Today, we are sharing What To Do In Castries Cruise Port, St Lucia, after having a wonderful time on a recent visit. And if your Caribbean cruise takes you to Castries, the bustling capital of Saint Lucia, you’re in for a treat. This lively port city is often the first glimpse visitors get of the island’s lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming charm.

Most cruise ships dock right in the heart of Castries, making it easy to step ashore and explore. Whether you’re looking to wander through colourful markets, soak up the island’s history, or head out on an adventure to see Saint Lucia’s famous natural beauty, there’s something here for everyone. In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Castries cruise port and how we love to spend a day discovering this gem of the Caribbean.

What To Do In Castries Cruise Port, St Lucia

There is a duty-free shopping area, the Castries Port area, and many local shops and a market, all close by to check out, should you want to stay local. Castries is a buzzing city, with a market and many bars, cafes, and street vendors. With pretty streets lined with historic buildings, mainly of a colonial style. The perfect place to wander and take in the atmosphere, maybe do a little shopping.

However, there is so much more to see on this stunning Island. Saint Lucia is perfectly safe to navigate alone. During our trip, we met many people who had hired cars and toured the Island independently. Although hiring a local guide for a tour is the best way to see the island, it is also a great way to experience it.

Our tour was booked by our hotel, but I have been checking out reviews from cruisers who all felt it was better to book and arrange a tour up front and get a recommended guide. Some felt they made the wrong choice by grabbing a taxi in port unless you have a clear plan of where you want to go and stick to it. Its also a great option to book an organised tour through your cruise line.

Currency In St Lucia?

Although everywhere on the Island accepts American Dollars, change up some Saint Lucian dollars and make sure you have plenty of change and dollar bills to buy souvenirs and tip people, no one seemed to have changed when we were offering tips. We spent a lot on tipping because of this.

What To See In St Lucia Cruise Port

Getting out to see a little of the real Island and meeting Saint Lucians is a must when visiting this stunning country. Saint Lucians are warm people who want to share all they know about their Island with you. So check out my tips on what to schedule into your tour of the Island.

1. Visit the Beach

Castries, St. Lucia, features several beaches with water sports or just places to soak in the Caribbean Sun. Beaches like Vigie Beach for its proximity and amenities, Reduit Beach for its long sandy stretch, Pigeon Island Beach for its clear waters and historical site, and Anse La Raye for a quieter, local experience.

2. Check Out The Street Art

There are rows and rows of candy coloured houses  and something to see on every corner as you tour around Saint Lucia, including many examples of great street art. Just the colours alone on this beautiful Island are enough to make you smile. Your tour guide will know the best places to stop to check out street art, even if it is something you do on the way to another location, the street art is certainly worth checking out.

The Mountains in St Lucia Are Called The Pitons Volcanoes

The Pitons are two towering volcanic spires and a major iconic landmark of the island. Thus earning the status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These spectacular twin peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, rise side by side from the sea to 770 and 743 m high. Which are linked together by the Piton Mitan ridge.

The volcanic complex includes a geothermal field with sulphurous fumeroles and hot springs perfect for bathing in. Ask your guide to take you to a distant viewing location for a photo opportunity and to check out the sheer scale and beauty of the Pitons before heading for a close up prospective and heading to the hot springs.

You Can Bathe In The Soufriere Hot Springs/ Mud Bath At The Pitons. If you’re unsure about trying mud bathing, trust me and give it a go.  Our boys, despite pulling a face at doing this, said that bathing in mud in a thermal spring is one of their top activities ever. I was dumbfounded as I watched them laughing as they smeared themselves in mud. And forgot how cool they were for an hour. The initial temperature is hot, but as soon as your body adapts it is a nice sensation and great for the skin.

There are changing rooms at the Soufriere Hot Springs to enable you to get into your swimsuit, there are also some vendors selling snacks, drinks and souvenirs.

Cool of At The Waterfall

Only a 5-10 minute drive away from the mud baths, the  Waterfall is the perfect place to have a refreshing shower and wash off all that mud. You have to take a minute here to appreciate the fact that you are actually showering in a waterfall, its cold but such a wonderful experience. Once showered, there are changing rooms to get dressed and ready for the rest of the tour. Tip: Take some water shoes, it’s rocky in there.

Visit The Morne Coubaril Estate Cocoa Plantation

There are many things to do at the Morne Coubaril Estate including zip lining and horse riding. We took a cocoa tour which guides you through the history of the cocoa plantation. And leant  how cocoa beans grow and also harvested and baked. This is  an interesting tour, and you get to buy the raw product at the end, ready to bring home and make authentic St Lucian hot chocolate.

Learn About St Lucian Banana Plantations

It is fascinating but it also gives food for thought. The farmers rely on great weather and it only takes a bad storm to affect a whole years crop. And generally when you are buying produce from a small farmer you will be buying fair-trade. There are many mass-produced plantations but the way to really support the local community is so look for the fair trade label.

Drive Through The Rainforest Or Try Out Some Of The Activities Inside The Rainforest

Our tour took us high up onto the island through all giant ferns (which felt like something out of Jurassic Park) and coconut trees. There are also options of cycle, hiking, ariel tram and zip-line adventures to allow you to really explore the Rainforest with a guide.

Ask your guide to point out the Islands most famous movie spot from the Pirates of the Caribbean as you make your descent .

Take A Boat Tour of  St Lucia

Explore the best beaches, including Pigeon Island and Rodney Bay. And also appreciate the Island from the sea whilst also getting easy access to crystal Caribbean waters lapping over sandy beaches.

Be sure to consider whether you want to head to the Atlantic Ocean or the Caribbean Sea side of the Island.  During our trip, there was an abundance of seaweed washing up on the Atlantic beaches, emitting a strong sulphur smell. This is not something that happens frequently, but be sure to do your research before you go. Check out this list of the top beaches in St Lucia for an idea.

The Weather In St Lucia

The average weather in Castries, St. Lucia typically includes warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. On average, temperatures range from the low 80s to high 80s °F (around 27°C to 31°C).

The area experiences a tropical climate, with the warmest months typically occurring from June to October, when temperatures often reach around 89°F (32°C). Rainfall is common, particularly during the wet season from June to November, when showers and thunderstorms occur frequently. The dry season from December to May tends to be less rainy but still humid, with temperatures remaining consistently warm.

A day in Castries cruise port is the perfect introduction to all that St Lucia has to offer. Whether you spend your time exploring the bustling markets, soaking up the island’s history, or heading out on an adventure to the Pitons and beyond.

Castries St Lucia, Offer A Warm Caribbean Charm You Won’t Forget

There’s no shortage of ways to make your visit unforgettable. With its mix of culture, charm, and natural beauty, Castries is far more than just a cruise stop; it’s a gateway to experiencing the very best of Saint Lucia. However you choose to spend your day, you’ll leave with memories of a vibrant island that will have you dreaming of coming back.