Spencer Ambrose Tours of St. Lucia

Planning Your Trip? We’ve Got the Answers
Planning Your Trip? We’ve Got the Answers!

Our Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions?  Find answers about our St. Lucia speedboat tours, cruise ship excursions, timing, beach chairs, local meals, and more.  Plan with absolute confidence for your island escape!

Is a deposit required?
Yes, a deposit is required to secure your reservation. The amounts are as follows:
 
  • Standard Tours: $20 USD deposit + $1.30 non-refundable transaction fee (per person). 
  • Private or Custom Tours: $50 USD deposit + $3.25 non-refundable transaction fee (per person). 

Payments are processed securely through PayPal.

Are reservations required?

Yes!  Advance reservations are required for all Spencer Ambrose Tours and Transfer Services. Whether travelling by land or by sea, booking in advance is the sure way to guarantee your seat and avoid disappointment (especially given the high demand for our water-based tours).  This also helps our team prepare everything needed to provide you with the best possible experience.

What is your cancellation policy?
Our tours run rain or shine! As long as SLASPA deems conditions safe for maritime travel, our adventures proceed as scheduled. 
 
  • If Your Cruise Ship Misses Port: Your deposit is 100% protected. If your ship skips St. Lucia or alters its itinerary, we will automatically issue a Full Deposit Credit valid for any future St. Lucian adventure with us.
  • Standard Cancellations:  You will receive a full deposit refund if you cancel at least 48 hours prior to your tour date.
  • Last-Minute & No-Shows: Cancellations made less than 48 hours before departure are completely non-refundable and non-transferable, as your boat seats, guides, and fresh beachside lunches are already finalized.
*Certain restrictions apply.  Check our  Cancellation page  for more information.
I emailed you and have not heard back--what should I do?

We aim to reply to all inquiries as quickly as possible.  If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, please contact us again.  We also recommend checking your spam or junk folder, as our messages can sometimes be filtered there.

To ensure our future replies reach you directly, we recommend adding tours@spencerambrose.com to your safe senders list or contacts. 

My ship arrives at 8:00 AM. Will I have enough time to make the 8:30 AM tour?
Yes, absolutely! Our tours are perfectly synchronized with your cruise schedule. An 8:30 AM tour is the designated start time for all ships docking at 8:00 AM.
Our crew tracks your ship's arrival, and we ensure you have a comfortable window to disembark and join the tour without any rushing. Furthermore, if your ship experiences an unexpected delay, our tour automatically waits for up to 30 minutes from the time guests are first clear to disembark.
What time do your St. Lucia cruise excursions and tours depart?
To ensure a stress-free start to your day, our tours are scheduled to depart 30 minutes after your ship docks. While our standard start time is 8:30 AM, we adjust our schedule to accommodate your ship's time in port.
 
If your ship arrives later in the day, your tour will still depart 30 minutes after you dock.
 
For example:
  • Ship arrives at 8:00 AM
    Tour departs at 8:30 AM
  • Ship arrives at 9:00 AM
     Tour departs at 9:30 AM
  • Ship arrives at 1:00 PM
     Tour departs at 1:30 PM

For early morning arrivals (7:00 AM or 7:30 AM), your departure time will be 8:00 AM or 8:30 AM respectively.

I am arriving by cruise ship. Do I need a shuttle or taxi to get to the tour starting point?

Pedestrian walkway to the Ferry Dock at Pointe Seraphine

No taxi or shuttle is required!
We pick up our guests directly from both the Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage cruise terminals.

Our speedboats depart from the nearby ferry dock, which is just a short, easy walk from your ship.

For more information and a printable version where to find us at the terminals, click here,

Are Sugar Beach lounge chairs included in my St. Lucia tour?

Complimentary chairs, Snorkeling Area of Jalousie/Sugar Beach, Spencer Ambrose Tours, St. Lucia
Snorkelling Area at Sugar Beach

The Sugar Beach Resort offers complimentary sun loungers and thatched umbrellas (palapas) on the snorkelling side of the beach on a first-come, first-served basis.

Deluxe, padded loungers and umbrella/palapas may be rented directly from the Sugar Beach Resort for $100 USD/chair (not included in our tour rate). 

As these seating and shade options are managed exclusively by the resort, we cannot guarantee availability or rental rates.

Visiting Anse Chastanet? Please note that beach chairs and umbrellas are reserved for resort guests. Since public rentals are extremely limited, bringing your own beach mats & towels is highly recommended.

Will I get back to my ship on time?

Absolutely!  We have been operating St. Lucia shore excursions since 2006 and maintain a perfect, flawless record.  We have never missed a cruise ship departure.  We monitor the clock so you don't have too, so you can simply just relax and enjoy your day.  

Standard Ship Departures: For ships sailing at 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, we will have you safely back at the Castries cruise terminal 60 to 90 minutes before your ship's "all aboard" time.

Early Departures:  We If your ship leaves early, we adjust our itinerary to ensure you are returned no less than 60 minutes prior to your ship's departure.

