Castries

Castries

Saint Lucia

Hike through lush rainforest to plunge into emerald mineral pools warmed by volcanic springs.

Currency East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Language English
Time Zone AST (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Apr
Typical Duration 7-14 nights
Price Range $223–$15,409 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Castries is a vibrant Caribbean gateway offering stunning natural beauty, colonial architecture, and access to the iconic Pitons UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a premier destination for Caribbean cruise itineraries.

Cruises that visit Castries

Build Your Day in Castries

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Castries Market Get your locals stuff hand made but the beautiful people of St.lucia Fresh food market · ★ 4.1 · 3k
Baywalk Shopping Mall The mall has a wide range of apparel from low to high in costs. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 2k Open · Closes 7 PM
Blue Coral Mall Ltd Nice place to go to get some shopping done or pay bills Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 1k Open · Closes 5 PM
The Naked Fisherman | Seafood Restaurant Beach location, delicious food, and friendly Caribbean service! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
The Coal Pot Restaurant The food was local cuisine uniquely prepared and very delicious. Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closes soon · 3 PM
Big Chef Steakhouse Unassuming from the outside...inside delicious, modern, and still ... Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 PM
La Place Carénage Easy to get to and lots of shops. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 8 PM
Gablewoods Shopping Mall Lots of parking space, some small boutiques and a well stocked supermarket Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k Open · Closes 5:30 PM
The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Cathedral) Walking distance from the Castries terminal in Carrier. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Friday Night Street Party Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 PM Fri
Jacques Waterfront Dining The food, service, wine and setting is world class. Modern French · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Reduit Beach Recreational beach with a bustling vibe Beach · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Vigie Beach Lovely beach to walk along and to swim, lots of space not overcrowded. Beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Fort Rodney Historic site with sweeping views Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Pink Plantation The food is outstanding, so flavourful, truly yummy and very fair priced. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 3 PM
Glamity's Bar Good music, good properly mixed drinks. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Castries City View Point Castries City View Point offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Café Ole They have a lot of good options, nice coffee and fantastic terrace Cafe · ★ 4.1 · 0k
JQ Rodney Bay Mall Has most of the groceries and clothing stores you would need as a visitor. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 7 PM
Adeline’s Art Café A beautifully scenic gem with amazing coffee and food. Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k
The Cliff at Cap Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 2:30 PM
Derek Walcott square This was a short stop on a beautiful drive around Castries. Park · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Lushan Country Life Very knowledgeable tour guides and some fun activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open now
Pink Papaya Serving local dishes and beer with live music. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
The Balcony | Restaurant & Bar • St.Lucia Fun vibe, attentive service, and great food at reasonable prices. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k
Felly Belly Fast and yummy smoothies, sandwiches and friendly service. Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Roots Beach Bar For 3 meals and drinks I have paid over 100 US. Grill · ★ 4.8 · 0k
La Toc Beach Nice sand, clean beach, sea can be temperamental depending on the weason. Beach · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Irie Bar Amazing bar right by the water with a view. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Millet Bird Sanctuary & Nature Trail They offer a bird watching tour for 30 USD per person. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Gros Islet Beach Good beach if you need tanning and good swimming 🏊‍♀️ water. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Cruise Pier Castries Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Father Nature Adventures Online appointments Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Rum Therapy Bar & Treatment Centre Great atmosphere, friendly staff, free WiFi & good deals on drinks. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Harry Edwards Jewelers Great selection and prices for engagement and wedding rings Jewelry store · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 4 PM
Cas en Bas Beach The beach is beautiful with visiting local families swimming their Sunday. Beach · ★ 4.1 · 0k
The Harvest and Table Restaurant Amazing food and marina views, great drinks and good service. Fine Dining · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Blue Monkey Café Great Vietnamese coffee! Cafe · ★ 3.4 · 0k
Quisine | The Little Bistro Great people, nice music, tasty food. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
La Toc Battery Tourist attraction · ★ 3.5 · 0k
Saint Lucia Sign Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Blue Monkey Cafe 25ECD for the quinoa bowl with chicken, and it’s a generous portion. Cafe · ★ 3 · 0k
The Upper Deck Restaurant I ate at all restaurants ranging from pop & mom’s to Michelin three stars. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Kelly's Dockside Service was friendly, food was tasty and we had a nice quiet morning. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Coco Cafe Fantastic latte sitting at a table right by the boats. Coffee shop · ★ 3.7 · 0k
Colombian Emeralds International Royalton St.lucia Shopping mall · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
meme bete Absolutely beautiful bags, well crafted, durable and beautiful. Handbags shop · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 4:30 PM
96 degrees in the Shade Servers and bartenders are singing and very friendly. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
The Cricketer's Pub Smooth service and a neat vibe. Pub · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Cruise Piers Not too far from Castries for a quick visit. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Ride St. Lucia Onsite services Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k
Scott's Underground Boutique Scott's Underground Boutique.😉🌟🎉🔥👍🏾⭐️ 🎊💯❤️👏🏾✨️ Clothing store · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
Squish Not the usual shape and freshly made. Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Hands At work Castries St Lucia 🇱🇨 Marigot Bay Marguerite is so nice and makes wonderful items! Souvenir store · ★ 5 · 0k
Elev8 Bar & Lounge Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Tropica Vybz Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Grill · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Castries

