St. Lucia is an island nation in the eastern Caribbean that offers a huge range of attractions, including the dramatic Pitons, and a dormant volcano that you can drive in. There are healing sulfur spas, lovely sandy beaches, and dense rainforests with trails that take visitors through the lush forest of native plants and trees full of wildlife and birds.
1. Pigeon Island National Park
Pigeon Island National Historic Park is located in Rodney Bay a few miles from Calabash Cove. This lovely 40-acre islet and reserve was once a separate island, but was connected in the 1970s to the mainland by a narrow sandy causeway. Pigeon Island is the result of a long dormant volcano. It is cooled by pleasant northeast trade winds, and is fairly mountainous and receives quite a lot rain, giving the slopes of the hills a lush cloak of vegetation. The highest hill is Signal Hill, at 359 feet. A roughly 20-minute hike through the vegetation and up the second highest hill on the islet will take visitors to the remains of Fort Rodney. Most of the fort has been destroyed by hurricanes, but there are still some original old cannons. The view is spectacular and worth the climb. The rocky coastline of the islet is full of small coves and has two lovely beaches. Bring a picnic or check out the Jambe de Bois restaurant overlooking the clear blue waters.
2. Sulphur Springs Drive-In Volcano
St. Lucia’s dormant Soufrière Volcano is an impressive attraction which you can drive straight into. The volcano is a popular tourist attraction known as Sulphur Springs. As you drive through the crater, you will be assaulted by a strong smell of rotten eggs, the sign of the presence of sulfur in the water and the boiling mud. The last volcano eruption happened in the 18th century and it is considered dormant, but it does not look dormant as you walk very close to the crater and watch the steam coming out of the Earth. A little below the crater, the stream that runs out feeds mud baths and hot springs that are full of minerals and are considered therapeutic.
3. Diamond Botanical Gardens
Diamond Botanical Gardens are located in a deep gorge at the foothills of the Pitons on the west coast of St. Lucia, not far from the town of Soufrière. It is the oldest botanical garden on St. Lucia and one of the most beautiful spots on the island. The gardens are part of the 2,000-acre Soufrière estate, a grant by French King Louis XIV to the Devaux family. It is still owned by the family. These lush tropical gardens are bursting with life with massive ancient trees towering over blooming bushes and vines. A narrow path takes visitors to the natural gorge, where water bubbles from a sulfur spring that, on the way down the cliff, forms the Diamond Waterfall. The path continues to the dormant Soufrière Volcano, also called the Sulphur Springs, which feeds thermal baths that have been around since 1784. Along the way through the lush gardens, visitors can see an old mill and a waterwheel, built in 1765.
Soufrière Estate, St. Lucia, Phone: 758-459-7565
4. Splash Island Water Park
Splash Island is a popular family amusement park located on Reduit Beach on St. Lucia’s northwestern coast. It is the first Caribbean open-water sports park, offering a range of inflatable obstacle courses. Young guests can enjoy a climbing wall, trampoline, swing monkey bars, double rocker, slide, rocker flip, hurdles, and a court for water volleyball. The guests have to be at least 6 years old and minimum of 3.5 feet tall, and have to wear life vests regardless of how well they swim. While all activities are considered safe, there are well-trained life guards on duty. The water park was opened in 2015 and is located close to the Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa.
Reduit Beach Ave, St. Lucia, Phone: 758-457-8532
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5. Tet Paul Nature Trail
Located in the southwestern part of St. Lucia, about a 10-minute drive or a 40-minute walk from the town of Soufrière, the Tet Paul Nature Trail is a beautiful way to discover the natural wonders of this lovely island. The hike itself takes about 40 minutes and is considered easy to moderately strenuous. The trail runs through magnificent nature and passes by working farmlands, with views of Gros Piton and Jalousie Bay that take your breath away. To really enjoy the view, you will have to climb a set of steep stairs, but it really is worth it. The hikes are guided and your guide will use the opportunity to share with you stories about the island culture, history, and exotic plants you will be passing by.
6. Things to Do in Saint Lucia: Edmund Forest Reserve
Mount Edmund Forest Reserve is located high up on the island uplands, near the Enbas Saut Waterfalls Trail. The hikes through the reserve are guided by rangers from the Forest and Lands Department, who are in charge of its maintenance and can point out the exotic plants you see or birds that you hear, such as the Saint Lucia parrot. The hike, which is about 7 miles long and takes about 3 hours each way, will take you through the Quilesse Forest Reserve, ending at the Des Cartiers Rain Forest Trail. The trail is surrounded by a tunnel of huge trees and you will be passing through verdant valleys and towering waterfalls. The tropical forest is rich in orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. The path feels spongy and soft, full of decades’ worth of decomposing wet leaves. There are hanging vines everywhere with colorful beautiful blooms. Take your time and enjoy the rainforest in all its glory.
