Top Saint Lucia hotels
You need to drive on the left hand side, and be aware that other drivers do not always keep to their side on the road. Apart from the main through roads, potholes, very narrow roads with bends and steep inclines are common. Be aware of pedestrians, dogs and other animals suddenly appearing on the roads. At night, the lights of traffic coming your way are sometimes blinding.But you still can get around nicely, and are independant.
Taxis are an easy way to get into town. Just to be safe it is best to have the hotel arrange the taxi for you. Most drivers will arrange a pick up time with you so you are guaranteed to get the same ride back to your resort. A taxi from our resort into Castries cost $40 roundtrip; which isn't bad for a 15 minute trip.
The easiest way to et from the airport to Rodney Bay is by taxi. 200ECdollars. I will recommend one particular person Stannis... if he cannot do the job he will arange another person to do it. My friend booked this for me, tellinghim that I couldnt see, I would be wearing a panama hat, the driver ( not Stannis for me trip form airport) cam and found me, ok St Lucia is a small airport but there was good intention there.Stannis also does island tours, I didnt do this , we hired a car so I cannot review this service.There is no bus from St Lucia Airport to Rodney Bay, you have to go into the closest town, then go to Catries then on to Rodney Bay
St. Lucia is a cruise ship port and during our trip we encountered several in Harbor. Holland America and Carnival were the two lines I remember seeing in the port by Castries. The cruise ships seem gigantic compared to the little island town.
Taking a helicopter was an option for arriving at the Sandals properties. We were arriving at SLU so our drive was about 15 minutes but if you are arriving from Hewanorra Airport the drive is anywhere from one and a half to two hours depending on road conditions (and very winding narrow roads). We met a couple at our resort who took the long winding road to the resort and deciding to spring for the $250 one way fare back to the airport.
Airport Transfers were included in our Sandals vacation. After clearing Customs & Immigration we collected our luggage. Do not let the men in red shirts take your bags; they are just looking for money and the exit is only two feet away. After we exited; a representative from Sandals was waiting. We gave him our names and hopped into the shuttle van. We were with 4 other couples who were also going to the resort. The trip from airport to hotel was about 15 and gave a little tour of Castries.
As always we chose American Airlines as our carrier to SLU. We departed JFK to San Juan. A short layover later and we were on a prop plane to St. Lucia. The flight from JFK was a good one and not very full. We had an extra seat to ourselves to stretch out. Our friends Chris and Karen had the same situation.The plane ride from San Juan to SLU on the prop plane was a bit noisey and bumpy but it was a short ride.
George FL Charles Airport (SLU) is the closer of the two airports to the major resorts of the island. This airport though is much smaller than Hewanorra International and you will be arriving via prop plane. I think despite it's small size it is the way to go if you want a short ride to your resort. Our ride from the airport to Sandals La Toc was under 15 minutes. The ride from Hewannorra can take up to two hours on winding and steep roadways.
Most young St. Lucian men aspire to be taxi drivers -- that's where the money is. To be honest, most taxi drivers are a great source of knowledge about the island. You can hire a taxi for as little as $100/day (US). Just remember to tip, as well. The drivers will take you as short a distance as the nearest town for shopping, and as far as an entire island tour. Choose carefully -- you'll want an older driver, as opposed to a young hot-shot. There are no traffic laws in St. Lucia -- even for taxis -- and it shows. If you're a flat-lander, take a dramamine for an island tour. The roads can be narrow and curvy. If you're used to driving these kinds of roads, or if you live in mountainous terrain, it'll be just like home! If you're taking a short shopping trip, just tell your cabbie what time you want to be picked up, and he'll be there with bells on. The majority of the taxis are of the...
Several posts on this site warn against renting a car on the island, and driving St. Lucia is definitely not like driving in the an American suburb. However we did rent a car and everything worked out fine.It is left side driving, like in England. The roads are twisty and often steep on this volcanic island. Hairpin turns abound. Rather than guardrails, the roads are rimmed by 2 foot deep, open storm water culverts that threaten to engulf your car. The local taxis and minibus drive fast, although generally courteously. On the plus side, the main roads have been recently repaved (as of Nov 06) and the views are gorgeous. If you are into challenging drives, driving the island can be fun. The road between Castries and Soufriere out-does Maui's Road to Hana, in my opinion. Side roads, on the other hand, are sometimes unpaved or poorly paved ruts. The road to Anse Chastanet was probably last...
Jade Mountain Resort Soufrière
296 Opinions
Windjammer Landing Beach And Villa Resort Castries
1 Review and 811 Opinions If you are looking for an elegant resort with spectacular views of the Caribbean and the island, the...
Bay Gardens Gros Islet
366 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Saint Lucia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Saint Lucia sightseeing.
Q: is the power supply 110 or 220 in St Lucia
A: As I recall, 220V / 50Hz, UK plugs when we were there.
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