Saint Lucia - St. Lucia
Distinctive Caribbean Coastal Cruising with Established Yacht Support
Saint Lucia by Superyacht
Rising steeply from the sea, Saint Lucia combines a mountainous rainforest interior with a varied Caribbean-facing coastline. Cruising centres on Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay and the coastal route south towards Soufrière, where the Pitons form the island’s defining seaward landmark. Creole culture, fishing communities, historic estates and a strong culinary identity add depth ashore, while diving, hiking and resort experiences make Saint Lucia a distinctive and varied stop on a Windward Islands itinerary.
Destination Highlights
- UNESCO-listed Pitons
- Superyacht Marina Berthing
- Creole Culture & Cuisine
- Private Aviation Access
- Eastern Caribbean Routing
Saint Lucia offers owners and guests a varied programme both on and off the water, from cruising beneath the Pitons and scuba diving to rainforest excursions, private resorts and visits to coastal communities. Established arrival points, practical yacht support and convenient guest transfers assist with itinerary planning and day-to-day operations. Located between Martinique and St Vincent and the Grenadines, the island fits naturally into a north–south Caribbean itinerary while offering ample scope for a longer stay.
International Access
Hewanorra International Airport handles long-haul and private aviation, while George F. L. Charles Airport, near Castries, primarily serves regional connections and smaller private aircraft.
Yachting Infrastructure
Established marina facilities provide superyacht berthing, yacht agents, provisioning, bunkering and marina-based technical services. The principal boatyard has a 75 tonnes travelift, dry storage and access to skilled trades, including mechanical, electrical, watermaker, refrigeration, sail, canvas, rigging, metalwork and coatings services.
- Max berthing: marina berthing up to 86 m LOA and about 3,9 m draft
- 2nd Max berthing: marina berthing up to 85 m LOA, 13 m beam and about 4,9 m draft
- Max haul-out: travelift up to 75 tonnes and 8,5 m beam
See Recommended Superyacht Services below for specific marinas, haul-out facilities, and skilled trades in Saint Lucia.
Recommended Superyacht Services in Saint Lucia
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Entry, Clearance & Cruising Regulations for Saint Lucia
Local Expertise: Saint Lucia clearance information reviewed by local yacht agents - July 2026.
1. Arrival & Clearance
Submit Customs declarations through SailClear and complete the Travel Saint Lucia ED Form for every crew member and guest before arrival. Enter at an official port, remain aboard until cleared and complete Customs and Immigration within 24 hours. Outward clearance is also required.
SailClear - https://www.sailclear.com
Visiting yachts are currently admitted for up to three months; applications for an extension must be made in person at the main Immigration Office in Castries. A recommended local yacht agent can coordinate formalities and offer further services and create custom itineraries, particularly for superyachts and commercial operations.
Need clearance assistance for Saint Lucia?
Contact a Recommended Yacht Agent
The two large marinas, IGY Rodney Bay Marina & Marigot Bay Yacht Haven, will not do the clearance in, unless there is a Sailclear Clearance Document.
Official Ports of Entry/Departure
- Rodney Bay – Full Customs and Immigration clearance at the principal northern superyacht marina.
- Marigot Bay – Customs and Immigration clearance at the marina’s yacht reception facility.
- Castries – Official commercial seaport and clearance point; primarily serves cruise and cargo traffic. Confirm berth, pilotage and clearance arrangements in advance.
- Soufrière – Official point of entry with Customs and Immigration ashore. Larger yachts generally remain at anchor or on a suitable mooring.
- Vieux Fort – Identified as a port of entry, but yacht-clearance availability and advance-notice requirements should be confirmed before arrival.
2. Documents required
- SailClear arrival or departure declaration.
- Completed Travel Saint Lucia ED Form for every crew member and guest.
- Vessel registration and proof of ownership.
- Ship’s papers showing the yacht’s status and activity.
- International clearance from the previous port.
- Current crew list and passenger/guest list.
- Valid passports for everyone aboard.
- Visas where required by nationality.
- Commercial registration and charter documentation, where applicable.
- Occasional or annual commercial yacht licence when operating commercially.
- Updated crew list and supporting travel details for crew changes.
- Veterinary import permit and health documents for animals.
- Permits for controlled plants, produce or animal products.
- Full declaration of firearms and ammunition.
- Customs declaration and aviation approval for drones.
- Tender details, insurance certificates and the yacht’s charter agreement should be carried, although their routine submission requirements are not clearly published.
3. Fees
Clearance, pratique (a public-health clearance), navigation-aid and port authority fees apply, with overtime charges outside normal office hours. Additional charges can include commercial-yacht licensing, Immigration extensions, non-port mooring permits and Soufrière marine-management or mooring fees (a Permit-to-Moor charge for yachts anchored or moored at Sugar Beach between The Pitons).
4. Visa & Immigration
All crew and guests must complete the online Travel Saint Lucia ED Form and present valid passports and any visas required for their nationality. Immigration grants the permitted stay on arrival; the current published maximum is three months, with extensions requested in person at the Immigration Office in Castries. Sea arrivals cannot disembark until released by Immigration.
Links:
- Visa and ED Form: https://travelslu.govt.lc/en
Crew joining or leaving by air must clear Immigration at the airport, complete the applicable ED Form and be signed on or off the yacht’s crew list with Immigration.
5. Biosecurity / Quarantine
Declare all animals, animal products, plants, produce, soil and other controlled provisions. Pets require a veterinary import permit, health documentation and advance notification. The yacht and stores may be inspected on arrival. No yacht-specific antifouling requirement has been identified.
6. Navigation & Cruising
No general cruising permit has been identified, but Customs permission is required to moor outside designated ports of entry. Within the Soufrière Marine Management Area, use designated moorings and comply with anchoring and marine-use zones. Confirm suitability before assigning any mooring to a superyacht.
7. Chartering
Commercial yachts operating in Saint Lucia require an occasional commercial yacht licence or annual operating licence, with fees based on vessel length. Do not commence a Saint Lucia-originating charter until the yacht’s commercial status, licence, tax position and itinerary have been approved locally.
8. Security
Exercise increased caution ashore and use established transport, particularly after dark. Keep tenders, outboards and deck equipment secured when at anchor. The principal superyacht marinas provide controlled access and 24-hour security, with CCTV surveillance available at Marigot Bay.
9. VAT/duty exemptions
Duty-free yacht fuel is available subject to Customs procedure. No general exemption has been confirmed for VAT or duty on spare parts, repairs, technical work or refit services; imported parts should be processed through Customs before delivery aboard.
10. Private Jets
Hewanorra International Airport handles larger private jets with FBO and international clearance facilities. George F. L. Charles Airport is more suited to regional and smaller aircraft. Prior handling, parking, permits and Customs and Immigration arrangements are required.
11. Private Helicopters
Operation of a foreign helicopter from a yacht requires advance coordination with Saint Lucia Civil Aviation, Customs and Immigration. Landing approval, aircraft documentation, crew licensing, flight planning and permission for any shore landing must be arranged before operation.
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended as a general guide and may be subject to change. Captains, crew and guests are advised to confirm the latest entry requirements, fees and operational procedures with the relevant authorities and their appointed yacht agent prior to arrival.
