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So you've planned a trip to St.Lucia and part of your ideal vacation is to experience all of the great sights and activities you've heard so much about. Though you want to hit those locations of interest you don't want to spend your entire day out an off property or worried it'll be cutting it close to making it back in time for your ships departure. If this is you then you've landed in the right place. In this article we'll briefly go over the key differences between a half day tour by speed boat and a full day catamaran tour.
1. The CROWD
The first thing that might come to your mind when thinking of a catamaran is "big boat" a catamaran is the perfect party boat with lots of room to boogie down and have a good time. Big boat means big crowd but if you don't mind the super social atmosphere you'll feel right at home. With a speed boat you have a smaller vessel and an even smaller social circle with still plenty of room to enjoy a drink and shake a leg or 3. Due to the current global state of affairs head counts on any vessel will be much smaller regardless to enforce social distancing laws keeping every one spaced apart and safe.
2. Will the activities be the same?
Short answer, YES! St.Lucia is a small island spanning 238 square miles with most tour operators providing similar services due to the attractions and activities that the island has to offer. You will still be visiting the drive through volcano mud baths, waterfalls, botanical gardens, snorkeling at either Anse kochon beach or Sugar Beach as well as a picturesque view of the famed majestic Piton mountains. Hiking is not likely on an island tour due to it being a higher activity level experience which requires it being its own separate excursion.
3. The Ride Down
Your difference on the journey down will vary on time in which you get from the north(Castries Harbor/Rodney Bay Harbor) to the south(Soufriere), with the catamaran they incorporate a land drive down and a sail upwards after completing the key activities in the village of Soufriere. This is what turns the catamaran excursion into a full day tour that runs on to a ten(10) hour day. The drive down to Soufriere which is along the west coast takes approximately an hour forty-five(1hr 45minutes) to two hours(2hrs)*driving responsibly*. Then on the returning sail from Soufriere takes roughly the same time due to the pace of the catamaran which is inordinately leisurely. On the other hand a speed boat takes approximately twenty(20) to twenty-five(25)minutues to cruise from the Castries/Rodney Bay harbor depending on which pick up point you are at, a five(5)hour to five(5) and a half hour day. Some speed boats take the liberty of picking you up at you door step which is on the beach at your resort, talk about beating the traffic.
4. Motion in the Ocean
The obvious down side to a catamaran besides its graceful pace is what comes with it, by the end of the trip you'll be singing Rock the Boat Baby by The Hues Corporation. If that's a song wanna keep off your mental playlist then the tide ripping, stern and steady speed boat is your go to vessel.
5. How much does it cost?
The average catamaran full day tour ranges from 125USD per person to 200USD+ per person ranging on which type of full day tour you sign up for. Some may give you the option to squeeze in zip lining which is usually something you wouldn't want to fit in the same day after receiving a deep tissue massage from the sulphur mud bath.
A speed boat tour can range from 115USD per person to 125USD per person assuming its a group tour and not a private tour. Rates may vary on operators, however, if the rate goes too much below this please query with your travel agent or service provider on what is included in your package. Simply because some operators may offer you a much lower rate but luxuries such as meals, drinks and entrance fees most likely are not included. Always query what's part of your package.
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