The 12 best things to do in the Caribbean’s St Lucia!
Last updated on July 3rd, 2026 at 07:29 am
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What are the best things to do in St Lucia? The beautiful island getaway has plenty of beaches and romantic hideaways – but there is more to it than just that! Of course, I did like the wild side of all things St Lucia – swimming, hiking, snorkeling and more – and I’m pretty sure you’re going to like them too.
In between those sunsets on the beach and swimming in deliciously warm water, you’re going to find waterfalls, mud baths, forests and rivers to explore, ziplines, ATVS, as well as plenty of action on and in the water. You biggest decision is just how long do you need on the island!
Contents
The 12 best things to do in St Lucia
A weeks itinerary for St Lucia
Things to pack for your trip to St Lucia!
Frequently asked questions for St Lucia
Plan your trip checklist
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All in one – if you want to book flights and accommodation as a package, use expedia
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. If you are from the US check SafetyWing first. I use EKTA mostly as it allows me to pick up insurance when I am already traveling.
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. Top tours for St Lucia are:
- Gros Piton Hike with Dannyboy & Co
- St Lucia Highlights Tour or Half Day Private Tour in St. Lucia Jeep Wrangler
- St Lucia Diamond Mineral and Mud Baths Plus Waterfall Adventure
- Kayak Adventure on the Roseau River or St. Lucia Private Bamboo Rafting Experience
- Friday Night Street Party
- St Lucia ATV Tour : Waterfall, Plantation, Beach and Distillery
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The 12 best things to do in St Lucia
These are my top 12 things to do in St Lucia – in no particular order, although Gros Piton is a bucket list thing to do so it gets the first spot!
1. Hike Gros Piton – its “the” bucket list item!
It’s a hot and tough rocky little hike but worth the effort for some great views. Unfortunately it is a little pricey as you cannot go on the trail alone. Once you get to the trailhead, you have to pay an entrance fee of $50 USD which includes a guide.
The good thing is then you don’t have to worry about following the trail and you can learn about local life and what you are seeing around you. Its about 2 hours each way. You climb approximately 600 meters (2000ft) from the start of the track. The track is mostly through forest with views out to sea at places – stopping places! At the top there is sometimes an ice-cream and drinks stand. (Cross your fingers on that one – and make sure to take plenty of water with you.)
There are plenty of tours to the Gros Piton hike that include your transport and a guide during your drive time as well as on the track. These are great options:
Tips:
1. Go early – if there are no guides you will have to wait for one, so get there early for that reason, but also obviously to beat the heat. I wouldn’t really want to start after 8.00am.
2. Take plenty of water with you. You will need it! And wear proper shoes – trail runners at least.
3. You can also hike Petite Piton. Again – a guide is mandatory and this is a tougher walk from all accounts – but unfortunately I did not do it.
2. Tour the island and see the highlights
The island is beautiful so its absolutely worth getting out and about to see as much of it as you can – there will still be time to laze on the beach! These are rave review tours on the island:
- St Lucia Highlights Tour
- Soufriere Tour
- Half Day Private Tour in St. Lucia Jeep Wrangler
- St Lucia Private Tour: Customize Your Island Experience+ Lunch
- Good Vibes Tours with Dannyboy & Co – Private Island Experiences
3. Mud up in the natural heated black water pools at the Sulphur Springs
You do not need to go on a tour for this – particularly if you are staying in the south. We took a taxi to the pools from Soufriere – it is only 3.5kms.
Once there, we stayed longer than the 30 mins recommended (hardly time to get in and out if you only stay that long). Its great fun covering yourself in mud and then rinsing off and relaxing in the hot water afterward. Of course it is also meant to be therapeutic for the skin and body!
I would aim to go early or later to avoid the middle of the day crowds – notably if there is a cruise ship in. There wasn’t for me but…. The only thing is I have read that if you go later the person getting the mud for you may not be there and that would be a blow.
