St. Lucia Travel Information & Planning Guide

This page provides useful planning, pre-departure and travel information. From servicing airports to base arrival procedures, it will tell you what to expect to make your holiday smooth and carefree. 

We suggest you read the following information carefully several weeks prior to departure and also print a copy to take with you. 

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Before You Travel

Time Zone
UTC/GMT -4 hours

Tourist Information Center
Tourist Board, St. Lucia 
P.O. Box 221 
Castries, St. Lucia, West Indies 
Tel: 758-452-4094/5968 
Fax: 758-453-1121 
Email: SLUTOUR@candw.lc

General Information
Area: 619 Sq Km (239 Sq Mi) 
Population: 153,100 
Capital City: Castries 
Official Languages: English & French-based patois 
Ethnic groups: African, mixed decent, European and East Indian 
Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant 
Government: Constitutional Monarchy 
Industries: agriculture, clothing, electrical components, fishing, food processing, rum distilling, tourism.

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How to Get There

Airport 
There are two ways to get to St.Lucia: 
1. Fly to St.Lucia’s George Charles airport; take a taxi to the base; distance is approximately 30 min by taxi. See Taxi costs below. 
2. Lucia’s Hewanorra International airport; take a taxi to the base; distance is approximately 1½ Hours by taxi. See taxi costs below.

Transfers 
Transfers are not included in your charter price, so you must arrange or pay for your own on arrival (see below) or, for your convenience, you can arrange return taxi transfers in advance. Please contact your Moorings Holiday Planning Specialist who will be happy to do this for you. While we will arrange these transfers, they must still be paid for locally in US Dollars.

From Hewanorra International airport – (85 minutes) A Taxi code will be sent to client’s email address who have requested transfer from the airport to the base the code will be scanned upon arrival at the airport, need all flights details to get the code sent to them. The designated taxi driver will be allocated to meet and greet and to take them to the base or hotel after the code is scanned. Approximate cost: 1-3 pax $90: extra passengers $25 per person, each way.

From George Charles (Vigie) airport – (30 minutes) Collins Taxi Service will ‘meet and greet’ you and take you directly to your yacht. On arrival, look for your driver holding a sign with your name on it. Approximate cost: 1-3 pax $25: extra passengers $10 per person, each way.

Taxis
From Hewanorra Airport: 1-3 person is $90US. More than 3 is $25US per person. 
Collins Taxi Service – Tel: 758-518-7959

From George Charles Airport- 1-3 persons – $25US. More than 3 is $10US per person.
Vigie Airport Taxi Service – Tel: 758 452 1599

Car Rentals
Most major car rental agencies are located at both airports and at the major hotels. 

Available are Avis, Budget, Cool Breeze Jeep-Car Rental, Courtesy Rent-A-Car, CTL Rent-A-Car, Hertz Rent-A-Car, Inter Island Car Rental, National Car Rental, St. Lucia Yacht Car Rental, Wayne’s Motorcycle Centre.

Driving is on the left, British style. Seat belts should be worn.
Drinking and driving is against the law. Observe the speed limits, especially a 30 mph limit within Castries. Parking tickets are issued for vehicles parked in “no parking” zones, and the penalties start at around EC$500.

In case of a breakdown or accident, make sure to have the telephone number of the car rental company. If a breakdown occurs during business hours, the company will send a mechanic to fix or exchange the car. If it is after business hours, leave the vehicle and report the breakdown first thing the next morning.

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Boarding Time/Check Out

Boarding Time Procedures
Charter Boarding Time: 12:00 PM 
Sleep Aboard Time: 6:00 PM
Briefing Times: 10:00 AM for regular start times and 3:30 PM for Sleep Aboards

All skippers must attend a Chart Briefing which covers all you need to know about the cruising area, use of the VHF radio, how to call for assistance, and more. A Boat Briefing will also be provided onboard your yacht.

Late Arrivals 
If arriving after hours, we will leave your name and your boat name with security at the gate, and they will direct you to your vessel. If you book the taxi with us the taxi driver will take you to your boat. The Chart Briefing and Boat Briefing will be held the following morning prior to departure.

Check Out Procedures
Charter End Time: 11:00 AM for Sailing Charters & 10:00 AM for Power Charters

A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return so please allow enough time to complete this before the charter end time.

