A tiny dot on the map, it’s hard to imagine the boundless adventures that can be had on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. The island is heavily influenced by both the English and the French, and a proper, yet colourful and exciting way of life is the end result.
When travelling to Saint Lucia, you’ll be happy to know there’s no short supply of things to do on this rock. Whether you want to climb the world famous Pitons, or choose from a plethora of beaches or waterfalls to cool off in, or even explore the world’s only drive-in volcano, you’ll definitely need to schedule more than just a day or two in this tropical paradise.
Ahead of your trip, here are some of the most highly rated activities and attractions you probably don’t want to miss out on, while in Saint Lucia!
In the north of the island, the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground (DSCG), named after the famous West Indian cricketer, is home to local and international cricket matches. A live cricket match at the DSCG located in Beausejour is always filled with excitement, but you’ll have to keep up with regional and international match dates to see if you can find any around the time that you want to travel.
It’s not hard to find a company that specialises in deep sea fishing in Saint Lucia – the sport has gained popularity over the years. The best deep sea fishing locations in Saint Lucia are quite near to the shoreline due to the volcanic nature of the island, and the fact that the underwater drop-off area (where fish populate) is just two miles off the coast. During a deep sea fishing adventure in Saint Lucia you can expect to find big game fish such as blue marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado.
Who doesn’t want to return home with a few souvenirs to share their experience? The Castries Market is a top choice for picking up small trinkets, and souvenirs of every variety. You can even get local spices and handmade soap here, which are a few of the things found at the market which are worth shelling out a little cash for.
The Sandal’s Golf & Country Club located in Cap Estate is perfect for lovers of the sport. With a well-appointed golf club and immaculately maintained grounds, this facility, shaded by lots of surrounding greenery is a great place to spend the day.
Much like the Gros Islet Street Party, the community of Anse La Raye offers a weekly event where the emphasis is on dancing, and tasty eats. This happens every Friday, and is a must visit, particularly if you’re staying in the north of the island.
Tip: A taxi ride from Castries to Anse La Raye will take about 25 minutes, while the trip may take about 45 minutes to one hour from Gros Islet.
Morne Fortune has a sort of charm you likely won’t experience in any other part of Saint Lucia. The area is home to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, and the official residence of the Governor General of Saint Lucia. Near the Governor General’s residence, you’ll find a view point which on most days attracts tourists seeking the perfect photo opportunities, and vendors selling drinks, snacks, and souvenirs.
Insider Tip: If you’d like to visit the Governor General’s residence, call to make arrangements ahead of time.
Located near the island’s George F.L. Charles Airport, Vigie Beach is perfect for visitors hopping quickly in and out of Saint Lucia. It is also a top choice for stop-over cruise visitors disembarking from the nearby Port at Castries city. The beach is perfect for people who just want an early morning or afternoon dip, or stroll along a white sandy beach.
Located in Soufriere, the Toraille waterfall is one of the most visited waterfalls in Saint Lucia. With a powerful flow, Toraille Falls demonstrates nature at its best. Depending on the time of day, you may find that the water is cold initially, but once you get used to it, you’ll agree that it is probably the most refreshing experience you’ve ever had!
Insider Tip: Wear water shoes as the bottom of this waterfall is on the rocky side.
La Toc Beach is a relatively private beach in Saint Lucia. The beach is located in close proximity to Sandals Regency La Toc, and as such it is popular with guests. Watersports are available on this beach, but you’ll likely have to secure a day pass from Sandals to partake. Guests can enjoy unlimited free drinks, food, and watersports on this beach!
Insider Tip: Planning on going to Saint Lucia and not sure of where to stay? Sandals Regency La Toc is perfect for couples looking for a romance included holiday!
Go with a guide or another experienced rider to explore the best of Soufriere by bike. There are lots of scenic points along the route, and all it takes is a map, and choosing a time when traffic is at its slowest, to take advantage of this opportunity. Early mornings are ideal for bike rides in Saint Lucia.
Not many places in the world can boast having a drive-in volcano, but Saint Lucia certainly can. Have no fear, there haven’t been any eruptions in recent times, but a trip to Soufriere’s volcano will find bubbling hot springs, a waterfall, and a mud bath.
Chocolate making tours are relatively new to Saint Lucia but have gained popularity over the years. Though the island has produced cacao for centuries, incorporating chocolate and tourism is a new concept which has been well received by visitors. Popular chocolate making sites include the Fond Doux Plantation where guests can tour the site, and try their hand at making chocolate delights of their own!
Want to see whales or dolphins? There’s a huge chance you’ll see either of the two while out at sea on a whale or dolphin watching excursion. Most tour companies know and inform guests when the best times are to witness marine life at its finest, so all you have to do is ask.