Evening Departures: Since our speedboat tours are daytime excursions, guests on late-night ships will still be returned to the port in the afternoon (typically between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM) upon the conclusion of the tour.

We’ve never missed a ship in nearly two decades, and we don’t plan on starting a new trend with you!  Relax and enjoy your vacation—with Spencer Ambrose Tours you are in completely safe hands. 

What does lunch consist of? Do you offer vegetarian or gluten-free meals?

With the Pitons as your backdrop, enjoy a delicious Creole lunch right on the beach!

A delicious Creole-style lunch is included in all of our full-day tour packages.  Lunches are served picnic-style right on Sugar Beach!

Our menu features flavourful Creole jerk chicken alongside savory rice and lentils, spaghetti or local-style potato salad. This is complemented by fresh island vegetables such as sweet potatoes, plantains, or yams.

While we do not have specific dietary menus, we strive to accommodate our guests whenever possible with our current selections.

Vegetarian Options:
 You may substitute chicken with either codfish or tuna. If you prefer not to have fish, our sides typically include a variety of fresh local dishes that are generally well-received.

Gluten Sensitivities: Our chicken is prepared without flour, and we typically serve rice and vegetable dishes that are naturally gluten-free.

Our Recommendation: As meals are prepared in a traditional island style, we cannot guarantee a 100% allergen-free environment. If you have a severe allergy or highly specific dietary needs, we suggest bringing along a few preferred snacks to ensure you have something safe and enjoyable to eat.
What if my cruise ship arrives just 30 minutes before the tour? Will I miss the tour?
No, you will not miss the tour!  Our departure schedules are custom-tailored directly to your ship's specific arrival time.
 
We specialize in St. Lucian cruise port excursions and monitor all ship arrival schedules in real time.  Our team is ready to meet guests 30 minutes after a ship docks.
 
Disembarkation is usually a very smooth process, and our guests easily reach the meeting point on time. To ensure everyone enjoys a full day of sightseeing, we allow a maximum grace period of 30 minutes from the moment passengers are cleared to leave the ship.
 
We kindly ask that you head directly to the designated meeting point as soon as you step off the ship so we can get your St. Lucian speedboat adventure started on time!
What happens if my ship arrives late?
No problem! We monitor all ship arrivals in real-time, and our team will be waiting for you at the designated meeting point.
 
The tour will depart 30 minutes after your ship is cleared for disembarkation.
 
Note: To ensure you return to the pier on time, a significant ship delay may require us to modify the itinerary, which could include fewer stops or less time at certain sites.
Do you offer St. Lucia shore excursions for afternoon cruise arrivals?

Yes!  For ships with a 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM afternoon arrival (such as NCL Sky & Epic), we offer modified versions of our Land, Sea & Beach Adventure, Sugar Beach Break, and our double beach escape to Anse Chastanet & Sugar Beach.

  • Departure: Tours depart 30 minutes after docking.
  • Discount: Because of the late start, lunch is excluded and your rate is discounted by $10.00 per person.
  • Itinerary: On the Land, Sea & Beach Adventure, we prioritize main attractions like the Mud Baths, Waterfall & Sugar Beach.


Please Note:
 
Some coastal stops may be omitted to ensure we return to the terminal by 5:30–6:00 PM before sunset.

Pro-tip: This schedule ensures you see the best of St. Lucia while keeping your return trip safe and scenic before dark.

Is there a weight limit?
For your safety and to ensure the best performance of our speedboats, we have a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg) per person.
 
Additionally, all participants must be mobile enough to comfortably board and disembark the vessel.
 
How many people are on the tour?

While group sizes vary daily based on bookings, we strictly follow official safety guidelines. To ensure your comfort and safety, we maintain the following capacities:

  • On the Water: Spencer's speedboats carry between 16–20 passengers.
  • On Land: For guests going ashore in Soufrière on the Land, Sea & Beach Adventure, or for those on the West Coast Island Delight, our air-conditioned vans accommodate no more than 15 people.

Our Commitment: 
We strictly adhere to the legal occupancy for all our vessels and vehicles as mandated by the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) and the Ministry of Transport. This ensures a safe, stable, and comfortable experience for every guest.

 
Click here for more information and photos of Spencer's speedboats.

Is hotel pick-up available for the speedboat tours?

Yes!  While our speedboat tours depart directly from the Castries cruise terminal, we provide convenient pick up and return transportation for our hotel guests.  Depending on your resort's location, you can often choose between a speedboat transfer or a standard land taxi.

Please note that transfer rates vary based on your location and transportation method (land or sea travel). These rates are in addition to your tour balance.

Click here to view our hotel pick-up and return options and rates.