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What’s on Board

Mobile phones  

Check with your service provider for information about cell coverage in this region.

Music/iPods 
While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX cord so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.

Electricity
Electric current is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. (A few hotels are 110 volts, 60 cycles.) Most sockets take 3-pin square plugs (UK standard) but some take 2-pin round plugs or flat American plugs, which are rarer. Adapters are generally available at the hotels. 

Yachts – The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. In order to use electronic equipment that is 110v, you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter unless your boat has a generator. You can rent an inverter at the base while available.

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.

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What to Bring

Customs & Immigration
Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and traveling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Visit travel.state.gov for the latest information.

Cruising Licenses
A formal sailing license is not mandatory to charter here. A completed Sailing or Power resume is required to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself.

Luggage & Packing List
Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags are best, as luggage storage space on your yacht may be limited. We have no facilities for holding luggage at the base. Pack lightly and review our suggested packing list for required and necessary items to bring.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-colored, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Insect repellent and OTC pain relievers/ointments
• AUX cable for playing music through your device
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices

*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.

Drones
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-saint-lucia/

Currency
The local currency in St Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar 

US Dollars and travelers cheques are also used throughout the Windwards. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted in most places.

Gratuity
10-15% is generally acceptable if it has not been added already. 

Taxes & Fees
You might incur some costs while on charter such as mooring and docking fees or cruising taxes. We highly recommend bringing enough of the local currency to cover these costs as they are not always payable by USD, debit, and/or credit cards. Please see our Base Notes for additional information.

Security Deposit
A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

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Health & Safety

Vaccination and Immunization Information
This destination is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Visit cdc.gov for the latest information.

Travel Advice  
Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review our Travel Advice Information. Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov

Swim Safe 

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board.

Children:

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing. 

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy. 

Travel Insurance
The Moorings offers comprehensive travel insurance for your peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings holiday.

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About the Marina

Address 
The Moorings 
Rodney Bay Marina 
Rodney Bay, St Lucia, WI

Base Hours 
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week (evening staff to cover until all flights have arrived).

Marina Facilities
Restaurant
Hotel
Pool
Gift shop
Ice
Snorkelling gear, kayak & standup paddleboard (SUP) rental
Showers and toilets
Customs for clearance
Supermarket
Laundry
Car rental
Bank

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Around the Base

Accommodations
Harbor Club Hotel (close to base) 
Bay Garden Inn & Beach Resort
Beau Rivage Villa
Rex St. Lucia
Coco Palm
Palm Haven

Post Office 
There are Post Offices in most towns in St. Lucia. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Cards and letters can be posted from the base.

Dining
Rodney Bay Marina is pleased to be the home of an array of eateries and bars that offer guests a variety of dining and entertainment options.

Big Chef Steak House
Key Largo
The Edge Restaurant Bar & Sushi
Razzmatazz
The Lime
Fire Grill & lounge
Chef Xavier Restaurant & Wine Bar
Delirious
Rehab
Ocean Club
Rituals Café
Bosuns
Elena’s
Cafe Ole
Captain Mike’s bar and Grill

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Cruising Grounds

Experience Level
A formal sailing license is not mandatory to charter here. A completed Sailing or  Power  resume is required to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself.

Cruising Area
This information will be covered in the chart briefing. Download The Moorings St. Lucia cruising e-guide here.

Cruising Area Restrictions 
In St. Lucia, anchoring is strictly forbidden in Soufriere in the area managed by the Soufriere Marine Management Area, but they do supply moorings.

Charterers can choose to explore the island and its anchorages on the western coast, head south to the Grenadines, or head north to Martinique and Dominica.

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.

Charts & Pilot Books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Cruising Guides

Download The Moorings’ Cruising Guide for St. Lucia.

Download Doyle Guide’s Cruising Guide for The Windward Islands.

Nighttime Sailing 
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance. You will need to fill out the Sailing or Power resume for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.

Cruising Permits & Taxes
There is no formal cruising tax for the windward regions. However, clients must clear customs as they pass through each country and, generally fees are associated with the clearing process.

