Explore St. Lucia

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St. Lucia
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Plan Your St. Lucia Holiday: Best of St. Lucia

About St. Lucia
The nature is absolutely the draw at this small, eastern Caribbean island—volcanos, rainforests, and black-sand beaches are just par for the course. It might be loved by honeymooners, but St. Lucia is ideal for anyone looking for a relaxing beach holiday, charming island culture, and activities when you want them. For hikers, there’s the lush rainforest, Pigeon Island National Park, and Tet Paul Nature Trail. Over on the west coast of the island, Soufrière, set against the volcanic Pitons, is ripe for exploring: Don't miss its Sulphur Springs and mud baths, beautiful Diamond Botanical Gardens, and the private black-sand beach of Anse Mamin. Get a taste of local cuisine at a bevy of restaurants serving up everything from green figs and salt fish to cassava bread. And be sure to catch an afternoon cricket game plus the popular Gros Islet Fish Fry on Friday nights. Check out more recs below.

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Essential St. Lucia

My favourite things to do in St. Lucia

Whether you want to speed up your heart rate or slow it way down, St. Lucia has plenty of options. I love to get energized with kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, ziplining, and hiking before winding down with a dip in the Sulphur Springs, yoga, meditation, tai chi, forest bathing, or, my personal favourite, the spas that make the most of all the local products.
  • Sulphur Springs
    3,348
    The world’s only drive-in volcano is in St. Lucia’s town of Soufriere. A mud bath in Sulphur Springs is not only fun but playing in the mud will make you feel like a kid again. The mineral-rich mud is said to detox the body and smooth your skin. Some folks have sworn they look and feel younger afterward.
  • Pitons
    1,988
    Trekking the massive volcanic spires of Gros Piton and Petit Piton is not for rookies, but the rewards include epic views of the island, lush greenery, parrot sightings, plenty of swoon-worthy pics, and bragging rights when you go home.
  • Edmund Forest Reserve
    10
    If you don’t feel like braving the Pitons, there’s the 7-mile Edmund Forest Reserve. It’s not nearly as physically challenging as the spires, and there’s plenty to marvel at along the trail, like the highest peak on the island, Mount Gimie, at more than 3,000 feet. This rainforest is also home to En Bas Saut waterfalls.
  • Millet Bird Sanctuary
    43
    Never underestimate the rejuvenating power of nature. I always get a mood boost at the Millet Bird Sanctuary, home to more than 30 species of birds, including parrots, warblers, and orioles. The nearly two-mile trail is moderate and occasionally challenging.
  • Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
    1,805
    St. Lucia has several waterfalls, but a personal favourite is the 17-metre-high Diamond Falls. The waters are laced with minerals because part of its stream comes from rainwater fed from the Sulphur Springs. Make sure to stroll the gardens before taking a dip in the hot springs.
  • St Lucia Bamboo Rafting
    47
    Indulge your adventurous spirit by bamboo rafting on the Roseau River, St. Lucia’s longest and largest waterway. While you work your way through the mangroves, expect to spot birds and butterflies while learning a ton about the island’s natural history from your guide. There are a variety of tours, including ones that involve rum tasting or a Creole-style lunch on the beach.
  • Rainforest Adventures
    889
    Rainforest Adventures tours will get your adrenaline pumping with a canopy zip line course, aerial tram ride, or trail hike. If you’re up for it, doing all three in one day is possible. Just make sure to book a spa visit afterward.
  • Sol Sanctum
    9
    St. Lucia is known around the world for its health-focussed hotels. One of the newest is Sol Sanctum, a family-owned boutique wellness resort. Treat yourself to daily classes like tai chi, meditation, Pilates, and yoga. You can also feast on vegetarian fare and experience alternative therapies such as energy healing.

How to do St. Lucia in 3 days

Incredible seafood, street parties, and the best sandy beaches
Read on

Explore St. Lucia by interest

The mountains are calling

Take on the Pitons—hotels, beaches, and trails

For the outdoorsy type

Fresh-air adventures for nature lovers

A taste of the Caribbean

Experience the island’s most vibrant flavours

Take to the water

Boat tours, beaches, water sports, and more

Essential St. Lucia

Amazing experiences you’ll only get here
St. Lucia Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing St. Lucia

keithjwaz
For farm produce, spices, locally grown fruits, and freshly caught fish, the Farmer's Market held on Saturday mornings in Soufriere is a great place to shop. Just go really early for the best selection.
Congomon
When driving, keep to your side (left), use your horn when the road is narrow and you can't see oncoming traffic (blind curves), watch for animals by the roadside, and don't expect Lucians to indicate when turning/overtaking or that street names are marked.
Tanya_B
Eat at some of the small restaurants on the side of the road - that is where we had our best meals.
kikunut
Customs and immigration take forever no matter where you are, so just be prepared when you get off the plane.

In the words of those who've been there before ...

David K
This was the most beautiful place I have been in the Caribbean.
JRP226
St. Lucia has been on my bucket list for years and it was more than I could ever ask for.
Marisa O
The Pitons are what drew me to St. Lucia, and they do not disappoint. They’re simply magnificent and you must experience them in person to fully appreciate their beauty. We love you, St. Lucia!
gdbear65
There's an amazing amount of things to see and do in St Lucia.

What is the best way to get there?

Flying:

St. Lucia has two airports. Most international flights land at Hewanorra International Airport, while flights from other Caribbean islands often land at George F. L. Charles Airport.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting St. Lucia from overseas, check the government website to see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

St. Lucia’s Caribbean climate means that the sun shines year-round. The most popular time to visit is during the dry season, when temperatures average between 77°F (25°C) and 84°F (29°C) — perfect for beach days and island-hopping cruises. If you don’t like crowds, avoid the peak months of February and March.

Low-season visits are a more budget-friendly option, but prepare for frequent showers as it’s also the wet season (June to November).

Minibus

The cheapest way to get around the island is by minibus and popular routes run between Castries, Vieux Fort, and Soufrière, as well as to many of the island’s smaller towns and beaches. Various private companies operate the buses, so it’s best to enquire locally about timetables and fares.

Boat

Water taxis cruise the island’s west coast, linking Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, and Soufrière.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available and can also be hired for longer trips and day tours. Agree on a price before you set out.

Ridesharing

Paycab is available in Castries.

On the ground
What is the timezone?
Atlantic Standard Time
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in St. Lucia is 240V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. The plug is a British-style plug with three pins.
What is the currency?
Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Hotels/Restaurants:
Most in St Lucia add a 10% service charge to the bill; additional tipping is not expected.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Drive on the left
If you hire a car, be aware that St. Lucians drive on the left side of the road. Similarly, when crossing the road, be sure to look to the right.
Water
St. Lucia’s tap water is drinkable in all of the main cities and resorts, so bring a refillable water bottle.
Leave the camo at home
Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal in St Lucia for non-military members and fines apply.