Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, St Lucia is a beautiful island country in the West Indies. Formerly known as Lyonola, followed by Hewanorra, St Lucia is now a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
From twin volcanic peaks, azure waters, white sand beaches, foamy waves, and rainforest adventures to waterfalls and nature trails, the whole island has it all; Saint Lucia is the treasure trove of the Caribbean.
If you’re ready to pack your suitcase and hop on a plane to St Lucia, this article will outline the best things to do to make the most of your trip.
The Best Things to Do in St Lucia
Saint Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s Windward Islands, known for its beautiful scenery and iconic landmarks like Fort Rodney and Gros Islet. A favored destination among honeymooners, the island offers luxury hideaways, uncrowded beaches, a drive-in volcano, tropical fruits and cholate produced from the island’s cocoa beans, and activities like deep-sea fishing.
We’ve compiled a list of 20 unique things to do in St Lucia.
1. Hike to Gros Piton
One of the most sought-after tourist attractions in St Lucia, Gros Pitons, is a volcanic plug that is covered with dense forestry. If you are up for some adventure on the island, you can take a day to hike Gros Piton. AllTrails offers a guided hike for $50 per person.
The hike to the peaks covers a long stretch of 4.7 km and is quite tricky as the path is steep and filled with boulders and other obstacles. However, climbing this UNESCO World Heritage site is worth it as the peaks offer a spectacular view of the country’s landscape and neighboring islands.
2. Tet Paul Nature Trail
The Tet Paul Nature Trail is perfect for tourists not into serious hiking trails. It is a 1 km hiking journey that takes you to a viewpoint that overlooks the Petit Piton.
If you’re lucky and have sunny weather, you might catch a glimpse of the neighboring island – St Vincent. To fully experience the Tet Paul Nature Trail, you can book a tourist guide for around $55.
Tourists must note that they must pay a nominal entrance fee of $10 to access this beautiful trail.
3. Get a private villa at Stonefield Villa Resort
One of the most in-demand boutique resorts for destination weddings and honeymoons, a stay at Stonefield Villa Resort in St Lucia should definitely be on your bucket list.
One of the very first resorts to start operation in Soufriere, this stunning villa has a fantastic private pool and opens up to the picturesque views of the Gros and Petit Piton and the Caribbean Sea.
This private villa also has ample natural light that allows its guests to sunbathe, spend some romantic time sipping coolers by each other’s side, enjoy weekly events and live music, and indulge in the island’s delicious local cuisine.
4. Amazing retreats in the South of Saint Lucia
If you’re looking for popular things to do in St Lucia for couples, a stay at a luxury resort may be the perfect holiday experience for you.
Jade Mountain Resort: Situated in the private area of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain Resort is one of the most expensive resorts in the country and also one of the best regarding quality of service. The place has access to infinity pools and offers a magnificent view of the pitons and the surrounding ocean.
Anse Chastanet: Just like the Jade Mountain Resort, Anse Chastanet is another luxury resort in St Lucia and is run and maintained by localities of the area. Both Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet are the only resorts on the island that give visitors an exclusive view of Gros and Petit Piton hovering over the Caribbean Sea.
Sugar Beach: Nestled within over 100 acres of tropical rainforest, with awe-inspiring views and access to one of the best beaches on the island’s southern side, this luxury resort has been declared one of the best resorts on the Caribbean island. Since the resort is situated on the island’s southwest coast, it is exactly between Petit and Gros Piton and offers beachfront bungalows, a rainforest spa, a sunset deck, and more.
5. Explore the village of Soufrière
The fishing village of Soufrière was established back in 1745. Located on the island’s west coast, the town is considered by many to be one of the most vibrant parts of this Caribbean island.
If you are visiting St Lucia, make sure to visit this beautiful fishing village and nearby beaches like Anse Mamin Beach prior to traveling to other St Lucia tourist attractions.
You can even learn about the area’s history at Stonefield Estate, where historic carvings known as petroglyphs give visitors great insight into the island’s rich history.
6. Enjoy the mud baths
The island nation is famed for having the only drive-in volcano in the world where you can take your car to the volcano’s crater and witness this magnificent wonder of Mother Earth. If you are interested in learning all about volcanoes, make sure to book a guide to help you understand the intricacies of volcanoes and their surrounding areas.
Once you are done seeing the volcano’s caldera, you can end your journey with a calm and soothing mud bath inside the Sulphur Springs pools, known to have medicinal qualities.
To calm your body and soul, you can put the volcanic mud all over your body, keeping it there long enough to enjoy its healing properties. This mud is known to have made people look younger, so the next time you are in St Lucia, make sure to take the mud baths. You can book a half-day tour to access the mud baths for $100.