7. Maria Island Nature Reserve
Located just off Saint Lucia’s east coast, about half a mile from Pointe Sable, the two beautiful Maria Islands are the jewels among the country’s magnificent natural treasures. With more than 80 species of plants and five endemic reptiles that do not exist anywhere else, the islands have been declared a nature reserve. This lush environment is a major nesting ground for the migratory birds coming from Africa every year. During their visit, the islands are closed to visitors to give the birds and their babies some peace and quiet. But the rest of the time, the islands are a wonderful place to spend a day for people who like going off the beaten tourist path and enjoying the Maria Islands’ beautiful sandy beaches. Hiking through the jungle and observing wildlife is a very special experience. The trail ends at the observation spot, which offers magnificent views of the Pointe Sable area, the town of Vieux Fort, and the Pitons. The only way to reach the Marias is by a fishing boat.
8. Mamiku Gardens
Located on the Atlantic side of St. Lucia, near Mon Repos along the Micoud Highway, are 12 acres of the lush green Mamiku Gardens. On the hilltop in the heart of the gardens are the ruins of the historic Micoud estate. Stroll through the narrow paved path and you will come across the Mystic Garden, with the species of laurels and a riot of colors from the many species of orchids from all over the world. A set of stone steps, in the deep shade thrown by tall trees, will take you to the Secret Garden, with its magnificent display of colors, fragrances, and blooms. Birds and butterflies are flying everywhere. It is hard to believe that the estate on which the gardens grow were the site of some fierce battles between the French and the British, and were at some point burnt by the slaves.
9. Enbas Saut Rainforest Trail & Waterfalls
About 6 miles east of Soufrière, at the foothills of the island’s highest mountain, Mount Gimie, is Enbas Saut, a magnificent 19,000-acre Central Rainforest Reserve. There is a well-maintained 2.5-kilometer hiking trail going through the lush rainforest, which is wild, remote, and incredibly scenic. The trail runs through a mix of dense rainforest, cloud forest, and elfin woodlands, full of vibrant wildlife. The most common birds you will see, or most likely hear, in the area are the St. Lucian parrot, the blue-hooded euphonia, the St. Lucia black finch, and the mountain whistler. The view in the clearings is dominated by looming Piton Canarie, Piton Troumassee, and Mount Gimie. Enbas Saut means "below the falls," and you will understand why when you come to the two spectacular cascading waterfalls that end in deep pools at the Troumassee River. The trail alternates with a series of wooden steps that go down the cliff before arriving at the base of the waterfall. The cool and refreshing pool is a popular swimming place. The hike takes about 1 hour one way.
10. Things to Do in Saint Lucia: Millet Bird Sanctuary
If you are a bird watcher, coming to St. Lucia is your unique opportunity to see some birds that do not live anywhere else. Head to the Millet Bird Sanctuary, in the Millet Forest Reserve at the heart of the island, where more than 30 species of birds live in an magnificent, ancient primary forest. There are five endemic species, namely warblers, blackbirds, orioles, and flycatchers as well as the St. Lucia parrot. The forest trail is fairly well maintained and climbs to 300 meters above sea level, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is 2.8 kilometers long and it takes about 2 hours to finish. Along the trail you will see observation towers and many bird feeders. At the trail head you will find a nice, welcoming reception area and restrooms. The facilities were developed by the Ministry of Forestry of St. Lucia and their staff offer guided hikes.
Millet, St. Lucia, Phone: 758-450-2231
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11. Rhythm of Rum Tours, Saint Lucia
Every Caribbean country is proud of its special and unique brand of rum. In St. Lucia, there is only one rum distillery left and visiting it will show you not only the process of making rum but also the history of rum production on the island and how it shaped the island’s history. St. Lucia Distillers Group of Companies is the last of the island’s rum distilleries and is located in the picturesque Roseau Valley, not far from Marigot Bay. The distillery was created in 1972 when the two remaining distilleries joined forces. Today, it produces more than 25 rums and rum products. They offer 1-hour tours of the distillery that end in a free tasting and an opportunity for visitors to buy a few bottles as a special souvenir.
