27 of the
Best Things to Do
in St. Lucia
Making the Most out of Your
Visit to St. Lucia
The Eastern Caribbean island of St. Lucia is one of the most popular and unique holiday locations. With its pristine sand beaches, clear blue coasts, and Caribbean cuisine, St.Lucia is not to miss!
As one of the many once-in-a-lifetime experiences the globe has, St. Lucia is a tourist-busy hotspot, and navigating it can be difficult if not researched and planned.
Your planning guide for
St. Lucia Travels
We’ve done the hard part for you, so you’re just a plane ticket away from your slice of sun, encapsulating culture, and beautiful beaches. Here’s a list of the top 27 things we think are vital to do while jet-setting to St. Lucia.
St. Lucia Beaches
Located south of Martinique and north of the Grenadines, St. Lucia is home to some of the most the beautiful views across the waters.
The geography of St. Lucia and the quick three to four-hour journey from Miami has resulted in the flocks of tourists that travel here to soak up the sun.
Competing to be named the Beach-Vacation of 2023, St. Lucia has many unique, secluded, and historical beaches that make it a true contender. St. Lucia’s weather (reaching highs of 86℉ during the days of July, the hottest month of the year) secures its claim to the throne.
Sugar Beach
01
First on our list of must-visit beaches among the many located in St. Lucia is Sugar Beach. One of the most secluded spots in St. Lucia, as it is only accessible by a steep walk downhill or by boat. We’d opt for the boat!
Tourists often describe the beach as an ‘off the path’ beach and may give your holiday a sense of privacy and a secluded vibe. So if you’re looking for a moment away from the tourist crowds, this beach may be your pick.
Located between St. Lucia’s Pitons, Sugar Beach is well known for the stunning views that can be witnessed there as the lush vegetation of the conical mountains reach heights of 2,618 ft as they grow from the sea.
Pigeon Island Beach
02
Known as the historic beach of St.Lucia, Horseshoe Beach is a spot to get that ‘Instagram-perfect’ beach pic, home to several historic landmarks.
Located northwest of St. Lucia’s coast, Pigeon Island Beach is located on a relatively small island, but don’t let that fool you. The beach is home to many activities, including Pigeon Island National Landmark, a park that covers around 45 acres and has an array of military buildings and artifact-full museums to explore.
If this doesn’t seem enough to warrant a boat ride to the beach, how about Signal Peak? Signal Peak is the highest reachable point of Pigeon Island, and hiking to the top will allow you to gaze across the never-ending sea and take in the panoramic views surrounding you.
Pigeon Island Beach merges the natural beauty of St. Lucia with the artificial wonders of history in one place, which is why the beach is trendy among tourists and can get some severe traffic in numbers, so arrive as early as possible to beat the rush!
The Botanical Havens
of St. Lucia
St. Lucia has overgrown pockets of greenery that will make you want to visit twice. These gardens of beauty summarise the luscious environment spread across the islands. It brings them all together in one spot to see and appreciate.
The Enchanted Gardens
03
The Enchanted Gardens
An excellent example of these natural havens is St. Lucia’s Enchanted Gardens. Located in Castries, the botanical gardens are spread across a relatively small garden, covering around 2 acres.
Despite its small size, the Enchanted Gardens offer a means of escape from the busy tourist holiday and a second to be alone with various exotic plants.
Appreciate the water features and sculptures that decorate the garden and be enchanted by the scene of peace and serenity.
Diamond Botanical Gardens
04
Diamond Botanical Gardens is the place to visit to thoroughly dive into the natural world of St. Lucia in 6 glorious acres of wilderness. Wonder through the natural waterfall and hot mineral springs and dip in the mineral bath that is claimed to have healing properties. Taking a whole new meaning to spiritual healing on holiday!
Tropical Retreat Paradise
Home to a bird aviary and koi pond, Diamond Botanical Gardens are far from just a tropical garden. Featuring a beautiful 18th-century estate house, this trip is truly the dream for those of you who have dreamed about living in a secluded tropical destination far from the busy streets of New York.
