Hankering to feel the sand between your toes or the refreshing ocean waters? Escape to the Caribbean and visit the tranquil island of St. Lucia. One of the most visually stunning islands in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is the tropical getaway of choice. The island is located in Eastern Caribbean and is easily identified by the distinct peaks flanking its west coast. A favorite destination amongst vacationers, it offers yellow-white sand beaches, scenic nature hikes, bountiful deep blue depths, and sumptuous Creole cuisine.
St. Lucia has sunshine all year long but is best visited between May to June. Soufriere, which used to be the French colonial capital, is the main hub of the island, given its proximity to most of the island’s attractions. Much of the island’s beauty can be enjoyed from there. St. Lucia provides visitors with many options for water activities, from exciting cruises to adventurous dives.
Make St. Lucia your next travel destination with this exciting list of things to do.
1. Spend the day on Reduit Beach
People on Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, West Indies | Stephen Barnes, Getty Images
Reduit Beach is arguably the best beach on the island. The golden shoreline and ocean scenery is as big of a draw as its accessibility. Located in Gros Islet, the beach is easily accessible on the north coast of the island. It is within walking distance to the hotel and restaurants lining Rodney Bay. You can enjoy a selection of water sports on the beach, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing.
Reduit Beach
Reduit Beach Ave, Rodney Bay, St Lucia
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Cliff at Cap (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Big Chef Steak House (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Bottle N Spoon Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Caribbean, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Reduit Beach.
The best hotel to stay near Reduit Beach based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Landings St. Lucia (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
2. Revisit history at Pigeon Island National Landmark
Cannon in Fort Rodney on Pigeon Island, Saint Lucia | CatMiche, Getty Images
St. Lucia’s center for island history, culture, and natural wonders is the Pigeon Island National Landmark. Located on the northwest coast, the island is accessible through the man-made causeway. The island is home to ruins of military strongholds used during the battles between the French and the British over the island. An Interpretation Centre is located on the island, which chronicles the island’s history.
Pigeon Island National Landmark
Pigeon Island, Rodney Bay, St Lucia
Admission: $8 for adults; $3 for kids 5-12
Ph: +1 758-452-5005
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• pigeon island pizza’s (5/5 stars, Pizza, $$$)
• Spice of India (4.6/5 stars, Indian, $$)
• Sakuragi (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Pigeon Island National Landmark.
The best hotel to stay near Pigeon Island National Landmark based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Cap Maison Resort & Spa (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
3. Experience the secluded Anse Chastanet
People relaxing on the black sandy beach of the Anse Chastanet | Flavio Vallenari, Getty Images
Anse Chastanet is a beautiful spot on the island. On the beach, visitors will be surrounded by lush tropical palms, rolling green hills, pale gray sand, and inviting waters. However, the charm of this particular beach is that it isn’t easily accessible. Tucked away on the southwest coast of the island, the beach can only be reached through a water taxi to its shores.
While this is a popular destination for tourists, it is less crowded than the other beaches on the island. Enjoy the calming solitude that this intimate beach offers.
Anse Chastanet
Old French Road, Mamin, St Lucia
Admission: Rates and packages
Ph: +1-800-223-1108
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Jade Mountain Club (4.7/5 stars, Caribbean, $$$)
• The Beacon Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Martha’s Tables (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Anse Chastanet.
The best hotel to stay near Anse Chastanet based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Jade Mountain Resort (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. See natural wonders at the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths
Once one of the oldest and well-preserved plantation estates on St. Lucia, the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens has been transformed into one of the highlights of the island. Located half a mile from Soufriere, the gardens sit on a natural gorge. The attractions of the area include the Botanical Gardens, which offer a fascinating range of Caribbean flora and fauna, the therapeutic Sulphur Mineral Baths, and the world’s only drive-through volcano.
Admire the almost magical beauty of the tropical wonders the estate offers. The location is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Sundays and public holidays when it is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths
Soufriere Estate, St Lucia
Admission: $7
Ph: +1-758-459-7155
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Treetop Restaurant and Bar (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Bamboo Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Mystique Breeze (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths.
The best hotel to stay near Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Chocolat (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Conquer the Pitons
Grand piton mountain in saint Lucia | Tom Meaker, Getty Images
St. Lucia is known for the two volcanic spires decorating its sublime landscape: Gros Piton and Petit Pitons. The iconic peaks rise nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. Only Gros Piton, with an elevation of 2,619 feet, is readily accessible to tourists. The 2-kilometer trail takes you through the rich and diverse forest and is about a 3-6 hour hike.
A permit and a guide are required before climbing the peak. These can be obtained at the Interpretive Centre at the base of the Fond Gens Libre mountain.
Gros Piton
Bridge Street, Soufriere Post Office, LC 09 101, Soufriere, St Lucia
Admission: USD$50.00 per person
Ph: 1 (758) 486-1561
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The View (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Sylvie’s Cuisine (4.7/5 stars, Creole, $$)
• Sea View Creole Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Gros Piton.
