ST. LUCIA: JUST THE FACTS

Getting Around: Taxis are the most common means of transportation for vacationers, but be advised that a journey from the north end of the island to the Piton region is an expensive one: about $50 US one way. Rental cars are available from the airports and the major hotels; look for Avis, Budget, or National Car Rental. You'll need to obtain a local license from the immigration desk at either airport, police station, or from the larger rental dealers. You will also need to present your local driver's license.

Taxis can also be rented by the hour for a private tour. Work out the price with the driver before you leave, but estimate about $20 US per hour.

Tour companies also offer a wide array of guided full- and half-day tours of the island. Visit the rain forest in open-air jeep (book early for this one since space is limited), take a bus tour to the volcano, the botanical gardens, and the waterfalls, or enjoy a combination tour with a drive down the coast and a catamaran ride back. Sunlink Tours offers a good selection of tours and we found the guides very knowledgeable about everything from island vegetation to history.

Entry Requirements: US, Canadian, and U.K. citizens need either a passport or birth certificate and a return or onward ticket.

Currency: EC dollar ($1US equals $2.70EC)

For More Information: Contact the St. Lucia Tourist Board, 820 Second Ave., 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017; call 800-4ST-LUCIA or 212- 867-2950, fax 212- 867-2795. In Canada, the Tourist Board is located at 8 King St., Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1B5, 416-362-4242, fax 416-362-7832. In the U.K, the Board is at 421 a Finchley Road, London NW36HJ, 071-31-3675, fax 071-431-7920