Castries, St Lucia Cruise Port Guide Info
The island of natural marvels, lush vegetation, stunning beaches, and friendly locals, Saint Lucia is a sovereign island country situated in the West Indies in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean. The capital city is Castries, peacefully tucked in the Bay of Castries, in the northwest of the island, home to Castries Harbour where cruise ships dock. The cruise port covers a large area and consists of two main cruise terminals: the Pointe Seraphine Cruise Terminal, located in the north of the bay, further from downtown, and La Place Carenage Cruise Terminal, situated in the heart of Castries. The cruise port can accommodate several large cruise ships simultaneously, and the cruise terminals are equipped with the necessary facilities for cruise passengers.
Pointe Seraphine cruise terminal features numerous tour operator stands, souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a Duty-Free shopping complex offering amazing duty-free outlets, shops, great food, and nice views of the harbor. To get to the town center, you can either walk (a pleasant 20-minute walk), or catch a taxi that you will find in front of the terminal area (the ride lasts 5 minutes).
From La Place Carenage cruise terminal, you can walk to all main downtown landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and markets selling food, fresh fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts.
The city of Castries boasts breathtaking gardens, parks, and historical landmarks worth visiting. The Catholic Cathedral (the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception) is located within 5 minutes walking distance from La Place Carenage and is said to be the largest church in the Caribbean. It was built in the 19th century, and with its beautiful façade, bell-tower and sumptuously decorated interior is a lovely place to visit and worship.
The basilica dominates Derek Walcott Square, a charming green park featuring a bust of Derek Walcott, a Saint Lucian poet, playwright, and Nobel Prize winner in 1992. Another charming garden is the King George V Gardens, named after Marquis de Castries, situated in the vicinity of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, another magnificent place of worship. There are a few other Castries landmarks you can visit such as La Toc Battery or Governor House, located within a 10-15-minute driving distance from the cruise terminal.
When it comes to the beaches, the closest one to the cruise port is Vigie Beach (2 km), a gorgeous stretch of white sandy beach with facilities such as bars, restaurants, sunbeds, and umbrella rentals during high season, and a lot of natural shade. Another popular city beach is Le Toc Beach, a marvelous sandy beach nestled on the other side of the bay. Further away, Marigot Beach, Reduit Beach, and Choc Beach are absolutely stunning and a perfect getaway from the bustling city center.
However, the most beautiful natural treasures are located outside the capital. Situated near the town of Soufriere, in the southwest of the island, the Pitons are an extraordinary natural wonder and a World Heritage Site consisting of two volcanic mountains – Petit Piton and Gros Piton, offering spectacular views of the island and the Caribbean Sea.
The best way to get there is with a shore excursion or a private transfer/taxi, as they are located a bit less than 1 hour 30 minutes’ drive from Castries. There are boat and hiking tours as well, so you can see the Pitons in the way you prefer.
The mountains are rich in sulfur springs, and in this area, you can visit several other natural attractions, such as Diamond Botanical Gardens, a breathtaking scenic park featuring rich vegetation, a waterfall, and geothermal mineral baths, as well as Sulfur Springs in the caldera of the dormant volcano. The whole area is spectacular and a must-see place if you appreciate the beauty of nature.
St. Lucia is truly breathtaking and whether you choose to take a cruise to the Pitons, go snorkeling and scuba diving, do island sightseeing or soak up the sun at one of the beaches – an unforgettable day is guaranteed!
