Saint Lucia may be small, but its charm and adventure stretch far beyond its size. With both English and French influences, the island boasts a vibrant way of life that’s easy going, and just as easy to fall in love with.
When travelling to Saint Lucia, you’ll be happy to know there’s no short supply of things to do. Whether you want to climb the world famous Pitons, lounge on scenic beaches, head to a waterfall to cool off, or explore the world’s only drive-in volcano, you’ll definitely need to schedule more than a couple of days in this tropical paradise.
Ahead of your trip, we’ve compiled some of the top-rated activities and attractions in Saint Lucia that you simply won’t want to miss out on!
1. Pitons
By air, the Piton Mountains in Saint Lucia are magnificent and compelling. By sea, mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. Up close? Intimidating and truly humbling. The Pitons are a set of twin mountains that are a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. Many visitors make a point of scheduling tours to see this national landmark, and if you’ll be visiting Saint Lucia, you’ll be pleased to know that these types of tours are plentiful.
Climbing the Pitons is a top-rated activity in Saint Lucia. Most people climb the larger and less steep Gros Piton, and it takes around 4-5 hours in total to complete this climb. The exact duration of the hike up this mountain can vary depending on your fitness level. Though this is an extensive hike with recommendations of going with a tour guide, the views at the top are well worth the effort. The smaller Petit Piton is a more challenging and less popular climb as it can be quite dangerous. But, if you find an experienced guide, it takes about 5-6 hours to climb this peak.
Picture: Gros Piton is the more popular of the Pitons to climb in Saint Lucia. You’ll find stunning views at the top, and an opportunity to rest up before heading back down!
2. Tet Paul Nature Trail
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Looking to relax and reconnect with nature while getting a workout in? If so, planning a hike can be a great option while in Saint Lucia. The Tet Paul Nature Trail is a good choice if incredible views are what you’re after. Located in the town of Soufriere, the trail is relatively easy to navigate, with lots of information from guides along the way. The hike takes about 45 minutes to complete and it’s easy to moderately difficult.
3. Pigeon Island National Landmark
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A trip to Saint Lucia is incomplete without checking out the Pigeon Island National Park. Within the park you’ll find Fort Rodney, a historic hilltop with ancient canons and other old war artifacts. There are amazing views from the top of Fort Rodney, and you’ll be able to get great photos to take home. Once you trek back to the park, there are two private beaches inside where you can spend the day lounging, eating at a restaurant, and drinking at the bar.
4. Anse Mamin Beach
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Anse Mamin is a lesser-known beach in Saint Lucia and visiting can worthwhile if you’re looking for serene and secluded island shores. This beach is in the south of Saint Lucia, and you might catch a glimpse of it while taking a boat cruise around the island. Lined with coconut trees, the remoteness of this beach adds to its appeal as does the sense of peace that’s sure to surround you during a visit. Anse Mamin Beach is located in Soufriere and it is best explored with an experienced guide.
5. Millet Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail
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Hiking shoes, T-shirt, and shorts are perfect for this expedition through The Millet Rainforest. The Bird Sanctuary is home to six endemic species; including the Saint Lucian parrot, Black Finch, Oriole, Pee Wee, Warbler, and Semper’s Warbler. All of these are unique to the island of Saint Lucia, with the latter being near extinction. If you want to try this tour while in Saint Lucia, the best time for bird sightings is in the early morning. Call in advance to set up your tour.
6. St. Lucia’s verdant forest
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A smooth and easy going way of exploring Saint Lucia’s flora and fauna, the aerial tram ride in Saint Lucia is part of the offerings from Rainforest Tours Saint Lucia. The tour includes an aerial tram ride, fern nature trail, and one nature interpreter per eight guests. This tour is great if you want to learn the ins and outs of Saint Lucia’s rainforests. Keep in mind that though the aerial tram ride is covered to protect you from the sun, it’s still a good idea to walk with sunblock and a snack.
Insider Tip: If you’re looking for more rainforest explorations while in Saint Lucia, head to the Millet Bird Sanctuary. There are several endemic bird species in this area, and the best time for sightings in this is early morning. You’ll need to call in advance to set up your tour.
