St Lucia Travelers Recommend

St. Lucia is an ideal getaway for travelers wanting to experience the less touristy side of the Caribbean. With three days on the island, you can enjoy adventure on land and at sea while getting a taste of the history and culture that make St. Lucia irresistible. Here’s how to make the most of your time.

Day 1: Beaches and cruises

St. Lucia is surrounded by the Caribbean’s characteristic white beaches, turquoise waters, and long harbors—and choices abound for a day of sun, sand, and sea. Sail along the coast aboard a catamaran, stopping by attractions such as Sulphur Springs and Diamond Botanical Gardens—or charter a private speedboat for some beach-hopping. For a little relaxation and a little adventure, spend a morning on the beach followed by an afternoon of scuba diving, snorkeling, sea trekking, whale watching, or deep sea fishing. Wrap up your day on the water with rum cocktails and seafood at a toes-in-the-sand beach bar.

Day 2: Nature and island adventures

St. Lucia is blessed with some of the best natural scenery in the Caribbean, so tear yourself away from the water for a day on solid ground. Hike into the heart of the rain forest along the Gros Piton Nature Trail, or see the canopy from a higher perspective on a ziplining tour of the island. Those who prefer a tamer adventure can opt to ride the aerial tram for a chance to spot endangered Jacquot parrots and other wildlife. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the capital city of Castries and sample breadfruit, cassava bread, cocoa tea, spiced rum, and other local specialties on a food tour. 

Day 3: Cultural explorations

For such a small island, St. Lucia packs a big cultural punch. Start the day with an island tour to learn about the local history and culture as you explore sights such as Pigeon Island National Landmark, Soufrière, Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, and the Morne Coubaril Estate. If the timing is right, end your trip with a beloved island tradition: a Friday night street party often called a jump-up or fish fry. Rub elbows with the locals, sampling barbecued meats and fresh seafood, sipping on rum punch, and dancing to the sounds of reggae, steel band, and calypso music. 

With stunning scenery, sun-kissed beaches, and unforgettable sunsets, St. Lucia is made for romance. Whether you want to bliss out or embark on an adventure for two, here are a few ideas for any couples planning a romantic getaway to this showstopping Caribbean island.

• Spend an afternoon lounging aboard a luxury catamaran, or toast the end of the day with Champagne during a sunset cruise.

• Hop in the saddle for a horseback ride along forest and beach trails.

• Pamper yourselves with a day pass to a beachfront resort, where you can lay out on loungers and avail of a massage at the on-site spa.

• Slather volcanic mud on your skin at the Sulphur Springs.

• Follow nature trails through the lush rain forest interior, or take a stroll through the colorful Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens in Soufriere.

• Don special Sea Trek helmets that allow you to breathe underwater and explore the world beneath the waves in the waters around Pigeon Island.

• Visit lookouts with spectacular views of Gros Piton and Petit Piton —a pair of sky-skimming volcanic spires that dominate the landscape of this beautiful island.

• Book a nightlife tour of Rodney Bay, where you’ll stop at several local bars and the Gros Island Street Party.

The mountainous island of St. Lucia has become one of the Caribbean’s most stylish and sophisticated destinations, known for its photogenic volcanic peaks, hidden beaches, luxury resorts, and lively nightlife. Here’s how to get a taste of what St. Lucia has to offer with just 24 hours on the island.

Morning: Inland Adventure

First-time visitors to St. Lucia will want to start their day with an island tour to catch the highlights, including Marigot Bay, the Governor General Mansion, Sulphur Springs, Diamond Waterfall, and the towering twin Pitons. Opt for a private tour to make sure you don’t miss anything on your must-see list. If adventure is more your style, start the day by exploring the rain forests of St. Lucia by aerial tram and zipline; it’s a thrilling and ecologically responsible way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty. Other land-based options include ATV tours, off-road-buggy adventures, guided hikes, and excursions to bubbling La Soufrière volcano.

Afternoon: Sun and Sea

As the day begins to heat up, cool off in the beautiful turquoise Caribbean waters. You might head to the nearest stretch of sand for some rest and relaxation in the sun, or opt for a more active afternoon of scuba diving, snorkeling, Sea Trekking, sailing, or deep-sea fishing. If you’re on the island between mid-June and November, consider a whale-watching cruise to spot humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and spinner dolphins just off the island’s coast. If you’d like to enjoy the water at your own pace, charter a boat for the afternoon and create your own itinerary of swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun.

Night: St. Lucian Street Party

After a day of adventure, unwind with an island tradition—a village street party. These parties, typically hosted on Friday nights in towns such as Gros Islet and Anse La Raye, feature freshly caught seafood, beer and rum, and live steel bands or local DJs spinning Caribbean tunes well into the night. Join a tour and leave the transportation to and from your hotel to someone else. If it’s not Friday but you’d still like a taste of the island nightlife, head to Rodney Bay for a guided barhop to some of the town’s most popular after-dark spots. Venues range from waterside pubs to cocktail bars with stellar views over the bay, and each offers the chance to sample local Caribbean beer and rum.

Two days on the island of St. Lucia lets you see the island’s volcanoes, rain forests, waterfalls, and iconic Pitons, while still leaving time to soak up the sun on a sandy beach, enjoy the turquoise Caribbean waters, and get a taste of the local island culture. Here’s how to make the most of your 48 hours in St. Lucia.

Day 1: St. Lucian Culture

**Morning:**Get oriented this morning with a half-day tour to some of the island’s most important sites. Learn about the history and culture of St. Lucia as you visit Soufrière, the Diamond Botanical Gardens, Sulphur Springs mud baths, and the towering Pitons. Opt for a private tour to make sure you hit all your top sites.

**Afternoon:**This afternoon, treat your tastebuds to the flavors of St. Lucia. You have a few options, from touring the island’s only rum distillery to taking a Caribbean cooking class. Alternatively, join a local shopping consultant for an afternoon of retail therapy to help you track down the best gifts and souvenirs. 

**Night:**As the sun sets, gear up for an evening of drinking and dancing without having to drive. Book a guided nightlife experience in Rodney Bay to visit some of the island’s nightlife hot spots for local rum and live music. Many venues offer discounts and specials for guests visiting on a tour. 

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

**Morning:**St. Lucia’s beaches are beautiful to be sure, but it’s the mountainous interior that sets this island apart. Start your morning by heading inland to explore the island’s rain forests on a ziplining tour through the canopy. If you’d prefer to stay on solid ground, opt for an ATV tour or guided hike instead. 

**Afternoon:**No trip to St. Lucia would be complete without some time in the water. Cool off this afternoon with a dip in the Caribbean Sea. Simply relax at the nearest beach, or opt for an adventure, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, or Sea Trekking in the clear waters. Families traveling with kids can head to Splash Island Water Park on the island’s northwest coast. 

**Night:**Refuel this evening with a food tour through the streets of Castries. With the help of a local foodie, you can sample the flavors of Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean that fuse together in the island’s traditional cuisine. If you’re on the island on a Friday night, head to a local Fish Fri, a St. Lucian street party, for fresh seafood and dancing into the night.