Insider Tip: Typically the best time to spot whale or dolphins in Saint Lucia is mid-June to November, though some species can be spotted off season.
Anse La Vout also known as ‘Five Dollar Beach’ is quite possibly the most amazing beach in Saint Lucia, with the only drawback being the rugged road that takes you there. That too can be a plus in that you’ll have the whole beach to yourself and your party, for a small cost of EC$5 per person, which goes toward the upkeep of the beach. This beach located in Cas En Bas is perfect for barbeques, photoshoots, and other beach side events.
Good to know: The road to ‘Five Dollar Beach’ traverses over private property of local land owners, who maintain the beach, but charge a small fee to beach users.
Located just 5 minutes away from Pigeon island in the north of Saint Lucia, Cas En Bas beach is beautiful, and remains mostly undeveloped. The beach is a popular trail for horse riding tours, some of which include riding with the horses into the water. There is a separate horse-free section of the beach you can dive into to cool off once you’ve safely secured your horse, and a restaurant where you can grab a bite.
Located in Rodney Bay on the popular Reduit Beach, Splash Island Water Park is a good time for kids who know how to swim. While you relax on the beachside, kids can enjoy the floating obstacle course under the watchful eye of Splash island lifeguards. After splashing about in the water park, there are plenty of restaurants on the beach that are great for dining.
There are lots of things to see and places to explore in Saint Lucia, but the bucket list begins with Anse Mamin in the south. If you’re on a Caribbean holiday, chances are, relaxation is what you seek, which is just what you’ll find at Anse Mamin beach in Soufriere.
The green line is real, and while you’re waiting for the sun to go down on Reduit beach, drink in hand and in good company, be sure that you don’t blink at the precise moment the sun disappears from the horizon! Reduit beach can be considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
A smooth and easy going way of exploring Saint Lucia’s flora and fauna, the aerial tram ride in Saint Lucia is part of the offerings from Rainforest Tours Saint Lucia. The tour includes an aerial tram ride, fern nature trail, and one nature interpreter per eight guests. This tour is great if you want to learn the ins and outs of Saint Lucia’s rainforests.
Insider Tip: Though the aerial tram ride is covered to protect you from the sun, it’s still a good idea to walk with sunblock and a snack.
The Mount Gimie climb is less popular than that of the Pitons, but it appeals to those desiring a more challenging experience. The experience is best described as something in between the moderate climb of Gros Piton, and the difficult Petit Piton excursion. It is the highest point of the West Indies, with a breathtaking view from the top.
Insider Tip: You’ll need a good guide for this trip. Contact the Forestry Department in Saint Lucia for more information.
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Antillia Brewing Company is a popular choice for visitors as it is located at Point Seraphine, a shopping complex near central Castries. When cruise ships are in port, you can expect to find Point Seraphine bustling with visitors, which could mean it’ll take just a little longer to get a cold one from Antillia’s. Wait times are not usually a problem though, and you’re unlikely to regret stopping by!
Want to raise the stakes? Challenge yourself to climb Petit Piton in Saint Lucia, where your reward will be achieving something not many people, even those on the island, have been able to do. Petit Piton is steeper and more difficult to climb than Gros Piton. If you decide to try it out, we recommend getting a trusted and experienced guide who can help you find your way to the top.
Insider Tip: This tour is challenging and takes about 5-6 hours. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, as there is some rear sliding involved on the way back. It’s not recommended to do this climb without a guide.
Choose between the black water pools, or the ‘Pool of Love’ – made famous from The Bachelor, Jake Pavelka’s season, where he serenaded Vienna Girardi, and chose her from a bevy of beautiful women. Either option will allow you to submerge your skin into water that will infuse you with rich minerals, simply and naturally. The minerals have medicinal properties which are a great remedy for a variety of skin conditions. Health benefits aside, these waters make way for deep relaxation, which is something we could all use these days!
Climbing the Pitons ranks high on the to-do list of many visitors to Saint Lucia. Though Gros Piton is the bigger of the twin peaks (Gros Piton and Petit Piton) that are a World Heritage site, it is the safer of the two to climb. You’ll find stunning views at the top, and an opportunity to rest up before heading back down!
Insider Tip: This tour is moderately challenging and takes about 4-5 hours. It’s not recommended to do this hike without a guide.
Jalousie beach is a gem. This beach located in Soufriere features stunning views of the Pitons, which adds to the experience. Costs associated with accessing this beach as part of a tour group usually start at around GBP£36, and includes lunch and snorkelling. Ask your tour operator for a breakdown before paying.
Spanning six acres, the Diamond Falls, a multi-award-winning site, features the Diamond Falls Waterfall, Mineral Baths & Spa, Botanical Gardens, a nature trail, and the Old Mill Restaurant. You’ll likely want to spend at least 3 or 4 hours in this location taking everything in!