7. Jalousie Beach
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Jalouise beach is a true island gem. This beach located in Soufriere features stunning views of the Pitons takes your beach day to a whole new level. Some tours include visits to this beach, and these typically start at around US$50 per person. Some options include lunch and snorkeling and the price can vary. You can ask your tour operator for a breakdown before paying. It’s also possible to head to this beach outside of a tour.
8. Marigot Bay
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Marigot Bay is one of the most charming and scenic parts of Saint Lucia. Though you can simply take a drive though this town, one of the best ways to explore this area is by boat. However you decide to scope this area, one thing’s for sure: the beauty of this place does not fade, no matter how many times you go. New developments in the area have enhanced its appeal, including a sprinkling of local restaurants. There are quite a few boat charter companies that can facilitate half day or full day excursions that include stops to Marigot Bay. With full day trips, there’s more time to check out nearby bays and beaches for an even more exciting experience.
9. Anse Chastanet Beach & Reef
Both the Anse Chastanet Reef and the beach area are popular attractions in Soufriere, located in the south of Saint Lucia. The beach is located near the Anse Chastanet hotel but it is open to the public. The reef offers first-class snorkeling and scuba diving, and you can choose whether you’d like to embark on your undersea expedition by boat or straight from the beach. Look out for turtles and trumpet fish while snorkeling at the Anse Chastanet Reef!
Insider Tip: Free dives are available for guests of any of the three all-inclusive Sandals resorts in Saint Lucia including professional equipment (up to 2 tanks per day).
10. Mount Gimie
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The Mount Gimie climb is less popular than the Gros Piton hike, but it appeals to travelers who want a more challenging experience. The hike (up the tallest mountain in Saint Lucia!) is best described as something in between the moderate climb of Gros Piton and the difficult Petit Piton excursion. It is the highest point of the West Indies, with a breathtaking view from the top. If you plan on climbing Mount Gimie while in Saint Lucia, you’ll need a good guide for this trip. Contact the Forestry Department for more information.
11. Anse Cochon
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Anse Cochon literally means Bay of Pigs, though the name is not at all relevant to the experience that you can have on this beach. Snorkeling on Anse Cochon Beach in Anse La Raye is highly recommended because of the wide variety of fish that can be witnessed there. Go with family or friends and make a beach day of the occasion and enjoy the scenic views. There’s also a restaurant located on this beach.
Insider Tip: If you want to snorkel at Anse Cochon Beach and don’t want to bring your own equipment, there’s a dive shop where you can rent some out for the day.
12. Soufriere Drive-in Volcano & Sulphur Springs Volcano
Breathe in deep island relaxation at the Sulphur Springs Park in Saint Lucia. Explore what remains of the dormant volcano, or head to the mud baths. Choose between the black water pools, the ‘Pool of Love’ made famous from The Bachelor, Jake Pavelka’s season, or the all-new Cashew Falls and take a dip. All of these options make it possible to be submerged in mineral-rich water or mud with major benefits for your skin. Cashew Falls in particular opened in 2024. Facilitators hope that the new feature will bring a fresh element to the park’s natural landscape and offer a new peaceful spot for all to enjoy!
13. Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
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Spanning six-acres, the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, a multi-award-winning site, features the Diamond Falls Waterfall, Mineral Baths & Spa, Botanical Gardens, a nature trail, and the Old Mill Restaurant. You’ll likely want to spend at least 3 or 4 hours in this location taking everything in. This is an excellent spot for a half or full day tour in Saint Lucia.
14. Reduit Beach
Photo credit: Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock.com
Reduit Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. This spot can be ideal for some beachside relaxation while in the north of Saint Lucia. This beach stretch is lined with hotels and restaurants and the views are always captivating. Watersports are popular here and so is just lounging on the beach. If you feel like it, you can take a long leisurely stroll down this beach to take in the sights and sounds.
Reduit Beach is great for scoping tropical island sunsets too. Here you’ll rediscover the magic of the green flash, hopefully with a cocktail in hand and in good company. Be sure that you don’t blink at the precise moment the sun disappears from the horizon!
15. Cas En Bas Beach
Cas En Bar Beach is among the most stunning in Saint Lucia. Located just 5 minutes away from Pigeon island in the north of Saint Lucia, Cas En Bas beach is beautiful, and remains mostly undeveloped. The beach is a popular trail for horse riding tours, some of which include riding with the horses into the water. There is a separate horse-free section of the beach you can dive into to cool off once you’ve safely secured your horse.
