St. Lucia's cuisine boasts a delightful fusion of influences, including French-Creole, European, African, and Indian flavors. Local produce such as mango, banana, coconut, pineapple, cassava, and breadfruit feature prominently. Don't miss the national dish, green fig and salt fish, made with banana locally known as fig. Fried plantain, conch fritters, and accra (fried fishcakes) are popular sides, while fresh seafood like mahi-mahi, snapper, and lobster abound. Cap off your meal with a refreshing Piton local beer alongside some banana cake for a satisfying end.
Shopping
Castries offers the island's best shopping opportunities. Explore the Pointe Seraphine duty-free shopping complex for jewelry, electronics, and souvenirs, popular among cruise passengers. Other malls in and around the capital offer a diverse range of goods, including clothing, food, locally-distilled rums, and hand-made jewelry. At the Castries Central Market, discover street food, arts, crafts, local spices, and souvenirs. Studios and galleries around Castries showcase unique souvenirs like wood carvings, paintings, and sculptures. Further north in Rodney Bay, the Baywalk Shopping Mall and artisan shops offer additional shopping delights.
Diving & snorkelling
Anse Chastanet reef, off St. Lucia's southwest coast, is a premier snorkeling and diving site, boasting shallow waters ideal for beginners and abundant marine life like turtles, parrotfish, and moray eels. Nearby 'Fairy Land' offers vibrant corals and the chance to encounter turtles. Wreck diving enthusiasts will appreciate exploring the sunken freighter Lesleen M in Anse Cochon. Dive beneath the waves to discover the Keyhole Pinnacles, striking volcanic peaks encrusted with coral, at the northern entrance to the Bay of Soufriere.
Getting around
While St. Lucia may be small, navigating its winding mountain roads can be time-consuming. Helicopter transfers from the airport offer bird's-eye views and minimize travel time. Minibuses provide inexpensive transportation between towns, although they may wait to fill up before departing. Due to narrow, unmarked roads, renting a car is not recommended, making taxis a more convenient option. Water taxis offer scenic coastal travel, perfect for exploring destinations like Rodney Bay and Soufriere.