A trip to these Sulphur Springs is often combined with other things in a tour, so it can be a good option especially if you are staying in the north. These are good tour options with very high ratings:
- Private All Inclusive Speedboat to Soufriere with Lunch, Mud Bath & Waterfall
- St Lucia Diamond Mineral and Mud Baths Plus Waterfall Adventure
- St Lucia Sulphur Springs Drive- in Volcano Tour & Therapeutic Mud baths
- Soufriere Adventure Nature Trail Hike | Waterfall | Mud Baths
Tips:
1. Go early – beat the cruise ship crowd if there is one in the area.
2. Take a towel and wear old clothes – they are going to get muddy!
3. Take drinking water with you.
4. Combine with a trip to the Piton Falls for a very zen body!
3a. Swim in the warm water at Piton Falls
Great to do after visiting the Sulphur Springs!
To be honest its pretty but not really pretty – concrete and a PVC pipe (although that may have changed now – one can hope)! But I think it is a must do as it was a pretty little walk in to the falls and the mineral baths are just perfect when you are in them – very relaxing and just the right temperature. You can climb under the falls and you can sit with the falls landing on your shoulders – ohh so good.
Others may not call this a top five item but for me it was – but you know I love being in water – especially when there was nobody else around! We did go again and the same happened – just us. I have no idea if we were just lucky or if that’s normal. There is a small entry fee of a few dollars.
4. Go for an ATV adventure – and enjoy local rum!
A great fun time – ATV and rum. There are three options, the reviews are raving, and you get to explore the island a bit off grid – there’s not much more to say! Book one of the options on this St Lucia ATV Tour : Waterfall, Plantation, Beach and Distillery
If fyou are more interested in rum than ATV then there is also this St. Lucia Food and Rum Tour – Taste authentic St. Lucian Food and Culture!
5. Get out on the water – sail, swim and snorkel
Snorkeling in St Lucia can be pretty good – especially in the marine reserves. You can find a large variety of fish – everything from butterflyfish, parrot fish, and trumpet fish, to puffers, angelfish and more. These two tours are highly recommended – read the rave reviews!
- Private Full Day Snorkel Soufriere Charter
- Private Full Day Charter: St Lucia Boat Tour to Soufriere
- Shashamane experience private boat charter Marigot bay
If you want to go alone, you can snorkel along most of the east coast but these are some of the best spots:
Anse Chastanet and Anse Mamin (they have a 700m pathway between them) are probably the easiest places to snorkel directly from the beach and are both in a marine reserve so there is plenty to see. There is a reef at either end of Anse Chastanet and both are great.
Jalousie (Sugar Beach) is also a good spot in the area, as is Anse L’Ivrogne – which has a ton of fish, morays, lobsters and anything else you can think of. (Note to get to Anse L’Ivrogne there is a dirt track / road from The View Restaurant but its probably best / easiest to walk down – about 15 minutes walk. It is definitely worth it.)
A couple of other great options for snorkeling and something a bit different are:
6. Zip through the rain forest
Visit ‘Rainforest Adventures’ and take your choice of trail walking, cable car, or for an adrenalin rush – zip lining through it! Of course you can do all three. The cable car is great for views and goes slowly enough to enjoy them fully. There are eight zip lines
Book on Adrena-Line Zipline, St. Lucia in the north of the island – with or without a pickup. Or book this combo – Zip line, Aerial Tram and Hiking tour Ultimate 3
An alternative zip line option in the south – beneath the iconic Petit Piton is this St. Lucia Morne Coubaril Estate Zipline Experience with 8-line/16 platform treetop course!
7. Enjoy the beautiful beaches
St. Lucia has beaches that Caribbean dreams are made of – with clear turquoise waters, powdery sand, and plenty of sun. For a long sandy stretch of beach try Reduit Beach at Rodney Bay (it can get busy but there is plenty of room). In the north is also Pigeon Island with two lovely beaches, and try the laid back Vigie Beach near the small airport (but its not noisy so don’t worry) which is uncrowded and has good shade from the trees lining the beach – perfect.
In the center, Marigot Bay has a few pretty little beaches – as well as a history of being the backdrop for many films (like Dr Doolittle). Nearby is Anse Cochon Beach with an interesting village showing off French and English colonial architecture.
