St. Lucia Budget Travel Tips

Pitons are steep mountains of volcanic origin. St. Lucia's iconic landmarks are the two Pitons that rise about a half-mile above sea level on its southwest coast. How is this part of a budget travel discussion? For the full experience, approach these natural marvels from the water. Tour operators in the capital of Castries such as "Maximum Chill-Out St. Lucia," operate from the port where cruise ships arrive. Arrangements can be made there for a day tour that includes land and sea excursions for under $60 USD/person. Narrow, winding roads make driving impractical for short-time visitors, so a tour affords that incredible view with a smaller time investment.

I'm far from a snorkeling expert, but my experience here was the better than anyplace I've ever visited. St. Lucia beaches are all considered public, so upscale resort beaches such as Anse Chastanet are open to explore with a snorkel and mask. Be mindful, however, that amenities such as beach chairs and umbrellas are not public property. The reef area is roped off for your convenience and safety. Here, you will literally swim with schools of fish. There are 140 species of fish living in this reef and others like it. Catch a boat tour out of Castries or hire a taxi driver to take you here. It will be money well-spent. Research this and other great snorkeling spots, hire transportation, and hit the water. You won't be sorry.

A site near the village of Soufriere (which means "sulfur in the air") is billed as the only drive-in volcano you'll ever see. While that's not quite true, it is a unique attraction. You don't actually drive in, and technically, this is only the remnants of what once was an active volcano. But you'll see sulfur and mineral pools and steam shooting from inside the earth. The smell of sulfur is not strong, but most visitors don't find it unpleasant. You don't drive or even walk into the active area. A guide was seriously burned years ago, and the resulting caution keeps visitors at a safe distance. Admission is $2 USD, but most people enter as part of a larger tour in which the entry fee is covered in the overall price.

Port shopping can be an experience in hype. Every such facility loudly proclaims its duty-free deals are the best. St. Lucia has invested in a beautiful shopping facility at port side in Castries. Promotions here are a bit more understated than in similar places, but deals are available on jewelry, clothing, wall hangings and antique maps. In the town on Jeremie Street you'll find the Castries Market, itself a sightseeing attraction dating back more than 100 years. Saturdays are "Market Day," when you'll find fresh produce from the countryside sold in the stalls.