St. Lucia, an island located in the Caribbean, lies between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Saint Lucia is home to two airports: George FL Charles Airport, near Castries, and Hewanorra International, near Vieux Fort. George FL Charles Airport is near to Vigie Beach and to the main resorts on the island. Hewanorra is larger than George FL Charles Airport but is around one hour's drive from the major resorts. Taxi services and car rental agencies operate out of both airports. Courtesy Taxi and Southern Taxi Association are popular taxi companies with those on cheap flights to St. Lucia.
Tourists on St. Lucia flights can explore Saint Lucia by taxi. The local taxi drivers are often very happy to provide tours of the island. Visitors travelling with friends or family may require a mini bus tour. Travellers on a budget will find that the island's buses provide an economical and fun way in which to tour the island. The buses are small vans capable of holding between ten and 14 people. They run frequently from the island's rural towns to the urban centres. Bus travel provides tourists with a memorable experience, as the vehicle operators tend to decorate the inside of the bus and play Caribbean music during the journey.
The Pigeon Island Nature Reserve, situated north of Gros Islet, is home to some of St. Lucia's oldest buildings and offers fantastic views across to Martinique. The hot Sulfur Springs, south of Soufriere, are Saint Lucia's main attraction. The springs run though the pool here, allowing tourists on flights to St. Lucia to take a dip in the waters. Rainforest hikes are popular in Saint Lucia. There are countless official hiking routes available for visitors to take. Climbing up the Gros Piton is an achievable feat for the majority of travellers. Relaxing on the beach is a must for all visitors. Snorkelling is popular with the more active of visitors.
Castries Market is the ideal location to purchase gifts in Saint Lucia. The JQ Shopping Mall in Rodney Bay, and the La Place Carenage duty-free gift outlet in Castries must be visited by tourists who love to shop. Coal Pot is the perfect place for a bite to eat while on the island. This tiny waterfront restaurant overlooks the pretty Vigie Cove. Dasheene Restaurant and Bar in Soufrière serves up great light lunches. St. Lucia's bars offer fantastic rum punch. Try Chairman's Reserve or Crystal Lime while staying on the island. Visitors who have purchased airfare to St. Lucia may wish to try Delirius in Rodney Bay or Fiddler Green, an Irish bar boasting a local flare.