Further south, Anse Chastanet near Soufriere is one of the nicest beaches on the island. Another relatively nearby beautiful beach is Jalousie Beach between Gros and Petit Piton.
Finally, Anse de Sables, in the far south, has lovely sand and plenty to watch as its a top spot for kite boarders and windsurfers.
8. Explore the Roseau River.
You can rent kayaks at the beaches around the island for a bit of fun, but for me exploring the river and having a little journey is much more appealing! Even better – you can kayak or you can raft!!
This Kayak Adventure on the Roseau River starts at the very pretty Marigot Bay and after a short stretch out on the open sea you enter a lagoon and then the Roseau River – a completely different environment with mangroves and brown water.
And this St. Lucia Private Bamboo Rafting Experience starts in the river itself – along with a beer or rum! Chill and enjoy the river scenery with a guide.
If you prefer to explore Pigeon Island this Kayak at Pigeon Island Beach is an option (but the river is another environment you wont get to see otherwise)!
Tip: You can rent kayaks in other places eg in Castries or at many of the hotels on beaches for a bit of fun, but I think for an actual journey this is the way to go.
9. Wander and swim in the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
The very lush and beautiful Botanical Gardens are set in a natural gorge with pathways that lead you to the Diamond Falls – which do seem to sparkle a bit! There are also the therapeutic mineral pools near the waterfall, with public and private pools. (The gardens are US$7 / EC$17.50 to enter and the pools are US$6 – EC$15 for public US$7 / EC$17.50 for private.)
You do not need a guide, but if you are interested in the local plants and food sources, you can hire a guide at the gate. You could easily spend a relaxing half day here if you do it all – plants, falls, hot water – perrrrrfect!
You can also go on this highly recommended combo tour – a hike and then a visit to these botanic gardens: Scenic Nature Hike & Botanical Garden Escape
Tips: Its generally quieter in the afternoons. Open from 10am – 4pm esxcept on Sundays/ holidays when it closes at 3pm.
10. More hiking?
If The hike up Gros Piton got you enthused, there are plenty more trails you can take. Alltrails has a list of what it thinks are the best hiking options here.
Pigeon Island is a national park in the north of the island. Trails take you to some historical fort ruins – from the days of battle between the British and French over the islands, or to the highest point on the island. The main trail is steep but worth it for the great views. If you’d rather relax, there are two beautiful beaches here where you can chill. You don’t need a tour – admission is around $10 / EC$27) But if you want a tour and all the information on the local French/British history that goes with it, try this one: Pigeon Island National Park Tour Trails and Scenic Views
The Barre de L’isle Rain Forest Trail, is a three-hour steep hike to the top of Morne la Combe. From this hike you have views of Mount Gimie, as well as the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. You can find it on AllTrails here.
The Fort Rodney and Signal Hill loop is short and sweet – 2.5km and 30-60 minutes. There are a couple of steep bits but you get really great views and there are some excellent ruins! Find it on AllTrails here.
The Enbas Saut Trail, takes you through the forest to the the Enbas Saut waterfall on a 4km loop – don’t forget to bring something to swim in! Do take a guide (from Migny or ask at the Botanical Gardens) – its a rough road, hard to find, and there have been reports of danger from locals in the area. Don’t let that put you off – its on AllTrails here.
The Tet Paul Nature Trail, near Soufrière is an easy 45 minute hike. From the top of some steep steps called the “Stairway to Heaven,” you get stunning views of the Pitons, and en-route you will look over Jalousie Bay, Choiseul, Maria Island, and Vieux Fort. On a clear day you can see the islands of Martinique and St. Vincent. Admission is $10 or $27EC. The Alltrails map is here.
Finally, for the very keen, is the St Lucia Three Peaks Challenge! The Challenge includes Gros Piton, Mount Gimie, and Petit Piton. You can either try all three in a day, or, over a few days – each with a guide. Go for it!