Castries, St. Lucia, Phone: 758-518-8275
12. Marigot Bay
Rather than just one beach, Marigot Bay is made up of several little sandy spots all dotted about on the western side of the island, not far from Castries. This St Lucia beach is so pretty it's actually been used as a filming location for several Hollywood movies over the years. With very tall palm trees and lots of little boats sailing by, it's a lovely spot to simply sit and relax with friends, family, or a special someone. Due to Marigot Bay's beauty, it can get busy sometimes, so try heading here on a weekday if you're looking for a little more privacy.
13. Atlantic Shores Riding Stables
Atlantic Shores Riding Stables are located near Honeymoon Beach in an area that hasn’t been touched by development and is still as tranquil and natural as it was centuries ago. For people who love horses, it is a very special experience to take a ride on sandy beaches along the ocean shores, through the rolling hills of the sleepy countryside, or along steep, dramatic cliffs on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The guides who lead the tours will tell you the stories of the history of the area and the centuries-old cultures that mixed and blended to make the St. Lucia of today. The memories and photographs you will take with you will last you a lifetime.
Micoud Highway, Vieux-Fort, St. Lucia, Phone: 758-454-8660
14. Rainforest Adventures, Saint Lucia
If your cruise ship brought you to St. Lucia’s Castries port, you will want to see as much of this beautiful island as possible in a short time. Let Rainforest Adventures show you around and introduce you to the island’s magical rainforest, where you can combine your love for adventure with a pure pleasure of being surrounded by spectacular nature. Their zipline tour starts with a short walk through the floor of the tropical rainforest, before they hitch you to a safety harness and send you flying above the tree canopy along a series of cables, from platform to platform. If you are a daredevil, you might want to swing from the line into a net or hike along the forest floor to the next platform. For the less adventurous, there is the Aerial Tram Tour, which brings visitors from the city to the high area in the rainforest in large 16-people open gondolas, which glide silently above the forest, offering spectacular views. Once you arrive at the forest, you will take a slow hike through the jungle path and enjoy many flowering plants and noisy colorful birds.
St. Lucia, Phone: 758-458-5151
15. Things to Do in Saint Lucia: Off-Road Segway Adventure
There are so many ways to explore St. Lucia: by bus, car, boat, bike, or on foot. Or you can try something new and glide along on the guided Off-Road Segway Adventure. After a short introduction on how to ride this interesting, quiet, and totally environmental vehicle, you will first go on a Segway practice track, after which you will continue along the well-maintained nature trail up Mount Pimard and along the dramatic steep west coast of the island. Your guide will point out the plants, birds, and butterflies you encounter and will tell you the stories of the bloody battles French and British fought over the beautiful island. The tour takes about 2 hours to complete.
St. Lucia, Phone: 758-724-8200
16. Treetop Adventure Park
Treetop Adventure Park is located deep in the lush St. Lucia rainforest and offers a different experience of the island for those who like to challenge themselves and get their adrenaline flowing. You can view the treetops 150 feet above ground from their 12 super-safe world-class double cable ziplines. You can hike or bike high up to the Errard Waterfall, the highest on the island. New Canopy Walkways offer a view of the jungle and birds from the hanging walkways among the trees. All around you, colorful blooms and verdant trees and vines offer home to many birds such as parrots and hummingbirds. You can also visit the greenhouse, where gardeners tend to new species of plants and trees before planting them around the park.
Errard Road, Dennery, St. Lucia, Phone: 758-724-7256
17. Reduit
On the northwestern shore of St Lucia, Reduit is generally regarded as the best beach on the island due to its size, beauty, and amenities. Lots of upscale resort hotels are found near this beach, and various vendors and rental stores can be found to provide all you'll need for a fulfilling day of fun in the sun. All kinds of water sports and beach games can be enjoyed here, and visitors will have a big choice of bars and eateries when looking for a meal or juicy cocktail to cool down after basking in the sun for a few hours.
18. Grande Anse
Most of St Lucia's best beaches are found on the western shore of the island, but Grande Anse is one of the top destinations if you're feeling adventurous enough to head off to the rockier eastern coast. The shoreline is dominated by mountains and cliffs here, but Grande Anse beach is one of the few secluded sandy spots in this area. The western beaches are quite built-up with touristic amenities and resorts, but Grande Anse is almost entirely untouched. It's a very popular spot to do some wildlife watching, with lots of sea turtles seen nesting on the beach at various times of the year.
19. Pigeon Island
Technically known as the Pigeon Island National Park, this beach is found at the northern part of St Lucia and is one of the top spots on the island for nature lovers or outdoor enthusiasts. There are lots of fun activities to be found around the National Park, including scenic hiking trails and climbing spots, as well as a museum and a couple of highly-rated restaurants. The beach itself offers typically soft sands and warm waters, just right for swimming and tanning.
