SAINT LUCIA (RODNEY BAY, CASTRIES, MARIGOT BAY, SOUFRIÈRE AND THE PITONS)

St Lucia — Rodney Bay: boating safety

Last verified:

Rodney Bay Marina in the north of Saint Lucia is the island's main yacht and charter base. It is the usual finish of the transatlantic ARC rally. Boats cruise down the leeward coast to Marigot Bay and the Pitons at Soufrière, and south to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call 911
Call 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

St Lucia: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Harbour and marinas

Rodney Bay Marina asks arriving boats to call on VHF channel 16 for a slip and directions to the dock.

Rodney Bay Marina (IGY Marinas) ▾
igymarinas.com (2026-10-14): “ARRIVAL: Upon arrival, hail Rodney Bay Marina on VHF Channel 16 for the slip assignment and directions to the dock.”

Weather

Saint Lucia Meteorological Services publishes a daily forecast with expected sea heights within 25 miles (40 km) of the island and tide times for Castries Harbour and Vieux Fort Bay.

Saint Lucia Meteorological Services · Saint Lucia Meteorological Services ▾
slumet.gov.lc (2026-10-14): “TIDES WEDNESDAY 14th October, 2026 Castries Harbour Vieux Fort Bay”
slumet.gov.lc (2026-10-14): “SEAS IN A 25 MILE OR 40 KM RADIUS FROM SAINT LUCIA”

Hospital and medical

The main Accident and Emergency Department is at Owen King EU Hospital (Millennium Heights Medical Complex). It can be overcrowded, but life-threatening cases are seen immediately.

Government of Saint Lucia, Ministry of Health (30 Dec 2024) · Government of Saint Lucia, Ministry of Health (30 Dec 2024) ▾
govt.lc (2026-10-14): “All patients with life-threatening conditions who present to the AED will continue to be seen and treated immediately and patients with serious conditions will also be treated as high priority.”
govt.lc (2026-10-14): “The Owen King EU Hospital (OKH) of the Millennium Heights Medical Complex (MHMC) is issuing a public advisory in response to overcrowding and the resulting increased waiting times being experienced in the Accident and Emergency Department (AED).”

Arriving from abroad

Rodney Bay Marina has Customs and Immigration services on site, so visiting boats can clear in there. The marina lists weekday office hours (8:30–13:00 and 14:00–16:00) for the Customs & Excise Department and the Immigration & Seaport Authority.

Rodney Bay Marina (IGY Marinas) ▾
igymarinas.com (2026-10-14): “Immigration & Seaport Authority Phone: +1 758-457-6159 Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:30am – 1:00pm and 2:00pm – 4:00pm Customs & Excise Department Phone: +1 758-452-0235 Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:30am – 1:00pm and 2:00pm – 4:00pm”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near St Lucia — Rodney Bay?

Call 911. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Where do I get the marine forecast for St Lucia — Rodney Bay?

Saint Lucia Meteorological Services publishes a daily forecast with expected sea heights within 25 miles (40 km) of the island and tide times for Castries Harbour and Vieux Fort Bay.

Read before you sail

Cold water shock and hypothermia: what to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose powerChartering in St Lucia: licence & rules

Nearby destinations

Martinique — Le Marin 21 nmThe Grenadines — Bequia / Union Island 66 nmSt George's, Grenada 131 nmGuadeloupe — Pointe-à-Pitre 131 nmAntigua — English Harbour 181 nmSint Maarten / Saint-Martin 267 nmTortola 333 nmSt. Thomas and St. John 338 nm

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