Although I"ve never rented a car I do know it's easy to rent one once on the island. So, it's your call what you are more comfortable doing. I am sure CBR will be able to get you a rental and they are right across from the UVF airport.

thank you. I will look into that option once I get there.

My experience of renting cars in St Lucia over the last ten years or so is that it is cheaper to go for the island companies rather than the big international names like Hertz.

Usually you do not need to book before you go, but sometimes, especially around Christmas, it can be difficult to get a car.

Most of the car rental companies in St Lucia have web sites, so you can look and book in advance.

Here are three that I have used several times:

http://www.beezcarrentals.com/

http://www.courtesycarrentals.com/

http://www.drivestlucia.com/

In my opinion it is better to go for a small SUV rather than a car. On some of the roads the higher ground clearance of a SUV is better over the pot holes or speed calming bumps. I usually hire a Daihatsu Terrios.