While the Diamond Botanical Gardens are not the largest gardens throughout St.Lucia, we still believe that it packs a punch and is worthy of your holiday list.
St. Lucia’s Bays
The bays of St. Lucia are the best place to take in the beautiful clear blue water surrounding the Caribbean. We’ve picked out our two favorite bays that will give you the whole experience you need to wash away the stress of everyday life and should be a priority on your agenda.
Soufriere Bay
05
Soufriere Bay is located southwest of St. Lucia’s coast and is home to one of St. Lucia’s most mesmerizing natural formations.
This bay is the home of the iconic Pitons of St. Lucia, the twin peaks that stand tall above the island.
Take a dip in the sea, swimming between the tall rocks the coast offers. Or climb and explore, taking in the marvelous views of the island at arms reach.
If that sounds like too much effort, and you’re looking for a spot to catch up on your favorite book, don’t worry! You can rent beach chairs and focus on discovering what happens next in that romance novel.
Rodney Bay
06
Rodney Bay is one of the largest bays located in St. Lucia and can be found on the northern coast of St. Lucia. The surrounding area is a hotspot for five-star hotels and all-inclusive resorts, providing you with a fabulous scene of luxury.
Water sports are popular at this bay, so get ready to hop on a board and windsurf.
Water Sports and Activities
Surrounded by the vast sea, it’s easy to get lost in the relaxing holiday scenery. But laying on the beach and topping up that tan isn’t the only experience you should have! The beautiful blue waters span as far as the eye can see; wasting that opportunity would be a shame.
That’s why the islands are not shy of water activities. If this sounds like your type of getaway, why not read more on the all-inclusive resorts of St. Lucia that offer the same water sports from the comfort of your hotel?
Splash Island Water Park
07
A cheaper alternative to hiring out equipment is an exciting day out at Splash Island Water Park, as it is the perfect place to go with your family. The park consists of inflatable obstacles, slices, and more! Visitors are welcome to climb, jump and explore the park that sits on the sea.
Located just off the coast by Rodney Bay, Splash Island Water Park is the perfect location to satisfy your inner child with an action-packed park only minutes from the beach to relax on after.
St. James’s Club Morgan Bay
08
St. James’s Club Morgan Bay is an all-inclusive resort that is located near Choc Bay, meaning it offers all the water sports and equipment you could ask for!
The sports center here offers a variety of sports and activities perfect for all ages. From kayaking, water skiing, paddle boarding, and even banana boating, you’ll tire before you run out of choices at St. James’s Club.
Coconut Bay Resort
09
A great option to explore the possibilities of St. Lucia if you’re traveling with kids is to visit all that Coconut Bay Resort has to offer.
Another all-inclusive resort located in Vieux Fort, Coconut Bay Resort, is home to a giant water park with plenty of slides, a splash pad for young children, and even a lazy river for complete relaxation.
Dry off in the sun and visit the bar and grill for a refuel; Coconut Bay Resort truly has it all!
Jet Skiing and SUP Boarding
10
St. Lucia is littered with hidden islands, tight bends, and gems of locations along the coastline, and jet skiing is the best way to explore them all! The relatively small Jet Skis that St. Lucia is home to are ideal for finding a secluded spot for you and your loved one or a cozy family beach to claim for the day.
Why not try something new? Stand-Up Paddleboarding is a popular water sport in St. Lucia. Test your balance, and find your zen.
Scuba Dive and See the Seahorses
11
Known for its large variety of exotic marine life, St. Lucia is home to many colorful fish, snapping turtles, and even beautiful seahorses.
Did you know that male seahorses carry and give birth to offspring? Also, once the babies are born, they can immediately fend for themselves. Imagine that!
St. Lucia’s waters and the ecosystem it is home to make it the best spot to scuba dive or snorkel as you will get a glimpse into the life beneath the water.
Our favorite sites to explore the sea are the famous Pitons, Anse La Raye, and Anse Chastanet, which provide some of the best calm but lively waters.
