The Best Beaches in St. Lucia

If you’re looking for breathtaking beaches, then look no further than St. Lucia! This Caribbean island is home to some incredible scenery, thanks to the Piton mountains and rainforest interior. Beautiful beaches on St. Lucia range from secluded white sand coves tucked into the lush landscape to rugged stretches of golden or black volcanic sand.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet hideaway or an action-packed afternoon, St. Lucia beaches have something for everyone. In this blog post, we will discuss the best beaches in St. Lucia and provide tips on how to make the most of your trip.

Are the beaches good in St. Lucia?

Yes, the beaches in St. Lucia are good! In fact, the beaches in St. Lucia are gorgeous and offer something for everyone, from the powder-soft white sand and calm Caribbean water to rugged cliffs and black volcanic sand, from quiet seclusion to lively activity.

Some of the best beaches to visit in St. Lucia are Sugar Beach, Reduit Beach, Pigeon Island beaches, Anse Chastanet Beach, Grand Anse Beach, La Toc Beach, Anse Cochon Beach, Marigot Bay beaches, Anse Louvert Beach, Anse des Sables Beach, Laborie Bay Beach, Vigie Beach, and Cas en Bas Beach.

The best beaches in St. Lucia for snorkeling are Sugar Beach, Pigeon Island beaches, Anse Cochon, Laborie Bay, and Reduit Beach.

A few of the most romantic beaches in St. Lucia are Sugar Beach, La Toc Beach, Grand Anse Beach, and Laborie Bay Beach.

The best beaches in St. Lucia for watersports are Sugar Beach, Pigeon Island beaches, Anse des Sables, and Reduit Beach.

Most beautiful beaches in St. Lucia

Sugar Beach

Sugar Beach is not only one of the best beaches in St. Lucia, it’s considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Also known as Jalousie Beach, this stretch of soft white sand lies at the base of—and in between—the two peaks of the Pitons, just south of the village of Soufriere.

Sugar Beach is one of the best beaches for snorkeling in St. Lucia, with all sorts of vibrant marine life in the water just offshore. Scuba divers love to explore the 1800-foot drop off at the foot of the mountains. A resort lies along one section, but part of the beach is open to the public and offers lounge chairs.

Pigeon Island beaches

If you’re looking for quiet, unspoiled white sand beaches and calm, clear water, head to Pigeon Island National Park. This 44-acre nature reserve off the northwest coast of St. Lucia was an island until connected by a causeway in 1972. There are two stretches of gorgeous sand, and you can snorkel right off the beach. You can also hike to Fort Rodney for a fantastic view over the sea to Martinique.

Anse des Sables Beach

Another shimmering white sand beach on St. Lucia is Anse des Sables, along a shallow bay protected by a coral reef. This is one of the most popular beaches on St. Lucia for kiteboarding and windsurfing.

Reduit Beach

Reduit Beach on Rodney Bay, along the northwestern shore of St. Lucia in the capital city of Castries, is the largest and most lively beach on St. Lucia. Locals and visitors flock here to enjoy this 5-mile stretch of golden sand and calm water with views of Pigeon Island National Landmark.

You can rent Jet Skis or go snorkeling, windsurfing, or waterskiing—or just lounge under an umbrella. You can rent lounge chairs, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby. This area is home to several resorts as well, if you want to stay on the beach.

Marigot Bay beaches

Marigot Bay offers several small beaches along its sheltered water on the west coast of St. Lucia. This is a popular spot and it has been featured in multiple films. You can relax on the soft sand and watch boats come and go from the port. There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants here.

Grande Anse Beach

Grande Anse Beach lies along the Atlantic coast of St. Lucia and offers a truly unspoiled and secluded stretch of sand. It takes a bit of a hike to get there, but the dramatic scenery of beachside cliffs and Atlantic waves is worth it. Swimming isn’t recommended here, but it’s a wonderful place for romantic picnics.

Grand Anse is also a nesting spot for endangered leatherback sea turtles; many people come here between March and August to watch them lay their eggs.

La Toc Beach

La Toc Beach is a little hard to find, making it a great romantic beach that offers serenity even though it’s close to Castries and has a resort along it. La Toc Beach features golden sand and swaying palm trees perfect for lounging under. The water here can be rough, so swimming is not always possible.

Anse Chastanet Beach

Anse Chastanet is a great beach for snorkeling and scuba diving. This beach is located in a marine reserve, giving visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of marine life. Tucked along a cove north of Soufriere and lined with palm trees, Anse Chastanet has black volcanic sand and serene seas with a wonderful coral reef and seawalls just offshore.