7. Explore Mount Soufrière – Sulphur Springs Park
As we’ve said, one of the best things to do in St Lucia is explore Sulphur Springs Park, as it offers many different points of exploration and enjoyment. Close to the famous Morne Coubaril Estate, the sulfur hot springs sit across from the volcano, offering pools filled with warm water and natural minerals that you can enjoy.
As we recommended above, start at the mud bath and slather yourself in volcanic mud. You can end this fantastic experience with a calming soak in the mineral-rich springs to wash away the volcanic mud.
8. Go to the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
The island’s botanical gardens are one of the top tourist attractions in St Lucia. From native and tropical plants to trees and plants known to have healing qualities, the island’s botanical garden is completely breathtaking.
The area is part of the Soufrière Estate and is one of the most unfiltered and protected estates on the island.
If you like exploring the indigenous flora of a particular place, you should make it to the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. Entry costs just $7 for adults and $3.50 for children, and the gardens are close to other points of interest, like Toraille Waterfall.
9. Visit the Diamond Falls
Located within the Soufrière Estate is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in St Lucia – the Diamond Waterfall. This incredible attraction stands around 45 feet high and is underlined with mineral baths, creating a spectrum of beautiful, vibrant colors.
This gorgeous waterfall has also been seen in various movies, including ‘Romancing the Stone’. So, make sure to check out this popular tourist attraction when visiting the Botanical Gardens and take the perfect Instagram photos to capture this magical experience.
10. Anse Chastanet Beach
One of the best beaches in St Lucia, Anse Chastanet Beach on the west coast is an intrinsic part of the Anse Chastanet Resort. If you are into water adventures like snorkeling and diving, then this beach is your go-to place to explore reefs and marine wildlife. The stunning beach also has a few restaurants and live bars where people can enjoy local vendors’ food and drinks.
Since every beach in the island country is accessible to everyone, you can head to the Anse Chastanet beach at any time. Planning to stay very close to the beach area? You can choose to book your stay at the Anse Chastanet Resort.
11. Go snorkeling and scuba diving
If you love being in the water, you should try snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports in Saint Lucia. The coral reefs near the Anse Chastanet beach provide a once-in-a-lifetime underwater experience.
So, if you are in St Lucia, make sure to try snorkeling and Scuba diving tours through companies like Action Adventure Divers. Visitors must note that these tours also take you to other St Lucia tourist attractions that are close to the snorkeling and diving sites, like the banana plantation that is very near to the Roseau Valley and Anse Raye, a fishing village famous for its fresh fish and other local food.
12. Sip Caribbean rum at St Lucia Distillers
St Lucia’s rum heritage is strong and well-known, and buying a bottle here is common among most visitors. Like the other Caribbean islands, St Lucia has several rum distilleries in Castries and Marigot Bay, including the famous St Lucia Distillers Ltd.
If you are a connoisseur of drinks, you should book your spot on the rum tour on the island and learn how rum is produced from sugarcane. The St Lucia Distillers also provides an up-close, behind-the-scenes tour of rum-making and allows you to savor the local rum, offering tastes of the island’s distinct flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and toasted banana.
Take a look at our St Lucia citizenship by investment ultimate guide by experts
13. Visit the Historic Pigeon Island National Park
Previously a refuge for pirates and then converted into a military fort, the Pigeon Island National Park was transformed into a significant landmark in 1972. If you have at least half a day at your disposal, visit the Pigeon Island national landmark to tour the fort’s ancient ruins.
The 44-acre park is a popular spot for day visitors eager to relax, hike the trails, birdwatch, and learn more about the island’s history. Since sandy beaches and snorkeling sites surround the island, it also acts as a beautiful viewpoint that offers a stunning view of Martinique and the Atlantic Ocean. Entry into the park costs just $10 for adults and $3 for children.
14. Enjoy family fun in Rodney Bay
Calm, serene, and beautiful, Rodney Bay Marina in St Lucia is the perfect place to try different watersports. The horseshoe-shaped bay is fringed with a stretch of white sands and a man-made lagoon, offering a number of places where people can go for snorkeling and other water adventure sports.
If you are looking for fun things to do in St Lucia for families, you must take them to Splash Island Water Park. This is the first open-air water attraction in the Caribbean and a popular spot for holiday-makers and locals looking for plenty of family-friendly activities.
15. Soak up the sun at Reduit Beach
Situated along the waterfront of Rodney Bay Village is one of the top beaches and attractions in St Lucia.
Reduit Beach is famous for its white sand that stretches along the entire coastline and even more so for its watersports offerings.
You can snorkel, sail, or simply walk by this sandy beach and enjoy the almost perfect life this tropical island offers.
16. Taste the flavors of the island at Castries Market
Thinking of shopping in St Lucia? Then Castries Food and Craft Market should be at the top of your list.
You can buy everything from local vendors at this outdoor market from little souvenirs from the island and indigenous art to coconut candies, fresh fish, or fruits and vegetables.
