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| St. Lucia...
Activities |
BeachesSt. Lucia boasts a number of beautiful white-sand and black-sand beaches. Those on the western side of the island, where the calm Caribbean Sea laps against the shore, are ideal for a luxuriant swim. The Atlantic beaches on the eastern shore can be rough, and are more suitable for experienced surfers and sailboarders.All of the beaches on the island are public, though many can only be reached by passing through private property, such as the beaches fronting resorts or private homes. Some of St. Lucia's best public (and accessible) beaches are Vigie Beach, Reduit Beach, Anse Chastanet, and the beaches on Pigeon Island.
 By the way, bathing suits and skimpy beach attire are considered inappropriate outside of beach and pool areas. Nude bathing and topless bathing are illegal on St. Lucia. Snorkeling and DivingSt. Lucia's reefs and shipwrecks offer great underwater exploration. Anse Chastanet, off the island's southwest coast, is especially popular for its beauty. However, it can sometimes become crowded, and it is common to see people diving right off the beach as well as off ships anchored in the bay.
 For help planning your underwater adventure, consult one of many local snorkeling and diving operators, who can be found at most large resorts. HikingHiking over St. Lucia's mountainous terrain is a must for dedicated hikers. The Pitons, near the southwestern coastal town of Soufriere, present a worthy uphill challenge for climbers. The steeper Petit Piton is closed to hikers until 1996 because of damage caused by a recent fire; however, the less steep but larger Gros Piton is still open.Nature walks through the island's interior rain forests are also very popular. Some trails, however, have been closed temporarily since Hurricane Debbie hit the area in 1994. Whether you choose to scale the peaks or penetrate the jungles, assistance and guidance from the Forest and Lands Department, the St. Lucia National Trust, or local tour agencies are highly advisable to ensure your safety and that of the environment. NightlifeA hallmark of the nocturnal entertainment scene in St. Lucia is the weekly Friday-night "jump-up," or street party, in the village of Gros Islet in the Rodney Bay area. Beginning at about 10 pm and continuing into the wee hours of the morning, the party draws both locals and visitors, who mix it up to the rhythms of zouk and dancehall reggae blared out by huge sound systems set up on the streets by local residents. The people-watching is very entertaining; you'll see local youth in their Caribbean fashions and plenty of tourists from North America, England, Germany, and Italy. The party is huge, free, and open to all. Bring along a few dollars, though, because local vendors sell rum and St. Lucia's own Piton beer, along with delicious grilled chicken, pork, and other dishes.For a glimpse of island culture and glamour, try the limbo show at the Green Parrot Hotel on the hillside of Morne Fortune. The music, dancing, and fire-eating are lively and colorful, and the Green Parrot's proprietor often takes the mike as well. For a more low-key evening, head for the Reduit Beach area, where there are a number of pleasant restaurants, such as Capone's for Italian cuisine, Ginger Lily for Chinese food, Charthouse for seafood and meat dishes, and The Lime for excellent local cuisine. The Lime's outdoor bar also hosts a lively and popular evening scene. If you must boogie till you drop, the Splash disco at the Rex St. Lucian Hotel, a few footsteps away from the Reduit Beach nightlife hub, plays recorded international dance hits and Caribbean music such as zouk, dancehall reggae, and soca. Friday and Saturday nights are the best times to go. ShoppingShopping in St. Lucia can be quite a treat, especially for those seeking locally made treasures.Artsibits Gallery on Brazil Street at Mongiraud Street carries paintings, pottery, and woodcarvings, all executed by fine local artists. Eudovic's Art Studio, outside of Castries, carries a wide selection of handmade sculptures, all crafted out of island mahogany by Eudovic, a celebrated local artist. The Bagshaws Studios on La Toc Road and at Pointe Seraphine in Castries offers clothing and accessories decorated with beautiful hand-screening. By the way, these include souvenir T-shirts that are a cut above the rest. Caribelle Batik on Old Victoria Road in Castries sells women's and men's apparel fashioned of hand-batiked fabric, including shirts, blouses, skirts, dresses, ties, and more. The batiking is done on the premises and is fascinating to watch. Visitors seeking modern conveniences rather than local handicrafts will find souvenirs and duty-free prices on imported goods at the Pointe Seraphine shopping complex. Located near the cruise-ship pier in Castries, the large center contains stores selling T-shirts, alcohol, fragrances, electronic equipment, and more. |
