Category: Castries (Saint Lucia)

CATAMARAN CRUISE TO THE PITONS

An introduction to St. Lucia and a way to experience the nature by cruising to see the island’s famous landmark which is now a World Heritage Site. This is an excursion for those who wish to enjoy nature’s beauty and the sea. Leaving the Castries harbor behind, you will cruise along the west coast, passing by the Vigie and La Toc peninsulas. Take in the views of the coastline and the small villages of Anse la Raye and Canaries, then on towards to the Soufriere Bay for the sighting of Petit and Gros Piton – rising over 2,600 feet above sea level.

Circling the Bay will give every one an opportunity to capture this wonder of nature. You will then cruise up along the coast to one of the bays where you will be served an assortment of dry snacks, water, soft drinks and rum punch. After, you will have some time to enjoy a swim in the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Reboard the catamaran and continue to the idyllic Marigot Bay – one of the island’s most sheltered and famous for many battles between the English and French.

It is also renowned for its beauty and a film location for such movies as Dr. Doolittle and Firepower. It is then homeward bound to the ship. Of course, the rhythmic sounds of the Caribbean music will have you snapping your fingers, humming a tune or even swaying your hips on your return journey back to the ship. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.
Please note: Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Persons should always take care when going down the ladder into the water for swimming as well as climbing back up. Life jackets are available for anyone before swimming and persons who maybe prone to motion sickness should take the necessary medication prior to the departure of the tour. We recommend that any alcoholic beverages be served after swimming in the interest of safety – hence the swimming stop is done on the first half of the tour

BEACH BREAK

What better way to enjoy a few hours on the island than relaxing on one of the island’s beaches. After a short drive through the capital city Castries, your journey takes you north where you will bypass Castries regional airport, commercial and residential areas before arriving in the Rodney Bay area – known for its restaurants, resorts, shopping and entertainment.

Here you will be taken to Reduit Beach with views of Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island. You will be escorted to the area where your beach chairs await. Lay back, relax and enjoy the St. Lucian moment along with a refreshment of either rum punch or fruit punch. Your guide will indicate the time of departure from the beach, back to the ship.
Please note: All beaches are public on the island. Beach chairs are included, but not beach umbrellas. Guests are recommended to wear insect repellent

ST. LUCIA RYTHYMS

This tour commences with a short ride through Castries, the capital. Observe the Victorian buildings along the famous Derek Walcott Square, the home of the Samaan tree (400 years old). St. Marks is an old colonial style house, which is strategically placed high up in the hills and offers a panoramic view.

On a clear day, view Martinique out in the distance along the northern coastline. Enjoy typical Creole snacks and a rum punch or fruit juice after your tour of this home before heading to your next stop. Located approximately five minutes away, you will reach your next stop at Howelton Estate, previously known as Caribelle Batik, the home of the silky West Indian Sea Island Cotton, where the batik process comes alive. The tour continues along the countryside towards the north-eastern section of the island to an area called Chassin.

Be a part of the St. Lucian traditional practices at one of the Heritage Sites. Upon arrival at the Fond Latisab Creole Park, you will experience Creole traditions and practices that are still enjoyed today. You will be able to see the preparation of farine and cassava bread in the ancient Amerindian manner. You can watch the traditional method of cooking food on macambou leaves.

From log-sawing to the rhythms of the Creole music, you will feel inducted into the traditions of this culture. You might even be able to learn a few words of Patois, the language of Creole heavily laced with French, African and English grammar, not to mention learn a few folk dances. Depart Fond Latisab for your drive back to your ship. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes. Sandals/shoes preferably with rubber soles and attire should be cool and comfortable. Hat/Cap is also recommended and sunscreen. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate

AERIAL TRAM ADVENTURE

The Aerial Tram transports guests from the lowlands to an ecological park in the higher areas of St Lucia’s forest reserve. You will ascend in an open-air gondola through the rainforest, offering great views. A Nature Interpreter will point out giant ferns, heliconia, and identify the calls and the plumage of the birdlife that makes the Caribbean Oceanic Forest its home.

