drinking Water:
Drink only bottled or boiled water.

Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (UTC/GMT -4 hours)

Peak Season:
The peak travel season for St. Lucia runs from mid-December to mid-April.

Reaching the pinnacle of one of the "Wonders Of the World" can only be recorded as a once in a lifetime experience that cannot be replicated. Start this entrancing adventure with a drive through quaint fishing villages and scenic countryside. En-route, take in a few photo stops before reaching the foot of the magnificent Gros Piton, a World Heritage Site, which towers over the historic town of Soufriere. As you climb, take in the pleasures of the panoramic view in every direction. The astonishing vegetation and fauna provide an intriguing study, as many species found on the mountain are endemic to Saint Lucia. The panorama from the summit is supreme and beyond description. Now that you have taken a hiatus, all the desired photos and have a renewed spirit, it is time to descend to the base of the mountain and head to a restaurant for a local lunch before rejoining the bus back to your hotel.

Included:

• Roundtrip transfers
• Knowledgeable guide/driver
• Entrance fee to attraction
• Qualified guide up and down the mountain trail
• Lunch
• Water on the bus and for the climb

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes

Hours:
Daily. 8 hours.

Where to Go:
You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions:
Not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Additional Information:
Tour not suitable for people with mobility and heart conditions, respiratory ailments or if pregnant.

There is no place on earth that offers the topography and the spectacular scenery that is St. Lucia's. And there is no better way to take it all in than by an aerial flight. Your pilot's informative and lively commentary rounds out the experience, which you won't soon forget. Book your St. Lucia Helicopter aerial tour for a 10-minute, breathtaking view that can only be seen from miles above. Get the bird's eye view of Castries, major beaches and hotels, Cap Estate homes, the rugged Atlantic Coast, Pigeon Island, the Rodney Bay Marina and Rat Island. Your pilot will impart his knowledge of history, hotel locations and offerings, current island development and affluent St. Lucian homes.

Included:

• Helicopter flight
• Round-trip transfers

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Camera

Hours:
Daily. 10-minute duration.

Where to Go:
You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions:
n/a

Everyone who's done the 10-minute St. Lucia Helicopter North Tour always ask for more–a longer tour. They want to experience and view more of what St. Lucia has to offer, seeing it all from above. Take in the view of the south island and judge for yourself the incomparable beauty of this land. Take in Castries, Marigot Bay, St. Lucia's quaint fishing villages, lush rainforests, interior mountains and the famous Pitons, the Caribbean's only drive-in volcano, coral reefs, rivers, waterfalls, valleys and wild flowers. Let the pilot's commentary give you facts on the rainforest features and indigenous species, geological features and the "must see" places of interest you should visit when you are on ground.

Included:

• Helicopter flight
• Round trip transfers

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Camera

Hours:
Daily, 20-minute duration.

Where to Go:
You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions:
N/A

Join along on a sail to one of the French Caribbean Sister islands–Martinique. A miniature of Paris, Martinique is full of rich culture, color and French charm. On this 90-minute sail, the captain and crew of the 60-foot power catamaran will point out historic landmarks such as Mount Pelee, Anse Noire and the Diamond Rock. You have the chance to glimpse at flying fish, sea turtles, dolphins and several other fish species. Enjoy a full day of fun and a lively atmosphere, shopping, French wine, assorted French cheeses, exquisite French cuisine and crepes. A guided tour takes you along the 12-acre park of La Savane and the capital city, Fort de France. You can simply stroll, relax in the park or shop to your heart's content. Rejoin your guide at the meeting point for your sail back to St. Lucia.

Included:

• Round-trip transfers from your resort to the boat
• Breakfast on board
• Lunch
• Refreshments
• Shopping
• Tour

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Comfortable, flat shoes
• Sunscreen
• Towel
• Swimwear
• Extra money for shopping (USD, Euros and all major credit cards are widely accepted)

Hours:
Thursdays. 8.5 hours.

Where to Go:
You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions:
N/A

This westbound cruise is to Jalousie Beach in Soufriere, where you'll spend two hours swimming and snorkeling. Sailing back, sip on wine and champagne, as you take in the spectacular Caribbean sunset between the majestic Pitons.

