Things To Do
in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a breathtaking island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, known for its distinctive landscape dominated by the majestic twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, blending African, French, and English influences, evident in its cuisine, music, and celebrations like the vibrant Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.
With its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and warm, turquoise waters, Saint Lucia is a favored destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure, including hiking, diving, and exploring its unique volcanic features.
- "Sa ka bien?" - How are you?
- "Mersi" - Thank you
- "Ki mannyer?" - What’s the matter?
- "Où sa yé?" - Where are you?
- "À lè wè" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $400
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $75 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a relaxing morning at Anse Chastanet beach. Enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters and soaking up the sun.
Head to the renowned Jalousie Plantation for lunch, followed by some snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs. You’ll spot tropical fish and maybe even a turtle!
Wind down with a sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Savor local cuisine while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Begin your day with a guided hike through the rainforest trail of the Enbas Saut Nature Trail. Marvel at lush greenery and the sounds of exotic wildlife.
Have a picnic lunch in the serene surroundings before continuing your exploration. Visit the nearby waterfalls for a refreshing dip.
Enjoy dinner at a local eatery serving authentic Lucian dishes. Relish the flavors while listening to the sounds of nature around you.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty, including beaches, mountains, and rainforests.
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant local festivals.
- Warm tropical climate ideal for year-round tourism.
- Diverse range of outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and sailing.
- Friendly and welcoming local population.
- Limited infrastructure and healthcare facilities in some areas.
- High cost of living compared to other Caribbean islands.
- Vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms.
- Potential language barriers as English is not the first language for all residents.
- Tourist-centric economy can lead to seasonal job fluctuations.
Best Activities in Saint Lucia
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Embark on a hike up the iconic Pitons, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, for stunning views of the island and the sea.
Explore the underwater world of Saint Lucia with its coral reefs, colorful fish, and diverse marine life.
Experience the thrill of ziplining through the lush rainforest canopy, taking in breathtaking views from above.
Visit the enchanting waterfalls of Saint Lucia, such as Toraille and Diamond Falls, for a refreshing and scenic adventure.
Sail along the coast or take a boat tour to discover hidden coves, secluded beaches, and the beauty of the Caribbean waters.
Tours
Uncover the best of Saint Lucia with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Saint Lucia
Visit one of these nice places.
The twin peaks of the Piton Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for photos and offer a panoramic view of the island.
This hilltop location offers breathtaking views of Castries and the surrounding coastline, perfect for capturing the sunset or cityscape.
Known as one of the most beautiful bays in the Caribbean, Marigot Bay offers picturesque views of the water, surrounding hills, and luxury yachts.
Capture the unique landscape of the world's only drive-in volcano at Sulphur Springs, where steam vents and bubbling mud pools make for intriguing photo opportunities.
Food in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple breakfast dish made with boiled green bananas (called figs locally) and flaked salted cod, seasoned with herbs and spices. It's commonly served with sautéed vegetables or avocado.
Must-Try!
A popular traditional soup or stew incorporating taro or dasheen leaves, okra, coconut milk, and a blend of seasonings. It is often paired with rice or breadfruit for a satisfying meal.
An Indian-influenced flatbread filled with savory ingredients such as curried vegetables, goat, chicken, or seafood. It's a beloved street food offering a mix of flavors and textures.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Saint Lucia better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The bustling market in the capital city is an excellent spot to sample local delights like grilled fish, fried plantains, and seafood dishes. It's also a great place to purchase fresh tropical fruits and spices to take home.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Saint Lucia, it is important to show respect for elders and people in positions of authority. This could include using formal titles when addressing them and giving up your seat for an elderly person on public transport.
Greetings are an important part of Saint Lucian culture. It is customary to greet people with a handshake and a warm smile. Additionally, a simple 'good morning', 'good afternoon', or 'good evening' goes a long way in showing respect.