The best hotel to stay near Gros Piton based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Têt Rouge Resort (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. Visit the picturesque Marigot Bay
Beautiful Marigot bay detailing detailing boats, blue skies and fluffy clouds | Haydn Isted, Getty Images
Marigot Bay is one of the most beautiful and scenic spots on the island. Located five miles south of Castries, this natural harbor boasts aquamarine waters set against vibrant green tropical forests and bright blue skies. A testament to the bay’s beauty is its feature in the popular 1967 film, Dr. Dolittle, which has brought the island international fame.
Take in the natural beauty of this pocket of paradise from the waterside restaurants or its powdery shorelines. While this spot is famous for its picture-perfect view, visitors can also enjoy the snorkeling options available on the bay.
Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay, Castries, St Lucia
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Pink Plantation House (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Pirates Bay Marigot (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Bottle N Spoon Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Caribbean, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Marigot Bay.
The best hotel to stay near Marigot Bay based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Ladera Resort (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Trek the Tet Paul Nature Trail
Tet Paul Nature Trail: Taking it All In | uncommoncarib, YouTube
Short but sweet, the Tet Paul Nature Trail is a relatively short and easy hike that features wonderful photo opportunities. The 45-minute scenic hike takes you through grand stairways that offer spectacular views of unspoiled natural wonders such as the Jalousie Bay and the Pitons. The knowledgeable guides also provide engaging discussions about the exotic horticulture within the area.
Discover St. Lucia’s very own Stairway to Heaven! The views will certainly make you wonder if there is Heaven on Earth.
Tet Paul Nature Trail
Chateau Belaire, St Lucia
Admission: $10.00 per person
Ph: +1 758-457-1122
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Stone Yard Restaurant and Bar (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Madame Bon Coup (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Captain Hooks Hideaway (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Tet Paul Nature Trail.
The best hotel to stay near Tet Paul Nature Trail based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa (8.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. Rejuvenate at the Sulphur Springs Park
Tour the St Lucia Volcano – Learn about the Sulphur Springs Park | Janus Gyan, YouTube
Sulphur Springs Park is known as having the world’s only drive-in volcano, where visitors can safely maneuver right through an active volcano. Nearby the volcano are warm, sulfuric pools that invite visitors to experience a unique mud bath in nature. The mineral-rich springs are said to have detoxifying properties to restore the skin.
Sulphur Springs Park
Sulphur Springs Access Road Soufriere, St Lucia
Admission: US$15.00 entrance; $75.00 one tour per person
Ph: +1 758-584-8396
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Jah Lamb’s Vegetarian (5/5 stars, Vegetarian, $$$)
• The Terrace (4.7/5 stars, Breakfast, $$)
• U’NIK (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Sulphur Springs Park.
The best hotel to stay near Sulphur Springs Park based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Serenity at Coconut Bay (9.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
9. Meander through Castries Central Market
Castries Central Market, Saint Lucia | Orietta Gaspari, Getty Images
Considered the largest open-air market in Castries, St. Lucia, the vibrant and lively market has been an institution on the island. The massive market has over 300 regular vendors who sell anything from typical tourist fare to exciting produce, spices, and seafood. It is frequented by tourists and locals alike.
Explore the creole curiosities of the market and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of St. Lucia. The market is open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is closed on Sundays. It’s best to visit the market at its busiest: every Saturday morning.
Castries Central Market
55 John Compton Hwy, Castries, St Lucia
Admission: Free
Ph: +1 758-460-5596
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Flamingo Restaurant (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Jambe De Bois Restaurant & Bar (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• F & F Chinese Restaurant (5/5 stars, Chinese, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Castries Central Market.
The best hotel to stay near Castries Central Market based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Calabash Cove Resort & Spa (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. Get wet at the Splash Island Water Park
Splash Island Water Park, St.Lucia | Splash Island Water Park, YouTube
One of the newer attractions in St Lucia, Splash Island Water Park is a family-friendly adventure. Located in front of the Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa on Reduit Beach, Splash Island is the Caribbean’s first open-water water park that opened in 2015. The inflatable water park is full of exciting obstacles and challenges, including a trampoline, that makes for a fun day in the St. Lucia sun.
Maneuver through the exciting, vibrant park set against the gorgeous Caribbean sea. The water park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Splash Island Water Park
Reduit Beach Ave, St Lucia
Admission: US$11.30/hour ($13 taxes included), $30 for a half day ($34.50 taxes included) or $50 ($34.50 taxes included) for a full day pass
Ph: +1 758-457-8532
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Cap Grill (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Laurel’s (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Angel’s Delight, Restaurant and Bar (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Splash Island Water Park.
