Things To Do
in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a Caribbean island nation famed for its dramatic Piton Mountains and lush rainforests. It offers volcanic beaches, clear turquoise waters, and world-renowned snorkeling and diving. The island blends African, French, and Caribbean influences in its culture, music, and cuisine.
Visitors enjoy a mix of luxury resorts, charming villages, and unforgettable sunsets.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Hewanorra International Airport and be greeted by warm tropical breezes. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the stunning views of the lush surroundings. Take some time to settle in and refresh before embarking on your island adventure.
After a leisurely lunch at the hotel, explore the nearby beach or relax by the pool. Take a stroll along the shore, soaking in the sun while enjoying the gentle sound of the waves. Consider booking a spa treatment to unwind after your journey.
For your first evening, dine at a beachfront restaurant where you can savor local Caribbean cuisine. Savor the vibrant sunset as you indulge in fresh seafood and tropical cocktails. Spend the night walking along the beach, feeling the soft sand underfoot, and listening to the sounds of the ocean.
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Pitons, where you can hike for panoramic views of the island. The lush trails will treat you to exotic flora and fauna, along with opportunities to spot local wildlife. Enjoy a refreshing dip in a waterfall before heading to your next adventure.
Visit the Sulphur Springs and experience a unique drive-in volcano. Enjoy a mud bath that is reputed to have therapeutic properties, followed by a guided tour of the geothermal activity in the area. After the exploration, stop for lunch at a local eatery to sample traditional dishes.
Return to Soufrière for sunset views over the Pitons. As the sky turns vibrant colors, enjoy a romantic dinner with local flavors. End your day by soaking in the natural beauty and tranquility of this serene locale.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥗Lunch for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $8-25 |
| 🍺Local beer | $4-7 |
| 🛏️One-night hotel room (mid-range) | $120-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Dramatic Piton scenery and lush landscapes
- Warm, welcoming people and resort-accessible safety
- Limited public transport outside towns
- Hurricane risk during peak storm season
- "Bonjou" - Hello
- "Bonswa" - Good evening
- "Kijan ou ye?" - How are you?
- "Mesi" - Thank you
- "Souplé" - Please
- "Ki pri-a?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Saint Lucia
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic volcanic spires rising from the sea; dramatic angles for sunrise or golden-hour photography.
Short, scenic hike with sweeping Piton views and lush surroundings—great for landscape photography.
A lush garden with a colorful waterfall and vibrant plant life—perfect for nature photography.
Historic ruins, beaches, and sea panoramas—excellent for coastal and architectural shots.
Palm-fringed waterfront with dramatic backdrops and luxury yachts; ideal for sunset photos.
Food in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic pairing of boiled green plantains with salted cod, often served with local vegetables and hot pepper sauce.
Must-Try!
A creamy, greens-based soup made from dasheen leaves, often enriched with crab, pork, or okra.
A hearty one-pot stew with meat, root vegetables, dumplings, and local seasonings.
Coconut dumplings steamed in banana leaves served with salted cod and a flavorful accompaniment.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for fresh fruit, spices, ready-to-eat snacks, and local ingredients—perfect for tasting the everyday flavors.
A vibrant waterfront seafood market by night where grilled fish, fried plantains, and pepper sauces abound.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Bonjou' (hello) or 'Bonswa' (good evening) in Creole alongside English; say 'Mesi' for thank you.
Dress modestly in non-resort areas and churches; beachwear is for beaches and resort areas; use respectful language in public spaces.
Tipping is customary but not obligatory; share tables politely and engage with locals with warmth.
Safety
Tipping in Saint Lucia
Ensure a smooth experience
In many restaurants, a service charge of 10-15% is included; if not, consider leaving 10-15%. For taxis, round up or add a small tip. Tour guides and porters typically appreciate $1-5 per service, depending on service level.
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops; cash in Eastern Caribbean dollars (XCD) and US dollars are common. ATMs are common in towns; always have some local currency for small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with sunny days, light trade winds, and pleasant sea temperatures; ideal for outdoor activities and sea-based adventures.
Warm and increasingly humid; rain showers start becoming more common but mornings are often sunny.
Hot and humid with higher chances of showers; great for snorkeling and coastal exploration when seas are calm.
June to November brings tropical showers and potential hurricanes; always check forecasts, stay hydrated, and pack lightweight rain gear.
Saint Lucia at Night
Hiking in Saint Lucia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Challenging ascent leading to dramatic sea views and iconic peaks.
Steep route offering striking Piton scenery for experienced hikers.
Moderate hike with accessible viewpoints and lush scenery.
Gentle path to a picturesque waterfall and forest surroundings.
Airports
How to reach Saint Lucia by plane.
The island's main international gateway near Vieux Fort; most long-haul flights arrive here with connections to regional carriers.
A smaller airport in Castries serving regional Caribbean flights and domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents; strong cultural traditions and music influence.
Smaller but significant communities contributing to cultural diversity.
A diverse mix from around the world, active in all tourist zones.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed at community and school levels.
A traditional Caribbean sport with local matches and festivals.
Sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking are popular around coastal areas.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy callaloo-based dishes, plantain dishes like green fig, vegetable bouillon, rice and peas, and fruit-forward desserts; tell servers in advance to tailor meals to restrictions.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Saint Lucia.