How much time is spent at the sites on Spencer’s Land, Sea & Beach Adventure?
For Ships in Port 9 or More Hours
(e.g., 7:00–18:00, 8:00–17:00, 8:00-18:00, 9:00–18:00, 8:00-20:00)
  • Sulphur Springs Mud Baths or Volcano Tour: ~30 minutes
  • Toraille Waterfall: 25–30 minutes
  • Sugar Beach: 1–1.5 hours (or more)
 
For Ships in Port 8 Hours or Less
(e.g., 8:00–4:00, 1:00–7:00)
  • Expect reduced time at the beach and/or coastal sites. Our priority is providing a high-quality experience while ensuring a guaranteed, on-time return to your ship.
Is it safe to leave items in the van?

Yes, for your security, our vans remain locked at all times while you are away from the vehicle exploring. 

Are your boats equipped with life jackets?

Yes!  Your safety is our priority.  All our speedboats are fully equipped with lifejackets in both adult and child sizes. 

Do you provide snorkelling gear?

Snorkeling at Jalousie/Sugar Beach on Spencer Ambrose Tours, St. Lucia

Due to modern sanitary preferences and a high rate of lost equipment, we are no longer able to guarante snorkelling gear. While we do keep a very limited backup supply on hand, availability cannot be promised.

For the best fit and personal hygiene, we highly recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel.  Alternatively, for your convenience, professional snorkelling gear is available for rent on the beach at both Sugar Beach & Anse Chastanet for $20 USD or $10 USD for fins only.

Are your vehicles air conditioned?

Yes, for your comfort all vehicles are air-conditioned.

Can you accommodate large groups?

Team Cocktail pose at Jalousie/Sugar Beach on a Spencer Ambrose Tour, St. Lucia,

Absolutely!  We specialize in organizing large groups.  Whether you are travelling by land or sea, we can coordinate multiple vehicles or boats to ensure your group enjoys a seamless experience.  We look forward to hosting you!

 Contact Us  for more information--let's start planning a day your group will never forget!

Are there bathrooms on the speedboats, and what restroom or changing facilities are available during the tour?

While our speedboats do not have onboard restrooms, we have scheduled stops at numerous locations throughout the day.

Restroom facilities are available at:

  • Sulphur Springs (both at the Mud Baths & Volcano Visitor Center)
  • Toraille Waterfall
  • Sugar Beach
  • Anse Chastanet
  • Marigot Bay

Complimentary changing rooms and restroom facilities are available free of charge at Sugar Beach. These are located on the snorkeling side of the beach--the same area where the complimentary chairs are provided.

Is motion sickness a concern?
  • By Land (West Coast Island Delight): St. Lucia’s coastal roads are famously winding. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking precautions before the tour.  Natural Remedies like ginger chews or Sea-Bands can be very effective.  Also requesting a seat near the front of the van helps to provide a smoother ride.

     

  • By Water (Speedboat to Soufrière): This is a great alternative that bypasses the curvy roads entirely! While the boat ride is generally smooth and breezy, guests highly sensitive to sea conditions may still wish to prepare accordingly.  Sitting at the back of the boat also provides a more stable and less bouncy ride.
What happens if my plans change due to travel disruptions or ship itinerary changes?

If your travel is interrupted by a global health or travel advisory (including COVID-19), large-scale travel interruptions or a change in your cruise ship itinerary, your deposit is 100% protected. While we do not reimburse deposits, we will issue a Full Tour Deposit Credit (including transaction fees) that never expires.

Check our  Cancellation page  for more information.

Is there time for shopping at the cruise port after the tour?
Yes, absolutely!  We’ll have you back 60–90 minutes before you sail. If you're leaving in the evening, you'll return at the same time, giving you a few extra hours of "bonus time" to explore the duty-free shopping complex located right at the pier.
 

Please note: To ensure all guests return to the ship on time, all tours conclude directly at the terminal.  We do not offer drop-offs at the Castries Market or other downtown locations.

Do you offer airport pickup or transfer services in St. Lucia?

Airport Transfer, Spencer Ambrose Tours

Yes, absolutely!  Spencer Ambrose Tours offers both private and VIP St. Lucia airport transfer services to and from any hotel, resort or villa on the island.

Whether you land at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort or George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU) in Castries, our professional drivers will be waiting to greet you. Your stress-free island ride is waiting—let's get your St. Lucian vacation started the moment you step off the plane!

Click here  for more information about our transfer services.

How can I donate school supplies to local St. Lucia schools?

Want to give back? Spencer and his team will gratefully accept school supply donations to support local students.  Feel free to bring any items with you at the beginning of your tour, and we will ensure they  reach local classrooms.

Most needed items include

  • exercise notebooks & lined paper
  • colouring books
  • pens, pencils & erasers
  • markers, coloured pencils & crayons
  • binders
  • backpacks
  • new or used fiction novels suitable for 12-14 year olds (ie:  Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Lizzie McGuire, Diary of a Wimpy Kid...). 

Spencer personally distributes your gifts to students most in need. Your generosity will truly make a meaningful difference to each child.

No amount is too small to make a difference!


To see the impact of past donations visit our Helping St. Lucian School Children information page.