If it is the right time of year, the hills surrounding the harbor will be lushly green and splashed with flowering trees. The water will shimmer with that unique Caribbean green. The city of Castries itself will beckon people off the ship with shops and bustling activity.

Whether arriving by ship or plane, visitors will find not only numerous beaches for relaxing but also natural, historical and cultural attractions.

Natural attractions include hiking, biking, horseback and ATV rides, plus a unique excursion to take part in a volcano mud bath. The Central Rainforest Reserve covers 19,000 acres and has numerous hiking trails. Among cultural and historical attractions are Pigeon Island National Landmark, Fond d'Or Nature Historic Park and Fond Doux Estate.

Deciding when to go depends on the weather. The annual Caribbean hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, although September and October are the worst months.

As a result, St. Lucia has a heavy number of visitors from December through May, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Average high monthly temperatures during that time range from 84 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall reaches its lowest point from February through April.

The number of visitors declines somewhat in June, climbs again in July and drops sharply during the heavy rain months of September through November.

All U.S. and Canadian citizens who stay for vacation must show a passport and have a return ticket when visiting St. Lucia. Cruise visitors simply need to show their ship ID card to tour the island and return to the ship.

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