St Lucia is indeed a Caribbean dream: a small, lush tropical gem of an island that is still relatively unknown and undeveloped, although it does offer a good variety of accommodation for tourists, including a few discreet resorts. St Lucia is one of the Windward isles of the Lesser Antilles, situated midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain between Martinique and St Vincent, just north of Barbados. It is tiny - only 27 miles (43km) long and 14 miles (23km) wide, shaped like an avocado.

The volcanic island's main landmarks are the Pitons, two soaring peaks on its southern coast that rise up from the sea and shelter magnificent dense rain forest where wild orchids grow and brilliantly-plumed tropical birds abound. The Creole people of the island are as warm as the tropical climate, and visitors are treated to plenty of smiles as they make the most of the island's natural beauty and secluded golden beaches, where coral reefs beckon snorkellers and scuba divers.

Most visitors are day-trippers who arrive on cruise liners at the island's main port, Castries, and generally do little more than shop for souvenirs. Those who have time to explore, however, are enchanted by the walks, cycling trails and natural beauty spots on the island, including the fascinating Soufriere volcano, with its bubbling sulphur springs.

The island has been left with a distinct French flavour, although its earliest colonists in the 17th century were British. The colonial history of the island, first settled by Arawak Indians around 200 AD, is a long saga of battles for control between the French and British. Britain eventually won the war in 1814, and granted independence under the Commonwealth to St Lucia in 1979.

Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -4.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. Three square-pin plugs are standard.

Money: The unit of currency in Saint Lucia is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is tied to the US Dollar. The EC$ is divided into 100 cents. US dollars are also accepted at most tourist establishments and ensure a better exchange rate. ATMs are available in Castries, Rodney Bay, Soufriere and Vieux Fort. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm, some are open till 5pm. Major credit cards are accepted at all large hotels, shops and restaurants. Most hotels will exchange foreign currency, and there are change bureaux in Castries.

Currency Exchange Rates

XCD 1= US$ 0.37 £ 0.19 C$ 0.36 A$ 0.39 R 2.87 EUR 0.24 NZ$ 0.46

Note: This is not updated daily and should be used as a guide only.

Language: English is the official language, but St Lucian Creole is widely spoken.

Entry Requirements for Americans: United States passport holders must have a passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. US citizens may stay for up to six weeks without a visa.

Health: There are few health risks associated with travel to St Lucia, although the mosquito-carried dengue fever is a risk throughout the island. HIV/AIDS is prevalent and precautions are advised. Bilharzia is endemic. No vaccinations are required, however a yellow fever certificate is necessary for travellers arriving from infected areas. Health care costs are high on the island and health insurance is recommended, which should cover medical evacuation. EHIC card holders are entitled to emergency medical treatment in the case of evacuation to Martinique, on the same terms as Martinique nationals, of which 70 percent of the costs can be reclaimed.

Tipping: A service charge is not automatically added to bills and about 10% of the bill is expected. Taxi drivers, porters and chambermaids also expect small tips.

Safety: Most visits to St Lucia are trouble-free, but visitors should take common-sense precautions against robbery and theft. Isolated areas, such as beaches, should be avoided after dark. Hurricane season is generally from June to November.

Customs: It is an offence for anyone to dress in camouflage clothing. Homosexuality is illegal.

Business: Due to its popularity as an offshore banking location, business dress in St Lucia requires a level of formality. Handshakes for both men and women are the common form of greeting at the beginning and end of meetings, and business cards are usually exchanged. Business hours are generally 8am to 4.30pm throughout the week and 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

Communications: The international access code for St Lucia is +1 758. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code is not needed for calls to Canada and the US. City/area codes are not in use. Pay phones accept coins and pre-paid card phones, available at shops throughout the island. AT&T calling cards can be used for cheaper international calls. Mobile phone operators provide good GSM 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 network coverage of the island. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafes throughout the island.

Duty Free: Travellers to St Lucia may bring in 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco, and 1 litre wine or spirits without paying customs duty.

Contacts

St Lucia Tourist Office, Castries: +1 758 452 4094 or www.stlucia.orgSt Lucia Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 364 6792.St Lucia High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7370 7123.Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 8952.United States Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for St Lucia): +1 246 436 4950.British High Commission, Castries: +1 758 452 2484/5.Canadian High Commission. Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for St. Lucia): +1 246 429 3550.Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for St Lucia):+1 (868) 628 0695.South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for St. Lucia): + 876 978 3160/4457.Emergencies: 999/911.

Castries

The main reason for the existence of the town of Castries, capital of St Lucia, is as a port of call for hundreds of cruise ships that dock in the deep harbour every year, disgorging thousands of day-trippers who shop till they drop in the market and duty-free shopping malls. Visitors who linger find the town has a certain charm surrounded by hills, although little to offer in the way of sightseeing or architectural heritage. Most of the buildings are fairly new, Castries having been destroyed several times by fire during its history, most recently in 1948. There is a very vibrant and colourful market on the go every day except Sunday, some good waterfront restaurants and a few remains of the defences of the island's various occupiers, to claim the attention. Castries also serves as a good base for island exploration, whether it is by road or water.

Climate

Like all Caribbean islands, St Lucia enjoys a hot, tropical climate throughout the year. The average daily temperatures of 80°F (27°C) tend to be tempered by trade winds. The driest time on the island is between January and March but showers can occur throughout the year, however they are usually over quickly. Hurricane season is generally from June to November.