Sailing in St. Lucia
12
St. Lucia is the ideal location for those of you who want to live your dream of becoming a sailor due to its lush, warm water and steady winds.
We obviously don’t expect you to bring your own boat, but there are plenty of opportunities along the coasts and bays of St. Lucia that you can rent a catamaran or sailboat.
Be the leader of your own journey and guide the helm through the waters of St. Lucia, maybe even stay on the waters to watch the sunset and disappear into the Caribbean Sea.
St. Lucia and its
Rich Religious Heritage
St. Lucia is home to some of the most history-rich and beautiful churches across the whole Caribbean. We’ve picked out some of the best churches that you should visit on your travels.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
13
Home to the largest and most valued Catholic church based in St. Lucia, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a must-see. Dating back to the mid-29th century, the Cathedral is decorated with stained-glass windows and is topped with a bell tower. Go at the right time, and you might hear it strike!
Beaches and water sports are fun, don’t get me wrong, we love making the most out of every second of your holiday. But sporty activities like this can be draining if overdone, and we came to relax!
That’s why we believe that a balanced holiday that doesn’t ignore the history-rich honey pots of St. Lucia is vital.
Our Lady of the Rosary Church
14
Built in the early 20th century, Our Lady of the Rosary Church provides a romantic feel due to its frescoes and blue and white facade, so it has become a popular tourist hotspot.
Making it the perfect location to lay out your picnic blanket and fall in love all over again.
The Church has made it onto our list as it is one of St. Lucia’s destinations that offers a look into the rich religious heritage, taking you away from the ‘beach holiday’ for just a moment and reconnecting you with the building culture around you.
Historical Sites
If you’re looking for more than a beach holiday, and want to get an insight into the history of St. Lucia, here are our favorite historical sites that are sure to quench the first of any history nerd!
Morne Fortune
15
On the outskirts of Castries, you will find a very historically known hill called Morne Fortune. This hill was once an active battlefield that saw British and French colonial powers clash.
Morne Fortune (“good luck hill”)
The Government House and St. Lucia National Archives are located at Morn Fortune and provide a significant amount of history to explore.
Although once a dangerous and military destination, the hill now provides a serene feel, and it is the perfect place to visit for a trip back through time.
La Toc Battery
16
Another glimpse into history’s past is La Toc Battery, a tourist-popular spot in St. Lucia that is also located on the outskirts of Castries. The French built this historic fortification during the middle of the 18th century, and it was a crucial element in some of the wars between the French and British troops.
La Toc’s Historical Wars
A few wars that you will be able to learn about during your visit to La Toc Battery include the Seven Years’ War, the American Revolutionary War, and the Napoleonic Wars.
La Toc was even fortified and used by British forces to defend St. Lucia against German attacks during World War II, and it provided them with a post to monitor the Caribbean Sea!
Fond Doux Plantation and Resort
17
Fond Doux Plantation was initially used as a sugarcane plantation and later as a cocoa production farm until it was purchased during the 1900s and transformed into a magical holiday resort.
Colonial Charm Remains
Although the resort now offers traditional Caribbean-style amenities and five-star accommodations, such as its gorgeously unique cottages, the resort still resonates with the rich colonial history of its past.
Not only this, but Fond Doux Plantation and Resort are committed to sustainability and eco-tourism, winning the Caribbean’s leading green resort award in 2019, so enjoy the ultimate luxury and support the environment around you.
Your Guide to
St. Lucia’s Culture
From exciting festivals to famous cuisine, creative arts, and cultural sports, St. Lucia has so much to explore and dive into during your travels.
Cuisine
18
We will touch on this in far most detail later, but the cuisine is an important part of the culture in any destination, so we thought it was important to mention it here too!
cuisines of St. Lucia
The cuisines you will find in St. Lucia are a fusion of East Indian, European and African dishes, so popular dishes often include plenty of fish and the perfect amount of seasonings to make your tongue tingle!