You can enjoy local barbeque and drinks right on the beach here. If you want to find a quieter, more romantic spot, take the pathway at the northern part to Anse Mamin beach. There is a resort by the same name on Anse Chastenet Beach if you want to stay here.

Anse Cochon Beach

Anse Cochon is south of Marigot Bay and features a beautiful stretch of white and black volcanic sand along the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, lined by lush vegetation. You can snorkel here, and local vendors serve food and drink.

Anse Louvet Beach

If you love to hike and find hidden gems, you’ll want to head to Anse Louvet beach on the east coast. The water of the Atlantic is too rough for swimming, but the scenery is stunning. You may even have this beach all to yourself, making it a great choice for adventurous couples—but bring your own food and drink if you want a picnic.

Laborie Bay Beach

One of the locals’ favorite beaches on St. Lucia is Laborie Bay, along the southwest coast. This is another idyllic spot for romance, with swaying palm trees, black sand, and tranquil water. Snorkeling is good here as well, and there are restaurants nearby.

Vigie Beach

Vigie Beach is an uncrowded strip of golden sand lined by lush vegetation, along the northwest coast. An ice cream vendor regularly swings by to offer refreshing treats.

Cas en Bas Beach

Cas en Bas Beach is a locals’ secret, located on the northeast coast of St. Lucia. Come here to enjoy kite surfing, watch residents fishing or riding horses, and to visit one of St. Lucia’s most popular local places to eat, Marjorie’s beach shack.

Does St. Lucia have crystal clear water?

Yes, the water around St. Lucia is clear, making it great for snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s also gorgeously colored in shades of blue and turquoise, presenting a stunning backdrop to the beautiful beaches, which range from white to gold to gray and black sand (due to St. Lucia’s volcanic origins).

Which side of St. Lucia has the best beaches?

There’s no definitive answer to this question as it depends on what you’re looking for in a beach. However, many people say that the best beaches in St. Lucia are located on the island’s west coast. This is because the beaches here front the calmer waters of the Caribbean, plus they tend to have stunning views of the sunset.

What beaches are on the east side of St. Lucia?

There are a number of beaches on the east side of St. Lucia, which faces the Atlantic. The water is rougher here so these beaches tend to be less crowded and more relaxed than the ones on the west coast. If you’re looking for a beach where you can kick back and enjoy some peace and quiet, then the east coast is definitely worth considering. Some of the most popular beaches on the east coast include Grande Anse, Anse des Sables, Cas en Bas, and Anse Louvet.

Are beaches swimmable in St. Lucia?

St. Lucia beaches are swimmable, especially on the western side, which faces the Caribbean. The eastern side of St. Lucia faces the Atlantic Ocean, which has rougher water.

Are there sharks at St. Lucia?

Sharks are very uncommon off the shores of St. Lucia. If you do see one, it will probably be a nurse shark, which are generally not dangerous.

Are there dolphins in St. Lucia?

Yes, there are dolphins swimming in the waters around St. Lucia, so keep a lookout on your visit. St. Lucia is actually considered to be one of the top islands in the Caribbean for dolphin and whale watching, with 25 different types of marine mammals nearby. You can get up close and personal on boat tours that take you whale and dolphin watching.

Are St. Lucia beaches rocky?

No, the beaches in St. Lucia are not rocky. In fact, many of them are known for their soft white sand, although there are also golden sand and black volcanic sand beaches as well.

Are all beaches public in St. Lucia?

Yes, all beaches in St. Lucia are open to the public. Some stretches of certain beaches have private areas for guests of the resorts that line them, but you can find a public section.

How do you get to the beaches on St. Lucia?

Depending on where you stay, you can walk, take a taxi or shuttle, or drive to the beaches on St. Lucia. However, if you’re planning on renting a car, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, they drive on the left in St. Lucia and road conditions can be very rough. Second, some beaches are only accessible by boat. And finally, some of the beaches require a bit of a hike to reach them, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes! The best way to get to a beach on St. Lucia, however, is to stay at a beachfront resort.

Top Resorts on the Best Beaches in St. Lucia

If you don’t want to miss a minute of beach time during your visit to St. Lucia, you’ll want to stay at a beachfront resort. There are some incredible resorts along some of the best beaches in St. Lucia, including 3 Sandals adults-only all-inclusive resorts. Here are some of our picks for the top beach resorts in St. Lucia for romantic travel.