Always wanted to learn to kite surf? You can also do this on Cas En Bar Beach on some days. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Kite Surfing Saint Lucia has a package to meet your needs. The company is run by local kite surfer Beth, who is passionate about sport, and teaches others to share the8 joy that she has found in kite surfing. As part of your lesson, you can ‘learn to fly a power kite and body drag’ in a two hour Discover Kitesurfing session.
Expert Tip: Near Cas En Bar Beach, you can make your way to the incredibly scenic Anse La Voute Beach, which is also known as Five Dollar Beach in Saint Lucia. With some local directions (preferably with a guide), you can make your way to this beach and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Top Excursions in Saint Lucia
While exploring the lush and simply beautiful island of Saint Lucia, you won’t soon run out of things to do. Not with the ever-increasing list of local excursions to add to the already winding list of local attractions! Here’s a few of our favorites:
1. Land & Sea Adventure Saint Lucia
A Land & Sea Adventure in Saint Lucia gives you a chance to experience the island’s awe-inspiring natural beauty. Nowhere on this island is that beauty more vividly seen than in the lush rainforests and as you’re powering through the ocean whether by speedboat on a more leisurely catamaran tour. On land, there is just so much to explore. To get a clearer picture, think of it this way — over 70% of this island’s landmass is rainforest! That’s a lot of ground to cover if exploration is what you’re after. And by sea, there’s so much to do!
The Island Routes Land & Sea Adventure Saint Lucia is a great option for this type of tour. This is a guided tour, and highlights include a visit to a banana plantation and to Marigot Bay and other local spots. You’ll also get to swim at the Toraille Waterfall, explore the drive-in volcano, take a dip in the mud baths, and sail to a secluded bay for some swimming and snorkeling. Lunch is included.
2. Soufriere Volcano Jeep Safari
Probably one of the only things that can top a Soufriere exploration is a Soufriere Volcano Jeep Safari. Offered by Island Routes, this excursion takes you on a truly tropical journey through the lush landscapes of Saint Lucia. You’ll make your way through the country side and take in the incredible views, including of a banana plantation. Other tour highlights include a visit to the Venus Waterfall in Anse Le Raye and to the Soufriere “drive-in” volcano. Once at the site of the dormant volcano located in the Sulphur Springs Park, you can choose to dip into a mud bath and hot spring.
This action-packed tour includes scenic vantage points and expert commentary by local guides. You’ll get to see the Pitons along the way and round things up with a taste of island flavors at a scenic local restaurant.
3. Power Boat & Snorkel
It’s one thing to head out on a boat trip in the islands and another to hop on a power boat and feel the exhilaration this type of excursion brings. With a Power Boat & Snorkel trip, you’ll get to view the scenic coasts of this island while roaring through the waves. The tour includes spots at popular snorkeling spots and lots of beach time. This tour is ideal for anyone looking for ocean thrills and unforgettable island vistas.
4. Piton Sunset Snorkel Cruise
If you’re looking for something mellow and low key to do while in Saint Lucia, head out on a catamaran cruise to see the Pitons up close. We say try this out, because really and truly, there’s no better way to view this majestic national landmark. These twin mountains are awe-inspiring and picturesque from every vantage point, dominating the landscape with their beauty.
A popular option for this type of excursion is the Piton Sunset Snorkel Cruise. This is an excellent way to get up close and personal with the Pitons leaving room for photo opportunities that you probably wouldn’t have standing directly at its base. Plus, you’ll get to go snorkeling near the Piton, and the views beneath the surface in this area are spellbinding, to say the least!
5. Dune Buggy & Zipline Adventure
Dune buggies are always a good time. Pair this adventure with a chance to go ziplining in Saint Lucia and what you’ll have is one of the most exhilarating combination tours yet. This scenic tour makes is possible to explore some of the lesser-known parts of Saint Lucia both on land, and while zipping through the air.
