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#873325 by pjh
21 May 2014, 12:02
Hello All

I've been toying with the idea of switching our airport / hotel in north of island trip in St Lucia from a private road transfer to the helicopter (whole trip booked with VH). I have to get this right as MrsPJH is not at all keen on helicopters, so it has to be as smooth sailing as possible, so from V-Flyers' experiences..

1. Having got through immigration and customs after the main flight, how long does it take to get to the point at which the helicopter leaves the ground?

2. What is the likelihood of a couple being split up across two different helicopters?

3. I assume the transfer is into the airport at Castries. Do you have to arrange your own taxi once arrived there, or is this part of the service, and is it private or are you put on a coach / taxi van and then trundled around various hotels until you get to yours?

I know from experience the road trip is a "challenge", but given MrsPJH's antipathy to non fixed wing flight I would want to make sure that if I did book the helicopter it would be a seamless experience and save significant time. I've looked at the Tripadvisor reviews and they are pretty mixed.....

Thanks in advance.

Paul
#873328 by pjh
21 May 2014, 12:28
Strattusflyer wrote:I've been looking at the same thing- if you type at lucia helicopters into google it may give u more, but I believe that the helicopters do land at Castries and they arrange transport onwards. When and where are you going?


Early August, to East Winds Inn....
#873331 by Blacky1
21 May 2014, 12:44
We done it in 2012 , we had a bit of a wait at the airport at least an hr I think it was before we were taken to the chopper , about a ten min ride if memory serves and then on landing which I think is when I paid for it ,!then straight in to a 'cab' to the resort
#873332 by Hull
21 May 2014, 13:03
My wife, parents and myself took the Helicopter transfer booked as part of a package with VH in July 2012, we had our own Chopper on the way out and shared with two others on the return. I seem to remember waiting around 30 minutes before being taken to the Chopper, our transfer from Castries to our Hotel in Rodney Bay (the Rex) was waiting for us. We were allowed to take our hand luggage with us and the checked bags were taken on a local transfer bus with other guests so be sure to pack your swim togs in your hand luggage. I seem to remember this option was over an hour quicker than taking the transfer bus from UVF. It gives a great view of the island both ways.

In my opinion it is well worth it and the wife and I will definately tak ethis option on our return to St Lucia.
#873336 by marshy11
21 May 2014, 13:26
It's not just worth it, it's fantastic.

How lucky to be staying at Eastwinds, we stayed there 15 years ago :0 and I can still close my eyes and be back there!

We were in St Lucia in 2010 I think and took the helicopter to/from Almond Morgan Bay (which isn't there anymore I don't think).

I can't recall the length of time we waited, but let me reassure your better half…..I hate walking flights of stairs and the prospect of a helicopter ride was quite terrifying. But it was amazing.

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From memory there were 6 pax in the aircraft (full) - 3 of us. The flight took about 15 minutes and we stopped on the way back at another hotel to drop off and pick up a guest. We had spectacular views of the Pitons and the pilot was incredible at pointing things out. We flew near to Soufriere and have wonderful pictures from the flight itself.

It is quite 'cosy' on board and you are headphoned up, but it means you can all chat to each other.

Virgin arranged it all for us, we had a limo to and from the hotel/airfield.

It's a MUST do!

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