Gros Islet is a town at the far northern end of Saint Lucia. The town itself is the newest town in Saint Lucia, having only recently been promoted from being a village.
There is a small beach at Gros Islet, but there are larger beaches and several large tourists resorts within walking distance to the north. Heading south, past the marina, the main beach on the west coast is Reduit Beach. The beaches on the east coast are exposed to the Atlantic wind, but are still largely untouched.
Rodney Bay Marina is located to the south and becomes a hub of activity when the Atlantic Ralley for Cruisers (ARC) finishes there in December.
Beausejour Cricket Stadium is situated just outside of Gros Islet and was a venue for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
PLACE TO VISIT
Pidgeon Island National Park - is just to the North of Gros Islet.
Cas en Bas - on the east cost, this can be reached by following the (occasionally dirt) road that goes past the Cotton Bay Village resort. The beach has a couple of restaurants, but is still largely untouched. Its a popular spot for kite surfing and a kite surfing school operates from here.
Reduit Beach - this is the most popular beach on the west coast, with the best amenities. It's only a few hundred metres from the beaches on the seafront at Gros Islet, but as the marina entrance is between the two, it's a good 30 minutes walk back along the main road and past the marina and then turn right at the shopping mall.
Anse Lavoutte - I'm not entirely sure if this is the correct name, but this is an almost completely secluded and untouched beach just around the headland to the south of Cas en Bas. It's popular with kite surfers and locals, who tend to drive there in the 4-wheel drive cars.
Every Friday evening, the streets of Gros Islet are closed off to cars and a vibrant street party ("The Jump-up") takes place. The bars stay open till late and numerous street vendors set up stalls selling local food.
Kite surfing - The windier beaches to the east of Gros Islet are popular with kite surfers. If you don't have your own kite, you can hire one (or arrange lessons) at the Kite Surfing St.Lucia on the Cas en Bas beach.
Rodney Bay - is a bay on Saint Lucia; it is along the northwestern coast of the island to the north of Choc Bay. It is named after British naval officer George Brydges Rodney. At Rodney Bay you can climb aboard the brig Unicorn, used in the film Pirates of the Caribbean and see the west side of the island by sea from her decks.
HOW TO REACH
The local bus service 1a runs regularly from Castries. A single should cost about 2.50 ECD.