20. La Toc
Many visitors to St Lucia will undoubtedly visit the island's capital city of Castries. If you're in the city, La Toc is the closest beach to you. It's just a short walk from downtown Castries, offering all the amenities of the city just a few minutes away from the sand. A comfortable and cozy beach with a secluded, private-island sort of atmosphere due to the tall trees and lush vegetation all around, La Toc offers some very pretty views and a surprisingly calm atmosphere.
21. Sugar Beach
Named after the soft, sugary sands found all along its length, Sugar Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on St Lucia. The first thing that stands out about this beach is its silky smooth sands, but if you take a look up, you'll be rewarded with astonishing views of the nearby Piton Mountains and lush wilderness all around. Located on the western shore of the island, Sugar Beach is conveniently situated quite close to the city of Soufriere. Prospective visitors to this beach need to be aware that part of it is private, reserved exclusively for guests of the Sugar Beach Resort, but the rest is fully open to the public and ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
22. Balenbouche Estate Heritage Site
Immerse yourself in the history, heritage, and culture of St. Lucia at the Balenbouche Estate Heritage Site. The site has developed a reputation for being one of the top heritage tours of Saint Lucia and offers both guided and self-guided tours to its visitors. Welcoming guests throughout the week, the plantation is home to an 18th-century sugar mill, a restored plantation house, as well as expansive grounds and beaches. When visiting, guests can also enjoy great Caribbean-style meals and refreshments on the 180-year-old plantation house’s veranda. On special occasions, the Balenbouche Estate Heritage Site also offers a delicious and exclusive dinner buffet that is open to even non-resident guests.
Balembouche, St. Lucia; Phone: 758-285-6628
23. Jade Mountain Club
For those on the hunt for one of Saint Lucia’s top gastronomic experiences, the Jade Mountain Club is a must-visit. Known for its luxurious experiences, the Jade Mountain Club features remarkable views of the Caribbean shoreline and the kaleidoscope of colors that the oceans offer. With Jams Beard Award winning chef, Chef Allen Susser at the helm, the Jade Mountain Club dishes up a brave and exciting menu founded on tropical flavors and Caribbean staples. At the heart of the Jade Mountain Club’s menu are three pillars – freshness of ingredients, simplicity in all aspects, and flexibility to accommodate and adjust to the availability of produce.
VW7F+PP5, Mamin, Saint Lucia, Phone: 758-719-7365
24. Antillia Brewing Company
The Antillia Brewing Company is the place to go for beer lovers who want to experience gorgeous ales and stouts from St. Lucia’s one and only craft brewery. Founded in 2015, the Antillia Brewing Company’s beers are inspired by the bountiful natural ingredients found around Saint Lucia as well as the Caribbean’s history and culture. The company’s beers are free of chemicals, using only all-natural ingredients to capture the true tropical taste of the islands. Visit the company’s beer garden to sample their range of ales and stouts with flagship brews like the Naked Fisherman West Indian Pale Ale, the Passion Fruit Ale, and the Formidable West Indian Pale Ale.
Castries, St. Lucia, Phone: 758-459-0844
The top attractions to visit in Saint Lucia near me today according to local experts:
- 1. Pigeon Island National Park
- 2. Sulphur Springs Drive-In Volcano
- 3. Diamond Botanical Gardens
- 4. Splash Island Water Park
- 5. Tet Paul Nature Trail
- 6. Things to Do in Saint Lucia: Edmund Forest Reserve
- 7. Maria Island Nature Reserve
- 8. Mamiku Gardens
- 9. Enbas Saut Rainforest Trail & Waterfalls
- 10. Things to Do in Saint Lucia: Millet Bird Sanctuary
- 11. Rhythm of Rum Tours, Saint Lucia
- 12. Marigot Bay
- 13. Atlantic Shores Riding Stables
- 14. Rainforest Adventures, Saint Lucia
- 15. Things to Do in Saint Lucia: Off-Road Segway Adventure
- 16. Treetop Adventure Park
- 17. Reduit
- 18. Grande Anse
- 19. Pigeon Island
- 20. La Toc
- 21. Sugar Beach
- 22. Balenbouche Estate Heritage Site
- 23. Jade Mountain Club
- 24. Antillia Brewing Company
More Ideas: Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia
For many people, the tropical islands of the Caribbean are the ultimate vacation destination. These beautiful islands are filled with lush scenery, soft white sands, warm blue waters, and non-stop sunny weather, providing the perfect conditions for sunbathing, surfing, and many other activities.
