Top 30 Things to Do in St Lucia For an Unforgettable Getaway

St. Lucia is an idyllic Caribbean island, popular for honeymoons, destination weddings, and romantic vacations. If you’re planning a couples’ getaway or honeymoon in St. Lucia you probably want to know, what is there to do in St. Lucia?

There’s plenty to do on this amazing island; in this article, we’ll tell you about the 30 best activities in St. Lucia. We’ll cover beaches, watersports, historic sites, outdoor adventures, dining options, and more that will make your romantic trip to St. Lucia unforgettable.

Nestled between the South Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucia is often referred to as “little Hawaii.” This picturesque island is home to some jaw-dropping scenery, thanks to the Piton mountains and rainforest interior. You can enjoy spectacular mountain views, stunning beaches, and a plethora of activities that showcase St. Lucia’s natural beauty and ensure a memorable visit. In addition to its striking natural scenery, St. Lucia is also known for its friendly locals, fascinating history, and truly scrumptious food.

Some of the most popular tourist sites in St. Lucia are the Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Soufriere Volcano; Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens; and Pigeon Island National Park. Read on to learn about these and more in our list of top 30 things to do in St. Lucia.

1.    Beach hop.

If you’re a honeymooner looking for a place to relax on the beach, look no further. You could spend your whole vacation just visiting St. Lucia’s varied and beautiful beaches, which range from secluded white sand coves tucked into the lush landscape to rugged stretches of golden or black volcanic sand.

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, and Anse des Sables Beach.

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

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.

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.

For more information on St. Lucia’s beaches, check out our article on the best beaches in St. Lucia.

2.    Snorkel in crystal clear waters.

St. Lucia has great snorkeling. Some beaches have coral reefs just offshore for easy snorkeling access. The best beaches in St. Lucia for snorkeling are Sugar Beach, Pigeon Island beaches, Anse Cochon, Anse Chastenet, Laborie Bay, and Reduit Beach.

You can also book a snorkeling tour with a local company, which will take you by boat out to excellent snorkel sites like Fairy Land and Coral Gardens. Some tours include lunch or other activities, and you can book SNUBA tours as well.

3.    Go windsurfing, kiteboarding, waterskiing, or Jet Skiing.

How about some adrenaline-pumping watersports? You can rent Jet Skis or go windsurfing or waterskiing on Reduit Beach, along Rodney Bay.

Anse des Sables beach is one of the most popular beaches on St. Lucia for kiteboarding and windsurfing.

4.    Go kayaking or paddleboarding.

A more peaceful way to enjoy the water is gliding along on a paddleboard or kayak as you keep an eye out for dolphins, rays, and other tropical marine life. St. Lucia’s west coast has calm waters that are perfect for this.

Top beaches in St. Lucia for paddleboarding and kayaking are Sugar Beach, Pigeon Island beaches, Marigot Bay. You can also book organized excursions.

5.    Go scuba diving.

St. Lucia offers some excellent locations for scuba diving. Visit Sugar Beach for some stunning underwater scenery; you can dive around the base of the Pitons here where they form an 1800-foot drop off.

Anse Chastenet Marine National Park gives scuba divers the opportunity to see an incredible coral reef and a wide variety of marine life including lobsters, barracudas, and parrotfish.  

You can also book scuba diving tours with local companies.

6.    Hike a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Piton Mountains are two dormant volcanic spires that form some of St. Lucia’s most iconic scenery. Hiking around these famous peaks is a great way to explore the natural geography of the island and take some amazing pictures.

Tip: Climbing the Pitons is a strenuous undertaking, recommended for experienced climbers only, but you can take guided tours to enjoy the area.

7.    Get incredible views on the Tet Paul Nature Trail.

Hike the Tet Paul Nature Trail through a tropical forest near the village of Soufriere and learn about St. Lucia’s ecosystem. The hike is moderate and takes about 45 minutes; at the top you’ll be rewarded with amazing 360-degree views that can include the neighboring islands of Martinique and St. Vincent on clear days. There is a small fee to hike this trail, but it’s well worth it.