The best hotel to stay near Splash Island Water Park based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• East Winds (9.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Venture to Toraille Waterfall
View of Toraille Waterfall, St. Lucia | Gary J. Wood, Flickr
Toraille Waterfalls is one of the biggest waterfalls on the island. Cascading from a 50-foot cliff, the waterfall creates a pool of refreshing spring water that is open for swimming. You can also come close to the foot of the waterfall and enjoy a natural massage from the falling water streaming down on your person.
Toraille Waterfalls
Soufriere, St Lucia
Admission: $3 USD per person
Ph: +1 758-459-7527
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Captain Hooks Hideaway (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Greenhaven Farms (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Sea View Creole Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Toraille Waterfalls.
The best hotel to stay near Toraille Waterfalls based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
12. Unwind at the spa
Spa at Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort | Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort
What island paradise is complete without spas promising relaxation? Certainly not St. Lucia, where almost every popular resort has in-house spa facilities for guests looking for a temporary respite. One of the top resorts with stellar spa offerings is Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, located between the iconic Pitons in Soufriere. Its Rainforest Spa offers nourishing treatments serviced within charming and intimate tree houses.
Sugar Beach
Val Des Pitons Forbidden Beach La Baie de Silence, St Lucia
Admission: US$50 day pass (complete spa rates)
Ph: +1 758-456-8000
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Treetop Restaurant and Bar (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Martha’s Tables (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Mystique Breeze (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Sugar Beach.
The best hotel to stay near Sugar Beach based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Ladera Resort (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
13. Set sail on the gorgeous waters
Saint Lucia, Caribbean, Yacht club | User10095428_393, Getty Images
Arguably the best way to explore the majestic island of St Lucia is by sea. As such, there are plenty of catamaran excursions available for charter from the harbors of Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay.
Charter a boat and let adventure guide your exploration of St. Lucia. The excursions usually include visits to the island’s key attractions, such as the drive-in volcano and botanical garden. However, you can create your own itinerary and visit areas that most interest you.
14. Take a hike on Edmund Forest Reserve
Edmund Forest Reserve in St. Lucia | Karen Blaha, Flickr
Edmund Forest Reserve is a nature preserve in St. Lucia that offers a variety of hiking trails. Spanning 18,000 acres, the park’s trails take you deep within the lush Caribbean rainforests and promises intimate encounters with wildlife and the exotic flowers and plants and breathtaking views. The most popular trail is the Edmund Rainforest trail, which is a 7-mile hike that takes about 4-6 hours to complete.
Hiking in the reserve requires a permit and a guide that can be arranged from your hotel or at the reserve itself. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the forest.
Edmund Forest Reserve
Vieux Fort, St Lucia
Admission: Fee for Nature Trail – 25 EC Dollars / 10 US Dollars per person
Ph: (758) 468-5649/5645/5648
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Mama Rose (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Domino’s Pizza (4.8/5 stars, Pizza, $$)
• Mama Tilly’s Bar (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Edmund Forest Reserve.
The best hotel to stay near Edmund Forest Reserve based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Anse Chastanet Resort (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
15. Explore the depths of the coast
Group of Scuba Divers on the reef in St Lucia | KevinPanizza, Getty Images
The coastal waters of St Lucia are brimming with colorful marine life. In particular, the areas around the Pitons and Anse Cochon are Marine Reserves where you can explore the fascinating offerings of the deep blue waters. At Scuba St. Lucia, you can explore the scenic and diverse snorkeling site while supporting a sustainable-driven business that cares about the environment.
Go on a deep dive and meet the marine creatures that call the Caribbean its home. You can leave your diving equipment at home as everything you need, from wet suits to aluminum tanks, are available on site.
Scuba St. Lucia
Anse Chastanet, Soufriere, St Lucia
Admission: http://scubastlucia.com/rates.html
Ph: +1 758-459-7755
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Beacon Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Jade Mountain Club (4.7/5 stars, Caribbean, $$)
• Martha’s Tables (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Scuba St. Lucia.
The best hotel to stay near Scuba St. Lucia based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Chocolat (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
16. Gallop down the beach on a Creole horse
Horseback riding at Atlantic Shores Riding Stables | Atlantic Shores Riding Stables
Horseback riding is a popular recreation activity on the island, with plenty of options to choose from. With Atlantic Shores Riding Stables, you can go horseback riding through the rugged landscape of St Lucia before culminating the journey with a swim at the beach with your horse. The small and reliable Creole horses love taking a refreshing dip on the beach too.
Take your romantic walks on the beach to the next level – by trotting along on a horse!
Atlantic Shores Riding Stables
Micoud Hwy, Vieux Fort, St Lucia
Admission: $55 to $90, depending on the chosen excursion
Ph: +1 758-285-1090
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• A & A Restaurant & Bar (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Meme’s Diner (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Feter’s Bar and Grill (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Atlantic Shores Riding Stables.
The best hotel to stay near Atlantic Shores Riding Stables based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Ladera Resort (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
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