The Rodney Bay area is a more modern looking destination with its upscale resorts, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and other services.  You do not feel like you are in the Caribbean here.  In fact, it looks more like Florida with its newly constructed retirement villas and timeshares.

Getting There

Rodney Bay is 4 – 5 hours sail from Martinique, and is usually a first port of entry into St. Lucia because of the Customs office located here.  It is 2 hours from Marigot Bay.

Anchorages

The Rodney Bay area is over a mile in length, and you have a choice of anchorages depending on what you are looking for:

• Off Pigeon Island – If you want to be away from it all, this is one of a few shallow protected anchorages in St. Lucia with clear water and a great beach.  If you choose to anchor here, you really are too far away from any of the facilities inside the Lagoon unless you enjoy a long dinghy ride.  You’re on your own here, which is probably what you want.
  
  
• Off Reduit Beach – This beautiful crescent beach is home to three upscale resorts and several excellent restaurants and bars within walking distance.  Anchor anywhere, however the water drops off quite quickly.  This anchorage may not be the most comfortable during periods of northerly swells. 
  
  
  
  There is no dinghy dock, so a beach landing is necessary if you are intent on going ashore.  Depending on your level of confidence and the wave conditions at the time, this might not be a great idea.  Your only other option would be to motor the dinghy inside the Lagoon and tie up there.
  
  
• Rodney Bay Marina – A large marina with excellent facilities and sufficient capacity to handle yachts of any size.  Enter the Lagoon through the well-marked channel, tie up at an open slip, and head in to the office to make arrangements.
  
  There is a mini-mall at the Marina that houses the Customs Office, a bank, a small “corner” grocery store, telephones, a travel agent, a chandlery, a drugstore, and several other shops.  Water and diesel is available at the north end of the Lagoon.
  
  A few good restaurants are within walking distance of the Marina.  Be aware that some of the more popular restaurants and pubs are across the Lagoon, just beyond walking distance.  You will need a taxi to reach them, or you could consider taking your dinghy.
  
  
• The Lagoon – Motor past the Marina and bear right.  You will find a well-protected Lagoon lined with upscale retirement condos and villas.  Drop anchor anywhere, but be aware of permanent moorings.
  
  
  
  Easy access to the best restaurants and pubs is the only reason to anchor here, as the water is filthy. The condos look like you are in Florida.  There are modern supermarkets, restaurants, and shops nearby, contributing to that Florida feeling (not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's not the Caribbean).  There are a few industrial operations lining the Lagoon, and the lack of trees does little to soften the harsh effect.  The whole area does not exactly remind anyone of a tropical paradise.  However, you can get a GREAT meal here! 

Gastronomic Abundance

Excellent dining and plenty of bars are probably the two most significant reasons to visit Rodney Bay Lagoon. 

• Nick’s Charthouse – Located on the water inside the Lagoon.  Motor your dinghy right up to their dinghy dock and tie up.  This restaurant serves the best Surf 'n Turf (lobster/steak) you will ever experience!  It is certainly on my “Top Ten” list for the Caribbean.  This restaurant is very nicely appointed with dark wood and soft lighting, making it an excellent place to spend the evening.  The place is popular, so a reservation is highly recommended.
  
  
• Spinnakers – A very unique beach bar on Reduit Beach next to the Royal St. Lucian Hotel.  The atmosphere is great, and any time you can enjoy a seafood dinner on the beach is a good time.
  
  
• Three Amigos – This restaurant serves your regular Mexican fare, complete with frozen margaritas. However, it has one important asset that makes it very popular while you are stuck inside a dirty harbor on a hot day – a swimming pool.  Yes, you can stuff yourself with quesadillas and Coronas, then wade into a cool refreshing pool and take in the afternoon sun.  Finish with an afternoon snooze in the grass, and you've had a great day!
  
  
• Other establishments – I have it on good authority that The Bistro, Razmataz, and La Creole are worth checking out for dinner, although you will expect to pay more.  Popular pubs in the area include the Lime, Mortar & Pestle, Eagles Nest, and Snooti Agouti.  If you are really looking to get into trouble, there is a rather noisy local hangout across from the Lime.  Music from this establishment has been known to find its way across the Lagoon late into the evening.