You simply can’t go wrong with the Gros Islet Street Party in Saint Lucia. From about 7 pm in the evening until 2am, the streets of Gros Islet are closed off to traffic and the party begins. Often there are live bands performing, or a DJ setting the mood. Go between 8 pm to 11 pm to get the best of what this experience has to offer, including barbequed meats and seafood.
Always wanted to learn to kite surf? Saint Lucia is the perfect place to start. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Kite Surfing Saint Lucia has a package to meet your needs. The company is run by local kite surfer Beth, who is passionate about the sport, and teaching others to share the joy that she has found in kite surfing. As part of your lesson, you can ‘learn to fly a power kite and body drag’ in a two hour Discover Kitesurfing session.
Marigot Bay is one of the most amazing locations in Saint Lucia. No matter how many times you go, its beauty doesn’t fade. New developments in the area have enhanced its appeal, including a sprinkling of new restaurants. There are quite a few boat chartering companies where you can plan a half day, or full day trip. With full day trips, there’s more time to check out nearby bays for an even more exciting experience.
Hiking shoes, t-shirt, and shorts are perfect for this expedition through The Millet Rainforest. The Bird Sanctuary is home to six endemic species; including the Saint Lucian parrot, Black Finch, Oriole, Pee Wee, Warbler, and Semper’s Warbler. All of these are unique to the island of Saint Lucia, with the latter being near extinction.
Insider Tip: The best time for bird sightings is early morning, so call in advance to set up your tour.
You made it to the top 10 things to do in Saint Lucia, let's have a look what some of the top attractions are!
A trip to Saint Lucia is incomplete without checking out the Pigeon Island National Park. Within the park you’ll find Fort Rodney, a historic hilltop with ancient canons and other old war artifacts. There are amazing views from the top of Fort Rodney, and you’ll be able to get great photos to take home. Once you trek back to the park, there are two private beaches inside where you can spend the day lounging, eating at a restaurant, and drinking at the bar.
Anse Cochon literally means Bay of Pigs, though the name is not at all relevant to the experience. Snorkelling on Anse Cochon Beach in Anse La Raye is highly recommended because of the wide variety of fishes that can be witnessed there. Go with family or friends and make a beach day of the occasion. There is also a restaurant located on this beach.
Insider Tip: If you don’t want to walk with your own equipment, there is a dive shop where you can rent some out for the day.
Sandals Grande Saint Lucian offers one-of-a-kind overwater bungalows and a trip to Saint Lucia is incomplete without trying them out for yourself. You’ll have to book far in advance, as it is a top seller as far as activities go!
The Tet Paul nature trail is a good choice if you’re looking to reconnect with nature. Located in the town of Soufriere, the trail is relatively easy to navigate, with lots of information from guides along the way. The hike takes about 45 minutes to complete and is easy to moderate difficult.
The helicopter transfer is at the top of our list simply because it is one of those things you’ll likely pencil in for the last leg of your trip. Though it may simply be an airport transfer, going by air will give you a chance to see sights that you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see otherwise.
There is no right way to view the Pitons – they are picturesque from every vantage point, dominating the landscape with their beauty. By air they are magnificent and compelling, by sea, mesmerising and awe-inspiring, and in person, intimidating and humbling. A catamaran tour around the Pitons provides one of the best ways to get up close and personal with the Pitons, leaving room for photo opportunities that you probably wouldn’t have standing directly at its base.
The only thing better than aerial trams is zip lining! Adventure Tours Saint Lucia’s Treetop Canopy Adventure features a zip lining course with 12 lines, and the island’s ‘longest, highest, and fastest’, lines, and five net bridges with awesome views.
Insider Tip: Closed toed shoes are required for this tour.
It’s hard not to love an ATV adventure that offers opportunity to be wild and rugged, living life on the absolute edge. This is one of the most exciting tours on the island.
Free dives are available for guests of any of the three all-inclusive Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia (including professional equipment).
Both the Anse Chastanet reef and beach are top rated attractions in the south. The beach is located near the Anse Chastanet hotel but is open to the public. The reef offers first class snorkelling and scuba diving, and you can choose whether you’d like to embark on your undersea expedition by boat, or by swimming out into the ocean.
Insider Tip: Look out for turtles and trumpet fish when snorkelling at this reef!
Head out on an off-road adventure that will likely be the highlight of your trip. This tour offered by Island Routes is amazing, not only because you get to be your own driver, but because you get to choose your own location from a listing of southern and northern sights. What a way to explore the island!
Saint Lucia has a little something for everyone, and one thing’s for sure, you won’t be running out of things to do while on this island paradise.
Insider Tip: Stay at any of the three Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia and get free access to all of them (including all restaurants, bars, swimming pools, beaches) - it's like three holidays in one!
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