Skippered Charters
There are several different countries represented within the cruising grounds of the Windward Islands and each of them require customs/immigration clearance upon arrival and departure. Fees vary based on the country, yacht, number of passengers, itinerary etc. All charters with a skipper are encouraged to provide the skipper with an initial $500 at the beginning their charter. This money will be used to cover costs for customs fees as well as mooring ball fees for the duration of the charter. The total amount needed may be less or it may be more.  At the end of the charter the skipper will return any remaining funds along with receipts for all money spent.  ATMs are limited in the cruising grounds so it’s important to plan ahead for these fees. Customs cost when sailing to Martinique is approximately $40 USD per boat to depart St. Lucia and $25 USD to clear back into St. Lucia – approximate total of $65 USD.

Moorings Fees & Taxes
There is no formal cruising tax for the windward regions as the BVI. However, you must clear customs as you pass through each country and, generally, there are fees associated with the clearing process.

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Provisioning

The Moorings Provisioning
Online Provisioning is available. Provisioning must be ordered 1 day prior to the start date of the charter for this destination

Visit our Provisioning Page to learn more about delivery direct to your yacht.

Supermarkets
Glass Mini Mart is located just next to our reception and the Massy SuperMarket is a short 3 minute taxi from the base.

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Things to Do

Tours
We recommend you visit the Itinerary page, your chart briefer and cruising guide, but among our favourite places are: The Pitons, Souffriere and Rodney Bay, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Union Island and the Tobago Keys.

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Water Toys & Sports

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base; please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our Water Sports Options.

Scuba Diving 
Scuba diving packages are available through Scuba Steves which is close to The Moorings Base.

Snorkeling 
The Moorings provides snorkeling gear (flippers, masks & snorkels) for all charters for your pleasure. Children’s sizes are very limited; you may wish to pack your own snorkeling gear.

Fishing
No fishing license is required. Fishing equipment can be rented through The Moorings base at $20 USD per day.

Deep Sea Fishing
A number of boat charter operations on the island offer whole and half-day deep sea fishing excursions. Seasonal catches include mackerel, king mackerel, white marlin, barracuda, kingfish and sailfish.

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Cruising Conditions

With its location in the Northeast trade belt, the Windwards are blessed with almost perfect weather for 12 months a year. Sea state in the passages between the islands can be moderate, rarely rough. 
  
St. Lucia’s temperature ranges from 65 to 85°F (18 to 29°C) from December to May and 75 to 95°F (23 to 35°C) degrees from June to November. The winter is relatively drier as well. Visitors should bring cool, comfortable clothing. While jacket and tie are rarely requisite, overly casual beachwear is rarely appreciated off the beach. Water temperature is fairly constant at 83°F (28°C).

Climate 
St. Lucia has a tropical climate that is influenced by sea winds and the prevailing NE trade winds. The wet season is from June to September and the dry season is from February to May. Average annual precipitation varies from 1,500 mm to 1,750 mm (59 to 68 inches) on the north and south coasts to 4,000 mm (157 inches) in the interior rainforest. The average temperature is 77°F (25°C) all year round. For more information, read our guide on when the best time to sail in the Caribbean is.

Sailing Conditions 
The Windward Islands promise lively sailing. Winds blow from the northeast in winter months and from the southeast during the summer at 10-25 knots, strengthening around the northern ends of the islands and in squalls. This itinerary also offers sailors the opportunity to make a few longer, open-water passages between islands. Some sails can take 7 to 10 hours and one can experience open ocean swell conditions of 3 to 6 feet and more in stronger winds. 

Current between the islands is generally setting towards the west at about 0.5 to 2 knots and the swell is mainly northeast to east, but can occasionally be north during the winter months. 

Forecasts 
The base provides a weather forecast for the next 24 hours. Guests have to consult the ‘Sailors Guide to the Windward Islands’ for AM/FM stations from Martinique to Trinidad. There are locations at Blue Lagoon St.Vincent, Tyrell Bay, Clifton Harbor and Bequia where forecasts are posted daily. Radio reception can be very poor in the islands. Reports can also be obtained by calling the Moorings bases by cell phone. Hurricane season technically lasts from June to November, with the peak being around August and September. 

The Dominant Winds

The winds are nearly always from northeast to southeast at 10 to 25 knots. The winds tend to strengthen around the northern ends of the islands. 

Tides 
In the Windward Islands the tide range is very small: 30 cm to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.

Historical Weather (Averages by month):