The descent affords a bird’s eye view of the forest and a panoramic vista of the north of the island. With much to see and listen for, the tram ride is a celebration of colour, life and a restorative retreat making this a peaceful way to enjoy St. Lucia’s surroundings before heading back to the ship.
Please note: All participating guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English

ADRENALINE

The Adrena-line zip line tour is best suited for those seeking an adrenaline rush. This zip line tour starts with a short walk through the tropical forest, but that’s as calm as it gets. Then get hitched up to a series of cables and zip from platform to platform high up in the tree canopy. If your adrenaline isn’t flowing then, a brisk hike to the next set of platforms will juice things up a bit before you zip back to the base camp. Guests must be at least 5 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests must be at least 5 years old to participate. Walking/hiking shoes mandatory (no high heels, sandals or flip flops), Long shorts or trousers (not skirts or dresses), Shirts/t-shirts with short or long sleeves recommended (wearing harness), Sun/Rain protection, Insect repellent. Minimum waist 45.7cm Maximum hip/waist 127cm, Maximum weight 170 kg. This tour is not available for pregnant woman or persons with back or neck injuries. Only suitable for the physically fit. All participating guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English

WATERFALL and BEACH ADVENTURE

Your excursion begins with boarding your open safari truck for a drive through Castries and to the Morne viewpoint for a view of the Castries Harbor and northern landscape. Continue to the village of Anse La Raye for a quick stop to walk along the waterfront. Depart for a short drive to a natural waterfall. Your adventure includes a hike through rocky streams and over uneven terrain before getting to the waterfall.

There is no swimming allowed at the waterfall. Your time at the waterfall comes to an end but your journey has just begun. Drive to a nearby beach and enjoy time swimming in the Caribbean sea or simply relaxing on the beach. Enjoy the sun before getting back onto your vehicle for the return transfer to the Port. Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests must be in good physical condition, not suffering from heart, respiratory back or neck challenges in order to participate on the tour. There is a lot of exposure to the sun so light clothing, hat or cap is recommended along with sun bloc.

Sandals/shoes should be with rubber soles and persons. In the event of heavy rainfall, the water flow and water pool will be full, and the water pool looks brown due to excess silt. In the event of low rainfall, the water flow and water pool level is low. There are at least 40 natural earth steps leading down to the Waterfall. This is not a self-driven tour; a driver will be provided. The type of vehicle used on this tour is an open-air safari truck. Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate

ST. LUCIAN BEAUTIES AND LA SOUFRIERE VOLCANO

You will first pass through the city of Castries which consists of the colourful marketplace and the Conception Cathedral, known for its’ paintings, completed by the famous local artist, Dunstan St. Omer. A view of the island can then be seen from Morne Fortune before you travel through the Cul de Sac and Roseau banana plantations heading to Marigot Bay.

Continuing your drive along a winding road on the edge of a rainforest, where there is an abundance of tropical flowers and trees, you then reach the town of Soufriere. Here, the Pitons, rising more than 760 metres (2,500 feet), tower over the entire area. You will enjoy an approximately 30-minute guided tour of the Sulphur Springs, known as the world’s only ‘drive-in volcano’ because you can actually drive right into its crater! Next, you will visit the Maranatha Garden or Prayer Park for approximately 30 minutes, where different specimens of flowers, fruit trees and birds mingle to form a peaceful setting for garden-lovers and picture-takers! A drink awaits, served at the Beacon viewpoint and hilltop restaurant, situated on three naturally ventilated balconies. From here, you can spend approximately 35 minutes enjoying views of the Pitons, the Caribbean Sea and the Soufriere Valley. You will then return on an approximately 1 hour and 15-minute journey back to Castries harbour where your ship will be waiting.

Please note: Travel traverses bumpy and winding roads. Guests suffering from motion sickness must take adequate precautions. The scenic drive to Soufriere takes approx. 1.5 hours. Guests must be able to walk over uneven surfaces and climb steps

SNORKEL BENEATH THE PITON

Board a boat and depart the Castries Harbour along the west coast of St. Lucia. Cruise for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes along the island’s coastline bypassing the La Toc and Vigie Peninsulas, Marigot Bay and small fishing villages of Anse La Raye and Canaries. As you cruise into the Soufriere Bay you will be amazed by the Pitons, two volcanic plugs. These peaks rise to over 727 metres and are within a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You will have time for a photo opportunity before you begin your approximately 1 hour and 30-minute Snorkel adventure within the Marine Reserve. A plethora of underwater life from a variety of corals, sea urchins, star fish, parrot, trumpet, and rock fish abound. Exploring the nooks will yield all sorts of surprises as they act as a nursery for many larger fish. You may return to the boat where you can rest and enjoy a refreshment and snack. Then, sail into Marigot Bay, where you will disembark your catamaran for approximately 1 hour to spend on your own exploring.

You can take the ferry (at an additional cost) for time spent swimming in the Caribbean Sea or simply enjoying the many photo opportunities that surrounds you. Your time comes to an end as you board your bus for your return 30-minute drive to the ship. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate.

