Saint Lucia is a sovereign island country in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the borderline with the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the Lesser Antilles, it is located north/northeast of the island of Saint Vincent, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. Its capital is Castries.
Known as one of the Windward Islands, Saint Lucia was named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse by the French, the island's earliest European colonizers. They signed a treaty with the native Carib people in 1660. Britain took control of the island from 1663 to 1667; in ensuing years, it was at war with France 14 times and rule of the island changed frequently (it was seven times each ruled by the French and British). In 1814, the British took definitive control of the island. Because it switched so often between British and French control, Saint Lucia was also known as the "Helen of the West Indies".
Tourism is essential to Saint Lucia's economy and is popular due to its tropical weather and scenery and its numerous beaches and resorts.
Some tourist attractions include a drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs (in Soufrière), the Botanical Gardens, the Majestic twin Peaks "The Pitons", a world heritage site, the rain forests, and Pigeon Island National Park, which is home to Fort Rodney, an old British military base.
Did you know that most tourist prefers a visit to Saint Lucia by cruising along the Castries, Soufriere, Marigot Bay and Gros Islet.
Many visitors to St. Lucia get their first glimpse of the island from the decks of cruise ships. Sailing along the island’s southwest coast line, they are fascinated by the beauty of the Pitons, whose twin mountain peaks rise almost a half-mile right out of the ocean. Surrounded by a wilderness of tropical plants, it’s easy to see why St. Lucia has earned the nickname “Helen of the West Indies.” Most cruise liners anchor in Place Carenage or Pointe Seraphine and both are within walking distance of St. Lucia’s capital city, Castries.
While the area is easy to navigate on foot, by bus, taxi or renting a car, it can take an hour or more to drive from Castries to the Pitons. This is why many opt for an extended day charter to the Pitons with Binti (a 43 foot catamaran boat) for sailing that’s smoother and faster than a bumpy bus on curvy roads.
Aside from a more comfortable and scenic ride, a charter to the Pitons with Binti lets you see Castries, the Pitons and any of the island’s beaches and snorkeling sites in between at your own pace. If you’re in search of duty-free merchandise and handicrafts, Castries is the perfect shopping destination. For more than 100 years vendors have gathered at Castries Market and Craft Market offering reasonably priced fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, baskets, wood carvings, pottery and hand-screened clothing.
But if you’d rather spend more time seeing the Pitons, the best way to see the peaks is from the water. And a charter to the Pitons with Binti gives you a front row seat. Much of St. Lucia has largely remained unspoiled because of the locals’ commitment to protecting its rain forests and other natural resources. In fact, nearly 19,000 acres is protected as part of the St. Lucia National Rain Forest. Nestled between the twin peaks is Anse des Pitons, a fantastic place for snorkeling and diving. Other spectacular snorkeling sites include Anse Cochon and Anse Chastanet. At Anse Cochon you’ll see an old sunken ship but amazing reefs and colorful marine life abound at all three locations.
Just outside Castries, Choc Beach offers a beautiful stretch of white sand but if you’re in the mood for more adventure, the white sand beaches at Pigeon Island have water sports, a restaurant and historical museum. Pigeon Island is a great place for families to visit to learn the history of the island at the Museum and Interpretive Centre. Here the former British officers’ mess building, barracks and garrisons where French and English once fought for control of St. Lucia have been restored to the way they would have appeared in 1808. Your family can stay for as long or as little as you like on a charter to the Pitons with Binti.
A charter to the Pitons with Binti gives you the best views of the Pitons. You can view the twin peaks over lunch in Binti’s Salon or ashore at Dasheene Restaurant. Or, you can view the Pitons while tanning on one of the island’s majestic white-sand beaches. Any way you cut it a charter to the Pitons with Binti is the best way to see and experience the Pitons and St. Lucia.
Rising precipitously from the cobalt-blue Caribbean Sea just south of Soufriere Bay, these two unusual mountains are the symbol of St. Lucia and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covered with thick tropical vegetation, the massive outcroppings were formed by lava from a volcanic eruption 30 to 40 million years ago. They are not identical twins since—confusingly, 2,619-foot Petit Piton is taller than 2,461-foot Gros Piton; Gros Piton is, as the word translates, broader. It's possible to climb the Pitons, but it's a strenuous trip. Gros Piton is the easier climb, though the trail up even this one is still very tough. Either climb requires the permission of the Forest & Lands Department and the use of a knowledgeable guide.
Saint Lucian cultural festivals include La Rose and La Marguerite, the first representing a native Saint Lucian fraternal society known as the Order of the Rose that is fashioned in the mould of Rosicrucianism, and the second representing its traditional rival, the native Saint Lucian equivalent of Freemasonry known as the Order of the Marguerite.[16] References to their origins as versions of pre-existing external secret societies can be seen in a mural painted by Dunstan St Omer, depicting the holy trinity of Osiris, Horus and Isis.
The biggest festival of the year is the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival. Held in early May at multiple venues throughout the island, it draws visitors and musicians from around the world. The grand finale is held at the Pigeon Island (Saint Lucia) which is located to the North of the Island.
Speaking of the Pigeon Island, don’t miss out a hike all the way to the top of Fort Rodney considered as a National Park in Saint Lucia.
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This rugged 40 acre national park offers the hiker a pleasant walk through woodlands and military ruins, and a chance to climb to the island’s highest point—330 foot Signal Peak. Fort Rodney and Signal Peak are the two most noticeable features of Pigeon Island National Park—the two peaks rise hundreds of feet above sea level, affording spectacular panoramic views of the island. Conveniently, Fort Rodney and Signal Peak are joined by a saddle allowing the hiker to climb both hills with little effort. A marked trail leads right to the top of 225 foot Fort Rodney, where you can see remains of the military installation, including a powder hold and two cannons. The tour begins amid the stone ruins, which include the old Officer’s Kitchen and soldiers’ barracks. The main path, as it winds upward to the southern peak, leads to Fort Rodney, which was constructed in 1778. The broad path is easily accessible, except for the last hundred feet, where a moderate climb is required. Once on top, take a moment to savor the incredible views. For those willing to endure hiking a little further, Signal Peak offers more of a challenge—this trek is more strenuous as it climbs up the steep rocks, but the amazing views from the top are worth the effort. It’s easy to understand why the peak was designated as Admiral Rodney’s main lookout post—the perspective affords excellent views of the inland mountains, the turquoise waters and sandy bays, and the island of Martinique to the north.
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