About St. Lucia
St. Lucia can be found in the Eastern Caribbean Sea and is a piece of the Lesser Antilles. It is surrounded by Saint Vincent, Barbados and Martinique. It has a land area of about 240 square miles. The population is about 175,000 residents. The capital city is Castries. This sovereign island has seventeen electoral segments and each segment elects a Parliamentary Representative to the House of Assembly.
The country offers varied landscapes and diverse cuisine and culture. The cuisine is comprised of Indian, British, African, Spanish, French and Caribbean influences. Saint Lucia is a volcanic island, but one that is very mountainous – more so than most of the other Caribbean islands. The largest peak is Mount Gimie at 3120 feet above sea level. The island also hosts a drive-in volcano, one of the few in the world. The climate is quite tropical, with the wet season being shorter than the dry season.
Family Activities in St. Lucia
Family activities in St. Lucia are top on the list for many families visiting St. Lucia – and they won’t be disappointed. Visitors will just have to decide which activities are right for them. The common ones are: snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea, hiking through nature or attending a music festival. If your family is looking for something different, check out some of these spots.
- Soufrière
Soufrière is located in the south-western part of the island. The Diamond Estate’s botanical gardens are located in Soufrière. This tourist spot is not just gardens, there is a breathtaking waterfall and impressive mineral baths that date back to 1784. These baths were built for King Louis XVI and his troops for therapeutic healing. Another tourist attracting are the Pitons. These two volcanic mountains are quite the attraction for families with children of all ages.
- Castries
Castries is the capital city of St. Lucia. It is a port of call for many cruise ships throughout the year. The ships dock at Pointe Seraphine, which is a duty free shopping center. Other attractions in Castries include the Derek Walcott Square, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Charlotte and the City Library. If you prefer to relax on a beach, then Vigie Beach is perfect for families.
Family Vacation Packages in St. Lucia
Many of the resorts in St. Lucia are all-inclusive. One such resort is St. James Club Morgan Bay. This resort is a favorite place for many couples and families. They offers a wide array of activities, water sports and amenities plus a great children’s program. Some of the amenities for kids are kiddie pools, activity centers and playgrounds.
Cap Maison Villa Resort and Spa is a luxury resort that welcomes families with children. It offers a good mix of family-friendly outdoor activities and accommodations. The rooms are quite private with most of them having their own plunge pools. The central building for all guests to use includes a game room, small spa and a pool area. A family package this resort offers includes children under 12 years old eating free, an evening of babysitting, an upgrade for the room as well as a fully-stocked family starter pack.
Mango Beach Inn located in Marigot Bay that welcomes children of all ages. It is just a quick stroll away from the boardwalk for some exploring of Rainforest Lagoon. A ferry, Captain Bravo, runs twenty-four hours a day. With a vacation package, visitors receive an un-limited ferry pass. There are lots of games available as well to keep children occupied.
How much will St. Lucia cost?
If you are planning to visit St. Lucia, be prepared to spend more money than some of the other Caribbean destinations. In a recent survey, St. Lucia was found to be among the top 10 most expensive destinations in the world. Obviously there are some cheaper resorts and places to stay other than the large, luxury resorts but for the most part St. Lucia is not a cheap destination. When considering your trip, do your research and weigh the pros and cons of an all-inclusive versus just a room. In some hotels, there is a breakfast option which may be well worth the extra fee. Typically these breakfasts are quite good and you might be able to get away with just a quick bite for lunches.