LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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WHAT TO DO NEAR CASTRIES CRUISE PORT.

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If Castries is on your cruise itinerary, you might be wondering whether it’s worth leaving the ship (spoiler – our vote would be to always leave the ship!)

The good news is that Castries Cruise Port is one of the easiest ports in the Caribbean to explore independently. With the capital city within walking distance, a free public beach nearby, and plenty of excursions available, it’s an ideal stop for a relaxed, low-stress day ashore.

Here’s our guide to navigating the port and exploring nearby.

What to expect in Castries cruise port

Cruise ships dock at Castries Cruise Port, located in the capital of Saint Lucia. The port is compact, well organised, and conveniently close to Castries town.

Inside the port you’ll find the usual cruise essentials: duty-free shopping, Diamonds International, souvenir stalls, and plenty of places to browse while waiting to head back to the ship. Just outside the terminal is a grassy area where many passengers choose to relax, sit in the sun, or enjoy a drink before boarding.

One surprise highlight was Rum Therapy Karaoke Bar, which was buzzing with cruise passengers and clearly a popular pre-sail spot.

Another bonus: WiFi is available within the port, and it was one of the strongest connections we found during our entire two-week Caribbean cruise.

Visiting Castries from the cruise port

Castries town is an easy walk from the cruise port, around 15 to 25 minutes depending on your pace. The route is paved and felt very safe, with plenty of fellow cruise passengers walking the same way. If walking isn’t appealing, there’s also a small tourist train that runs between the port and town.

We enjoyed heading out early in the morning before the heat built up. It was lovely to see the town waking up: children heading to school, office workers starting their day, and locals queuing for fresh juices from street vendors.

A must-see is Castries Market, a lively indoor space packed with craft stalls, spices, fruit, and brightly coloured souvenirs. Vendors are friendly and enthusiastic, expect plenty of “come and look at what I’ve got!” invitations, and be prepared to politely decline if you’re not planning to buy.

You’ll also pass Derek Walcott Square, dedicated to St Lucia’s Nobel Prize–winning poet Derek Walcott. The square features statues, small stalls, and shaded seating.

Overall, we didn’t rush Castries. A gentle wander through the colourful streets offered a real glimpse into everyday Caribbean life.

Nearest beach to Castries cruise port

The closest beach to Castries Cruise Port isVigie Beach, and it’s a great option if you want a beach day without spending much, if anything at all.

You can walk to Vigie Beach in around 25–40 minutes. It took me about 25 minutes from the port to laying my towel on the sand. The walk isn’t particularly scenic, as it follows a main road, but the pavement is wide and well maintained.

Before setting off, I checked with tourist information and was told there are regular security patrols along the route. As John wasn’t feeling well, I walked alone and felt completely safe, especially as many other cruise passengers were heading to the beach at the same time.

Vigie Beach itself is attractive, though the sea can be a little rough at times. Facilities are minimal, so it’s best to come prepared. I brought water and snacks and found a shaded spot beneath a palm tree. With plenty of other cruisers around, I felt comfortable leaving my bag on the sand while swimming.

Taxis are readily available both ways and would take about five minutes, though fares are typically around $20.

Two unique features make Vigie Beach especially interesting:

• A Commonwealth War Cemetery sits right in the middle of the beach.
• The nearby airport means you’ll occasionally see planes flying overhead.

Depending on the tide, you may be able to walk the full length of the beach. To the right is a private hotel (remember, beaches in St Lucia are public), while to the far left are a few beach bars that most visitors don’t venture as far as.

Excursions further afield

If you’d like to explore beyond Castries, there are plenty of easy options from the cruise port. Here are a few ideas:

1/ Rodney Bay

Rodney Bay is perhaps the most popular area of St Lucia for cruise passengers to travel to.

As you come out of the cruise port, you can easily share a large taxi with fellow passengers and head to the bay. You can expect to pay between $20-30 each way.

Expect beaches, restaurants, and a lively marina atmosphere.

2/ St Lucia Fun Bus

The St Lucia Fun Bus (often called the “party bus”) is a vintage open-air bus tour that travels north to Pigeon Island.

Tours typically last a couple of hours and include music, sightseeing, and free-flowing drinks. Judging by the passengers we met afterward, it’s a guaranteed good time and is usually available as a cruise shore excursion through your cruise provider.

3/ Something a little different

For those wanting a deeper experience of the island:

• Nature lovers may enjoy the rainforest aerial tram, visiting the Pitons, or tackling a scenic hike.
• Adventurers could try horse riding with East Coast Riding Stable, offering tailored tours through beaches, rainforest, historic sites, and waterfalls (from around £90 per person).
• If relaxation is your priority, a full-day catamaran cruise is a wonderful option (from approximately £108 per person).

Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

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