Tips:
1. Always take water and wear good shoes for hiking – on any of the trails.
2. Go early before its too hot – better for walking up the hills! Take plenty of water.
11. Go birdwatching
St. Lucia has plenty of birds! The best options if you are serious, or even if you are not but are interested, is to take a guide / tour with any of these:
- Guided Birdwatching – Castries Waterworks Forest Reserve, St Lucia
- The St Lucia Birding and Wildlife Ambassadors / SLWBA
- Take a walk through the Millet Bird Sanctuary – where you might get to see snakes and land crabs as well.
- Visit the Bois D’Orange Swamp in Gros Islet with the St. Lucia Forestry Department
If you are going it alone and / or want more, try the:
- Des Cartier trail in the Rainforest
- Pigeon Island
- Boriel Pond in Vieux Fort (near the Hewanorra International Airport)
There are sooooo many species to find – the St. Lucian Parrot (the National Bird of St Lucia), Rufus Nightjar, Bridle Quail Dove, White Breasted Thrasher, Caribbean Coots, St. Lucia Peewee, Oriole, and Wren, Terns, Brown Boobies.
12. Visit Maria Island Nature Reserve
Check the Saint Lucia National Trust website for information. The cost is $50 per person with a minimum of $200 for the group. But for this you get a boat ride to and from the island and get the island all to yourself and the guide. On the island you will hopefully find five endemic reptile species including the world’s rarest snake – the Kouwés snake (Saint Lucia Racer), the Saint Lucia whiptail, the Worm Snake, and the Pygmy and Rock geckos. There are also many species of cacti and other tropical plants. There is a reef on one side of the island with very good snorkelling too.
Bonus – Party on at Gros Islet
Gros Islet has a big old Friday Night Street Party every Friday night! Its a lot of fun a good way to mix with the locals. There are plenty of street food stalls and you can enjoy the local bands and DJs while you dance the night away! Try the local dish ‘Bouyon’ stew if you get a chance.
Tip: Don’t book the Gros Piton walk the next day!!
A weeks itinerary for St Lucia
I’ll run the week from Sunday to Saturday but of course adjust to when you arrive!
Day 1 Sunday: Arrive and transfer to your hotel – check out the local beaches.
Day 2 Monday: Do an Island Tour – make sure it includes the mud pools! Get to bed early so you are up early tomorrow!
Day 3 Tuesday: Hike Gros Piton in the morning. Relax at the beach in the afternoon, or if you need more adventure go ziplining, or ATVing in the afternoon.
Day 4 Wednesday: Change hotels if you want to try both ends of the island. Otherwise take a snorkeling or boat tour for the day, or go birding or hiking depending on your interest.
Day 5 Thursday: Take a kayaking or rafting trip down the Roseau River or go on a rum and food tour. Spend some more time at the beach.
Day 6 Friday: Relax – its your last full day so whatever you prefer the most – beach, hike, swim, snorkel. Make sure you have the energy to head out to the Friday night street party on Gros Islet!
Day 7 Saturday: Chill at the beach until it is time to transfer back to the airport.
Things to pack for your trip to St Lucia!
These are the most useful things I take – apart from your clothes!
- Good and comfortable walking / hiking shoes
- Sun hat and sunscreen (reef safe) – I use SPF 50 Project Reef
- A sand-free quick drying towel (the best thing ever!)
- Your swimsuit / bikini etc – preferably a UV protecting rash suit as well
- Mosquito repellent (deet free) Also lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs as protection.
- A reusable insulated water bottle to cut down on single-use plastic waste.
- Your camera/phone and power bank for day trips! Plus a water-proof pouch for your phone.
- A very lightweight day pack as well – this one to be exact!
- Water shoes (optional)
- Your own snorkel and mask if you have them (optional)
- A drybag to protect your gear (optional depending on how much adventure you’re planning)
Travel Tips for St Lucia
- St Lucia has two distinct flavors in the north and south – see the notes under “Where to stay” before you pick a spot. If you want to see it all , split your time across both.
- Don’t underestimate drive times – the roads are steep and windy and slow. If you get carsick, bring motion sick pills! The airport is in the south, so especially bring them if you are staying in the north or if you want to explore the island.
- Consider using water taxis rather than roads if you are going from the north to south or vice versa. This was a life saver for me! It avoids the mountain roads, is a lovely cruise, and is way way quicker!
