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St Lucia's Local Opinion


Dex2015
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Hi, Dex and Reedprincess, thanks to the both of you for coming to this site and giving everyone great information.

We have been to St. Lucia before and did Herod's tour which we very much enjoyed.

This time we are looking for some beach time and probably have it narrowed down to Rendezvous Day pass or Reduit Beach.

One of my questions is about taxi fare. When one says $30 taxi fare is that per person or the total fare for everyone in taxi? If it is for everyone, do they have a limit of passengers per taxi?

 

My other question is about the market in Castries. We will be there in early December this year. Do you have any idea what type of fruit they might have? Wondering if any Rambutan, Mangoes, or Lychees would be in season then?

Thanks again

 

hi,

 

$30 taxi fare is for 1 - 3 persons to Rodney Bay area from Castries. The taxi drivers would normally charge $4 US for every additional person. Rambutan & Lychees may be possible to get at the nearby supermarket. Oranges, mangoes, grapefruits and other locally grown fruits should be available at the Castries market.

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There are lots of things that you can do around Castries. You can visit the local Craft Market and Vendors Arcade which is right next to the cruise Port. The cathedral is about 5 minute brisk walk from the cruise terminal. It is quite safe to walk to the cathedral but just be cautious just as you would be in your own country. Pointe Seraphine, Rodney Bay Shopping MallBay Walk Shopping Mall and nearby beaches are also great options. Take along passport and tickets for duty free shopping.

 

Really appreciate your input!!

 

Thanks a lot!!

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Any experience / opinions on Calabash Cove?

 

Calabash Cove is a beautiful property on a small lovely Cove beach. What in particular are you inquiring about? They do allow day visitors, if they have space available -you'll need to contact them in advance. They are about 20 or so minutes north of the port, taxi will cost about $25us one way for up to three passengers. Leave longer on the return due to only one road back.

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Calabash Cove is a beautiful property on a small lovely Cove beach. What in particular are you inquiring about? They do allow day visitors, if they have space available -you'll need to contact them in advance. They are about 20 or so minutes north of the port, taxi will cost about $25us one way for up to three passengers. Leave longer on the return due to only one road back.

 

Thanks so much. Yes, we have inquired to them about the day "visit". Thanks for the info on the road!

 

There will be 6 of us. Will we need 2 taxis or will there be a van available? Cost for 6 if we are able to get a larger vehicle?

 

Thanks.

Edited by skiiergirl
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Thanks so much. Yes, we have inquired to them about the day "visit". Thanks for the info on the road!

 

There will be 6 of us. Will we need 2 taxis or will there be a van available? Cost for 6 if we are able to get a larger vehicle?

 

Thanks.

There will be larger vehicle options, cost is usually about an extra $3-5 per passenger one way. Licensed taxi operators should be in uniform and be driving a vehicle with "TX" license plates. Other drivers do attempt to pirate the route, so do be aware. If at Pointe Seraphine (the single story pier), the licensed taxi operators will be based at a small building put at the front gate, tannish-colored shirts.

Enjoy your visit.

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There will be larger vehicle options, cost is usually about an extra $3-5 per passenger one way. Licensed taxi operators should be in uniform and be driving a vehicle with "TX" license plates. Other drivers do attempt to pirate the route, so do be aware. If at Pointe Seraphine (the single story pier), the licensed taxi operators will be based at a small building put at the front gate, tannish-colored shirts.

Enjoy your visit.

 

Thx!

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Hi, Dex and Reedprincess, thanks to the both of you for coming to this site and giving everyone great information.

We have been to St. Lucia before and did Herod's tour which we very much enjoyed.

This time we are looking for some beach time and probably have it narrowed down to Rendezvous Day pass or Reduit Beach.

One of my questions is about taxi fare. When one says $30 taxi fare is that per person or the total fare for everyone in taxi? If it is for everyone, do they have a limit of passengers per taxi?

 

 

I wouldn't go to Reduit beach. It is absolutely crowded when the cruise ships are in. Shoulder to shoulder right to the edge of the sea.

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  • 1 month later...

Hi Dex,

 

Thanks for all the posts and advice. I saw on an earlier post you mentioned beaches near the port. Are they nice enough for someone just wanting beach and sun for the day cheap? How far are they - can they walk or do they need to cab, and if cab, what do they ask for?

 

Thank you again!

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Hi Dex,

 

Thanks for all the posts and advice. I saw on an earlier post you mentioned beaches near the port. Are they nice enough for someone just wanting beach and sun for the day cheap? How far are they - can they walk or do they need to cab, and if cab, what do they ask for?

 

Thank you again!

The beach nearest the port is Vigie Beach....There's lots of posts here with info about, exact walking direrections rom either pier, etc. Just use the search feature, top right corner of forum to find them.

Lots of natural shade, local rum and food shacks down near the airport entrance, facilities at the airport if needed, etc. No chairs or umbrellas to rent, no real need, loads of natural shade, some benches scattered around the beach, a few grassy areas, etc. Perfectly fine to set down towels, sunbathe, take a swim, etc. 15-20 minute walk from port.

Enjoy your visit...

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  • 2 weeks later...

Are there any good lunch options on Saturday within walking distance of the pier.

Also, if there are better options farther - best way to do transportation.

Also - good lunch options if we go to Marigot Bay?

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Are there any good lunch options on Saturday within walking distance of the pier.

Also, if there are better options farther - best way to do transportation.

Also - good lunch options if we go to Marigot Bay?