St. Lucia’s Language
19
Like most Caribbean Islands, St. Lucia’s official language is English, making communicating with the locals while you’re dining against a sunset backdrop or playing the true role of a tourist and shopping for souvenirs and presents much easier.
Politeness Goes a Long Way
Though many St. Lucians also speak Creole, and it may be enriching to surround yourself with culture and learn a few phrases, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are always safe bets!
You may even hear variations of Spanish and Hindi while on the island, as St. Lucia is very culturally diverse.
Arts and Crafts of St. Lucia
20
Home to a love for arts and crafts and the process of making something from scratch, St. Lucia is a nurturing place for any artist or craftsperson.
Island Crafts Extravaganza
Traditional crafts of the island include woodcarving, basket weaving, and pottery. You are welcome to join in on all these fun and enriching activities during your stay!
Lucky for you, the love for crafts in St. Lucia means that there are many hand-crafted gifts that you can take home for your loved ones who weren’t lucky enough to travel with you.
Sports
21
St. Lucia is home to some well-known and common sports across the world, including cricket, basketball, and football. But as we have already learned, St. Lucia is an experience like no other, so how do they ‘jazz’ up sports?
Well, St. Lucia combines the most popular sports with some of the top musicians of the Caribbean and created the St. Lucia Jazz and Sports Festival.
If this sounds like the perfect day out for you as a sports and music lover, plan your trip around May for the best chance to be in paradise when it is on!
Music
22
The vibrant and welcoming music scene in St. Lucia is no joke, and their blend of French, African, and British music will have you up on your feet dancing in no time
Some popular terms to learn so that you can seem all-knowing at that late-dinner meal when surrounded by the sound of traditional music styles such as calypso, soca, and zouk. Mentioning one of these terms is sure to impress!
Festivals
23
Colorful and lively parades, music, and dancing make up the key elements of the many music festivals that St. Lucia is home to. The most popular being that of the Carnival, which occurs between July and August.
The Best Tours of
St. Lucia
Whether with your partner or your little ones, the tours and experiences of St. Lucia are sure to impress all with its amazing natural beauty and vegetation, the rich history and culture scene, and the off-road safari experiences!
Island Safari Tour
24
Adventure-seekers will adore the island safari tours that are on offer at St. Lucia. These amazing experiences are one of the most popular tourist exploration tours as they take you off-road and into the countryside of the island.
Pack up the 4×4, travel across the dirt roads of St.Lucia, and get a glimpse into a day in the life of the small villages that St. Lucia is home to.
As the tours are for visitors, your guide will often give you a run-down of everything you see and plenty of opportunities to snap a pic of the tropical birds, monkeys, and you’re likely to come across on the journey.
St. Lucia is made up of lots of amazing beaches, so it is only right that the safari tour’s last stops are often at a secluded beach far from the most tourist-busy place along the coastline.
The Island Safari Tours is a must-book of your St. Lucia plans.
Sulfur Springs and Pitons Tour
25
Let’s look at the Sulfur Springs and Pitons tour, an insanely popular and once-in-a-lifetime experience unique to St. Lucia.
Get picked up from your luxury hotel and take a scenic drive along the west coast roads of St. Lucia, passing through the remote fishing villages and getting a glimpse into the lush rainforests.
Your first stop will be at the Soufriere Volcano, an impressive first stop for sure. This destination is the world’s only drive-in volcano; wear your thinnest clothes! Here you can witness the hot springs heated by geothermal activity beneath the volcano or take a swim in the mineral pools.
After your dip in the warm waters of Soufriere Volcano, your tour will continue to its next destination: St. Lucia’s twin peaks, the Pitons.
These iconic peaks are UNESCO World Heritage sites and a true Caribbean gem.
Forgot your lunch?
Don’t threat; there’s often a quick stop to a local chocolate factory that will be home to some of the richest and creamiest chocolates you’ve ever tasted.
The Famous Food and Drink
of St. Lucia
In true Caribbean island character, St. Lucia is home to some of the most delicious dishes and beverages globally. We’ve compiled a list of the must-try dishes and drinks that St. Lucia provides.
