Car Hire in St. Lucia

St. Lucia

An island nation in the eastern Caribbean Sea and part of the Lesser Antilles, St. Lucia is a hugely popular tourist destination, renowned as the ‘Helen of the West’ due to its beauty.

Although very little is known about the island’s early history, the Arawaks were the first inhabitants of St. Lucia, an Amerindian people originating from South America who dominated from roughly 200 to 400 AD. Gradually replaced by the Caribs between 800 and 1000 AD, it was roughly five centuries before the first Europeans landed on the-then island of Hiwanarau (later Hewanorra).

However, in part due to resistance from the Caribs, the first European camp was only started around 1600 in Vieux Fort by the Dutch and, thanks to further resistance, disease and competition among rival states, it was a further two hundred years before the British secured control of St. Lucia in 1815.

Despite retaining membership in the Commonwealth, and Queen Elizabeth as the titular head of government, St. Lucia ended all practical ties to Britain in 1979 and established its independence. Nevertheless, the island still welcomes visitors to its sandy beaches, wonderful scenery and fun-loving culture.

Language

The official language of St. Lucia is English. However, the French dialect Kwéyòl is also spoken, along with some Spanish.

Currency

St. Lucia’s currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (EC$).

The following exchange rates are accurate as of August 2006:

1 USD : 2.7 EC$
1 GBP : 5.12 EC$
1 Euro : 3.45 EC$

Weather

St. Lucia enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures of 21˚-32˚ Centigrade. The rainy season tends to be between June and November, but the island is relatively dry.

Hurricanes are an occasional threat.

Attractions

Hiking through forests and beaches, the Fond d’Or Nature Historic Park is the best way to explore the island’s history and see the more beautiful areas. More specifically, the Fond Latisab Creole Park tour to the Babonneau community of Fond Assau provides an illuminating insight into many traditional practices.

St. Lucia is the perfect place to relax with a quiet stroll. The Diamond Botanical Gardens (with a beautiful waterfall), the Tropica Gardens and the Mamiku Gardens are all wonderfully picturesque locations to spend an afternoon.

Soufrière’s exceptional Drive-In Volcano is also worth a visit, being the only one of its kind.

Beaches are naturally St. Lucia’s main attraction. For white sand, azure sea and beautiful scenery, the Sandy Beach in Vieux Fort is the place to go. Alternatively, Anse Chastanet is the main point for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Various events are held throughout the year in St. Lucia. Started in 1991 and held in May across the island, the now internationally known St. Lucia Jazz Festival is unquestionably the most important. Providing R&B and calypso music as well as jazz, past acts include Herbie Hancock, Courtney Pine and Lauryn Hill.

If sport is what you’re looking for, St. Lucia has excellent golf courses in Soufrière, Gros Islet and the capital city of Castries.

Shopping

Castries is the main shopping district, especially the Pointe Seraphine shopping complex and La Place Carenage. The Gablewoods shopping centre can also be found to the north of the capital.

The Castries Market on Saturdays is the major market in St. Lucia, but Vieux Fort also hosts a market on Friday, specialising in food and drink.

Soufrière is a decent location for local outlets and traders providing regional clothing and art.

Nightlife

Rodney Bay is the best location for nightclubs and bars. However, Sandy Beach in Vieux Fort also has rows of restaurants and bars.

A Friday night street arty is held each week in Gros Islet, with music, dancing, food and drink.

Driving

Being part of the Commonwealth, the drink driving limit in St. Lucia is 0.08% BAC (roughly two pints of beer for the average sized man, and even less for women). However, the island’s roads are extremely difficult to negotiate and taxis are recommended for reaching certain areas.

Food and Drink

St. Lucia enjoys a surprisingly good number of restaurants considering its size. The regional Creole cuisine tends to be al fresco and emphasises fresh fruit, meat and vegetables. Expect to find dishes like pepperpot stew.

There are also a number of international alternatives, for example French, Italian and Indian restaurants.

Tourist Information

Saint Lucia Tourist Board
PO Box 221
Sure Line Building
Vide Bouteille
Castries
Tel: +758 452 4094
www.stlucia.org

Destinations

We provide car hire in the following locations within St. Lucia:

Castries	Hewanorra Airport	St. Lucia
George Charles Airport	Messade

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