St Lucia is a Caribbean island that combines natural beauty with world class diving, fine beaches and a diverse mix of art, music and culture. It is a wonderful destination for the adventurous traveler and has everything that you need to make your vacation unforgettable!
Food & Drink
The cuisine in Saint Lucia is influenced by African and Caribbean culture. It is not the same as what you may find in other parts of the Caribbean but it still possesses a unique flavor that is sure to captivate your taste buds!
Local dishes are typically made from a combination of vegetables, fruits and starches. The most common proteins are pork, chicken and fish.
Callaloo soup is a staple of the local diet and can be found in many restaurants throughout the island. This creamy coconut milk based broth is loaded with spinach (callaloo), okra and other veggies. The dish is a staple for the locals and is often served at special occasions such as weddings and funerals.
Another favorite of the locals is obeah, a folk religion which is largely based on practices from Africa. People believe that obeah can heal them and help them avoid evil spirits, devils and other bad things that can harm them.
A delicious corn based dessert called Paime is also a popular choice among the Saint Lucians and is usually found at any good restaurant. It consists of raisins, different spices and cornmeal making it a delicious and very local treat to try during your visit.
Fruit juices are an important part of the St Lucia diet and are a great way to start off your meal. You can find many juice stands that will have fresh fruit in their refrigerators.
Seafood is a large part of the menu and is abundant on the island, including Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellow Fin Tuna, Dorado, Barracuda, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel and Wahoo. It is also very popular to go fishing for these exotic creatures in the waters surrounding the islands.
The climate in St Lucia is tropical and moderated by northeast trade winds. The average temperature varies between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
If you plan on visiting the country, it is a good idea to make sure that you have a valid passport and visa before you arrive. The Saint Lucia visa policy is the set of rules and regulations that international visitors must follow and accept in order to enter the nation.
Tourism is a major industry in St Lucia, and it is estimated that 80% of the population earns income from tourism. The economy is heavily dependent on the tourist industry but there are also several other industries that are contributing to the economic growth of the island.
The government of Saint Lucia has worked to encourage farmers to diversify their crops and increase light manufacturing. This is a move that has helped the country to grow and develop as a whole.