St. Lucia: Too beautiful for words
(but here are a few for the course anyway...)

Airports

The island of St. Lucia is located in the Eastern Caribbean archipelago, a mere 3.5 hours by plane from Miami, 4 hours from New York, 5 from Toronto and 8 hours from London. The Inn On The Bay is located 30 minutes from the George F. Charles Airport (formerly Vigie Airport) near Castries and 60 minutes from Hewanorra International Airport (Vieux-Fort) in the south of the island of St. Lucia. The Inn On The Bay can arrange private transportation to and from both airports. Don't forget there's an airport departure tax of US$20.00 for all destinations. (TOP)

Arrival and Entry

Valid Passports are required for all visitors entering St. Lucia, except US and Canadian citizens who can enter with just a return ticket, a birth certificate AND a I.D. with a photo (i.e. driver's license) as long as they are staying for less than six months. Visas are also not required for citizens of Commonwealth countries, or where there is an exemption agreement with St. Lucia. (TOP)

Beaches

The beach at Marigot faces the entrance of the bay. It has a magnificent view of the sea, as well as of the yachts that come in to anchor in the bay at night. You will also find other splendid beaches in St. Lucia (Rodney Bay or Soufriere areas). (TOP)

Capital City

There's no shortage of things to see or do in the St. Lucia's capital, Castries (20 minutes from The Inn). At the heart of this quaint waterfront town is the farmer's market. There you'll find a cornucopia of local fruits, vegetables and spices, just too good to pass up, not to mention lovely local crafts to bring home. From there it is just a short walk to the historic Cathedral and Town Square. (TOP)

Car, taxi, public transportation

Car rental (sub-compact) in St. Lucia starts at US$50.00/day and a temporary local driver's license is required (US $20.00). Please note that as this is a former British colony, driving in St. Lucia is on the LEFT! Taxi rates on the island are fixed by the Tourism Board depending on your destination but for a real St. Lucian adventure try the local minibuses, the island's very unique public transportation. They are clean, frequent, safe and inexpensive. (TOP)

Carnival

By far St. Lucia’s greatest extravaganza, Carnival is held in July. The endless party includes beauty contests, kiddy's parades, calypso competitions, and a grand parade of dazzling and colorful costumes throughout the street of Castries. Prizes are awarded to the best band, as well as to the King and Queen of the Carnival. (TOP)

Climate and Clothing

St. Lucia's temperature varies from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius (82 to 90 degrees Far.) and the climate is tempered by constant, cooling trade winds. Visitors should bring cool, comfortable clothing and a good pair of walking shoes. While jacket and tie are rarely required, overly casual beachwear is not appreciated off the beach. (TOP)

Economy

The banana was introduced to St. Lucia in the middle of the century, where it quickly replaced sugar cane and coconut as the island's main source or revenue. Although still a major industry today, the banana is finally giving way to tourism, as the island continues to adapt to changing global markets. When you visit St. Lucia, you'll understand why the island's incredible beauty and the charm of its people is truly a natural resource to behold, to share and to treasure. (TOP)

Electricity

St. Lucia conforms to the European standard of 220 volts at 50 cycles but transformers for electrical appliances are available at The Inn. (TOP)

Excursions

A number of land or sea excursions start at Marigot Bay. Give yourself US$60.00 to US$85.00 per person (lunch included) for a full-day excursion. The sailboat excursion to St. Lucia's Pitons is a must! (TOP)

Geography

Located 18 miles south of Martinique and 20 miles east of St. Vincent, the island of St. Lucia manages to house an incredibly diverse landscape into a small island. Just along the west coast you'll find breath-taking steep mountains, lush tropical forests, beautiful green hills, jagged cliffs and charming beaches. (TOP)

Golf

There are two 9-hole golf courses in St. Lucia. The average cost for 18 holes is US$55 per person. (TOP)

History

The actual date of discovery of St. Lucia by Europeans is unknown, although the English did attempt unsuccessfully to colonize the island as far back as 1605 and 1638. St. Lucia was first settled by the French in 1650 and changed hands fourteen times before it finally became a British Crown Colony for the last time in 1814 under the Treaty of Paris.

