St Lucia is one of those Caribbean destinations we’d talked about visiting even before we started going on cruises. It always seemed lush, exotic and beautiful and that’s exactly what we found there.
When we booked our MSC Virtuosa cruise with Castries cruise port on the itinerary, we knew we had to get out and see the iconic Pitons. We decided to book a St Lucia by Land and Sea excursion that would take us down the coast by bus and back to the ship by catamaran.
The island is famous for its volcanic peaks and lush rainforests so it was great to be able to to get out of the city to see some of the main sights. If you only have one day ashore and want to make the most of your visit to St Lucia, this is the type of tour you need to book.
Quick Guide to Castries Cruise Port
- Location: Castries, St Lucia
- Typical Time in Port: 8 to 9 hours
- Walkable: Yes (Castries city centre is just a short walk from the terminal)
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar or US Dollars (widely accepted everywhere)
- Language: English and French Creole
A Little Bit About Castries
Unlike some of the islands nearby, St Lucia is lush and mountainous. Castries is the main commercial hub where the cruise ships dock but it isn’t where you’ll find the postcard views. That’s further south towards Soufrière.
The island has a fascinating history. Because of its strategic location, it was fought over constantly. The British and French went to war over St Lucia 14 times! It changed hands so often it became known as the ‘Helen of the West Indies’. That’s why you’ll notice European influences everywhere and hear locals speaking a French Creole even though the official language is English. St Lucia peacefully gained its independence from Britain in 1979.
You’ll still see old estates that date back to those colonial days. You’ll drive past banana trees, coconuts and cocoa plantations as you travel around the island. It gives a very Jurassic Park vibe that’s completely different from the typical white sand beach destinations.
Docking Info & Port Layout
Sailing into the harbour at Castries is a lovely experience and getting off the ship couldn’t be easier. You step right off the gangway into the dedicated shopping village. It’s got lots of duty-free shops so it’s a handy spot to pick up souvenirs or spirits before you get back on board.
There are actually two main cruise terminals here but both are close to the city centre. Depending on where your ship docks, you’re either stepping right into the heart of the city or you’re just a quick 15-minute walk away from the main streets.
Because it’s a closed-off terminal area it feels very secure, although we thought Castries seemed quite safe anyway. If you have a tour booked, you’ll find your guides and buses waiting outside the main terminal buildings. Denis wasted no time getting straight into the shops as soon as our tour finished!
Getting Around St Lucia
If you’re just looking to explore Castries itself, then walking is your best bet. The city centre is mostly flat and right next to the cruise port so you can easily ramble around the markets and see the city sights. It’s a busy working capital but you can comfortably see the main streets in an hour or two.
When it comes to seeing the island as a whole, navigating St Lucia is a bit of an adventure. You’ll kick yourself if you don’t leave the city to explore further afield. The landscape is rugged so you have to expect a lot of steep hills, very winding roads and a fair bit of bouncing around in the back of a bus. It’s all part of the Caribbean adventure though!
Because the best attractions are spread so far apart, booking a pre-arranged excursion is probably the smartest move.
Curious Facts About St Lucia
- Marigot Bay was a filming location for movies like Superman 2 and the original 1960s Dr Dolittle.
- Locals make their own Banana Ketchup. It tastes just like ordinary ketchup but with a uniquely sweet tang.
- St Lucia is the only country in the world named after a historical woman. It was named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse by early French sailors.
- The island boasts the highest ratio of Nobel laureates per capita in the entire world. Two winners were born here which is a massive achievement for such a small nation.
Top Things to Do in Castries
If you decide to stay local and explore the capital, here is what you can expect to find within a short walk of the cruise terminal. It’s a bustling city that has plenty of authentic Caribbean character.
Castries Central Market
This is a great spot if you want to soak up the atmosphere. The market is packed with vendors selling fresh fruit, spices and crafts. It gets very busy. It’s the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs or just watch the locals going about their day.
Derek Walcott Square
Named after one of St Lucia’s Nobel Prize winners, this square is a good place to escape the heat. It has some colonial architecture around the edges and a 400-year-old Samaan tree right in the middle. It’s a nice spot to sit down for a quick rest if you’ve been walking around the city.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Just off the square you’ll find this church. From the outside it looks a bit grey and unassuming but the inside is very colourful. The walls and ceilings are covered in murals painted by a local artist. It’s definitely worth poking your head in for a look.
