St. Lucia
 

Has anyone ever been to St. Lucia?
did you like this island?
Did you go to the drive thru volcano?

We were there as a cruise stop. We hired a cab driver/guide to take us to the drive-in volvano, a waterfall/nature trail, and a plantation that demonstrated how things were done a hundred+ years ago. Nice day. Beautiful island.

We flew in and stayed in St. Lucia. It is the only island we have ever disliked. Lots of rain. The locals don't do as well with visitors as they do on the other islands.

Wow! I disagree with knowing. I love the Caribbean and have been to most islands. Although St. Lucia is not for someone wanting a Cancun type experience- it is actually one of my very favorite islands. It is absolutely beautiful. The pitons are something to behold from the sea and Rodney bay is the neatest little place. Castries used to have a "jump-up" night once a week, I don't know if they still do but it was great. The people there are not as agressive as in Jamaica and I found them friendly. This is a perfect island for a honeymoon or couples retreat. Hiking is great! The volcano is pretty neat, but stinky (sulfur) and Diamond falls is a very nice, short hike. I highly recommend it if you are looking for authentic caribbean. But, if you are looking for a lot of nightlife and easy access to drive around (some of the roads are rough), then look at a more commercial island like Aruba.

My DH & I honeymooned there is 4/02. Stayed at Sandals for 4 nights and Ladera for 3. The volcano is not so much a "drive-thru." We booked a tour thru the resort... took a catamaran to the other side of the island... did the volcano, botanical gardens, lunch at a plantation then back to the boat to snorkel and then back to the resort.

Had a done my research a little better I would have known that the volcano, etc is right down the road from Ladera. But the catamaran trip was fun.

DH and I had a wonderful time in St. Lucia, we would go back again.

Thanks to all of your for your input!!!

St. Lucia is the first island I visited in the Caribbean, and I loved it. If you're only going to be there one day on a cruise, I would NOT suggest the volcano. The rainforest & the Pitons are stunning, so I think taking a catamaran cruise down the west coast of the island would be ideal. They often stop for snorkeling and include lunch & drinks.

If you're staying on St. Lucia and want to see more of the island, then by all means do the volcano, botanical gardens, jeep tour. The island's roads are not great, so if you're prone to motion sickness, skip a land tour. Helicopter tours are also stunning but on the pricy side. Botanical gardens are truly lovely and not far from Jalousie, Anse Chastenet, or Ladera if you want to combine a visit with one of these hotels/resorts.