About Castries

Castries, the vibrant capital of Saint Lucia, stands as one of the Caribbean's most beloved cruise destinations, welcoming vessels from thirteen major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line. With over 400 cruises calling at this picturesque port annually, Castries has earned its reputation as a premier stop for Caribbean itineraries, particularly during the peak winter months from November through March when cruisers seek tropical warmth and island adventure.

As a primary port of call rather than a turnaround port, Castries typically features on seven-night Caribbean cruises that explore the region's most sought-after destinations. Passengers embarking from here often visit neighboring islands including Bridgetown, San Juan, Fort-de-France, and Basseterre, creating well-rounded island-hopping experiences. The port's strategic location makes it an ideal hub for discovering the Eastern Caribbean's cultural richness and natural beauty.

What truly sets Castries apart is its remarkable accessibility to world-class attractions. The port sits just minutes from stunning beaches, the iconic Pitons UNESCO World Heritage Site, and lush rainforest adventures. Passengers can enjoy duty-free shopping in the heart of the port, sample authentic Creole cuisine at waterfront restaurants, or venture out for zip-lining, volcano tours, and botanical garden explorations. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Castries delivers an authentic Caribbean experience that keeps travelers returning year after year.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Pitons UNESCO World Heritage Site

Marvel at the iconic twin volcanic peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, dramatic limestone formations rising majestically from the Caribbean Sea. These UNESCO-listed natural wonders are visible from the port and offer stunning photo opportunities. Adventurous visitors can hike to viewpoints or take boat tours for up-close encounters with this geological masterpiece.

2

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens

Explore lush tropical gardens featuring exotic plants, colorful birds, and a stunning 45-foot waterfall cascading over mineral-rich rocks. Located just outside Castries, this serene sanctuary offers a refreshing escape into nature with easy walking paths suitable for all fitness levels. The mineral pools at the waterfall's base are perfect for a rejuvenating dip.

3

Local Market Creole Cuisine

Savor authentic Saint Lucian flavors at the vibrant Castries Market, where vendors sell fresh tropical fruits, spices, and prepared dishes. Try local specialties like saltfish cakes, green figs with saltfish, and fresh mango juice bursting with island flavor. The market's energy and authentic atmosphere provide genuine insight into daily Creole life and culinary traditions.

4

Morne Fortune Historic Viewpoint

Climb to this elevated historic site overlooking Castries harbor for panoramic views of the port, coastline, and surrounding islands. The location features colonial-era military buildings and monuments telling stories of Saint Lucia's strategic past. On clear days, visibility extends across the sparkling Caribbean waters to neighboring islands.

5

Pigeon Island National Park

Discover this former pirate hideout turned national park, featuring pristine beaches, hiking trails, and historical ruins just north of Castries. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, relax on sandy shores, or explore 18th-century military fortifications. The park offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and Caribbean history within easy reach of the cruise port.

Cruise Lines at Castries

Cruises Departing From Castries

Cruises Visiting Castries

Ship Schedule at Castries

Castries Location

Other Cruise Ports in Saint Lucia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Castries Port best known for?

Castries Port serves as Saint Lucia's main cruise and cargo gateway, close to city markets.

Is Castries a convenient base for exploring Saint Lucia?

Yes. It's close to beaches, rainforests, and the Pitons; tours are easy to arrange from here.

What facilities are available at Castries port for travelers?

Shops, restrooms, taxi services, and nearby security; check with ship staff for access.

How can I reach popular attractions from Castries port?

Short taxi rides or guided tours depart from the pier to Soufrière, Pitons, and beaches.