There are a couple things to note before adding this excursion to your Saint Lucia itinerary though: Drivers must be at least 24 years old, and they’ll need to walk with a valid driver’s license for manual transmission. Three years of driving experience are also a must. Keep in mind that the buggies are either 2 or 4-seaters. Also, for the zipline portion of the tour, you’ll need to follow the trained guides along 12 ziplines that extend to 800 ft.
6. Cas Estate E-Bike Adventure
Photo credit: Melnikov Dmitriy/Shutterstock.com
The Cap Estate E-Bike Adventure is a chance to see the more upscale side of Saint Lucia and enjoy scenic views as you explore a local neighborhood. Cap Estate is known for its sweeping, clifftop ocean views, and this adventure really gives you a chance to indulge in the beauty of this space. Along the way you’ll get to spend some time on Cas En Bar Beach, taste exotic fruits, and scope the panoramic vistas. The best thing about this tour is that you can choose whether you want a workout or a leisurely ride.
Good to know: We mentioned earlier that Anse La Voute Beach (Five Dollar Beach) is located near Cas En Bar Beach. A little history on this beach: the land leading to this beach is owned by locals who maintain the beach and charge a small fee to beach users. Five Dollar Beach is ideal for barbeques, photoshoots, and other beach side events. Just remember to clean up once you’re through!
7. Rainforest Hike & Waterfall Safari
The Rainforest Hike & Waterfall Safari in Saint Lucia excursion of offered by Island Routes. As part of this tour, you’ll hop on an open back 4x4 jeep and set off on an off-the-beaten-path adventure. From the serene seaside to the thriving banana fields, you’ll leave behind the usual and head into the unknown. Sip from a coconut, nipple on tropical fruits, and savor the lush jungle vantage. Tour highlights include views of Saint Lucia’s highest peak, Mount Gimmie and a stop by a tranquil river. As things wind down, you’ll get to stop in Anse La Raye, a quiet fishing village to experience the local fishing culture, before heading back to the starting point.
8. Dolphin & Whale Watching Experience
Heading out on a boat charter is the best option if you want to see dolphins or whales while in Saint Lucia. Group charters tend to be more cost efficient but it’s also possible to head out on a private charter. In Saint Lucia, you can sign up for the Dolphin & Whale Watching Experience and see the ocean come alive. Tour guides will take you to the best spots to catch sightings of Sperm Whales, Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales as well as Spinner, Spotted, Fraser and even Common Dolphins. All you’ll need to do is relax and enjoy the views, preferably with a cold, tropical drink in hand!
9. Volcano/mud bath and Botanical Gardens Private Luxury Transfer
Combination tours like the Volcano/Mud bath and Botanical Gardens excursion offered by Island Routes is the way to go if you want to check multiple attractions off your Saint Lucia itinerary in one day. With this tour in mind, you’ll get a chance to visit the famous Sulphur Springs Park, home to the world’s only drive-in volcano. There, you can take a nourishing mud bath and reap tremendous benefits for your skin. Afterwards, you can rinse off and head to the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. At this six-acre nature retreat, you can explore some of the history of Saint Lucia, take in the peaceful garden ambiance, visit the waterfall, and relax in the mineral baths.
10. Deep Sea Sport Fishing Saint Lucia
If you're looking for an active vacation in Saint Lucia, why not embark on a deep-sea fishing adventure? There are a range of tours and charters available on this island that can be tailored to your interests. Saint Lucia is a sought-after fishing destination** as the waters are rich with marlin, sailfish, and tuna. These fishing grounds promise excitement, but remember to follow local regulations. Whether you're a seasoned angler or casting your first line, it won't be hard to find the perfect fishing spot and tour for your experience level.
The best attractions and things to do in Saint Lucia
Selecting the best things to do in Saint Lucia will depend entirely on your vacation mood and how much time you’ll be spending on the island. This Eastern Caribbean Isle has a little something for everyone, and one thing’s for sure, you won’t be running out of things to do during this Caribbean getaway!
Now that we’ve set the tone for an amazing time in Saint Lucia, check out the best time to go to Saint Lucia so that you can start planning your next tropical escape!
Picture: Ocean views at Sandals Grande Saint Lucian beach resort in Saint Lucia.
Insider Tip: Stay at any of the three Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia and get free access to all of them (including all restaurants, bars, swimming pools, beaches) - it's like three vacations in one!