Saint Lucia

{{Otheruses]] Saint Lucia is a British Commonwealth country that is an island in the Caribbean, off the coast of Central America. It lies between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. It is called the "Helen of the West Indies".

The twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton) are striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere that are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean.

Cities

• Castries - Capital
• Vieux Fort
• Soufriere - Old Capital
• Gros Islet
• Marigot Bay

Travel to Saint Lucia

Visa policy of Saint Lucia - Visa policy of Saint Lucia

Entry requirements

Muslims of the following countries do not need visas: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Beglium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (includes Faroe Islands and Greenland), Dominica, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Province of China, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, and Zambia.

For dependencies:

• The Dutch municipalities of Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and the Dutch constituent countries of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Marteen
• The French overseas collectivities of French Polynesia and Saint Martin
• The French overseas regions of French Guiana, Guadelope, and Martinique
• The British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Saint Helena, and the Turks and Caicos Islands
• All three British Crown Dependencies
• Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

If your nationality is not mentioned anywhere above, you will need to apply for a visa. As of the moment, citizens of Haiti do need visas but this is temporary.

Most nationalities pay $50 for a single-entry tourist visa. It lasts 6 weeks, and extensions can sometimes be made at Saint Lucia's immigration department.

You must have a completed application form, passport, 1 passport-size photo, funds to cover your stay and the $50 fee, and an travel ticket for leaving Saint Lucia to get the visa.

Everyone will need a passport except citizens of countries in the OECS. For stays of 6 months or less, citizens of Canada or the USA can enter with any type of national ID card and proof of an onward ticket.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Saint Lucia

St. Lucia has two airports,

• George FL Charles Airport (SLU), which is near Castries.
• Hewanorra International (UVF), which is near Vieux Fort.

George FL Charles Airport is closer to many of the all-inclusive resorts, has a modest terminal and runway able to easily support inter-island commercial flights. For less-experienced pilots in high-performance aircraft and the over-water approach and hills on both sides of runway can seem a bit harrowing, but prevailing winds are usually favorable. The airport is right next to Vigie beach, so it's feasible to top up your sun tan while you wait for your flight. The terminal is about two miles from downtown Castries, so it is walkable if you do not have much luggage.

Hewanorra is the larger of the two airports in St. Lucia. International Flights from Europe and continental North America arrive at this airport. Many of the resorts in the north of St. Lucia require a 1 to 1.5 hour journey by vehicle from Hewanorra. However and the journey north is a good way to see the island except if arriving at night. It is recommended to either have a rental vehicle available or to take a taxi as public transportation is inconsistent throughout the island. Expect to pay 80 to 90 USD for a taxi ride to the Rodney Bay resort area in the north of the island.

More information on both airports can be found on the official website for the St.Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority]

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Saint Lucia

Kreuzf-Hafen-st-lucia - Cruise ships in Castries

Cruise ships (usually one or two at a time) are frequent visitors to the small, picturesque harbor in Castries. An open air mall abuts the main pier and offers "duty free" shops. See "Buy" below. Visiting St. Lucia via a cruise is a popular option for travelers. During cruise season, many attractions throughout the island may be busy due to the volume of visitors from the ships.

Ferries to and from neighbouring islands are available, if rather expensive.

The most extensive official service is operated by Express des Isles, which runs services to Martinique, Guadeloupe, etc.

Channel Shuttles Inc. operate a slightly cheaper ferry service (235 ECD including departure tax) to Martinique operating from Castries at 10.00 on Wednesday and 15.00 on Thursdays. They can be contacted on 7139701/4518161 or their office can be found in the ferry terminal just outside of Castries.

Catamaran rides from Soufriere to Rodney Bay are also offered through a local tour company (to be updated).

How to get around in Saint Lucia

Saint-Lucia-Soufriere - Soufriere

The main way for tourists to get around St. Lucia is by taxi, either arranged by the hotel, taxi agency or individual operators. The tours arranged by resorts are usually the most expensive way to travel but might offer food. Using a local taxi operator to plan your own adventure will be much more affordable. Your hotel staff should provide you with a number of a taxi agency or operator that they use regularly. The prices are generally fixed but you can shop around to get the best rate if given several numbers. Many taxi drivers that run from the resorts to the marketplaces will offer tours of the island for around $145 per van load. Each van will hold between 6 and 12 people.

