Gros Islet
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There is a small beach at Gros Islet, but there are larger beaches and several large tourists resorts within walking distance to the north. Heading south, past the marina, the main beach on the west coast is Reduit Beach. The beaches on the east coast are exposed to the Atlantic wind, but are still largely untouched.
Rodney Bay Marina is to the south and becomes a hub of activity when the Atlantic Ralley for Cruisers (ARC) finishes there in December.
Beausejour Cricket Stadium is just outside of Gros Islet and was a venue for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
Get in
Get around
Buses are the least expensive method of travelling. The bus route (1A) leaves from Gros Islet to Castries every few minutes. Minimum fare is EC$1.50, maximum fare is EC$2.50, per person. The buses have an 'M' prefix on their registration plates.
Taxis are numerous outside the large resorts, Rodney Bay and Castries, cost should be EC$60 between Gros Islet and Castries or EC$25 between Gros Islet and Rodney Bay. Taxis have a TX prefix on their registration plates.
Taxis are numerous outside the large resorts, Rodney Bay and Castries, cost should be EC$60 between Gros Islet and Castries or EC$25 between Gros Islet and Rodney Bay. Taxis have a TX prefix on their registration plates.
See
- Pidgeon Island National Park is just to the north of Gros Islet.
Beaches
There are a number of beaches within walking distance of Gros Islet.- Reduit Beach - this is the most popular beach on the west coast, with the best amenities. It's only a few hundred metres from the beaches on the seafront at Gros Islet, but as the marina entrance is between the two, it's a good 30 minutes walk back along the main road and past the marina and then turn right at the shopping mall.
- Cas en Bas - on the east cost, this can be reached by following the (occasionally dirt) road that goes past the Cotton Bay Village resort. The beach has a couple of restaurants, but is still largely untouched. Its a popular spot for kite surfing and a kite surfing school operates from here.
- Anse Lavoutte - This is an almost completely secluded and untouched beach just around the headland to the south of Cas en Bas. It's popular with kite surfers and locals, who tend to drive there in the 4-wheel drive cars.
- Gros Islet Beach - narrow beach on the seafront of Gros Islet town.
- Pigeon Point Beach - about 1 km long, north of Gros Islet town. The first half of the beach is undeveloped. There are usually few people, except on weekends. The second half of the beach is developed with Landings and Sandals Grande resorts.
Do
- Every Friday evening, the streets of Gros Islet are closed off to cars and a vibrant street party ("The Jump-up") takes place. The bars stay open till late and numerous street vendors set up stalls selling local food.
Rodney Bay MarinaThe main yacht marina on Saint Lucia. It has good amenities and a range of overpriced cafes selling European food.
- Kite surfing. The windier beaches to the east of Gros Islet are popular with kite surfers. If you don't have your own kite, you can hire one (or arrange lessons) at the Kite Surfing St.Lucia on the Cas en Bas beach.
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phone: +1 758 484-3346address: Pigeon IslandSnuba is the ultimate happy-medium for those wanting to go beyond snorkeling without the training and concerns associated with a deep dive. The tour begins from a sandy beach and descends to a maximum depth of 20 feet. There is no need to surface for air or to tussle with bulky equipment.
Buy
Rodney Bay Mall, about 5-10 minutes walk south of the marina, has a good range of shops and a well-stocked supermarket.
Eat
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Somewhere Special Restaurant and Bar
phone: +1 758 450-8481 or +1 758 519-5787address: 18 Marie Therese StOpen for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Local and international cuisine available. Internet Wifi and reasonable laundry service also available.
Sleep
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address: Choc BayAll-inclusive resort covering 22 acres set amongst palms with a beach on a secluded cove.
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address: Cap EstatesA spacious, village-style resort located on 60 acres of lush tropical gardens.
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phone: +1 758 450-8956address: Bay StA relaxed atmosphere where each room has a private bathroom, free wifi and communal patio overlooking the sea with hammocks.
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phone: +1 758 450-0833address: Massade
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Hotel Chez Marie Alish
phone: +1 758 450-0482 or +1 758 450-8332address: Massade-Gros-IsletSelf-catering apartments. -
phone: +1 758 450-8275address: Cas En Bas RdA very clean, well-equipped and friendly establishment, with views overlooking the marina. One of the cheapest options and with good wireless.
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phone: +1 758 450-8689 or +1 758 450-8850address: Massade
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address: Hill Top AvenueThe La Panache St. Lucia Caribbean guesthouse is located near Gros Islet, Rodney Bay and the marina yacht harbour on a hill with a stunning view. All apartments are equipped with a basic kitchen, bathrooms, balconies and spacious beds with fans and mosquito netting. Towels and bed linen are provided. High speed wireless Internet access is free.