Description
The northern part of Castries Harbour and the Vigie Beach area covered by this birding place is flat and is located either on the seafront or within 100 m from the sea. At least 70-80 species of birds can be seen in the Castries area overall, many in this location, including Magnificent Frigatebird, Purple-throated Carib, Green-throated Carib, Royal Tern, Grey Kingbird, Green Heron, Lesser Antillean Bullfinch and Bananaquit. The variety of birds and the types of location (including the beaches) make this a worthwhile visit.
Details
Access
The whole area is an easy walk from Castries city centre and the route shown on the map skirts around Castries Airport (not the busier airport on St Lucia). Being the Caribbean, temperatures can be hot - the route does not need to be completed in one go - it can be broken into different routes.
Note, at the eastern end of Vigie Beach is the 'Stolen Time' Hotel and Resort (where I stayed). The beach is not owned by the resort and locals and holiday makers are free to walk along past the hotel, but cannot use the facilities.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Beach , Sea , Park , City/villageConditions
Flat , Sandy , Dry , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , AutumnRoute
Paved road , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Car , Boat , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
If you can aford to stay in the Stolen Time resort, some rooms overlook the beach whilst others have garden views. The latter allow you to sit on the balcony watching Caribs, Kingbirds and getting visits from Lesser Antillean Bullfinch.