8.    Cool off on the Enbas Saut Waterfall Trail.

Another great trail to hike in St. Lucia is the Enbas Saut Waterfall Trail in Edmund Rain Forest Preserve. This takes about 2 ½ hours and includes many steep steps, so wear good hiking shoes. You can see exotic plants and local birds along the way to the waterfall, where your efforts are rewarded in the cool and invigorating waters.

9.    Drive into a volcano and get a therapeutic mud bath.

Something unique to do in St. Lucia is to take a volcano tour! St. Lucia is home to the world’s largest volcano that you can actually drive into. Head to Sulphur Springs Park at Mount Soufriere to take the drive along the crater. The views are breathtaking. You can also soak in the therapeutic hot springs and mud baths if you bring a (old) bathing suit.

10. Explore the rainforest and go ziplining.

If volcanoes aren’t your thing, explore St. Lucia’s jungle. Take a tour and learn about the rainforest, then zipline through the treetops.

11. Visit Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and soak in mineral hot springs.

On the Soufriere Estate, you can not only tour the plantation but you can also explore Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and stroll among a variety of trees including red cedar, mahogany, coconut, and cocoa as you marvel at colorful tropical flowers and foliage and learn about local fruits and vegetables. Then you can visit the stunning waterfall and soak in the mineral hot springs.

12. Fulfill your horseback riding on the beach fantasies.

Is it your dream to go splashing through the surf on a magnificent horse? You can realize that dream in St. Lucia, where you can ride horses on a beautiful beach or through plantations, along grasslands and cliffs, or in the jungle.

You can book a horseback riding tour through companies like Sandy Hoofs St. Lucia or Atlantic Shores Riding Stables, or visit places like Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park.

13. Take a sightseeing cruise.

Do you love to sail? Take a sightseeing cruise around St. Lucia with a local tour company like Sea Spray Cruises or Joy’s Adventure Excursion, which offer a variety of tours like a full-day catamaran cruise around the island’s coast, stopping to visit cocoa farms, tour a volcano, swim, ride horses, and more. You can also go whale watching.

14. Absorb some local history and culture.

St. Lucia has a long and fascinating history and rich culture; make sure you spend some time visiting cultural and historic sites in St. Lucia like Pigeon Island National Park; Fort Rodney; Morne Fortuné; the village of Soufriere; Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park; and the capital city of Castries.

15. Explore Pigeon Island National Park.

Pigeon Island has a long and fascinating history, which you can learn all about at Pigeon Island National Park. Originally a separate island, Pigeon Island was connected to St. Lucia by a causeway in 1972. You can hike around the park and up to a lookout point, plus explore the ruins of multiple military buildings including Fort Rodney, an 18th-century military fort built by the British.

You can also lounge on two lovely beaches and go snorkeling from here or take a SNUBA or Sea Trek tour. There are two restaurants to enjoy when you get hungry. There’s a small entrance fee to the park, and guided tours are available for an extra fee.

16. See fabulous views from the “Hill of Good Luck.”

Morne Fortuné means “Hill of Good Luck.” This mountain overlooking the harbor at Castries was the location for British military fortifications in the 1800s during a time of fierce fighting between the French and English for control of St. Lucia. You can walk up here for incredible views, as well as to explore the original fortifications and buildings.

17. Soak in some local color at Soufriere.

Soufriere, located near the Pitons on the coast, was founded in 1745 and is known as the birthplace of the wife of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, Josephine. The town features many colorful buildings, including the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

18. Go back in time at Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park.

Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park is located near Soufriere and is an 18^th-century estate that is still a working plantation. You can tour it and the tropical gardens and see coconuts, manioc, and cocoa being grown, as well as how coconut is processed. There’s also a replica historical village.

A restaurant onsite offers delicious Creole food for a treat after your tour. You can also go ziplining or go horseback riding on the plantation, through the rainforest, along the beach, or to the volcano.

