General Overview
Those looking for a Caribbean island haven that mixes unique beaches, tropical rainforests, rugged volcanic mountains, and heart-stopping landscapes find their perfect match in Saint Lucia. With the towering Pitons being an iconic landmark that distinguishes Saint Lucia from its Caribbean siblings, the beautiful island has somehow managed to maintain its place as a rustic destination infused with local appeal and untouched natural scenery, while also being a developed island catering to the needs of tourists, be it for party-loving experiences or laid-back endeavours. Before you get on that plane, though, it would be nice to know a few basics so you can plan your travel even better.
Currency
The official currency in Saint Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean dollar or EC$. However, if you have US dollars, you may also use them to purchase things or pay for services across the island. What you should take note of, though, is that although most local businesses accept US dollars, you may get change in Eastern Caribbean dollars, so pay attention to the exchange rates, which are usually not very favourable for tourists. As for credit cards, some businesses accept the major ones, but there are still several ones that do not. So, cash is probably a much more preferred method to pay for small things or meals.
Tipping
You do not need to leave a tip when you leave a restaurant or bar in Saint Lucia. Unlike the US and other parts of the world, tipping is discretionary here. This is because most dining venues and bars add 10% to their bills for service. If you wish to leave anything additional for exceptional services you might have received (i.e., from a bartender, tour guide, or taxi driver), you are certainly free to do so, but not obliged.
There are Stray Animals Wandering the Streets
Saint Lucia is an island with fantastic wildlife and rich marine life. Expect to see anything from turtles and iguanas to fireflies, hummingbirds, parrots, warblers, and a huge variety of bird species. At the same time, though, there is a large number of stray dogs and cats that roam free across the island. For some visitors, this is a deal-breaker, while others do not mind. That being said, the local charity groups are working hard to provide shelter and find homes for these cute animals.
The Beaches – Volcanic, Public, and Alluring
First of all, there are no private beaches, at least at the time of this writing. The local beaches are all public, which comes as a pleasant surprise compared to other Caribbean islands whose resorts provide exclusive access to the beachfront. In Saint Lucia, you are free to use the offered sun lounges and umbrellas to enjoy the sun, the sea, and a refreshing cocktail or drink from the beach bar.
Secondly, the Saint Lucia coastline does not feature the quintessential white-sand beach you see in most Caribbean islands. In reality, the fact that the island’s terrain is mainly shaped by a huge volcanic eruption has given the shores an anomaly that adds to the uniqueness of the charming cay. So, despite the inviting, crystal-clear waters and the mind-blowing aquatic world, Saint Lucia is home to orange and black volcanic sand beaches. This does not mean, of course, that you cannot claim your share of the white-sand beach experience. You will just have to head to the man-made beach called Anse des Pitons and tip your toes in its imported sand!
The Vibe on the Streets Becomes Even More Vibrant on Fridays
Saint Lucia hosts weekly street parties that the locals call limes, just like many other of its Caribbean cousins. During these parties, both locals and visitors alike come together to feast on mouth-watering lobster, grilled crab, and barbecued fish, drink ice-cold beer or strong rum punch, and dance. In Saint Lucia, this happens every single Friday!
Most Notable Local Natural Attractions
Saint Lucia offers so much more than volcanic shores, it also enchants with tropical landscapes and lush vegetation worth every second of your time. While exploring the island, be prepared to be mind-blown by the countless waterfalls, such as the fantastic Sault Fall on the eastern coast of Saint Lucia. Also, the beyond-beautiful Diamond Gardens and the massive, 19,000-acre National Rain Forest. Then come the two imposing mountainous volcanic plugs called Pitons (also a World Heritage Site) and the Sulphur Springs with their mud baths.
The Food Scene
The local cuisine is made up of a tasty blend between British, East Indian, and French dishes, while the national Saint Lucia food is banana (called green fig by the locals) and saltfish. Other popular dishes are dumplings, yams, dasheen, plantain, meat-made buyon, and breadfruit.
That aside, the island also impresses with the wide variety of fresh fruits, such as tangerines, pineapple, avocados, and mangoes that are fed by the island’s particularly fertile land. As for the restaurants, they serve delicious fresh seafood flavours, with the day’s catch served right at your table. Finally, the streets of Saint Lucia are full of food vendors making lip-smacking grilled fish and other Creole delights!
The Beautiful Symbolism Behind the Saint Lucia Flag
The flag of Saint Lucia was designed by a leading local artist, Sir Dunstan St. Omer. The various colours in the flag represent the following:
- The blue represents the sea and the sky.
- The black and white symbolises the fact that all people can coexist in harmony and form loving relationships with one another.
- The yellow for the sun.
- The triangle represents the national symbol of the country, the Pitons.
This is the recently adopted Saint Lucia flag (1967). Before that, the country has the British blue ensign. However, when they got independent, they changed their flag to what we all now see.
The Coat of Arms of Saint Lucia also has a nice symbolism to it. The small brown stool has been selected as a means to display the African heritage of the individuals brought to Saint Lucia. The Tudor rose represents the British influence on the island, while the torch is a symbol of hope as it is believed to light the path to the future.
