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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Mon Repos - Botanical gardens US$7.50; Sandy Bay US$10
Laudat - Hike to Boiling Lake US$40; Transport to Freshwater Lake US$8; Kayak US$10. Tia'sSpa US$25 inc. ents
Rosseau - Snorkel excursion US$30
Martinique - St. Pierre and rum distillery €30;
Soufriere - Anse Chastanet water taxi US$10; snorkelling equipment US$10; Scuba US$80 per dive plus equipment; Botanical gardens US$6; Gros Piton Hike US$50; Half day sailing US$60.
Local Staff: In this area, tipping is a recognised part of life. Some local staff will look to members of the group for recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow US$30 for group tipping. 10% is expected in restaurants.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: East Caribbean Dollar in ST Lucia and Dominica/Euro in Martinique.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: We recommend that you bring US dollars cash and some Euros. Although the currency of St Lucia and Dominica is the East Caribbean dollar, US dollars are readily exchangeable and accepted everywhere, except Martinique where they use the Euro.
ATM Availability: It is also convenient to use a Visa/Mastercard at cash point machines.
Credit Card Acceptance: Good.
Travellers Cheques: Not recommended.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Dominica | Martinique | St Lucia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $1.50 | €2.00 | $3.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | $1.50 | €2.00 | $1.50 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $1.50 | €1.50 | $1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | $3.00 | €4.00 | $3.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $18.00 | €18.00 | 20.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $32.00 | €35.00 | 40.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | $20.00 | €20.00 | $20.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 | $10.00 | €8.00 | $10.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Back to topEntry visas are NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN. citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Please note: Please note that flights on the tour may transit through the USA. According to US law, passengers may have to disembark, collect luggage and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight.
Holders of the UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and several EU country passports can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they hold a machine readable passport. They must also be entering the country by sea or air on a carrier participating in the visa waiver scheme, holding a return/onward ticket. As well as being machine readable, if your passport was issued on or after 26 October 2005, it must contain both a digital photograph of the holder and also an integrated circuit chip that stores biographic information.
From 12 January 2009 all passengers travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme must provide their details online no later than 72 hours prior to travel. British travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely to be detained and sent home. In addition to passport information, you must also supply the full address of your first night’s accommodation in the USA. This information can be obtained from your joining instructions which are sent out approximately 3 weeks before travel.
For more information, and to apply online, please visit the following website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Once obtained, the application will be valid for a period of two years, or for the validity of your passport (whichever is shorter). At present, US authorities do not propose to levy a charge for this service, although they have reserved the right to consider doing so in the future.
For more information about who is eligible for the VWP, or any other questions you may have regarding your eligibility, or machine readable passports, please contact your local consular office, or visit www.usembassy.org.uk
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Back to topNothing compulsory. Tetanus recommended.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topDaytime temperatures are in the 70’s December to March and in the 80’s April – June. Whatever the season, the climate is tempered by off shore breezes and the sea is pleasant to swim in year round. When visiting the rainforest be prepared for short sharp downpours at any time of the year.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topThe hurricane season in the Caribbean officially runs from June to November, often peaking in September. However, as the frequency and intensity of the hurricanes is impossible to predict from year to year, we still plan operate our tours during this period. In the event of a hurricane occurring during your trip, your safety is our top priority. In accordance with local regulations and with the assistance of our local groundhandling agents, we may have to evacuate to another part of the island or have to remain in the same place for a number of days while the storm passes. This could result in a certain amount of disruption to the itinerary of your tour.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topOne main piece of luggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own baggage on and off the ferries as no porters are available – so don’t overload yourself.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topPack for warm weather. Waterproofs are essencial as it can rain at any time. An umberella will also be of handy. A light fleece is useful for evenings in the mountains.
Back to topWalking or trail boots are essential if you wish to go on any of the walks, plus comfortable trainers and/or sandals. Water sandals may be useful.
Back to topWe recommend you bring a sunhat and sunscreen as the sun can be strong and insect repellent. A water bottle is essential. Note that Snorkelling equipment is normally available for rent US$10. Small umbrella, torch,and a beach towel. Poles may be useful for some walks. A torch is useful in case of powercuts/ emergencies.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topWater-based activities: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including whitewater) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topPlease note different adaptors needed for St Lucia, Martinique and Dominica.
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