The windward island of St. Lucia lies in the southern Caribbean between the islands of Martinique to the north and St. Vincent to the south. This large 238 sq. mi. island has a Robinson Crusoe feel to it with features that include the twin peaks called the Pitons, volcanic mountains surrounded by rainforests, and beautiful palm tree-lined beaches ranging in color from white to volcanic black. St. Lucia is English-speaking and a member of the British commonwealth whose influence is seen throughout the island. The 160,000 residents of St. Lucia are accepting tourism as a part of their daily lives, although agriculture is still a main part of their economy.

The teardrop-shaped island of St. Lucia is blessed with every physical attribute associated with an exotic tropical island. The beaches that ring the island range from blinding white to volcanic black in color and the translucent blue waters around the island beckon visitors to come and play. The beaches on the western, or Caribbean, side are mainly sandy with calm water and waves, while the eastern, or Atlantic, side are craggy and hilly with many steep cliffs and pounding surf. The coastline is indented with hundreds of inlets and coves many of which are accessible only by boat. All of the beaches in St. Lucia are free and open to the public.

The main tourist area starts at the capital city of Castries on the northwestern coast of St. Lucia and extends to the northern tip of the island. Activities along the beaches and in the surrounding waters include swimming, diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, sailing, and just sunbathing on the beach and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Accommodations on the island range from small 20 room hotels to 350 room mega-resorts. There are also many condos, villas, and private homes available.

The interior of St. Lucia offers a heaven on earth experience for eco-tourists and active hikers. A six mile rainforest walk winds its way through the central highlands and rainforests to the base of 3,145 ft. Mt. Gimie, the tallest peak on the island. The rainforest creates winding rivers and cascading waterfalls and supports unusual wildlife such as hummingbirds and the St. Lucian parrot. There are also tours to many of the sugar cane and banana plantations that dot the interior of the island.

The capital city of Castries is home to about 50,000 of the island’s inhabitants. The city sits on an attractive natural harbor and many of the buildings are of newer design due to two fires in 1927 and 1948 that reduced much of the older part of downtown to ash. The large Castries Market and many festivals spill out into the city streets especially on Fridays and Saturdays and last well into the evening.

The best white sand beaches stretch from Castries northward through Vigie Beach, Reduit Beach, and beyond through Rodney Bay and ending at Pigeon Island on the northern coast of St. Lucia. This stretch of shoreline is where most of the tourist accommodations, beach resorts, restaurants and bars are found and is also a very scenic seaside drive. Restaurants, nightclubs, and bars serve seafood and local cuisine as well as drinks and live music for your nighttime enjoyment.

Shopping is plentiful in Castries main duty-free complex located at La Place Carenage. Locally made items include batik fabrics, crafts produced from wood and shell, and cane furniture.

With its diverse landscape of volcanoes, rainforests, white and black sand beaches, and its two iconic mountains called the Pitons, your trip to this exotic tropical paradise will reward you with a vacation of a lifetime.