Information
Landmark: Parque Nacional CusucoCity: San Pedro Sula
Country: Honduras
Continent: North America
Parque Nacional Cusuco, San Pedro Sula, Honduras, North America
Duty-Free Pointe Seraphine is a retail and cruise ship terminal located on the northern edge of Castries Harbour, Saint Lucia.
Visual Characteristics
The facility comprises a collection of modern, single-story buildings constructed primarily from concrete and glass. The structures are painted in neutral tones, predominantly white and beige, with dark-tinted windows. The complex is situated on a reclaimed landmass extending into the harbor, featuring paved walkways and landscaped areas with palm trees.
Location & Access Logistics
Pointe Seraphine is located approximately 1.5 kilometers north of the Castries city center. Access is via the Morne Road, which connects to the main Castries-to-Rodney Bay highway. Ample paved parking is available on-site for private vehicles and tour buses. Cruise ship passengers disembark directly at the terminal. Public bus routes serving the Castries to Gros Islet corridor pass within 500 meters of the entrance on Morne Road.
Historical & Ecological Origin
Pointe Seraphine was developed as a dedicated cruise ship facility and duty-free shopping complex, with construction commencing in the late 1990s and opening in 1999. The site was created through land reclamation to provide a modern berthing and visitor experience for the growing cruise tourism sector in Saint Lucia. The landmass itself is an artificial construct, not a natural geological formation.
Key Highlights & Activities
Shopping for duty-free goods including jewelry, perfumes, spirits, and local crafts. Observing cruise ships docking and departing. Accessing local taxi services for onward travel. The terminal building houses various retail outlets and information desks.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available within the terminal building. Limited shaded areas are provided by awnings over shop entrances and covered walkways. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the complex. Several on-site food and beverage vendors operate within the terminal.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit for shopping is during standard business hours, typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Visiting when cruise ships are in port will result in higher visitor numbers. For photography of the harbor and surrounding hills, late afternoon light offers favorable conditions.
Facts & Legends
Pointe Seraphine was designed to accommodate the largest cruise ships calling at Saint Lucia, significantly enhancing the island's capacity to host multiple large vessels simultaneously. The development was a key component of the government's strategy to boost the tourism economy.
Nearby Landmarks
- Castries Market (1.2km South)
- Derek Walcott Square (1.4km South)
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (1.5km South)
- Government House (2.1km Southwest)
- La Toc Battery (2.5km West)