Getting Around In Saint Lucia

One of the most common ways for travelers to get around when they visit another country is by renting a car. You will find a variety of rental companies with various vehicle models to choose from in Saint Lucia which allows vacationers to have their own key to paradise. Visitors can find rental companies in the following areas:

Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort

Vigie Airport near Castries

Locations on Gros Inlet

Soufriere

In 2001, the government made improving island roadways a priority. As a result, renovations were done on 16 of the major roads, 49 miles of farm access roads, and 200 primary and tertiary roads. The drainage has been improved significantly throughout the island, and several new bridges were constructed. These improvements have made touring this mountainous island paradise by car, easier than ever.

Keep in mind that visitors to the island must obtain a temporary permit in order to drive in Saint Lucia. The cost for this permit is EC$54, or $20(USD), and it is good for three months. The permits can be obtained through the car rental company, at the local police station, or the immigration desks at either of the Saint Lucia airports. If you already have an international driving permit, you will not need to purchase the temporary permit, but you must ensure that your permit is stamped at immigration.

Some of my clients could not be bothered doing all of the driving them selves so they opted to take a Taxi instead. What I really like about the island is that many of the taxi drivers are also fully trained and licensed guides. Where do you get a Taxi you ask? At a taxi stand, by phone, the Hotels are also willing to call a taxi for their guests, or you can flag one down yourself. They are the vehicles distinguished by a red "TX" on the license plate. If you are traveling as a family and you need something a bit bigger, Minibuses can be reserved for groups of up to 10 people. Taxis on St. Lucia have fixed fares for standard trips.

For visitors who are looking for more of an adventure, try out the bikes, mopeds, and scooters which are extremely popular modes of transit on many of the Caribbean islands. St. Lucia has hilly terrain and the island's scenic and beautiful mountains turn striking out on two wheels into a labour of love. These are most often rented as part of a tour or other adventure program, but they can also be rented individually. Travelers will find the best mountain biking is near Soufrière and Anse Chastanet.

To get a sense of Saint Lucia's culture you may also enjoy the island's minivan bus service. This is the transportation of choice for most island residents. You can traveling alongside locals as they go to school, work, or the marketplace. An attractive travel option for visitors who crave an authentic island experience.

One thing I would really recommend is to take advantage of scenic and relaxing trips on the water while making your way around St. Lucia. If you are an island hopper and prefer to do your traveling on the water, you will enjoy St. Lucia's ferry service. Lines connect Saint Lucia with Martinique and then continue on to Dominica and Guadeloupe.

In case you are unaware, there are two airports on the island. There are Helicopter tours from airport to airport. What a great way to take advantage of this and catch a Helicopter at either airport. This is a fantastic scenic adventure that allows you to see the island and all of it's beauty from the air. There is also a helicopter pad at the Jalouise Hilton.

For more information about Saint Lucia and help with planning to visit this wonderful Island, feel free to contact me by email or by phone.

Gerry Williams

Cabanas And Dreams

Email:  [mailto:tropical10@shaw.ca]tropical10@shaw.ca

Ph: 403-389-6136

Fax: 403-476-5557 http://www.CabanasAndDreams.com

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