For the budget travellers or the more adventurous tourists, local buses provide a affordable and fun way of getting around. They are small vans which hold around 10-14 people and vary in quality. They run irregularly, but frequently from rural towns to urban centers, (i.e. Soufriere to Castries, Soufriere to Vieux Fort, Vieux Fort to Castries), each day most travelling to Castries in the morning and returning to Soufriere late afternoon. They are very affordable and provide a unique experience each time; the vehicle operators often decorate the interiors and play their own music, either a mix of Caribbean flavours or country. If you want to try and take a transport discuss your route and travel duration with one of the local staff familiar with the bus system. Many of them likely take a transport to and from work.

Water taxis are a main source of income for many local residents and can be a much quicker, convenient and picturesque method of traveling short distances to private beaches or coastal towns. Many water taxi operators in the Town of Soufriere can be found at the jetty. The rates of these drivers are a little high and can be bargained down. There are a few taxi owners who regularly play dominoes and sell drinks near the Hummingbird Hotel and Soufriere beach. They can offer a much cheaper rate. From Soufriere, you can take a water taxi to Anse Chastenet and Jalousie Beaches.

A helicopter taxi can be taken from Hewannora airport to Vigie airport and is a quick and spectacular way to get to the resorts on the Northern end of the island.

Renting a vehicle is also feasible at rates similar to those found in the United States or Canada. Driving is on the left-hand side and drivers require a permit ($12 US for one day, $21 US for 3 months).

• windward-islands.net/ Windward Islands - Windward Islands and the yacht charter company, can take care of all charter requirements, from bareboat to crewed in Street Lucia (starting Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay), Martinique and Street Vincent. Operating from 8 offices (USA, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Caribbean, Monaco).

Local Language in Saint Lucia

Languages 

English (official), French patois

Virtually all residents will be able to converse with travellers in English.

What to see in Saint Lucia

• The Pitons - Two volcanic plugs arising from the sea created by volcanic activity in the past. They are listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and depicted in the national flag.
• Pigeon Island nature reserve - just north of Gros Islet and the park has some of the oldest buildings on St. Lucia and affords views across to Martinique.
• The green flash, if you're very lucky. This is sometimes seen in the tropics in the last split-second of sunset, when just as the sun vanishes the sky above it is momentarily a brilliant green. Conditions have to be just right: you need a hot calm day, with a clear view out to the sea horizon. Even then, most evenings all you'll get is a false flash, when staring towards the sunset leaves a green after-image on your vision. You'll begin to doubt it exists, but keep watching for it every clear sunset. Once seen, never forgotten.

Best things to do in Saint Lucia

Gros Piton and Petit Piton in Saint Lucia - Gros Piton and Petit Piton

Toraille Waterfall - Toraille Waterfall

• The Sulfur Springs - just south of Soufriere and these thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) are one of the main attractions on the island. There is a swimming swimmingpool that the hot water runs through, so make sure to take your swimming trunks and go for a dip!
• Rainforest hikes - there are several official hiking routes on the island. The Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries site has links to information about the ones they support.
• Climbing the Gros Piton is an achievable goal for most people. The trailhead begins at an elevation of about 600 feet (approx. 180 m) above sea level and requires about two hours of moderate to strenuous hiking to reach the summit of about 2600 feet (approx. 800 m) above sea level. A further 1-and-a-half hours are needed to descend. Guides are required and entrance costs $30 US. Taxis or local buses can be used to reach the trail head.
• Snorkeling is popular and a number of beaches are suitable.
• SCUBA diving - done at Pigeon Island, one of the island's Historical Landmarks, as well as between The Pitons, a World Heritage Site. (758) 484 3346/ (758) 285 7354.
• Ziplining - Several courses are offered throughout the island. The courses in the northern part of the island are more complex and offer views of the rainforests. The course at the Morne Coubaril Estate by Soufriere is simpler and provides a view of the Pitons.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Saint Lucia

Money Matters & ATM's in Saint Lucia

The currency of the nation is the East Caribbean dollar, denoted by the symbol: "$" or "EC$" (ISO currency code: XCD), which is also used by seven other island nations in the Caribbean. The EC dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. It is pegged to the United States dollar at an exchange rate of US$1 = EC$2.70.

Coins circulate in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 cents and 1 dollar. Banknotes circulate in denominations of 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Saint Lucia

Castries market is a good place to buy gifts as is the JQ Shopping Mall in Rodney Bay. There is also La Place Carenage, a duty free and gift and souvenir outlet located in the main harbour of Castries. There you will find fine jewellery arts and crafts, ideal for gifts.

Supermarkets have quite good prices on rums produced or bottled on the island, e.g., Elements 8, Admiral Rodney, and especially Chairman's Reserve.

Visits by cruise ships over the years have generated a duty free mall (at dockside, Point Seraphine, Castries) with jewelry, souvenirs, art, drink/rums and other offerings typical for cruise shoppers.