Top Excursions in St Lucia
While the city has a few sights, the best bits of the island are found down the coast. Here are some of the best excursions you can book to see the real St Lucia.
The Pitons
You can’t visit St Lucia without seeing the Pitons. These two massive volcanic peaks are the symbol of the island. Whether you look at them from the deck of a catamaran, take a photo from a viewpoint in Soufrière or even book a tour to hike up one of them, you really have to see them. They are amazing.
Sulphur Springs and the Drive-in Volcano
St Lucia is famous for having the world’s only drive-in volcano. You can take a tour right up to the bubbling mud pools and hot springs. Most excursions to the volcano let you jump in and cover yourself in the mud which looks like a great laugh. Just be prepared for the strong smell of eggs from all the sulphur!
Morne Coubaril Estate
This is an old West Indian plantation and it’s a great way to see how the island actually works. On our trip we visited an old replica Carib village and a cocoa house. We even got to suck on raw cocoa beans straight from the pod. It’s incredibly bitter with a weird aftertaste but it was definitely an experience! We also tried some fresh coconut that tasted exactly like the inside of a Bounty bar. Can you believe we’ve never had coconut before?
Howelton Estate Batik Factory
This place has been up in the hills since 1896 and is famous for Batik, a traditional type of printing on fabric. We got a demonstration of how they press the patterns. They also make their own coconut oil which smells nice but leaves your hands absolutely slippy everywhere you touch. It has a great view and a very nice gift shop which is exactly where Denis spent most of his time.
Pigeon Island National Landmark
If you’d rather head north instead of south towards the volcano, Pigeon Island is a great day out. It’s a national park with old military forts, class views of the sea and two really nice beaches. It’s actually connected to the mainland by a causeway so you can just grab a taxi there straight from the cruise port.
Tips For Your Visit
- Currency: The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar but US Dollars are accepted absolutely everywhere. Just keep in mind you’ll usually get your change in the local currency.
- Agree on Taxis: Taxis in St Lucia don’t use meters. Always agree on the exact fare with the driver before you get in the car to avoid any awkwardness later.
- Sunday Closures: Like a lot of the Caribbean, Castries essentially shuts down on a Sunday. If your ship docks on a Sunday you really need to book an excursion because the city centre shops and markets will be shut.
- Sudden Rain: The island is incredibly green for a reason. You can expect sudden heavy rain showers even on a completely sunny day so throwing a light rain jacket or an umbrella in your bag is a smart move. We know from experience!
- Local Vendors: You’ll encounter plenty of locals selling tours and souvenirs near the port and at the popular beaches. They can be a bit persistent but a polite and firm “no thank you” is usually all it takes.
Castries FAQs
Is Castries walkable from the cruise port?
Yes, it’s very walkable. You step right off the ship into a duty-free shopping village and the main city centre is just a short five or ten-minute stroll away depending on which terminal you dock at.
Do I need to book excursions in St Lucia?
Honestly, yes. The city itself is fine for a quick look but to see the rainforests, the volcano and the Pitons, you really need to book an organised tour or hire a local taxi for the day.
Are there beaches near the Castries cruise port?
There aren’t any sandy beaches right at the terminal. If you want a proper beach day you’ll need to grab a taxi to somewhere like Vigie Beach which is only about 10 minutes away from the port.
Is it safe to walk around Castries?
It generally feels very safe around the port and the main tourist areas. As with any busy city, just keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded spots like the Central Market.
How far are the Pitons from the cruise port?
They are located down the coast in Soufrière which is a good 90-minute drive from Castries. Because the mountain roads are so winding it takes a while to get there, so booking a boat tour or a dedicated excursion is the handiest way to go see them. Our excursion made stops along the way which broke up the day.
The Verdict
To wrap things up, we had an absolutely brilliant time in St Lucia. It’s such a beautiful lush island and the Land and Sea excursion is the perfect way to experience it properly. The views of the Pitons are stunning when you finally get up close to them. Getting out on the water for the catamaran ride back to the ship was great fun and dropping anchor in that little bay felt like the real Caribbean.
A massive shout out to our tour guide Candy who was great craic all day. St Lucia is a fantastic island and we’d definitely recommend getting out of the port to properly explore it.