19. Brave the Bat Cave.

No, this isn’t a superhero’s lair. The Bat Cave in St. Lucia is a crack in the cliffs along Soufriere bay, filled with hundreds of bats. Local tour companies offer boat trips to see the cave. You can also swim in or go snorkeling (there are rock formations, coral, and all sorts of colorful fish to see). Just watch out for tour boats coming in to the cave.

20. Delve into history on a walking tour of Castries.

Start a walking tour of the capital city of Castries in Derek Walcott Square, named after St. Lucian author Sir Derek Walcott who received the 1992 Nobel Prize in Literature. This lovely 2-acre park in the heart of Castries is surrounded by brightly painted colonial buildings. In the square you’ll find a bandstand, fountain, and a majestic tree that is said to be 400 years old.

From here you can visit the beautiful Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the oldest cathedral in the Caribbean; the King George V Gardens; Government House; the St. Lucia Folk Research Centre; and the Castries Market.

21. Take a photo tour of the top Instagram-worthy locations in St. Lucia.

Instagrammable locations in St. Lucia abound, but some of the top ones include the Pitons, Marigot Bay, Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, Grand Anse Beach, Anse Chastanet Beach, and the Pink Plantation House restaurant. Over the course of your St. Lucia vacation, you can visit each of these scenic spots and capture your own photos.

The Pitons rise majestically out of the Caribbean and are one of the most iconic sights in St. Lucia. The best spot to take good pictures of the Pitons is the colorful village of Soufriere.

Marigot Bay is a gorgeous bay on the west coast of St. Lucia that has lovely beaches along its sheltered water. This scenic spot has been featured as a location in multiple movies and was also where the 1967 version of “Doctor Doolittle” was filmed.

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens offer all sorts of photo opportunities of the lush tropical flowers, the waterfalls, and the mineral spring.

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.

Tucked along a cove north of Soufriere and lined with palm trees, Anse Chastenet Beach has black volcanic sand and serene seas.

The Pink Plantation House Restaurant features fabulous views from its hillside perch above Castries, as well as outstanding French colonial architecture.

22. Go on a sunset cruise.

One of the best ways to enjoy the stunning sunsets in St. Lucia is on the water. Book a sunset cruise with a local company for a truly romantic evening activity. Maybe you’ll get to see that elusive “green flash” as the sun sinks into the sea.

Mystic Man Ocean Adventures offers sunset cruises twice a week off the south coast of the island. Enjoy an open bar and relaxing music as you sail along the inner bay of the Pitons. Sea Spray Cruises offers a catamaran sunset cruise with drinks and appetizers included.

23. Find the perfect secluded beach and have a picnic.

Marigot Bay is a picturesque area with several small beaches that are the perfect place to enjoy some alone time in a gorgeous setting.

Grande Anse Beach (see above) is another wonderful place for romantic picnics. Tip: Swimming isn’t recommended here because the water is rough.

24. Have a romantic dinner date.

Here are 4 of the best romantic restaurants in St. Lucia:

Get all dressed up and head to The Trysting Place at Rendezvous St. Lucia, which serves a fusion of French and Caribbean cuisine in an elegant and intimate atmosphere.

For striking scenery and gourmet French and Caribbean cuisine plus fresh seafood, The Bayside Restaurant at Sugar Beach Resort is situated along the beautiful white sand beach under Petit Piton.

Jacques Waterfront Dining combines French techniques and local produce and spices to create delicious dishes you can enjoy while gazing at gorgeous Rodney Bay.

At the upscale Rainforest Hideaway, you arrive by complimentary ferry across Marigot Bay to feast on fresh local fish and produce plus succulent meats. Dine under the stars on a dock to the sounds of live jazz.

25. Take a day trip on St. Lucia.

Whichever part of St. Lucia you’re staying in, you can take day trips to explore the other parts of this beautiful island. For example, if you’re staying in Castries, head to the fishing village of Soufriere about an hour away. You can wander the colorful streets, see historic sites, lounge on the lovely beach, or go on hikes from this spot nestled in the shadow of the Pitons. Tet Nature Trail, Sulphur Springs Park, Diamond Falls Botanical Garden, and the Piton trails are all close to here.