Sugar Beach Resort, Sugar Beach

For a luxurious stay on one of the best beaches in St. Lucia, book a One Bedroom Residence at Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort. This stunning tropical villa home features a large private infinity-edge pool and views of the Pitons, Caribbean, or rainforest, plus a full kitchen, opulent living room, washer/dryer, and large sun terrace. There are also 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom villas available, as well as two incredible 4-bedroom beachfront homes with infinity pools.

Sugar Beach Resort offers a range of other lavish accommodations, including 1-bedroom beachfront bungalows with private courtyards containing a Jacuzzi, a furnished waterfront patio, and a spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub. All rooms at Sugar Beach come with incredible views, a private plunge pool, and butler service.

Set within more than 100 acres of pristine rainforest on the site of an old sugar plantation, Sugar Beach offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Pitons along with Old World charm. Nestled along the fine white sand of pristine Sugar Beach, this luxury St. Lucia beach resort is the perfect tropical paradise for honeymoons and romantic escapes.

Delicious dining options include French-Caribbean cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, breakfast on the terrace, a café, and a beachfront bar and grill serving fresh seafood, steaks, and salads. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day, and you can arrange private dining on the beach. Sugar Beach offers all-inclusive packages.

Activities at Sugar Beach Resort include lounging by the pool or on the gorgeous beach (there’s a private adults-only beach as well); complimentary watersports such as snorkeling, kayaking, pedal boating, and sailing; scuba diving; tennis; beach volleyball; table tennis; a full fitness center with classes; hiking; area excursions; and indulging at the breathtaking Rainforest Spa, which has treehouse treatment rooms. Sip a tropical drink at the beach bar (which offers nightly entertainment and beautiful sunset views), the sophisticated lounge, or the chic Cane Bar which also features fine rums and Asian-inspired cocktails and dishes.

The Landings Resort and Spa, Rodney Bay

Located on St. Lucia’s northwest coast along tranquil Rodney Bay, The Landings offers a luxury experience that is “mellow and magical.” The stylish resort features a marina as well as a shimmering stretch of white sand beach. Stay in elegantly furnished 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom Villa Suites, some with a private plunge pool. Ocean View Villa Suites, including the 3-bedroom Grand Ocean View Villa Suite, include a full kitchen, washer/dryer, private butler service, and optional private plunge pool. Beachfront Villa Suites are just steps from the sand and offer 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms, a full kitchen, washer/dryer, butler service, and optional private plunge pools.

The Landings offers all-inclusive packages which cover accommodations, all meals plus beach snacks, some beverages, WiFi, beach and pool service, daily activities, nonmotorized water sports, and access to the health club. Dining options include 3 restaurants which range from elegant to waterfront and serve a variety of fresh seafood, authentic St. Lucian dishes, international cuisine, and vegan and gluten-free options. You can also enjoy a coffee shop and 2 bars, one of which is on the beach.

Anse Chastenet Resort, Anse Chastenet Beach

For a classic Caribbean resort experience, visit Anse Chastenet Resort. Nestled along the southwestern coast on Anse Chastenet Beach, this luxury beach resort in St. Lucia offers couples plenty of activities as well as the chance to just relax in a beach hammock. Choose from 49 spectacular rooms on the hillside, in a tropical garden, or on the beach. Premium rooms feature stunning views of the Pitons and spacious balconies or patios. Beachside deluxe rooms are just steps from the sand. The Piton Pool Suite is tucked away in a private setting overlooking the Pitons, with a 160-square-foot pool, large terrace, and luxe bathroom featuring two rain showers. Local woods and fabrics are used in room decor, and the furniture has been handmade in the region.

You can dine in several hillside or beachside restaurants (including one in a treehouse!) at Anse Chastenet and feast on fine Caribbean cuisine, Creole, vegan, St. Lucian-Indian, and delicious grilled dishes and fresh seafood. You can also arrange private dining on the beach or in a cliffside cabana. There are two bars at Anse Chastenet Resort, and afternoon tea is served daily.

The resort covers 600 acres and offers two soft sand beaches; a watersports center with complimentary snorkeling gear, windsurfers, sunfish sailboats, and paddleboards; complimentary sit on top kayaks; 12 miles of jungle biking; walking and hiking trails; area excursions; and a full-service spa.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Pigeon Island, Rodney Bay

The adults-only all-inclusive resort Sandals Grande St. Lucian is near Pigeon Island National Park, on a private peninsula along a beautiful one-mile white sand beach with incredible views across Rodney Bay of mountains and historic Fort Rodney. The protected waters of Rodney Bay are the calmest waters on St. Lucia, making it possible to go swimming or enjoy watersports like snorkeling and paddleboarding at any time.