Included:

• Round-trip transfers
• Drinks
• Snorkel gear

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Camera
• Towel
• Comfortable shoes

Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday. 5-hour duration.

Where to Go:
You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions:
N/A

Snuba offers the best way to go beyond snorkeling without the responsibility or commitment of a deep dive. It is truly an ideal underwater experience. Snuba requires no time-consuming training, dive experience or bulky equipment, leaving you with absolute freedom and comfort to breathe easily under water and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of St. Lucian marine life. After a 15-minute pre-dive orientation, you will begin a very comfortable and calm guided tour that will take you to a maximum depth of 20 feet. Your underwater experience is at Pigeon Island, where your Snuba tour begins. From a gentle sloping sandy beach, you gradually enter the blue waters to be greeted by a variety of tropical fish and marine life including; Flounder, Blue Tang, Parrot fish, Squirrel fish, Spiny lobster, Arrow crabs, Octopus, and coral such as Barrel sponge and Brain coral. You also have the chance to see seasonal visitors including turtles, schools of sardines and much more, based on the time of year. Snuba is diving at your level of comfort. If you want to cruise on the surface or descend to the depth of your choice, it is always up to you. There is no need to surface for air or to tussle with bulky equipment, just gear up and dive in! Snuba is simply the underwater experience, done right! A tranquil combination of well-being and pleasure, discovering our beautiful marine life, one dip at a time! Under the supervision of our warm, friendly and certified Snuba Guides, you can intimately explore exotic marine life from a fully guided and safe perspective: every dive is a new adventure!

Included:

• Round-trip transfers

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Camera
• Towel

Hours:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 45-minutes (not including driving time). Tour times: 9:00am, 11:00am and 2:00pm.

Where to Go:
You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions:
N/A

This may be your best day out and greatest value for your money. This tour features St. Lucia's most scenic west coast, both by land and sea. Driving through the fishing villages, Anse-La-Raye and Canaries lend to the charm of old-fashioned life. Enjoy refreshments from your well-stocked bus as you stop along the way, before you enter the mecca of the historic Soufriere Town. Now in Soufriere, see the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Pitons, that welcome you with majestic stature. A short drive continues to the botanical gardens, the Caribbean's only drive-in volcano and to a rejuvenating mineral bath before going to a pre-selected restaurant for a delicious lunch. After lunch, your bus takes you to join the catamaran, where you'll sail along the fascinating west coast line of St. Lucia. Enjoy a short stop for swimming before continuing into Marigot Bay for a view of the Caribbean's most secured yacht haven.

Included:

• Round -rip transfers
• Guide
• Entrance fees
• Lunch
• Refreshments on bus route
• Unlimited refreshments on the boat, including water, sodas, beer and rum punch

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Swimwear
• Camera
• Towel
• Sunblock
• Comfortable shoes (flip-flops acceptable)
• Cash

Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. 8-hour duration.

Where to Go:
You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions:
N/A

Whether Deep Sea Fishing is your sport of choice, or you are a newbie angler, then there is no better time to drop that fishing line, or a better way to dispense your energy, than to participate in the exciting sport-fishing adventure. Our certified crew will make sure you get a chance to occupy the Fighting Chair to drop your line and bring up the catch of a King Fish, Blue Marlin, Barracuda, Dorado, Sailfish, Snapper or Tuna. With line, bait, tackle and fishing equipment ready, unfurl your excitement to the full. Join in on this fishing expedition on the blue Caribbean Sea and experience the thrill that so many first-timers and enthusiasts experience, when they converge on St. Lucia for the Caribbean's largest Bill-fish tournament, which is held in St. Lucia annually.

Included:

• Round-trip transfers
• Bait & tackle
• Fishing equipment
• Beer, sodas, water

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Camera
• Sunblock
• Comfortable, flat shoes

Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 5-hour duration.

Where to Go:
You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions:
N/A

An incredible encounter with the "Gentle Giants" of the seas would be one of the rarest events on any Caribbean vacation. The 55-foot boat, the "Free Willy", or on one of the other vessels, takes you out approximately three miles into the blue Caribbean to watch the amazing whales and dolphins at play. Whale watchers, nature lovers and oceanic enthusiasts will have a perfect view from the boat as they marvel at these amazing mammals.

