Castries

Included as a destination on many Caribbean cruises, Castries is a lovely location on the island of St. Lucia, where you’ll find golden beaches and tropical forests in abundance. Despite being St. Lucia’s capital city, Castries is relatively quiet and perfect for luxury cruises.

You’ll dock at Place Carenage or Pointe Seraphine, both of which are close to the city. The island is picturesque and relatively unspoilt, making cruises to Castries perfect for honeymooners seeking somewhere incredibly romantic.

Sightseeing in Castries

As you dock, you’ll immediate notice the natural beauty that surrounds you. St. Lucia’s mountains will be visible, though surrounded by forests and beaches. The whole island is easily accessible, and public transport is cheap if a little inconsistent. In the absence of major attractions, you’re free to use your time on the island of St. Lucia to stretch your legs and to appreciate the natural beauty without being distracted by organised activities. There are always taxis waiting by the docks to take you to the island’s main attractions:

Soufriere: Historic Soufriere includes a drive-in volcano, which is a particularly incredible sight. Whilst St. Lucia is known for its beauty, you’ll see few things more amazing than the colourful sulphur pools and the quaint historic buildings. You’ll also be able to see the Pitons as you explore this 18th century city.

Diamond Botanical Gardens: Green, vibrant and alive, the Botanical Gardens are an ideal place for a relaxing stroll and for views of the Diamond Waterfall. Guests are welcome to bathe in the mineral pools.

Tours: There are so many interesting ways to tour the island of St. Lucia. You can enjoy an aerial view from a helicopter, or go horse-riding along the coast. A small number of local companies also offer boat trips to view dolphins off the shores of St. Lucia’s beaches.

Shopping in Castries

At Pointe Seraphine, you’ll find a selection of shops selling local souvenirs and hand-crafted goods as well as holiday essentials. Designer and luxury items can be found in many outlets, including clothing and accessories as well as homewares, pieces of art, antiques and decorative gifts.

Local craft markets are a favourite with tourists, as are the duty-free shops located close to both ports. There’s also a bustling market on Jeremie Street, where you’ll find local speciality foods and handmade pieces.

Eating Out in Castries

French and Caribbean dishes are the order of the day in Castries, and across St. Lucia as a whole. A majority of restaurants serve freshly caught fish and other seafood favourites, as well as jerk chicken and flavourful BBQ meats. Steaks and ribs are favourites with tourists enjoying shore excursions, and as well as the larger restaurants you’ll be able to enjoy meals at friendly local cafes that offer a very relaxed atmosphere.

Piton Beer, brewed locally, is a drink that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s served at a number of local bars and restaurants, so that you can enjoy it as an accompaniment to your meal.