Sundays are tough as most of the city is closed down. The craft and food market, etc will all be closed. You van take a cab to Rodney Bay for multiple dining options such as Spinnakers, Bay Gardens Beach Resort restaurants, etc..Marigot has a few options but they are expensive, and the beach is very small along the front of the yacht Harbor. You van check out Pink Plantation House, along the hillside above the port - great local food and amazing views, beautiful setting. You would need to arrange a reservation though to be sure they're ready for you. Aubergine Seraphine is a small Guesthouse near the poet with great food also, would be open.

Enjoy your visit.

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Are water shoes necessary for a land and sea tour (Herod's specifically)? I don't own them and prefer not to buy them if they're not necessary. What footwear do you recommend?

 

No. I did a tour once and most persons would store their shoes away until they get to Soufriere. You should walk with shoes that you feel comfortable with wallking on land as there is no need for shoes on the boat.

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  • 4 weeks later...
Sundays are tough as most of the city is closed down. The craft and food market, etc will all be closed. You van take a cab to Rodney Bay for multiple dining options such as Spinnakers, Bay Gardens Beach Resort restaurants, etc..Marigot has a few options but they are expensive, and the beach is very small along the front of the yacht Harbor. You van check out Pink Plantation House, along the hillside above the port - great local food and amazing views, beautiful setting. You would need to arrange a reservation though to be sure they're ready for you. Aubergine Seraphine is a small Guesthouse near the poet with great food also, would be open.

Enjoy your visit.

 

We will be in port on a Monday in April and would love to do lunch at the Pink Plantation. Will it be easy to find a taxi to take us there upon arrival and what is the likely cost?

 

Thanks!

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Is the public transportation / bus system tourist friendly? Please share any info you have on cost and reliability. Is it easy to get to a bus from the port. We are not interested in an island tour. We would like to see Diamond Falls, the botanical garden, and spend some time at a beach.

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We will be in port on a Monday in April and would love to do lunch at the Pink Plantation. Will it be easy to find a taxi to take us there upon arrival and what is the likely cost?

 

Thanks!

 

Yes, taxis are readily available at the port. Be sure to have a reservation in advance so the restaurant knows to expect you. Coat would be about $50us r/t (likely a little less, but just in case).

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My fiance and I are wanting a little more of a relaxing day in St. Lucia. We are thinking about spending some time in the market area, grabbing lunch back on the ship and then heading to Vigie Beach for a few hours. We may grab lunch on the way to the beach instead. Does this seem like a good way to spend the day in St. Lucia?

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My fiance and I are wanting a little more of a relaxing day in St. Lucia. We are thinking about spending some time in the market area, grabbing lunch back on the ship and then heading to Vigie Beach for a few hours. We may grab lunch on the way to the beach instead. Does this seem like a good way to spend the day in St. Lucia?

 

Sounds like a great way to spend your day. Craft and Food market in the morning, lunch there or else over at Vigie Beach at one of the local food shacks works great. You would be able to go back to the ship if you prefer, but why miss out on great local eats? Lol. Enjoy.

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Is the public transportation / bus system tourist friendly? Please share any info you have on cost and reliability. Is it easy to get to a bus from the port. We are not interested in an island tour. We would like to see Diamond Falls, the botanical garden, and spend some time at a beach.

 

Unfortunately, no, the bus system is not tourist friendly. Especially not for visitors in a strict timeline such as cruise guests. To get to Soufriere itself, you need to walk a rose town to the Soufriere bus stand, wait for the bus to fill up (only leaves when it's full, not on any timetable), then take the 60-90 minute ride south, with however many as necessary stops down the way as it drops off and picks up passengers along the way. Once in Soufriere, you would need another bus out to Diamond Falls and Botanical gardens, again waiting for it to fill, or paying for the empty seats yourself. Then wait on a bus for your return - waiting for one that has space for however many in your party as you'll be picking it up mid-route. Once back in Soufriere, you can enjoy the beach and have lunch, but then give yourself plenty of time to get a bus, wait for it to fill to leave, then enjoy the ride back up to Castries, and walk back across the city to the port. Leave a minimum of two hour for this, at least. Really nor conducive to a time-constrained visit... Better to hire a taxi from the port who can take you directly where you want to go with no waiting, no extraneous stops, etc..

Enjoy your trip.

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We are taking a whale / dolphin watch the second week of February. Any hope that we will see some whale!

Of course there's hope! Whales are all around the Caribbean during the winter season, as they have migrated from colder climes... There's never a guarantee but you have a good chance...Enjoy your visit.

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  • 2 weeks later...

We will be in St. Lucia on 3/17 aboard the Royal Princess. We do not want to do a tour as we have done several on past visits. We would like to go to Pigeon Island and heard you can get water taxi to get there. Is that true & if so, any idea how much it will cost? Also, where would we catch it?

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Are there any beach clubs that charge a nonimal fee for use of facilities and a pool with food and drink available for purchase? Not looking for AI.

 

Not really, per se. There are a few non-AI resorts that offer "day passes" that include a day room of available such as Bay Gardens Beach Resort or Royal by Rex. Or Coco Palm, etc.... Some don't include their pool, just lounge chairs, lunch and day room, etc. Best to check directly with property as each one varies.. No beach clubs with pools and such on the island. Pools are associated to hotels, and each hotel has their own rules on who can use them....

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We will be in St. Lucia on 3/17 aboard the Royal Princess. We do not want to do a tour as we have done several on past visits. We would like to go to Pigeon Island and heard you can get water taxi to get there. Is that true & if so, any idea how much it will cost? Also, where would we catch it?

 

Land taxi to Pigeon Island is $35us one way. Water taxi will run approx $75-100us one way....

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