Pigeon Island (Rodney Bay, St Lucia)

Pigeon Island is located in northern Saint Lucia. Until 1972, its land (sized 1,8 km2 / 44 acres) was isolated from the mainland (St Lucia Island), Then, the island was artificially connected to the western coast by a causeway built from Rodney Bay Marina dredged material. Today, Pigeon Island is a historic site with British forts from the 8th century and home of the annual Saint Lucia Jazz Festival.

Island's original inhabitants (Arawak people) were driven out by Caribs about 1000 AD. The Caribs occupied caves along the coast. During the 16th century, the French pirate Francois le Clerc used Pigeon Island as buccaneer base.

The island was conquered by the British Admiral George Rodney in 1778. He expelled the natives and built Fort Rodney. All trees on the island were cut down in order to establish clear viewpoints for spying Martinique's naval base. In 1782, the Admiral sailed from Pigeon Island, confronted and defeated the French fleet.

As cruise port, Rodney Bay is visited mainly by megayachts and sailing cruise ships from the fleets of Silversea, Windstar, Ponant, SeaDream, Star Clippers.

Pigeon Island cruise terminal