Included:

• Round-trip transfers
• Sodas, rum-punch, water

Don't Forget to Bring:

• Camera
• Towel
• Comfortable shoes

Hours:
Tuesdays and Thursdays. 4-hour duration.

Where to Go:
You'll be picked up from your hotel.

Age Restrictions:
N/A

Want to see great art? Then look no further than the Castries Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Sure, it's a cathedral, but there are more than just church services here. Inside, you'll see a number of beautiful frescoes that were painted by the St. Lucian artist, Dunstan St. Omer. You can find this site at Derek Walcott Square in Castries, St. Lucia. You can't miss it because it's the largest cathedral in the entire Caribbean! Make sure to bring your camera along.

If you really want some peace and quiet (and a beach to yourself), then we'll tell you how to get to one of the best-kept secrets on St. Lucia. First, head to the Pitons Heritage Site, located at the Southwest foot of the Gros Piton. Once there, you'll need to hike about 15 minutes from the road to the coast. You'll know you've arrived when you reach a picturesque beach, lined with palm trees and known as Anse l'Ivrogne. Adventurous locals like to come here to snorkel. If you decide to join them, you'll see bright trumpet fish, triggerfish, octopus, trunkfish and other colorful marine life. You can also go diving in the "Black Hole," which earned its name from a steep drop of over 2,000 feet. This is definitely the place to go for a real off-the-beaten-path adventure!

Hoping for a breathtaking panoramic view of the coastline? Then head to Moule a Chique peninsula where you'll find a lighthouse, and a great view at the southernmost tip of the island. The road is a comfortable drive up for most of the way, but the paving decays the further up you drive. Follow the main road all the way to the top, then you'll have to park. From there, it’s only a short walk up to the actual lighthouse. You'll get amazing 360 degree views of the waters surrounding the islands from there. Don't forget your camera!

For a great beer, unlike any other you've ever tasted before, make sure to grab a bottle of Piton Beer. It's local to St. Lucia, and if you're savvy about beer, you'll be happy to know it's a 5.0 Pilsner Lager. For those who don't really know or care about what that means, just know that this beer offers a great crisp and refreshing taste. The only way to get St. Lucian Piton Beer is on St. Lucia, so don't miss out on this while you're there. Practically all the restaurants and bars here will serve it, so it shouldn't be hard for you to find. Cheers, and drink up!

Castries Market is filled with vendors selling some neat local goods like baskets, mahogany statues, homemade bowls and other souvenirs. It's not very hard to find Castries. The market is right outside of the cruise ship port, so there are lots of tourists around and you'll feel safe. The locals are very welcoming, so take some time to talk with them and maybe buy a thing or two. If you don't want to buy anything, just be firm. The market is open every day except Sunday. The best day to go is Saturday when all the farmers bring in their fresh produce.

The majority of visitors to the island fly into Hewanorra Interational Airport (UVF) at Vieux Fort, on the southern tip of the island. However, there are two airports in Saint Lucia: the George F. L. Charles Airport and Hewanorra International Airport. Hewanorra International Airport is the larger of the two airports. George F. L. Airport, formerly named Vigie Airport, is located north of Castries, which is the capital city of St Lucia. Flights to St. Lucia land in both airports regularly.

Visitor passports must be valid for at least three months prior to the completion of travel to St. Lucia. When going through immigrations and customs, present your valid passport and return ticket. Fill out your immigration form and make sure you declare all purchases made to avoid fines. The duty free allowance into St. Lucia is 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars, one liter of spirit or wine. Duty free shopping is available at Pointe Seraphine, La Place Carenage and at the departure lounge of Hewanorra Airport. Luxury items include jewelry, batiks, giftware, local crafts, liquor, cigarettes and cigars.

CheapCaribbean.com has partnered with Nexus Tours as our premier transportation company in St. Lucia. They’ll provide you with safe, comfortable and professional transportation, from the airport to your resort, and back. After you clear customs and exit the terminal building at the airport. Look for the Nexus Representative holding a CheapCaribbean.com sign. The representative will then escort you to their van for your transfer to the hotel.

We recommend making transportation arrangements with our tour operator. However, you can also get around the island by taxi. Taxis can be arranged by your hotel. There are also local buses available that provide a more affordable way to get around. Note that the buses are small vans that hold around ten to fourteen passengers and vary in quality.