- Bring your own sunscreen – they really mark it up a lot!
- Unless you are from the UK or Cyprus, bring your plug adaptor – they use UK plugs.
- The wind often comes up in the afternoon so plan beach time for the morning!
- ATMS only give local Eastern Caribbean currency, but the USD is accepted in most places.
- By law all beaches are public, so don’t get fooled by resorts that try and make it look private e.g. at Sugar Beach. They cannot stop you lying on the beach and swimming there. (You can’t use their loungers though.)
- It is against the law to wear any camouflage clothing or have any camo bag! Don’t bring either.
- Don’t miss the Gros Islet Friday Night Jump-Up – its full of locals, a lot of fun and its real life outside the resort etc!
Frequently asked Questions for St Lucia
- Q: Can you drink the tap water in St. Lucia?
A: Yes! - Q: Is it safe to rent a car and drive yourself around the island?
A: Yes and no – the roads are steep, windy and slow. Driving is on the left, and local drivers are “aggressive” so if you are not used to this kind of road it might be best to pass. But if you are ok with that then you should be just fine. NOTE – you drive on the left, the same as in the UK. - Q: Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car?
A: No, but you have to buy a local permit (about $20USD) which the rental agency will sell you. - Q: What is the best way to get from UVF (Hewanorra) airport to northern resorts?
A: Prebook a private transfer – it takes 1.5-2hours on those roads. OR you can book the St Lucia airport ferry which will give you lovely views of the pitons and the coast! - Q: What is the local currency?
A: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), but US Dollars are widely accepted everywhere. You will usually get your change in XCD though. - Q: Do I need to fill out an immigration form before arriving?
A: Yes. Click here to complete the form within 72 hours before arriving. Keep a screenshot or printout of the confirmation QR code. (You can fill it out on your phone using the free Wi-Fi at the Saint Lucia airport when you arrive – but that is just a hassle!) - Q: When is the rainy/hurricane season, and is it worth visiting then?
A: If you don’t mind the risk of a hurricane, you will get far fewer crowds and should get cheaper resort rates in the rainy season – from June to November. Rainy season usually means an afternoon shower or downpour that clears up quickly so most of the day is just fine! - Q: How bad are the mosquitoes and sandflies?
A: They can be pretty bad – especially at sunset and sunrise and after rain. Bring your mosquito repellent and lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs as protection. - Q: Is St Lucia safe for tourists?
A: Generally yes with the normal precautions taken!
Where to stay in St Lucia
St Lucia has two distinct feels and unless you absolutely want all your time in one place or have no interest in one end or the other, I recommend splitting your stay to north and south – only if you want to see both sides and not have to drive too much on all those mountainous roads! In the north (Rodney Bay / Gros Islet) it is more of a hub for nightlife, commercial tourism, beaches with calmer water, and lots of dining options. In the south / west (Soufrière) it is more about nature, eco-resorts, dramatic Piton views, waterfalls, and rainforests. Both have beaches!
For all-inclusive holidays check expedia.
In the North
All inclusive – Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences or Stolen Time St Lucia, Adult Only or Secrets Saint Lucia Resort & Spa
Luxury – Villa C’est La Vie or Baia Mare Villas
High End – Villa Vino Lucia or Iyanola Tee Joys Villa
Mid Range – One Rodney Heights Condominiums or Villa Beach Cottages
Good Value – Ocean Crest Villas or Royal Escape – 1
Budget – Bachelor by Orchard House or Serenity Seaview Suite
In the South
All inclusive – Anse Chastanet Resort or Serenity at Coconut Bay
Luxury – Jade Mountain or Ladera Resort
High End – Stonefield Villa Resort or Moringa Villa Master Suite
Mid Range – Caldera Villas or Tranquil Villas
Good Value – Villa Caribbean Dream or The Suite Spot Apartment – Private Paradise Stay
Budget – Sunny Palm Villas or Church Street Guest House
Summary
You can see there is plenty to keep you busy for a week or more on St Lucia – without any time lazing on the beach, and of course I haven’t even mentioned restaurants and chocolate spots or town visits – adding those in will give you a very full trip.
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