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Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement

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Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)

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The Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement is one of Saint Lucia’s most significant archaeological sites, providing a window into the lives of the island’s earliest inhabitants. Situated on the southeastern coast near Vieux Fort, the site covers an area where Arawak-speaking Amerindians established a thriving community long before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. Excavations have revealed extensive shell middens, large mounds of discarded mollusk shells, alongside fragments of sophisticated pottery and primitive stone tools. The location was strategically chosen for its access to the diverse ecosystems of the surrounding mangroves and the open Caribbean Sea, allowing for a diet rich in seafood and agricultural products. Archaeologists have found evidence of early cassava cultivation and organized social structures. Today, the site remains a critical location for understanding the complex history of the Windward Islands prior to 1492.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626272828282829282827
Rain mm6844489710213615418018218915985

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement is an archaeological site with visible traces of indigenous inhabitants. The area is freely accessible, though the remains are not fully enclosed. Visitors can wander around and see the excavated foundations.
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Typical hours
The site is accessible at any time as it is outdoors with no regulated hours. It is recommended to visit during daylight to see details better. Often there are no signs; local guides can assist.
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Photography
Photography is allowed and encouraged to document the archaeological remains. Be careful not to step on fragile structures. Drone footage may not be permitted; it is best to ask beforehand.
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Time needed
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes to explore the area and see the foundations. If you want to learn more about the history, a local guide may take up to an hour. The site is small but historically significant.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Savannes Bay Nature Trail or the mangroves. The beaches of Micoud and the Moule-à-Chique peninsula are also not far away.
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Getting there
The site is on the southeast coast of Saint Lucia, near Savannes Bay Beach. Reach it by car via the main road; park at the roadside. From Vieux Fort, it is about a 20-minute drive.
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Insider tip
Bring insect repellent, as the nearby bay and mangroves attract many mosquitoes. Binoculars can help spot birds in the trees. Visit the site in the late afternoon for softer light.

Geography

Coordinates
13.75550, -60.91550

Facts

  • Pre-Columbian settlement remains found
  • Ceramic finds date back to 200 AD
  • Mangrove ecosystem protects the coast
  • Arawak population relied on fishing
  • Located south of Micoud
  • Archaeological studies conducted in 1960s

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Savannes Bay Nature ReserveSavannes Bay Nature Reserve<1 km · WExplore →
Maria IslandsMaria Islands2 km · SWExplore →
Canelles River DeltaCanelles River Delta2 km · SEExplore →
Desruisseaux Community CentreDesruisseaux Community Centre3 km · SEExplore →
St. Lucy Parish ChurchSt. Lucy Parish Church4 km · NEExplore →
Moule-a-Chique LighthouseMoule-a-Chique Lighthouse4 km · SWExplore →
Troumassée River BasinTroumassée River Basin4 km · EExplore →
Hewanorra Airport Logistics HubHewanorra Airport Logistics Hub4 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (2)

Rouarne River📍 landmark

Rouarne River flows in southern Saint Lucia and empties into Savannes Bay.

Canelles River📍 landmark

Canelles River runs in southern Saint Lucia and empties into the sea near Savannes Bay.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who were the Arawaks?
The indigenous people of the Caribbean who lived here long before Europeans.
What can be seen today at Savannes Bay?
A protected bay with mangroves and archaeological sites.
Is the site developed for tourists?
Only minimally; it is a quiet place for nature and history lovers.
Is there parking available?
There are only unpaved parking spots along the bay.
Why is Savannes Bay important?
It proves the early settlement of the island by indigenous peoples.
Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement: where is it located?
Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement is located in St. Lucia.
Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rouarne River, Canelles River.
Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement: why is it worth visiting?
The Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement is one of Saint Lucia’s most significant archaeological sites, providing a window into the lives of the island’s earliest inhabitants.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Carellie — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Carellie
Carellie is a quiet residential area located northeast of Castries.
Dennery South — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Dennery South
Dennery South borders the Dennery fishing bay.
Dennery — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Dennery
Dennery is located on the east coast and is a significant center for fishing.
Dennery Village — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Dennery Village
Dennery Village is nestled in a scenic bay on the east coast.
Dennery Old Village — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Dennery Old Village
Dennery on the east coast was named after the French Count d'Ennery.
Laborie — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Laborie
Laborie is a picturesque fishing village on the southwest coast.
🗺️
Laborie Village
Laborie Village is a tightly knit community on the south coast.
Balembouche — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Balembouche
Balembouche is known for its historic estate and surrounding rural hamlets.
Piaye — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Piaye
Piaye is a village on the southwest coast.
Choiseul East — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Choiseul East
Choiseul East is known for its traditional weaving and craft work.
Choiseul — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Choiseul
Choiseul is the arts and crafts capital of Saint Lucia, located on the southwest coast.
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Choiseul Village
Choiseul Village is nestled under the peak of Gros Piton.
Vieux Fort — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Vieux Fort
Vieux Fort is the second-largest town on the island, located at the southern tip.
Vieux Fort Old Town — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Vieux Fort Old Town
Vieux Fort is named after an old French fort built in the 17th century to protect the south.
Micoud — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Micoud
Micoud is a settlement on the southeastern coast of Saint Lucia.

History & landmarks

Vieux Fort Town Hall — Savannes Bay Arawak Settlement (St. Lucia)
Vieux Fort Town Hall
The administrative building of Vieux Fort town in the south.