St. Lucia excursion advice - Taxicabs for a day

[hurlz]

We have plans for all our excursions except for in St. Lucia. Tentatively, we have reserved a cab with Cosol (Actually his brother Yellow Bird) who we heard great things about. It will be basically for him to drive us anywhere we want for the whole day. However, the price seems a bit steep at $160 for the day. We are looking to maybe get down to Soufriere and Jalousie beach but have no real interest in "touristie" things like the drive in volcano etc. So, I have a question: Does anyone have any "off the beaten path" ideas of places to see or better ideas of how to spend a day in St. Lucia??? Thanks!

[Sleeepy]

We may be on the same cruise (2/10 - 17?). I spent a week in St. Lucia last year. $160 for the day is not bad if it's for 2 people for a semi- island tour down to the other end of the island. Soufriere (the former French Capitol), is about a 90 minute drive from Castries (where the ship will be) because of the landscape. You will see a lot of banana plantations, he'll probably take you through a rainforest or two, stop for local food, etc. There is a lot to see and do on this island and you'll probably have some nice stops. You'll see the Pitons from Soufriere (can't miss them). Also, Soufriere is not going to be anything like the port at Castries or any type of shopping area, etc. - it's a little more than a fishing village with locals (you won't see tourist roaming the streets - only driving down them). The beach at Jalouise may be better (but you should still drive through Soufriere for the experience). Enjoy!! (and give me some tips about what you are doing on the other stops if you don't mind :)

[sea-cruise]

We usually do excursions on our own on those islands, but we did book through the ship here (not RCCL) and it was wonderful. We drove to the volcano, a stone, man-made mineral bath that was ancient, the rainforest and waterfall, a children's school (they pride themselves in having the highest IQ and scores in scholastic tests), and we had lunch on top of one of the Pitons. The view was breathtaking...especially looking at the twin Piton and seeing the beautiful birds diving in and out of holes in the side of the lush mountain.

BTW....Lucy the elephant (seen swimming in the old Coke commercials) lives there. She was left behind when a circus disbanded and didn't take her with them. I hope she is still alive and is still a happy girl. :p

[wrp96]

Remember the $160 for the day includes all your entrances fees, food and drinks. How many people are in your group?

[Stevedmatt]

If he is a good cabbie, he will take you to all of the off the beaten path places. On the ride to and just past Soufriere, there are numerous water falls and great look out points over looking some of the villages. Just past Soufriere, there are the Piton mountains and the drive in volcano (kindof touristy, but neat).

 

If you have a chance to stop and eat at the Ladera restaurant (dont remember the name), do it. The food was fabulous and the views even better. It is about 5-10 minutes past Soufriere.

 

Have a great time.

[luckymbt]

We rode horseback on St. Lucia and loved it. We book on our own, they had a van pick us up and take us back to the ship. It was one of the best tours we have done. The horses were well cared for, the guides were great, we had young children and they were very attentive, the highlight was taking the saddles off and riding bare back into the ocean surf. Well worth it.!!

The ladies name was Flora. Maybe a search of the St. Lucia site for Flora will help you find her.

[luckymbt]

We rode horseback on St. Lucia and loved it. We book on our own, they had a van pick us up and take us back to the ship. It was one of the best tours we have done. The horses were well cared for, the guides were great, we had young children and they were very attentive, the highlight was taking the saddles off and riding bare back into the ocean surf. Well worth it.!!

The ladies name was Flora. Maybe a search of the St. Lucia site for Flora will help you find her.