The beautiful island of St Lucia, located in the eastern Caribbean is known for its breathtaking scenery and abundance of fascinating cultural heritage, making it a very popular destination with couples and families alike.
6 hours in…St Lucia
This tropical paradise boasts emerald green flora, turquoise crystal waters and exotic fauna, making it a wonderful island to explore. No matter what your interests, St Lucia is definitely a rare tropical gem not to be missed!
Hike the famous UNESCO World Heritage Piton Mountains that rise majestically out of the sea like jagged sharks teeth. These naturally formed volcanic landforms are a geological awe to the eye and offer spectacular panoramic views. Alternatively, if hiking is not for you, then why not swing through the rainforest on a zip line? Rainforest Adventures provide an exhilarating experience for both children and adults alike.
If you prefer to spend time in the water, try the ‘Snuba’ experience. The unique mix between snorkelling and diving presents the perfect opportunity to see tropical marine life as you walk underwater along the ocean bed. Specially designed breathing helmets deliver a continuous flow of oxygen, so there is no need to worry about surfing for air; you can just explore the colourful reefs.
Although all these activities are exciting and great fun, sometimes all you want is a relaxing day on the beach with a cool supply of refreshments to hand. Being home to several beaches and hidden alcoves, St Lucia is perfect for this.
Serene bays and beaches at Soufriere, St Lucia
Spend the day at Anse Chastanet Bay, one of the best snorkelling spots on the island. Here you will be able to spot thousands of tropical fish, starfish and sea urchins. Don’t worry if you don’t have the gear, you can rent it from the local beach resort for a small cost. Or, if you fancy a quiet secluded atmosphere with gorgeous views of the Piton Mountains, visit Malgretoute Beach. For families, Windjammer beach in Labrellotte Bay is more appropriate. This sheltered golden bay has shallow calm water so you don’t need to worry the children paddling where it’s too deep.
With St Lucia’s tropical geographic location, it has a wealth of opportunities for those interested in exploring the flora and fauna. Wonder the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths, or spend some time bird watching at the Millet Bird Sanctuary. Here you might spot the iconic St Lucia Parrot, and learn some interesting facts about the rainforest from a local tour guide. St Lucia also has its own Sulphur Springs, which is known for being the worlds’ only drive-in volcano, perfect for those looking to head off the beaten track.
If you are more of an adventure seeker, explore the island in an all-terrain vehicle, mountain bike, Segway or even horseback tour. These exhilarating experiences will take you on a journey through nature trails, plantations, historical sites and local communities. Ideal for those seeking a fun cultural learning experience.
Been before?
Try your hand at kite or wind surfing at Anse de Sables and Sandy Beach. Here the strong winds and calm open water make both beaches’ perfect locations for this sport.
Marigot Bay is a popular alcove with visitors as it’s well sheltered by the surrounding hills and palm trees and is known for being the filming location for the original Dr Doolittle movie. This serene setting also makes it an ideal location for yachts to drop their anchor. Spend a chilled day under the palm trees, while watching the locals climb them to retrieve coconuts for you to enjoy fresh coconut water. Or for a busier atmosphere, travel to Smugglers Cove where you will find a beach bar and water sports centre.
Catamarans’ are another popular way to explore the island. Sit back, relax and soak up a warm Caribbean glow or dive into the clear water for a refreshing cool down. It is a great day out for everyone and who knows, you might even spot some dolphins.
Coastal view of St Lucia
For those that enjoy drinking rum, St Lucia has its very own rum distillery where you can learn about their rum-making process. This is the last remaining distillery on the island and is open for hourly tours with a tasting and buying opportunity at the end. However, please be advised that some cruise lines have tight regulations for bringing alcohol back on-board, so to avoid disappointment, ask the crew on your cruise ship about their rules.
A great option for families with children is Splash Island Water Park. Here the kids can enjoy many obstacle climbing courses, trampolines, slides and more; all of which are supervised by trained lifeguards. Being located right next to Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, adults can enjoy the Sea Grapes bar where they serve a selection of Caribbean snacks and cool beverages.
Water activities on the island are great fun, but these would not be suitable for anyone who is not confident in the water. However, if you are thinking about visiting Splash Island Water Park, all young guests are required to wear lifejackets for peace of mind.
Can’t keep away?
Why wouldn’t you want to come back? St Lucia is one of the most beautiful islands to visit. The breathtaking scenery, intriguing heritage and golden sandy bays attract visitors time and time again, with much to offer in terms of activities, so you can’t get bored no matter how many times you return! For most, just the laid back culture and warm climate is enough to bring people back.
Don’t even bother!
Hiking the Pitons really is a must do, however for those who are afraid of heights or are simply limited with their walking capabilities, then this might not be an excursion for you. With narrow footpaths and rocky terrain, it really isn’t for the faint hearted.
If you are thinking about visiting the Sulphur Springs, it is worth knowing that it isn’t your ordinary volcano. If you want to see craters and flowing magma, you are likely to be disappointed. However, you can expect to see Volcano vents releasing sulphur gas, bubbling mud and be prepared for the smell the rotten egg.
Lastly, with St Lucia having a tropical climate, people travelling there are advised to take necessary precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. Be sure to pack plenty of repellent and if you are thinking of venturing deep into the rainforest, consider covering up a little bit more as there is a lot of vegetation and humidity.