Please note: Snorkel locations can be changed at short notice depending on weather and sea conditions in the interest of safety and enjoyment of the guests. The minimum age to participate is 12 years. All participating guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English

ST. LUCIA BY LAND and SEA

First, you will drive through the bustling city of Castries and drive up Morne Fortune with coastline views.

Then on to Sir Arthur Community College where the buildings are renovated army barracks used during the 18th century wars between the British and the French. Your next stop is the monument erected in honour of the gallant 27th Regiment who captured the Morne for the British in 1796. This hilltop site features original cannons used in the war and views of Castries. Continue your journey for your next stop at Howelton Estate, previously known as Caribelle Batik, where you will spend approximately 30 minutes. This establishment has gained a formidable reputation throughout the Caribbean for its batik prints. Departing from Howelton Estate the drive offers great views and a photo stop at Marigot Bay overlook. Afterwards, you will pass traditional fishing villages as you travel the west coast road to Soufriere.

You will see many of the famous sights starting with the Pitons, a UNESCO world-heritage site, as you arrive in Soufriere. You will drive through town and head to the 18th century old Soufriere Estate. Upon arrival, a guide will explain how coconuts are opened, roasted in a traditional oven, and turned into copra (dry coconut) before being processed into everyday items such as soap, suntan lotion and cooking oil, and how cocoa is fermented, dried on racks in the sun and crushed into powder to make cocoa sticks before being made into chocolate. You will spend approximately 30 minutes at the old Soufriere Estate before you then make your way to the Old Mill Waterwheel to enjoy a buffet lunch. After lunch, you will re-board your bus and take a short drive to Soufriere Bay where you will board a customized sail and/or engine-powered catamaran. You will cruise for approximately 45 minutes north along the coast. Feel free to relax, and top off your tan. An approximately 45-minute stop will be made for a swim at one of the island’s bays. On your return to Castries harbour, you will cruise through Marigot Bay, one of the tropical inlets in the Caribbean, famous setting for the film ‘Doctor Dolittle’ and many well-known movies.
Please note: Pregnant Women and Guests with Medical Conditions such as Recent Surgery,

Diabetes, Past and Current Cardiac Conditions, Respiratory and Lung Conditions such as Epilepsy and Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Back or Neck Injuries, and Guests taking any medication that might impair regular movements and body activity such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, lithium, and base vein constrictors will not be allowed to participate in the swimming portion of the tour for safety reasons. Children must be under the constant supervision of a parent/guardian. This tour is not available for guests who use wheelchairs or scooters. Participants with physical limitations should consider that there may be steps, uneven surfaces, and water activity in a slight current. Guests should dress casually and wear flat comfortable rubber-soled shoes or sandals.

Guests are recommended to wear a swimsuit under their clothing and bring a beach towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Weight restriction: max 300 lbs. The scenic drive to Soufriere takes approx. 1.5 hours and traverses winding and bumpy roads.

Guests suffering from motion sickness should take adequate precautions. Alcoholic beverages will only be served after swimming. All participating guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English

NORTHERN VIEWS and HISTORICAL PIGEON ISLAND

Take some time to visit the northern reaches of St. Lucia, including Pigeon Island. Your tour begins with a coach ride through the capital, Castries City, and on to the Morne Fortune vantage point. After a chance to savour and photograph views of Castries Harbour and the northern landscape, you will travel through the Morne Complex on a scenic route that skirts the city.

Look out for charming communities and vistas of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean as the coach heads for the small village of La Guerre, where bird’s-eye views of the Marquis Estate – once one of the island’s largest banana plantations. Your next stop will then be at Monchy, an excellent place to see Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island from afar and take some more photos, before moving on to the Cap Estate residential area, home also of the exclusive Sandals Golf and Country Club. Although it is still called an island, the Pigeon Island National Park – the final highlight on the tour – was linked to the mainland by a causeway in the early 1970s. Situated on Pigeon Island is the 19th-century British-built Fort Rodney. A tour of the historic remains will give you a glimpse back in time, spend some time on your own relaxing, swimming or hiking up to Fort Rodney for a view of Rodney Bay and the Northern coastline. After, your return journey will take you through the village of Gros Islet and bring the tour to a close. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Please note: Guests are recommended to wear cool, comfortable clothing, and flat rubber-soled shoes and to bring along towels, sunscreen, swimwear can be worn underneath clothing and Insect repellent if allergic to the tropics. There is a small Restaurant/Bar – Jambe Du Bois – located on the waterfront where beverages/snacks etc. can be purchased. Guests should be in good health and not suffering from pre-existing back, leg, hip, neck, or respiratory conditions. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate