GENERAL INFORMATION

St. Lucia is the sort of island that travellers to the Caribbean dream about--a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown. One of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent, and north of Barbados. St. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, with a shape that is said to resemble either a mango or an avocado (depending on your taste). The Atlantic Ocean kisses its eastern shore, while the beaches of the west coast owe their beauty to the calm Caribbean Sea.

In natural beauty, St. Lucia seems like an island plucked from the South Pacific and set down in the Caribbean. Its dramatic twin coastal peaks, the Pitons, soar 2,000 feet up from the sea, sheltering magnificent rain forests where wild orchids, giant ferns, and birds of paradise flourish. Brilliantly-plumed tropical birds abound, including endangered species like the indigenous St. Lucia parrot. The rainforest is broken only by verdant fields and orchards of banana, coconut, mango, and papaya trees.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

U.S. citizens must present a valid or expired passport, a certified U.S. birth certificate and photo identification, Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization, and a return or onward ticket. U.S. citizens should take special care to secure these documents while travelling, as it can be time-consuming and difficult to acquire new proof of citizenship to facilitate return travel should the original documents be lost or stolen. Travellers over the age of twelve must pay an airport departure tax

DRIVING

U.S Driving Permit and Government Permit required

CURRENCY

(XCD) East Caribbean Dollar

ELECTRICITY

240 Volts

TELEPHONES

Country Code 1-758

CLOTHING/ PACKING LIST

For the most part dressing in St Lucia is casual for both day and night. Depending on the area you are travelling and the activities you are planning. Pack t-shirts, shorts, light cotton dresses and swimwear. Jeans will be too hot and uncomfortable. For cooler evenings or for out on the water, a jacket is a good idea. Sunscreens and hats are a must and joggers or sandals are good protection for walking and swimming around coral

HEALTH AND VACCINATION INFORMATION

YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION

International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required upon arrival if traveling from an INFECTED AREA and the traveler is more than 1 year of age.

Further information regarding Yellow Fever Vaccination, may be obtained by calling 1-800-VACCINE or the U.S. Department of Health Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) International Traveler's Hotline at (404) 332-4559 or the CDC Fax Information Service at (888) 232-3299. Information may also be obtained from travel medicine specialists and/or a local or state Department of Health clinic.

For all health requirements and recommendations travelers should check with a local Department of Health clinic or U.S Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We highly recommend travel insurance to protect you and your travel investment if you need to cancel your trip for covered reasons prior to departure, or if other covered unforeseen circumstances arise during your trip.

PEOPLE

St. Lucia's population is predominantly of African and mixed African-European descent, with small East Indian and European minorities. English is the official language, although many St. Lucians speak a French patois. Ninety percent of the population is Roman Catholic, a further reflection of early French influence on the island. The population of just over 147,000 is evenly divided between urban and rural areas, although the capital, Castries, contains more than one-third of the population. Despite a high emigration rate, the population is growing rapidly, about 5.4% per year.

CULTURE

St. Lucia's culture has evolved from the intermingling of the many different groups of people who have participated in its history. Each has brought different beliefs and traditions, all of which are reflected in the life of the island today. A visitor is likely to drive on the British side of the road to an Indian restaurant in a French town, greeted all along the way in Creole patois.

One of the most accessible expressions of St. Lucia's rich cultural heritage is its cuisine. The fertile, volcanic soil of the island yields an enormous supply of produce, and the island is one of the leading banana exporters in the Caribbean, with six different varieties available. In addition to bananas, St. Lucia's abundant tropical fruits include mangoes, papayas, pineapples, soursops, passionfruit, guavas, and coconuts. Local chefs combine the island's fresh produce with a wide variety of equally fresh seafood to create tantalizing curries, Creole-style entrees, and pepperpot stews. Callaloo soup, made from a leafy green similar to spinach, is the national dish. The island's outstanding cuisine has recently gained international recognition by garnering several gold medals in the regions most prestigious culinary competitions.

COURTESY OF WORLD TRAVEL GUIDE

GREAT EXPEDITIONS / 6142 HYGIENE ROAD/ LONGMONT CO 80503

720-494-1530 / TOLL FREE 1-888-SNORKEL / FAX 720-494-1542

INFO@GREATEXPEDITIONSTRAVEL.COM / WWW.GREATEXPEDITIONSTRAVEL.COM