And while you do so, you get the opportunity to engage with localities and learn more about the island.
17. Marigot Bay
Owing to its spectacular white sand beaches against the backdrop of beautiful swaying palm trees, visiting Marigot Bay should definitely be on your ‘Things to do in St Lucia’ list.
Not far from the village of Anse La Raye, this picturesque bay is loved by yachties and has even been used for background shots in numerous Hollywood films, such as Dr. Doolittle and Fire Power.
If you are interested in intense exploration of the bay, you can rent a kayak and snorkeling gear from a nearby dive shop or tour agency like Dive Fair Helen and explore the underwater life along St Lucia’s coastline.
18. View the island from an aerial tram
One of the must-do St Lucia activities is taking the 2.5-hour Rainforest Aerial Tram ride for $75 and $42 for children.
Situated at Castries Waterworks Forest Reserve close to St Lucia’s east coast, you can board the Aerial Tram to go to the top of the mountain and witness breathtaking views of the northern part of St Lucia and the tropical forests as you are transported away from the heat and bustle of the lowlands to an ecological park located in the island’s forest reserve.
You can visit the ecological park through this aerial tram and enjoy the serene life – away from the hubbub of the cities on the island.
19. Celebrate Chocolate Heritage Month
If you visit Saint Lucia in August, you’ll be in time to celebrate Chocolate Heritage Month. This festival celebrates the island’s cocoa heritage and unfolds over several weeks, with restaurants producing chocolate-themed menus and spas offering chocolate-themed treatments. You can even watch re-enactments of dances related to the process of cocoa bean polishing and various other activities. The best part? Chocolate samples and special edition chocolate bars.
If you aren’t in time to catch the festival, you can find the island’s favorite cocoa drink – cocoa tea – available at markets. These round, brown sticks are created from the roasted seeds of cacao pods and mixed with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and bay leaf. Simply mix with hot water or milk, and you enjoy a delicious local drink. The sticks even make for great souvenirs and gifts.
20. Attend a cricket match at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium
Cricket is a popular game on the island of Saint Lucia, with matches played at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet.
Attending a match is a must-do in St Lucia for cricket fans, where you catch major matches and see the West Indies team compete against international teams like England, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Tickets for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 cost as little as $6 to $12. You can also watch smaller local matches of the St Lucia Kings throughout the year.
St Lucia in Pictures
Find out How to Retire in St Lucia and enjoy an island life
As the sun sets over the picturesque landscapes of St Lucia, the possibilities for adventure and relaxation are endless. From its lush rainforests to pristine beaches, this Caribbean gem invites you to explore its natural beauty and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature enthusiast, or someone looking to unwind in paradise, you’ll find plenty of things to do in St Lucia to satisfy every interest.
So, if you’re eager to discover more about this enchanting island and plan your own unforgettable getaway, be sure to visit our website for more guides, insider tips, and a closer look at the countless natural wonders that make St Lucia a truly magical destination. Let the adventure begin!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Top Things to Do in St Lucia
What to do in St Lucia for a week?
If you are traveling to St Lucia for a week, you can try doing various things on the island like:
- Horseback riding with Sandy Hoofs St Lucia or East Coast Riding Stable
- Attend cultural events like the St Lucia Arts Festival
- Take a guided tour of Gros Piton
- Explore reefs off Anse La Raye
What are the best things to do in St Lucia on a cruise?
If you are on a cruise to St Lucia, some of the best activities in St Lucia are exploring Pigeon Island National Park, visiting the capital city Castries and the town of Soufriere, exploring Rodney Bay Village and Marigot Bay, and a zip-line at the base of La Sorcière.
What is Saint Lucia best known for?
St Lucia is best known for its iconic Piton Mountains, invigorating waterfalls like Toraille waterfall, excellent hiking trails like Millet Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail, pristine beaches like Pigeon Island Public Beach, vibrant events like St Lucia Jazz Festival, and the world’s only island with a drive-in volcano.
Why is Saint Lucia so popular?
Saint Lucia is popular for many reasons. The island offers natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and fun activities like hiking, surfing, and diving. The island also has many historic areas to explore, like Soufriere fishing village and Fort Rodney.
Is St Lucia worth going to?
Yes, Saint Lucia is definitely worth visiting, whether you want to explore the island’s untouched beauty, visit craft markets like Castries Market, swim amongst the marine life, relax at a local country club, search for hidden waterfalls, or spend your day in a bathing suit swimming in the sparkling waters of one of the many Saint Lucia beaches.
Is St Lucia expensive to eat out?
While local produce is relatively cheap in St Lucia, dining at restaurants, especially in tourist hotspots, can be pricey. Nevertheless, you can expect to spend around $8 for a meal at a budget-friendly restaurant and approximately $55 for a dinner for two at a mid-priced restaurant. Just be aware that prices soar in popular tourist areas.