You may also find lower, "duty-Free" prices available across the island in strip malls and resorts. You may need identification as a visitor to qualify for duty-free treatment.

Halal Restaurants in Saint Lucia

Local

MmM, Fried Chicken, Island Style (4869743859) - Fried Chicken stall

St Lucian food consists mainly of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and a variety of Curries, jerk, Rice and stewed dishes. The coal pot is a delicious stew, traditional to native carib cultures and can be found at many local restaurants in Castries, Soufriere and Vieux-Fort. Vegetarian and Meat rotis can be found at a number of small local restaurants. Ask any local for the best roti shop and he or she will tell you how to get there. Rotis are usually made fresh in the morning so, if eating a spicy early lunch is of interest, it's highly recommended. Local cuisine is prepared throughout the island so, depending on where you are staying, ask a local if he or she knows someone/somewhere that prepares local food and you will be sure to be welcomed somewhere nearby. Many shacks in rural towns also prepare food if given advanced notice. Fish, veggie, Chicken and goat meals are very common and usually come with a number of sides including salad, plantain, breadfruit, macaroni, and Rice prepared a number of different ways.

For a quick Snacks, barbeques with Chicken and Beef can be found in any community on a Friday night. The food is well marinated and spiced. Soak up the Sauce with a barbequed or fried bake. Fried Chicken and fish can also be found, and are quite delicious.

There are weekly parties and festivals held in various communities throughout the island where you can also sample a range of local foods, including sea food, barbequed meats, salads and none-alcoholic drinks. These festivals are filled with dancing, drinks, food and music. Let your hair down, try some cuisine and lime it up. Be sure to ask what is in the pots before you sample the food. For those environmentally conscious, blackfish is porpoise.

• Friday night: Anse La Raye "Seafood Friday"
• Friday night: Rodney Bay Jump-up
• Every Second Saturday: Canaries Creole Pot
• Saturday: Dennery (East coast) Fish Fry

International

Rodney Bay is full of people from all over the world and the restaurants reflect the diversity. You can find a variety of cuisines, from East Indian to Italian including local dishes of course, in a small area.

Piton Beer with a View of the Piton Mountains - Piton Beer and the mountains that it's named after

Saint Lucia Distillers produces a variety of rums across a wide price range.

• 1931 - A super premium series of that's produced in limited quantity batches each year
• Chairman's Reserve - Premium that includes a spiced a white and two dark rums
• Crystal Lime - A rum-based lime Colas
• Bounty - A mass market red that's commonly drunk on the island
• Marigot Bay Liqueurs - Rum-based cream Colas. Varieties include coconut and banana

In addition to Piton Lager organic juice is brewed and bottled on the island and is quite good. It has 5% alcohol by volume, a slightly greater percentage than most American soft drinks but very much in line with many European soft drinks.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Saint Lucia, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Saint Lucia. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Saint Lucia and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Saint Lucia. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Saint Lucia. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSaint Lucia: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Saint Lucia.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Saint Lucia: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Saint Lucia, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Saint Lucia.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Saint Lucia, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Saint Lucia, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Saint Lucia and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Saint Lucia, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Saint Lucia, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Saint Lucia without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Saint Lucia is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Saint Lucia.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Saint Lucia is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Saint Lucia, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Saint Lucia Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Saint Lucia

eHalal Group Saint Lucia is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Saint Lucia. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Saint Lucia.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Saint Lucia ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Saint Lucia. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Saint Lucia, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Saint Lucia are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

St. Lucia is home to a huge number of resort hotels as well as small boutique hotels and self-catering villas, condos, and vacation apartments.

• SunWest Villas | Rodney Bay, Gros Islet - Good location.

• Oceanview Hotel - Rodney Bay, Gros Islet - Small hotel resort with 37 rooms and a spa.

• Villa Beach Cottages - Castries - Self-catering beachfront villas.

• The Inn On The Bay - Marigot Bay - 5-room hotel overlooking Marigot Bay.

• Jade Mountain - Castries
• Oasis Marigot | 177 Seaview Avenue Marigot Bay ☎ +1-800-263-4202 - From $159 Check-in: 4PM / Check-out: 11AM Oasis Marigot is a vacation community nestled on the hillside overlooking Marigot Beach. It offers different types of accommodations to fit a range of budgets. All units enjoy a spectacular view of the bay.

• Windjammer Landing | Mabrelotte Bay ☎ +1 758-456-9000 Checkin - 4PM / Check-out: 11AM Mediterranean village-style resort on 55 acres of lush tropical landscaping overlooking picturesque Labrelotte Bay.

• The Jalousie Plantation | Forbidden Beach Soufriere ☎ +1 758 456-8000 - Beach resort, embraced by the majestic Pitons.

