Lornah

We are going to St Lucia in March and was reading about Friday night jump up being a "must see" by some travel guides, but also in others that it is full of drug dealers and crime. I have noticed there is also a Friday fry at Anse le Raye, can anyone shed any light on whether it is best to avoid "Jump up" or if the guides are overreacting and whether the Anse le Raye night is a good alternative?
Thanks ever so much, any info appreciated.
Lorna

Diana

I have been to the Gros Islet jump up twice. We loved it, BUT...

If you have not done much travel in the Caribbean to know what to expect at an event like this, OR if you are easily-unnerved by loud large crowds, OR if you are uncomfortable being in the vast minority racially, OR if you are made uncomfortable by visible marijuana use, OR if you get uncomfortable if someone asks you to dance, OR if you are made uncomfortable by suggestive dancing, OR if you dislike loud music, it's probably not for you.

All that having been said, I never felt unsafe there.

One of the things we like best about it is that it is not a "manufactured" tourist experience on an island which has retained a lot of its Caribbean heritage and culture.

Some people think it is great, some people don't like it at all. It IS a quintessential island experience.

Lornah

Thanks Diana, I really do want to experience it, as you say a "true" caribbean experience, but was just unnerved by some reports. I will be with my husband, so think Ill give it a go. Thanks again.

brenandg

You might also be able to hire a taxi for the evening and go to both Anse La Raye and the Jump Up.

Lornah

Thats a thought - how much do you think we would be looking to pay?

brenandg

How much it will cost depends largely on where you are staying on the island. As you may know, getting from one place to another can be a little time consuming on STL. For what its worth, a friend of mine took a taxi from the Grande to both events. She said 5 people shared the taxi and it was $20pp. She said it took about 30minutes to get from one to the other. They used Fabians taxi service, but also mentioned Franks. I have seen lots of different taxi's recommended on the trip advisor forum. If I were to return, I would got to Anse La Raye first for some food, then go to the Jump Up. Hope this helps a little.

Caribgal2

I just wanted to reply to this for future travelers. I went to Friday Night Jump Up after having the best seafood in Anse La Raye. I think the writer over reacted however, go early 9-10 and enjoy the fun of the party. We used Fabian of fabiantursstlucia.com as well as the other writer. He was at the party all night until we ready to leave.

Caribgal2

Correction. That is www.fabiantoursstlucia.com