Of all the many Caribbean island destinations, Saint Lucia is by far one of the most scenic. Home of dramatic mountains, volcanic beaches, stunning coral reefs, and luxurious resorts, Saint Lucia is the perfect place to lose oneself and feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city streets.
Saint Lucia is an idyllic spot for romantic getaways and family vacations, and there are plenty of picturesque areas to enjoy all over the island. Marigot Bay is one of the very best. Over on the western coast of Saint Lucia, just a few miles from the island's capital of Castries, this postcard-style bay is surrounded by forested hills and home to the Marigot Bay Resort.
Marigot Bay Resort - Luxury Saint Lucia Resort
The Marigot Bay Resort is one of the best places to stay on Saint Lucia. It sits in the heart of the Marigot Bay area, offering the very best levels of accommodation, service, amenities, and features for all guests to enjoy, and a stay at the Marigot Bay Resort can make your Caribbean vacation so much more magical and memorable.
- The Resort - A true Caribbean paradise in every sense of the word, the Marigot Bay Resort is the sort of place dreams are made of. Offering true Calypso hospitality to every guest and featuring a wide range of amenities and features to make your stay extra special, the Marigot Bay Resort gives you everything you could want from a Caribbean resort and more. It’s a family-friendly resort with a great range of gorgeously decorated rooms and suites, as well as a pair of infinity pools, a range of dining options, and even its own marina, offering direct access to the waters of the bay for all your adventures and excursions.
- Accommodation at the Marigot Bay Resort - Those staying at the Marigot Bay Resort will be able to choose from a wide range of accommodation types. Junior Suites offer timeless appeal and class, with stunning views out onto the bay, cozy beds, spacious seating areas, outdoor balconies and deck areas, and much more. The regular Suites give you even more room, equipped with their own modern kitchens and dining rooms, making them the perfect option for families. Those searching for the ultimate in space and luxury, meanwhile, will want to choose the Penthouse Suites. Offering more space than any other accommodation, they have huge wrap-around decks and boast magical views and lots of useful amenities.
- The Spa at the Marigot Bay Resort - Why do we go on vacation? For many people, the answer to that question is to relax, to forget our worries, to feel totally at peace, far from the noise of cities and the stresses of daily life. If that's what you're looking for too, you'll find it at the Marigot Bay Resort's Spa Village. Surrounded by tropical gardens and colorful plants, the spa offers soothing massages, beauty treatments, and more, letting you drift off into a sublime state of total relaxation on your Caribbean getaway.
- Things to Do - The Resort is nicely situated right at Marigot Bay, which is widely regarded as one of the very best spots on the entire island of Saint Lucia, so it's a prime place to really enjoy all the island has to offer, with a lot of different activities and experiences being enjoyed right on-site at the hotel. Whether you're looking to head out into the waters and do some diving around the local coral reefs or stay on dry land and taste some quality Caribbean rums, you'll find many options to suit your taste. Yoga and Pilates classes are held at the resort, with sunset cruises also available, along with river kayaking, ziplining, nature trail hikes, and more.
- Dining- As well as the endless sunshine, beautiful beaches, and warm waters, one of the biggest appeals of th Caribbean is its cuisine. No matter which island you choose to visit, you'll find some delicious dishes and fruity cocktails waiting to greet you, and this is especially true at Saint Lucia's best resort: Marigot Bay Resort. The resort has several different dining options to choose from, including The Grill At 14°61°, which makes use of local ingredients to offer a stunning seasonal menu of Caribbean delights, and the Rum Cave, where you can try out the Caribbean's favorite spirit in all its forms.
Marigot Bay Resort & Marina, Marigot Bay, St. Lucia, 758-458-5300
Beaches on St Lucia
If you're planning a trip to the Caribbean, you have a lot of different locations to choose from, which is why so many people choose to book a spot on a Caribbean cruise and see multiple destinations in just one trip. Of those destinations, Saint Lucia is easily one of the prettiest. This sovereign island country is located in the Lesser Antilles region and covers an area of around 238 square miles in total. Saint Lucia has a long coastline, with a lot of gorgeous beaches dotted around the north, south, east, and west of the island, so there's plenty of sun, sand, and sea for all to enjoy.
If you’re visiting St Lucia, there’s a good chance you’ll want to spend a lot of time out on the beach, listening to the waves as you soak up some sun or actually wading out to sea to feel the warmth of the Caribbean waters on your body. In either case, you have a lot of excellent beaches to visit and it’s impossible to see them all in just one trip. To help you prioritize, we’ve compiled some useful overviews and details on the very best beaches of St Lucia.