General Overview
Those looking for a Caribbean island haven that mixes unique beaches, tropical rainforests, rugged volcanic mountains, and heart-stopping landscapes find their perfect match in Saint Lucia. With the towering Pitons being an iconic landmark that distinguishes Saint Lucia from its Caribbean siblings, the beautiful island has somehow managed to maintain its place as a rustic destination infused with local appeal and untouched natural scenery, while also being a developed island catering to the needs of tourists, be it for party-loving experiences or laid-back endeavours. Before you get on that plane, though, it would be nice to know a few basics so you can plan your travel even better.
Currency
The official currency in Saint Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean dollar or EC$. However, if you have US dollars, you may also use them to purchase things or pay for services across the island. What you should take note of, though, is that although most local businesses accept US dollars, you may get change in Eastern Caribbean dollars, so pay attention to the exchange rates, which are usually not very favourable for tourists. As for credit cards, some businesses accept the major ones, but there are still several ones that do not. So, cash is probably a much more preferred method to pay for small things or meals.
Tipping
You do not need to leave a tip when you leave a restaurant or bar in Saint Lucia. Unlike the US and other parts of the world, tipping is discretionary here. This is because most dining venues and bars add 10% to their bills for service. If you wish to leave anything additional for exceptional services you might have received (i.e., from a bartender, tour guide, or taxi driver), you are certainly free to do so, but not obliged.
There are Stray Animals Wandering the Streets
Saint Lucia is an island with fantastic wildlife and rich marine life. Expect to see anything from turtles and iguanas to fireflies, hummingbirds, parrots, warblers, and a huge variety of bird species. At the same time, though, there is a large number of stray dogs and cats that roam free across the island. For some visitors, this is a deal-breaker, while others do not mind. That being said, the local charity groups are working hard to provide shelter and find homes for these cute animals.
The Beaches – Volcanic, Public, and Alluring
First of all, there are no private beaches, at least at the time of this writing. The local beaches are all public, which comes as a pleasant surprise compared to other Caribbean islands whose resorts provide exclusive access to the beachfront. In Saint Lucia, you are free to use the offered sun lounges and umbrellas to enjoy the sun, the sea, and a refreshing cocktail or drink from the beach bar.
Secondly, the Saint Lucia coastline does not feature the quintessential white-sand beach you see in most Caribbean islands. In reality, the fact that the island’s terrain is mainly shaped by a huge volcanic eruption has given the shores an anomaly that adds to the uniqueness of the charming cay. So, despite the inviting, crystal-clear waters and the mind-blowing aquatic world, Saint Lucia is home to orange and black volcanic sand beaches. This does not mean, of course, that you cannot claim your share of the white-sand beach experience. You will just have to head to the man-made beach called Anse des Pitons and tip your toes in its imported sand!
The Vibe on the Streets Becomes Even More Vibrant on Fridays
Saint Lucia hosts weekly street parties that the locals call limes, just like many other of its Caribbean cousins. During these parties, both locals and visitors alike come together to feast on mouth-watering lobster, grilled crab, and barbecued fish, drink ice-cold beer or strong rum punch, and dance. In Saint Lucia, this happens every single Friday!
Most Notable Local Natural Attractions
Saint Lucia offers so much more than volcanic shores, it also enchants with tropical landscapes and lush vegetation worth every second of your time. While exploring the island, be prepared to be mind-blown by the countless waterfalls, such as the fantastic Sault Fall on the eastern coast of Saint Lucia. Also, the beyond-beautiful Diamond Gardens and the massive, 19,000-acre National Rain Forest. Then come the two imposing mountainous volcanic plugs called Pitons (also a World Heritage Site) and the Sulphur Springs with their mud baths.
The Food Scene
The local cuisine is made up of a tasty blend between British, East Indian, and French dishes, while the national Saint Lucia food is banana (called green fig by the locals) and saltfish. Other popular dishes are dumplings, yams, dasheen, plantain, meat-made buyon, and breadfruit.
That aside, the island also impresses with the wide variety of fresh fruits, such as tangerines, pineapple, avocados, and mangoes that are fed by the island’s particularly fertile land. As for the restaurants, they serve delicious fresh seafood flavours, with the day’s catch served right at your table. Finally, the streets of Saint Lucia are full of food vendors making lip-smacking grilled fish and other Creole delights!
The Beautiful Symbolism Behind the Saint Lucia Flag
The flag of Saint Lucia was designed by a leading local artist, Sir Dunstan St. Omer. The various colours in the flag represent the following:
- The blue represents the sea and the sky.
- The black and white symbolises the fact that all people can coexist in harmony and form loving relationships with one another.
- The yellow for the sun.
- The triangle represents the national symbol of the country, the Pitons.
This is the recently adopted Saint Lucia flag (1967). Before that, the country has the British blue ensign. However, when they got independent, they changed their flag to what we all now see.
The Coat of Arms of Saint Lucia also has a nice symbolism to it. The small brown stool has been selected as a means to display the African heritage of the individuals brought to Saint Lucia. The Tudor rose represents the British influence on the island, while the torch is a symbol of hope as it is believed to light the path to the future.