Castries : Profile

Clearance

Yachts clearing in must come straight to customs dock or, if there is no space, must anchor in the quarantine anchorage to the east of the customs dock. Failure to do so could result in a fine. Customs and Immigration officials are available during office hours.

Customs
Tel:452 3487
Opening Hours: 0800-1215, 1330-1545 weekdays

Docking

Vigie Creek (near GFL Charles Airport) and Castries City are the harbour’s two main anchorages. The facilities at Vigie are somewhat run down but basic yacht repair and replenishment facilities may be available. The main advantage of the Harbour anchorage is its close proximity to the capital of St Lucia. Note that there may be up to 5 cruise ships in port and anchoring may not be suitable during busy cruise ship periods.

When entering Castries Harbour, it is necessary to avoid the shoal that extends to the west of Tapion Peak. Vigie Hill has a light that flashes twice every 10 seconds, allowing you to easily identify the harbour at night. Vigie Creek can be rolly in northerly swells.

Castries Harbour does have Customs officials but is a commercial port and not geared towards yachts. Therefore it is easier 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.

Yachts can anchor in front of Castries Town or in Vigie Creek.

Rodney Bay Marina & Boatyard PO Box 1538, Castries, St Lucia, West Indies Tel:(758) 452-0095, Fax:(758) 452-0185, VHF Channel 16, 68 Rodney Bay Marina & Boatyard Noonsite Page, www.igy-rodneybay.com, rbmarina@candw.lc Full facility marina, expanded and improved in 2008/2009, with shops, restaurants and internet cafe. The boatyard has a 50-ton travelift and extensive dry storage facilities and a wide range of repair services. Is possible to anchor in the lagoon here, however space is limited. Yachts are encouraged to contact Rodney Bay Marina on VHF prior to entering the channel, to get information on possible obstacles on the approach and to arrange for a slip.

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