St Lucia

Nearby areas in St Lucia

Northern Region

Located on the northwest coast, Castries is St Lucia's capital city and cultural center. Worthwhile attractions include the open Castries Market, Derek Walcott Square, and the imposing Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A large, natural harbor on St Lucia's northeastern tip, Rodney Bay includes the small fishing village of Gros Islet and the resort area of Reduit Beach. Boating enthusiasts can enjoy a day at Rodney Bay Marina, the island's largest yachting port. Connected to St Lucia proper by a manmade causeway, Pigeon Island National Park features the remains of centuries-old military bases.

Soufrière

Founded by the French in 1746, Soufrière is a bayside fishing community on the island's southwestern shore. Named after the nearby sulphur springs, the town emanates a provincial charm that reflects the relaxed coastal lifestyle. An interesting stone Catholic church resides in the town center, surrounded by weathered buildings that have stood for ages. Spend an afternoon at the Soufrière Market, an emporium decorated with colorful murals and gingerbread trim where shoppers can find handmade hats, baskets, and tasty indigenous spices. Not far from here are some of St Lucia's most impressive natural attractions, including the beautiful Diamond Falls, the spectacular Pitons, a rain forest, and the island's highest peak, Mount Gimie,.

East Coast Nature Reserves

Two exceptional nature sanctuaries are found off St Lucia's eastern coast, offering the keen-eyed explorer an opportunity to spot many rare species of plant and animal. The Maria Islands Nature Reserves are a few miles east of Vieux Fort, St Lucia's southern most city. It is the only habitat of the Maria Islands ground lizard and an extremely rare grass snake. Since it is also home to many rare sea birds, the reserve is off limits during the nesting season, which runs from June through September. Located midway off the St Lucia's eastern coast, the Frigate Islands Nature Reserves are home to boa constrictors and the lethal fer-de-lance pit viper. The islands also serve as the nesting ground for many of St Lucia's indigenous birds, including the rare Ramier pigeon and St Lucian oriole.

For more information about St Lucia

St Lucia Tourist Board

PO Box 221, Pointe Seraphine, Castries, St Lucia, West Indies, phone 758-452-4094/5968, fax 758-453-1121, email slutour@candw.lc.

New York

820 Second Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017, phone 212-867-2950 or toll-free 1-800-4 St Lucia/1-800-456-3984, fax 212-867-2795, email info@st-lucia.com.