Something that truly sets this St. Lucia beach resort apart is that you can stay in overwater bungalows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, for an incredibly magical honeymoon or romantic vacation. These thatched-roof bungalows are perched over Rodney Bay and have glass floor inserts so you can watch marine life from your room, as well as private decks with direct water access plus lounge chairs, an overwater hammock, and a soaking tub for two! They even come with the services of a private butler.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian has 5 pools and 4 whirlpools, including the 7800-square-foot waterfront Sunset Pool with a swim-up bar and the quiet, lagoon-style Lovers Pool. There are 12 restaurants offering gourmet cuisine, fresh seafood, local flavors, Asian food, sushi, Italian, French crepes and pastries, and other international dishes, plus 6 bars. Many restaurants at Sandals Grande St. Lucian have water views or are on the water.

Sandals Halcyon Beach, Halcyon Beach

Sandals Halcyon Beach, also an adults-only all-inclusive luxury resort, is near the capital city of Castries. It has an intimate feel and was recently renovated. Lush tropical landscaping makes you feel like you’re in the Garden of Eden. The pristine beach here is lovely, fringed by palm trees, and perfect for lounging or leisurely strolls. Sandals Halcyon Beach offers multiple restaurants and bars as well.

The water can get too rough for water sports, so be aware of that. If this happens, though, you can just take the free shuttle over to Sandals Grande St. Lucian or enjoy one of 3 pools and 3 whirlpools, like the new 600-foot Crystal Lagoon Pool that winds through the resort.  A lovely romantic or honeymoon suite option here is the beautiful beachfront butler suite with private plunge pool.

Sandals Regency La Toc, La Toc Beach

Sandals Regency La Toc is also an adults-only all-inclusive resort in Castries, in a stunning setting built into a hillside. It features 3 pools and 4 whirlpools, including the largest pool in St. Lucia. It also has a 9-hole golf course with complimentary greens fees. (Also available to guests of the other two St. Lucia Sandals resorts.) La Toc beach is wonderfully quiet and lovely, with golden sand and swaying palm trees. The water here can get rough; when that happens guests take the free shuttle to the beach at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Sandals Regency La Toc is the Sandals resort that is closest to the Pitons, if you want to explore that area. There are 9 restaurants and 8 bars to choose from here.

The Sunset Oceanview Bluff Millionaire Butler Villas at Sandals Regency La Toc are a stunning option for an incredible honeymoon suite. Built up high on a bluff (in the ritzy Sunset Bluff Village enclave), these totally private suites have 3-story sun decks with 180-degree views of the ocean and the island. They also feature a plunge pool and whirlpool directly off both the bedroom and the living room, which have glass walls that slide completely open.

The Sandals resorts in St. Lucia offer a wide range of complimentary activities, such as scuba diving, waterskiing, snorkeling, Hobie Cat sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, wakeboarding, unlimited land sports, beach volleyball, day and night tennis, pool tables, bocce ball, and a fitness center. Professional instruction for watersports is also complimentary. Daily and nightly entertainment at Sandals resorts includes live shows, theme nights, beach parties with local bands, and talent nights where guests participate.

If you like to golf, you can do so at Sandals Regency La Toc’s onsite golf course, or you can play at the 18-hole championship course at the Sandals St. Lucia Golf Club, which is located near the Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Whichever St. Lucia Sandals you choose, you get complimentary greens fees and transfers to the golf courses.

What’s the best time of year to visit St. Lucia?

Temperatures stay warm year-round in St. Lucia. The best time to visit St. Lucia and enjoy these gorgeous beaches is the period from December to May, which is the driest season; April to June is often less busy and therefore more affordable. The rainy season is June to December, although rain tends to fall less frequently on the coast than in the interior. Hurricane season is during this time as well, though hurricanes are not much of a threat here.

Here are a few tips for traveling to St. Lucia:

• Bring comfortable walking or hiking shoes, as it’s a mountainous island and you’ll likely do a lot of walking around during your stay (and some of the beaches require a bit of a hike to reach them).
• Make sure to pack sunscreen! The sun can be quite strong in St. Lucia, so it’s important to wear sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from sunburn. A sunhat and sunglasses are also advised. If you’re not staying at a resort that provides beach towels, you’ll want to pack one.
• You’ll also want to bring cash with you, as many of the beach bars and restaurants in St. Lucia only accept cash.
• Check out our complete guide on what to pack for your trip to St. Lucia here.

There you have it: all you need to know about the best beaches in St. Lucia. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or an action-packed vacation, there’s sure to be a beach on St. Lucia that’s perfect for you. Which St. Lucia beach sounds most appealing to you?