Craving some Caribbean Cuisine?
26
From fancy dinner dates to quick snacks on the streets of St. Lucia, no matter where you buy or eat, the quality of the cuisine of St. Lucia is superior.
Saltfish breakfast
Wake up and dig into St. Lucia’s traditional Green Fig and Saltfish breakfast. Made from green bananas and salted codfish, this refreshing and nutritious breakfast is often served beautifully with a side of avocado and fried plantains.
Did you have a busy day exploring the island and participating in some fun water sports? That means it’s time to find a spot for dinner and refuel for the busy afternoon ahead of you!
Experience a true taste of the island of St. Lucia and try a hearty stew called Bouyon. Bouyon is a traditional and popular dish across the island; odds are, wherever you stop to dine, it’ll be on the menu. Consisting of a mix of vegetables and meats such as carrots, yams, chicken, beef, or fish, this stew will surely fill you up and give you lots of energy for your walks through the rainforests!
Experience a true taste of the island of St. Lucia and try a hearty stew called Bouyon.
Fancy a taste of the many fish that St. Lucia has to offer? St. Lucia is surrounded by the sea, so there’s no doubt that they have perfected the perfect Fish Fry.
seafood platter
Fish Frys are common in most restaurants and offer a seafood platter that features grilled fish, fried shrimp, and even lobster!
Tamarind Balls
If you find yourself running out of time and need a quick snack before jumping on that safari tour, your best bet is to swing by a local market and pick up some Tamarind Balls. These light snacks’ sweet and sour flavors will leave you wanting more
Feeling Thirsty?
27
The none stop-beaming sun of the Caribbean doesn’t wait for anybody, so it’s important for your health to stay hydrated! Whether of drinking age or not, we have compiled the best ways to keep you from being parched.
healthy Green Fig Juice
Made by combining and juicing green bananas and figs, some of the most common food in St. Lucia creates delicious and healthy Green Fig Juice that can be purchased across the whole island.
This juice is perfect for topping up on minerals and vitamins and provides a brief tart flavor to refresh the mouth.
Perfect for a palette cleanser!
Creamy Sea Moss
Often blended with milk and vanilla, sea moss is a great creamy alternative if that’s more your style! The sea moss used in this drink is also commonly used in cooking across the Caribbean, so you’ll likely both drink and eat this ingredient.
coconut water
A simple yet favorite drink among the Caribbean islands is coconut water, which is the perfect way to keep cool under the Caribbean sun.
If you’re 21+ and looking for something stronger than the drinks we’ve mentioned, the next two are for you.
Piton beer
the locally sourced and brewed beer of St. Lucia, is on our must-try while visiting, as you simply can’t try it anywhere else! This light beer is often paired with spicy dishes, something you won’t find in shortage in St. Lucia.
Rum Punch
Last but not least is Rum Punch, the classic and most popular of the Caribbean cocktails. Made with rum, sugar, spices and lime juice, the classic Rum Punch has its own special St. Lucia twist and you will often see it paired with pineapple juice and grenadine syrup.
Just try not to have too many or you’re sure to have a sore head in the morning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Enjoyed reading about the fantastic experiences that St. Lucia has to offer, but want to know more? Visit our OnABeach Blog to read more how-to holiday guides.
Is St. Lucia Safe for Tourism?
St. Lucia is relatively safe, yet taking precautions to safeguard you and your belongings is essential. Common crimes include mugging and often theft of items left with rental scooters.
Is English Spoken in St. Lucia?
English is the most commonly spoken language in St. Lucia. St. Lucian English has characteristics of English that is spoken on the Atlantic Seaboard.
How Long Can I stay in St. Lucia?
You can visit St. Lucia for 90 days, but you must book your accommodation before you arrive here. Visit the Gov.UK website for more information on entry requirements.
About Us
Exploring new vacation destinations, making memories to last a lifetime and spending precious time with those that you love is something that we are passionate about. And we have been making this dream possible for over 30 years, supporting you and your family in the search for your slice of paradise.