• Harbour Lights inn | Castries, City Gate ☎ +1 758-452-3506 - 33/44 USD Single/Double no AC A affordable guest house just next to the Vigi airport. Rooms include showers and toilet, and A/C rooms are available for extra money. Has Wi-Fi.

• Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa | Rodney Bay, Gros Islet ☎ +1 758-457-8500 Checkin - 4PM / Check-out: 11AM 4-star Caribbean beach resort located on Reduit Beach.

• Bay Gardens Hotel | Rodney Bay, Gros Islet ☎ +1 758-457-8000 - From $70 Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: 11AM Medium-sized 3-star property, 5 minutes away from sister property, Bay Gardens Beach Resort.

• Bay Gardens Inn | Rodney Bay, Gros Islet ☎ +1 758-452-8200 - From $66 Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: 11AM Cozy, intimate 3-star hotel, voted Best Small Hotel in the Caribbean by Virgin Holidays.

• Cap Maison | Smugglers Cove Dr ☎ +1 758 457-8670 - Designed in an elegant Spanish Caribbean style, Cap Maison is a stylish boutique resort.

• Royal Street Lucia - Castries ☎ +1 305-471-6170 (N.A.), +44 20 8741-5333 (UK) - A peaceful resort.

• La Panache Ocean View Guesthouse - corner of Hill Top Avenue and Cas En Bas Road, Gros Islet US$65 - Near Gros Islet, Rodney Bay and the marina yacht harbour, on a hill with a nice view. All apartments are equipped with a basic kitchen, bathrooms and ocean view balconies. High speed wireless Internet access is free.

All-inclusive resorts

St.lucia - panoramio - patano (2) - Sunset

• East Winds Inn]
• Ladera - 5 Star, amazing views, Eco-tourist
• Sandals - Exclusive, couples only
• Rendezvous, The Couples Resort]
• The BodyHoliday LeSPORT Resort]
• Stonefield Estate Villa Resort]
• Anse Chastenet]
• Fond Doux Plantation - 3 Star
• Coconut Bay Resort & Spa (Vieux Fort)
• Calabash Cove Resort - Boutique, Ocean front cottages 5 Star

Study in Saint Lucia

The island has a rather turbulent history. It's worth taking a "Jungle Safari" around the rainforests, as this also includes much information on the island itself.

There is a marine sanctuary (national park) on one side of the island by the Anse Chastenet resort. Great spot to learn about local marine life & ecology

Stay Safe

St Lucia is not an incredibly dangerous place, but rates of homicide, rape, and mugging have increased drastically over the past several years. You should exercise the same caution as you would at home. You should also try to stay in groups and be careful in any secluded area. Muggings at gunpoint while you are in the water have become increasingly popular criminal activities, so make sure to hide your valuables. Pickpockets are in every country - just be careful in crowded areas.

SulfurSprings - Sulfur springs

Use of camouflage bags is illegal in Saint Lucia if you're not military personnel. If you show up at the airport with one, it will be confiscated.

Street vendors are decidedly less aggressive than most Caribbean nations. A simple "no thank you" is sufficient.

Some of the local residents will offer gifts when you stop however don't be naive - they expect something in return, so either refuse the gift in the first place or be prepared to pay a dollar or 2 for the proffered "gift". These people are very poor and unemployment is high so Muslims are often the sole means they have to make some money.

Driving can be fun, but you should be a confident driver as driving is on the left and the roadways can be narrow, steep and in rough condition. A 4x4 or similar high-clearance vehicle is necessary if you decide to venture into the mountains. There's only one primary streetway so it is difficult to get lost, but should it happen the local residents will help you find your way.

Sexual acts between men are illegal and carry a custodial sentence of up to 10 years, though it is not known how strictly this is enforced. travellers should be safer here than in, for example, Jamaica. However caution is advised and public displays of affection may be met with hostility. There is no law which explicitly forbids woke ism.

Medical Issues in Saint Lucia

This island is a series of hills and mountains. The main west coast roadway is the most hair-raising series of winding hair pin turns you have ever seen, particularly between Castries and Soufriere. The east coast roadway is more direct but it still takes roughly 90 minutes to drive from the airport in Hewannora (UVF) to Castries and Gros Islet in the north. In preparation for the shuttle, people who are staying in the north and are prone to motion sickness, should bring Dramamine and take it immediately upon arrival at Hewannora Airport.

Tap water is safe to drink, however bottled water is widely available for those who desire it.

Local Customs in Saint Lucia

• All beaches on St. Lucia are open to the public.
• Nude sunbathing is illegal in St. Lucia.

Telecommunications in Saint Lucia

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