UVF Airport to Smugglers Nest Private Transfer

Smugglers Nest is at Cap Estate, the headland at the northern tip of St Lucia, roughly 80 km from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF). The drive takes 80 to 95 minutes. The fare is $132 for the whole vehicle rather than per person, covering up to three passengers. Families of up to 5 (up to 3 adults and 2 children) add $25 per extra person, while groups of 4 or more adults, 3 or more children, or 6 or more people are charged our group rate, shown when you choose your passengers.

Your driver meets you inside the arrivals hall with a sign showing your name, takes the luggage and has you on the road minutes after customs. The rate is fixed when you book.

Nothing is charged online and there is no deposit.

The drive from Hewanorra to Cap Estate

The route runs north up the Atlantic side. From Vieux Fort the Micoud Highway passes through Micoud and Dennery, climbs into rainforest at Barre de l'Isle, the ridge that splits the island, then drops through the Cul de Sac valley into Castries. The coastal highway carries on north past Choc Bay and Bois d'Orange to Rodney Bay.

The property lies beyond that. The road continues through Gros Islet and up into Cap Estate, then down towards the cove, adding ten to fifteen minutes to a Rodney Bay run. The descent is residential and steep in places, with speed bumps, and the lanes are unlit after dark.

Rodney Bay is the last place with proper shops before the headland. If you are self catering, the supermarkets are fifteen to twenty minutes from the property and you pass them on the way in, so a stop saves a trip back out later. Say so at booking and the driver allows the time.

About the cove and its name

The name is not decoration. This corner of the island, with its hidden coves and the channel over to Martinique, was used for landing goods that never troubled a customs house, back when the two islands changed hands between the French and the British more often than anyone found convenient.

The cove today is a small sheltered beach at the bottom of the valley, hills closing in on either side.

Worth knowing more generally: beaches in St Lucia are public up to the high water mark. Staying in a villa rather than a resort, you can still walk onto the sand in front of the hotels. The loungers and the bar belong to them, the beach does not.

Around Cap Estate

Cap Estate is residential and spread out, with the golf course on the slopes and small bays below. Nothing is walkable, so anything off the property needs transport.

Pigeon Island National Landmark is around ten minutes away, with the fort ruins and two calm beaches. Gros Islet holds its street party on Friday nights. Rodney Bay, with the restaurants, mall and Reduit Beach, is fifteen to twenty minutes south. Soufriere and the Pitons are about two hours by road, so consider seeing them by boat instead.

What is included in your transfer

• Private air-conditioned vehicle for your party only
• Licensed local driver who knows the highway and the Cap Estate lanes
• Meet and greet inside arrivals with a name sign and luggage help
• Flight tracking on the day you travel
• Complimentary bottled water
• All taxes and fees
• Child seats free on request, give us the ages when you book

Not included: an optional gratuity for your driver.

How booking works

1. Pick this transfer, choose the pay-in-cash option, register and submit your details. The flight number field is optional at this stage.
2. You get a confirmation email straight away letting you know we have received the booking.
3. Someone goes through your details and confirms the booking, usually in under 30 minutes, and you get a confirmation email.
4. We assign your driver and ask for the flight number about 24 hours before travel if we do not have it. He meets you at arrivals with your name on a sign, takes the bags and drives you up to the property, where the fare is paid in cash.

Frequently asked questions

I am flying into SLU George Charles Airport. Can you collect me?

Yes. SLU sits just outside Castries, and the fare from there is $40 for the whole vehicle, covering up to three passengers. Families of up to 5 (up to 3 adults and 2 children) add $25 per extra person, while groups of 4 or more adults, 3 or more children, or 6 or more people are charged our group rate, shown when you choose your passengers. Select SLU under "Your airport" to see the price and book. Your driver tracks your flight and waits for you, with the same fixed price on the return trip.

Can we use the beaches in front of the hotels?

Yes. Beaches here are public to the high water mark, so the sand is open to everyone. The sunbeds and bar service belong to the hotel.

Where is the nearest supermarket?

Rodney Bay, fifteen to twenty minutes south and on your way in. It is the last proper shopping before the headland, so stop as you pass.

Where does the name come from?

From what the coves around this coast were once used for, in the days when St Lucia and Martinique changed hands regularly and cargo moved quietly between them.

What is the descent like?

Residential, steep in places, with speed bumps. Short, and our drivers run it regularly, but unlit after dark.

What if my flight is delayed?

We track it and update your driver, who waits. No extra charge and the booking stands.

How do I pay?

Cash to the driver on arrival. Nothing is taken online and there is no deposit.

Book your UVF to Smugglers Nest transfer now and we will confirm it by email once someone has checked your details.