When visiting public places or attending formal events in Saint Lucia, it is important to dress modestly and appropriately. This means avoiding clothing that is too revealing or casual, especially when visiting religious sites or participating in traditional events.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Saint Lucia with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Saint Lucia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in Saint Lucia, as a 10% service charge is often already included in the bill at hotels and restaurants. However, it is still appreciated to leave a small additional tip for exceptional service.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Saint Lucia, especially in tourist areas and major establishments. It is also common to use Eastern Caribbean dollars (XCD) for cash transactions, although US dollars are also accepted in many places.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Saint Lucia.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for sunny weather, lower humidity, and less chance of rain. Ideal for beach activities and outdoor adventures.
Expect higher humidity, occasional heavy rainfall, and the possibility of hurricanes. Lush green landscapes and fewer crowds, but outdoor activities may be affected by rain.
Saint Lucia at Night
Hiking in Saint Lucia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A historic site with scenic hiking trails that offer views of the coast and nearby islands, featuring historical ruins and diverse wildlife.
A challenging hike that leads to the summit of Gros Piton, one of the iconic twin peaks of Saint Lucia, providing breathtaking views of the island.
A more difficult hike than Gros Piton, this trail offers stunning views and a sense of adventure, suitable for experienced hikers.
A lush, tropical trail within the rainforest offering an immersive experience of Saint Lucia's biodiversity and natural beauty.
Features well-maintained paths and gardens with several trails that explore the rich flora and fauna of the region.
A unique outdoor experience where hiking trails are combined with zip-lining, showcasing the beauty of the local rainforest.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Saint Lucia through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Saint Lucia by plane.
Located in the southern part of Saint Lucia, this is the largest international airport serving the island, with flights from North America, Europe, and other Caribbean destinations.
Located near the capital city, Castries, this airport primarily serves regional air traffic and some domestic flights.
Situated in Guadeloupe, this major international airport is approximately 124 miles from Saint Lucia and offers connections to several destinations in the Caribbean and beyond.
Located in Barbados, about 138 miles from Saint Lucia, this airport serves as a major hub for international flights to and from the Caribbean.
Located in Havana, Cuba, this airport is roughly 350 miles from Saint Lucia, providing connections to various cities across the globe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population, making up approximately 85% of the island's inhabitants, primarily descendants of enslaved Africans.
Comprising around 10% of the population, this group includes individuals of both African and European ancestry.
A smaller demographic group that includes individuals descended from East Indian indentured laborers, making up about 1-2% of the population.
Comprises a very small portion of the population, primarily descendants of French and British settlers, estimated to be around 1%.
Extremely rare, as the original Carib populations have largely been assimilated or displaced, making this group notably small.
The Soul of Saint Lucia
Discover the essence of Saint Lucia through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is extremely popular in Saint Lucia, with many local and international matches played. The island has produced several notable cricketers and hosts various cricketing events.
Soccer, or football, is widely loved in Saint Lucia. The sport enjoys a solid following, with local leagues and the national team participating in regional competitions.
Basketball is a popular sport among the youth in Saint Lucia. The country has several basketball courts and organizes competitive leagues and tournaments.
Rugby has gained popularity in Saint Lucia, with both men's and women's teams competing in various regional tournaments.
Track and field events are common in schools and at the community level, with Saint Lucian athletes often competing in regional athletics meets.
Given Saint Lucia's beautiful coastline, sailing is a popular activity, with many local regattas and sailing schools available for enthusiasts.
Motor racing and other forms of motor sports are becoming increasingly popular, with events attracting both participants and spectators.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Saint Lucia offer a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options, including flavorful salads, plant-based curries, and fresh fruit platters. Restaurants like The Green Fig in Marigot Bay and The Naked Fisherman in Cap Estate are known for their outstanding vegetarian and vegan menus.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can explore various gluten-free dishes such as grilled fish with steamed vegetables, fruit smoothies, and rice-based meals at restaurants and resorts across the island. Local staff are generally accommodating and willing to customize dishes based on dietary requirements.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Saint Lucia with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Saint Lucia.