St. Lucia became an independent nation within the British Commonwealth on 22nd of February 1979. The most recent census places the population at 150,000 inhabitants. Although the island's official language is English, many native residents also speak a French-based Creole. (TOP)

Jazz Festival

Since 1992, The St. Lucia's Jazz Festival has already hosted the Neville Brothers, George Benson, Nancy Wilson, Tito Puento, Al Jarreau, Earl Klugh, Herbie Hancock, Spiro Gyra, Winton Marsalis, Will Downing, Patti Austin, Thelonius Monk Jr., Alex Bugnon, Jay Hoggard, Grover Washington Jr., Buddy Guy, Chick Corea and Herbie Mann just to name a few.

Today, the event is rated one of the world’s top five jazz festivals. The festival is typically held in early May and for almost 10 days the music never stops. Venues include the island’s major hotels, the Cultural Center and outdoor concerts at the Pigeon Point National Park. Renting a car is recommended. (TOP)

Money

We recommend that you carry US$ or travelers checks. One US$ is worth approximately 2.50 Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC$). You can change your American money at The Inn or in any bank in Castries. All major Credit Cards are widely accepted in St. Lucia in most shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, etc... (TOP)

Nightlife

You can dance the night away to Caribbean music at JJ's Bar in Marigot Bay from Wednesday to Sunday. If you're something of a party animal, you won't want to miss the Gros-Islet Jump-Up every Friday night. The exotic music and high-energy ambiance will keep you going till the early hours of the morning. (TOP)

Restaurants

There are 4 restaurants in Marigot Bay, offering you a choice of American, Creole or International cuisine. Count on about US$12.00 for lunch and US$35.00 for dinner. Most restaurants in St. Lucia include a 10% standard service charge and a 8% tax. (TOP)

Shopping

St. Lucia offers shoppers the option of browsing for duty-free imports like designer perfumes as well as crystal and china at Pointe Seraphine, the harbor-front shopping complex.

For a more local experience don't miss market day, when farmers' wives flock to the Castries outdoor market and gather under parasols to display their colorful fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, woven baskets and local crafts. Local handicrafts can also be found in a number of shops in Castries, in addition to hand-screened batik apparel and prints featuring island scenes at Caribelle Batik factory and Bagshaw's silk-screening studio. (TOP)

Wedding

To get married in St. Lucia, you must have spent at least 48 hours on the island before the ceremony. A trip to a lawyer is required to prepare the legal documents. The documents must then be picked-up (your presence here is optional). Wedding are normally celebrated on weekdays on The Inn’s private terrace. Wedding fees are US$495.00 which includes:

- Visit to town to prepare legal papers with lawyer
- Second visit to the lawyer to get legal papers
- Legal fees and stamps
- District Registrar for the ceremony
- Coordination service

The wedding certificate delivered in St. Lucia is valid in all countries. A passport or birth certificate (originals only) is required. In case of a divorce, an original certificate of divorce is also required. In case of a previous marriage ended by decease, an original certificate of the deceased person is necessary. All documents must be in English or translated by a translator appointed by a judge. Other options (professional videographer or photographer, wedding cake, flowers, etc...) are available upon request. (TOP)

For More info on St. Lucia...

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need more info on St. Lucia. It will be our pleasure to make sure all your questions are answered. For more information on St. Lucia (brochures, maps, etc...) you can also contact the St. Lucia Tourism Board's office located near you.

We look forward to welcome you to St. Lucia!

Your hosts at The Inn On The Bay,

Louise et Normand

St. Lucia's Tourist Board's Offices around the world

The Inn On The Bay... Your Own Caribbean Hideaway!
P.O. Box RB2377 - St. Lucia
Tel.: (758) 451-4260
Fax (North America): (520) 438-3828
Fax (Europe): (44) 870-133-1008
info@saint-lucia.com