26. Take a day trip from St. Lucia.

Day trips from St. Lucia are often to the nearby islands of Martinique and Barbados. You can also book tours to go scuba diving, deep sea fishing, whale watching, and snorkeling.

27. Browse for the perfect souvenir.

Shopping in St Lucia is great for souvenirs, duty-free items, and local handicrafts. The best place for duty-free shopping is at the airport.

Local handicrafts can be found at one of the many markets on the island, or in the capital city of Castries. The Castries Craft Market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as handmade crafts like wood carvings, handmade brooms, batik fabrics, and delicious local items like spices, banana ketchup, and hot pepper sauce.

The Choiseul Arts and Crafts Centre is another popular St. Lucia shopping destination.

28. Have fun at a festival.

One of the best events in St. Lucia is the St. Lucia Carnival, held every June. One of the most popular festivals on the island, Carnival turns the capital city Castries into one huge street party.

You can also visit for the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, held every May. Other festivals in St. Lucia are Mercury Fest in July, which is a 2-day beach festival; the St. Lucia Roots & Soul music festival in August; and Creole Day Celebrations (also known as Jounen Kweyol) held in October as part of St. Lucia Creole Heritage Month.

29. Savor incredible culinary delights.

Foodies love St. Lucia for its mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you go to a casual beachfront shack or a haute cuisine bistro, you won’t be disappointed with the dining in St. Lucia. A bonus is that many St. Lucia restaurants also offer amazing views. Here are 8 of the best restaurants in St. Lucia to try on your visit.

One of the most popular local hangouts is Martha’s Tables, an open-air restaurant near the Pitons serving homemade Creole dishes including spicy jerk port and curry chicken.

By the beach in Rodney Bay, you’ll find Liz Roti offering rotis (round flatbreads filled with meat and other ingredients) and delicious fruit-flavored cakes. Fedo’s is another great local spot to try rotis and other St. Lucian specialties.

Enjoy the views of Marigot Bay at the casual Chateau Mygo House of Seafood, which sits dockside and offers affordable and delicious East Indian/Creole dishes for lunch and dinner.

The Coal Pot has lovely views of Vigie Cove and has been serving great seafood and fantastic French dishes since 1968.

Pink Plantation House in Castries matches the magnificent views from its location perched in the hills above Castries with equally amazing fresh seafood dishes. Set in a French colonial mansion with distinctive architecture, this restaurant has a lovely tropical atmosphere and delicious Caribbean and Creole cuisine.

Dasheen, located at Ladera Resort, features authentic St. Lucian dishes, a live band, and fantastic sunset views of the sea through the Pitons.

And if you love chocolate, you must try Rabot Restaurant. This open-air restaurant is located in a 14-acre working cocoa plantation and offers innovative dishes incorporating cacao, including incredible chocolate desserts and cocktails.

30. Enjoy some nightlife.

The best nightlife in St. Lucia can be found in Rodney Bay and Gros Islet, which have a variety of bars and clubs to enjoy. You can find karaoke bars, live music venues, and dance clubs. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, check out the many restaurants and cafés that line the streets of these two towns.

Lucky enough to be in St. Lucia on a full moon? Head to a full moon beach party! And no matter when you visit, be sure to check out a “jump up” street festival. The Gros Islet street party happens every Friday, rain or shine, except Good Friday, and features DJs, dancing, bars in the street, tasty food, and arts and crafts vendors.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in St. Lucia, for every sort of traveler. Whether you’re looking for beaches, outdoor adventure, history, or delicious cuisine, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in this popular romantic destination. Find out for yourself why St. Lucia is one of the best places to visit in Caribbean; plan your St. Lucia trip today.

Do you have any questions about what to do in St. Lucia? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re looking for additional travel inspiration, be sure to check out other articles on our site for more fun destinations.