St. Lucia is a beautiful island in the Windward Islands known for its stunning coastlines, lush rainforests, and clear ocean waters. The island’s history can still be seen in its delicious French cuisine, so make sure to try the green fig and saltfish dish. There are many opportunities to enjoy nature in St.
Lucia, whether it’s ziplining or taking a helicopter ride. Water sports enthusiasts will also find plenty to do, with options like windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing. The island is also renowned for its excellent snorkeling and scuba diving spots. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, the north of St.
Lucia, particularly Castries or Rodney Bay, is the best choice. However, if you’re seeking outdoor adventures, head to Soufriere in the south.
12. Pigeon Island National Park
Off the northwest coast of St. Lucia, there’s an island nature reserve that was connected to the mainland in 1972 through a lengthy man-made causeway.
The park holds a captivating history, entwined with diverse characters spanning centuries — from pirates like Jambe de Bois to the French military, and even renowned actresses like Josset Agnes Hutchinson.
You’ll find two restaurants and two opulent beaches on the island, along with the remnants of deserted military structures that played a role when the French and British armies contended for control over St. Lucia.
11. Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
Discover the enchanting Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, where a beautiful waterfall flows down a rich, earthy-red background and gently spills into a shallow pool below.
The gardens boast lush greenery, creating a jungle-like atmosphere filled with vibrant tropical flowers.
Situated in the southern part of St. Lucia in Soufriere, this center features hot mineral baths and attracts a variety of native insects and birds. It’s an ideal spot to spend a peaceful and tranquil afternoon.
10. Diving and Snorkeling
The Anse Chastanet reef in St. Lucia is a popular place for diving and snorkeling. People sometimes see hawksbill turtles there. If you go a little further, you’ll find Anse Mamin, which is a quieter spot for snorkeling. Marigot Bay is another great destination known for its colorful corals.
Wherever you go on the island, you’ll see a variety of tropical fish like trumpetfish and parrotfish in the ocean. St. Lucia has options for tourists who want to get their PADI diving certificate or just enjoy some snorkeling with a simple and affordable set. The best time for snorkeling and diving in St.
Lucia is from December to May because the weather conditions are usually excellent due to the low rainfall on the island.
9. Anse Chastanet Beach
Anse Chastanet Beach is the perfect place for diving and snorkeling on the island. The reef just off the coast is known for its beauty and is considered one of the best in the Caribbean. You can choose to bring your own snorkeling gear, join a diving tour, or take a boat tour to explore the deeper parts of the reef.
Even if you don’t want to dive or snorkel, visiting the beach is a must. It has beautiful white sand, vibrant palm trees for shade, and stunning rocky cliffs and mountains with colorful plants all around.
8. Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay, located on St. Lucia island, is a beautiful and secluded bay. It features a narrow strip of white sand that winds along the shoreline. The bay is surrounded by lush green vegetation and the beach is lined with tall palm trees. Marigot Bay has been featured in famous movies like Dr.
Doolittle and Firepower because of its stunning natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The nearby town, Marigot Village, is small and quiet, with a few shops and restaurants. The best activities to enjoy in the Marigot Bay area include kayaking and hiking up to the hilltop above Marigot Village to witness the breathtaking views of the bay.
7. Helicopter Tour
While it may not be the most affordable option for a vacation, you should definitely not pass up the opportunity to experience the breathtaking views of St. Lucia’s renowned landmarks by taking a helicopter tour.
From high up in the sky, you’ll be able to see the famous Pitons, the island’s dormant volcanoes, as well as other popular places like Castries with its beautiful beaches, Marigot Bay, and the charming fishing villages.
You can choose between various tours, such as the North Island and South Island helicopter tours, and your pilot will gladly share fascinating information about the island’s history during your flight.
6. Reduit Beach
Reduit Beach is located on the northwest coast of the island, right in front of Rodney Bay. People love this beach because of its beautiful golden sand, stunning turquoise waters, and the fact that it is lined with many cocktail bars and sun loungers.
It is also home to Splash Island, an inflatable waterpark that provides endless fun for families and people of all ages. So, why not come and spend a day at the beach, enjoying the spectacular views of Pigeon Island National Park as an added bonus?.
5. Sulphur Springs
St. Lucia has unique hot springs that are heated by a volcano. You can enjoy four natural springs for soaking, as well as mud baths and beautiful cascading waterfalls. These springs have water and mud rich in minerals, which are believed to have detoxifying effects on the skin and can also help with problems like sore joints.
The most exciting part is that these springs are located inside a dormant volcano! This volcano last erupted in the 1700s, so it is relatively safe. St. Lucia is proud to have the only drive-in volcano in the world, making it a must-see attraction.
4. Tet Paul Nature Trail
The short loop is approximately 0.6 miles in length and suitable for people at any fitness level. You can follow the little dirt path through the tropical vegetation while enjoying the breathtaking views of the coast and jungle. The hike is not difficult and it takes you near a beautiful lookout point in Soufriere.
Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail. To avoid the hottest temperatures, it is recommended to start early in the morning. Overall, it’s a great way to spend a morning in the southern part of St. Lucia.
3. Castries Market
Castries market offers a variety of goods, including fresh fish and handmade crafts, and provides an opportunity to interact with the locals and purchase souvenirs. The market has a long history, dating back to 1894, and it is open every day.
Saturdays tend to be the liveliest with stalls occupying Jeremie Street, creating a vibrant atmosphere with a range of colors and aromas. Visitors can explore the open-air section for brightly colored fruits and venture into the indoor area to find vibrant beachwear and intricately carved calabashes.
2. La Toc Beach
Most tourists don’t know about this peaceful beach located south of Castries on St. Lucia island. It may be a little challenging to find, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Once you get there, you’ll have almost all the white sandy beach to yourself.
The atmosphere has a touch of luxury, with a few high-end resorts and hotels hidden by lush greenery along the coastline. You can spend the day sunbathing, snorkeling in the crystal-clear blue water, and enjoying a good book. It’s the ideal spot to come and unwind for the day – there’s no agenda, just relaxation!.
1. Go Zip Lining
If you’re searching for a family-friendly adventure, consider trying out ziplining in the Babonneau rainforest near Rodney Bay! Tucked away in this lush rainforest, you’ll discover an extensive network of zip lines.
Glide above the treetops, soaring through the rainforest while listening to the soothing sounds of hummingbirds and the occasional call of a St. Lucia parrot.
Zip lining amidst calabash, strangler figs, and other native plants is a fantastic way to ignite the kids’ enthusiasm for the island’s natural beauty! The ziplining tours are operated by Rainforest Adventures.
