St. Lucia
St. Lucia, a lush tropical gem has two soaring peaks, where the Pitons shoots up to 2000 feet above the sea. St. Lucia is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide and has a shape of a mango and is located north of Trinidad and Tobago. This island has a population of 163,300 and the capital city is Castries with a population of 67,000. You will find tropical birds, orchards of fruits such as mango, banana, coconut and papaya trees. There are many sights and beaches to visit which keeps the tourist curious and wanting more.
History and People
The history of St. Lucia goes back to the days of slavery and indentureship where workers worked on sugar plantations. The population is made up of a mixture of people where 90% of the people are of African descent, 6% of mixed races, 3% East Indians, and 0.8% Europeans.
Activities
There are many activities available for the tourists. This island offers excellent snorkelling and scuba diving along with hiking and birdwatching. There are also excellent facilities for sailing, wind surfing, diving, water-skiing, deep-sea fishing, tennis, squash, golf and many water sports. The world's only drive-in volcanic crater can be found at St. Lucia's Soufriere volcano.
St. Lucia Jazz Festival
The St. Lucia Jazz Festival is one of St. Lucia's main event which takes place during the month of May when the Island is consumed by jazz. The jazz festival was started to help boost tourism and has since grown into a festival that draws attention from the whole world as tourists arrive to take in the beat of jazz. The jazz festival is made up of "acoustical/straight ahead jazz, new age jazz, fusion, rhythm and blues with acts emanating from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe." St. Lucia's ultimate goal is to put on a jazz festival that will do what Montreaux jazz festival has done for Montreaux, that is to put St. Lucia Jazz Festival on the world map.
The Fringe Activities
With the addition of more attraction, the St. Lucia Jazz Festival took on new meaning, adding more attractions called "The Fringe Activities." This festival has become St. Lucia's most popular event for the last ten years.
Sightseeing and Tours
The island can also be toured by horse, a chartered yacht or evening sails or day cruises. Often there are plantation tours to places such as Errard Plantation, La Sikwe Historical Sugar Mill & Plantation, Marquis Estate and Morne Coubaril Estate.
Shopping
Shopping is a must for visitors as there are many duty-free imports in St. Lucia such as crystal, china and designer perfumes.