Castries and Vieux Fort are the main commercial marine ports in St Lucia. The island has several marinas and harbours catering to yachts and ferryboats from around the world. Services include repair and replenishment facilities hardware shops restaurants and the capital s open-air market with vendor archade near by.< --more--> When entering Castries Harbour it is necessary to avoid the shoal that extends to the west of Tapion Peak. Vigie Hill has a lighthouse light that flashes twice every 10 seconds allowing you to easily identify the harbour by night. Castries Harbour does have Customs officials but it is easier for yachtsmen to clear through Rodney Bay or Marigot. Officials insist that yachts entering the harbour come directly to the Customs dock if there is no room anchor east of the Customs buoy . It is wise not to ignore this directive as a fine could be incurred. Facilities at Castries Harbour include Harbour/Yacht Services; Pointe Seraphine Duty-free shopping; Cruise Ship & Harbour 758 452-3036 open from 8 am to 5 pm; St. Lucia Yacht Services 758 452-5057 or VHF Channel 16 available from 8:30 am 4 pm; car rental facilities; water; fuel; electricity; 10-20 berths. The bay also hold a number of enjoyable restaurants including – Jacques Waterfront Dining 758 458-1900 Mon to Sat The Coal Pot Vigie Marina Ganter s Bay 758 452-5566 opened Mon. to Fri. 12 pm to 12 am; Saturday 6 pm to 12 am. Ganter s Bay in Castries is a marina for yachts and sail boats; the Castries port has a recently renovated pier for the large ferryboats that come in regularly from Martinique. This bay also houses Point Seraphine the stop off point for all cruise ships stopping through our beautiful port.
