Trade winds, waterfalls, coral reefs, rainforests, an eclectic mix of culture and the Pitons peaks, it’s no wonder St. Lucia is a major honeymoon destination for newlyweds. Simply taking in the scenery here is an experience in itself. Whether you’re scuba diving, climbing the Pitons or taking a mud bath at the Sulphur Springs, you will leave St. Lucia beyond satisfied and still craving more.
Courtesy of Claudio Trigueros
St. Lucia Beaches: Places to Stay and Things To Do
If you’ve heard or seen anything about St. Lucia, it’s likely in relation to honeymoons and the famous Pitons peaks. This majestic little island is separated into two parts, the north and south, with each area being suited for a certain type of traveler. The trade winds keep weather here temperate year round, but December through April tends to bring the most visitors—and the highest prices. Hurricane season falls June through November but that doesn’t keep travelers away from this Caribbean gem. With english for the national language and the US Dollar accepted widely alongside the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, the only thing you’ll need to prepare for is driving on the left side of the road.
While this destination is mainly suitable for adults, families can have a fun-filled time with plenty of activities too. The world’s only drive-in volcano is here, along with the 19,000-acre National Rain Forest and Diamond Falls. Colorful fruit orchards dot the island while exotic plumed birds fill the trees, and under the water, another world awaits exploration by curious divers. Cuisine on the island utilizes the many fruits and vegetables grown on the island and seafood usually with French, British and West Indian influences. Be sure to try the national dish, Callaloo Soup!
Beaches in St. Lucia
Photo by © Lucianbolca | Dreamstime.com
In the north, Reduit Beach is the most popular beach. Sitting right on Rodney Bay, this five-mile-long, beach offers everything for a dreamy beach day, including soft white sand, calm waters and proximity to restaurants and shopping. Further north in Gros Islet, Cas en Bas Beach offers perfect conditions for kitesurfing, windboarding, picnicking and walking.
Or, escape the bustle of Castries on La Toc Beach. Once you enter through Sandals Regency La Toc, you’ll notice it’s surprisingly calm for being right in the capital. Smuggler’s Cove Beach is exactly what it sounds like: a picture-perfect pirate movie setting. This small stretch of golden sand is surrounded by cliffs with some of the best snorkeling on the north of the island.
Down in the south, Sugar Beach (also known as Jalousie Beach) may be the most iconic beach in all of St. Lucia. Sugar Beach sits just south of Soufrière, right between the Pitons, with part of the beach designated just for Sugar Beach resort guests and the other part open to the public. The 1,800-foot drop at the foot of the Pitons make this a must-dive location as the area is teeming with life.
The south also catches the trade winds and Sandy Beach is the perfect place to catch some on your kiteboard. When the winds aren’t strong enough for kitesurfing, this uncrowded beach is perfect for a swim. Anse Chastanet Beach has Anse Chastanet Resort and Jade Mountain right on its black-tinted sand and it offers great snorkeling due to a steep drop-off plus a smaller beach, Anse Mamin, within walking distance. Head to the west side of the island and get your cameras ready for Marigot Bay Beach. It’s so picturesque with its white sand, palm trees and yachts that it’s often featured in films—unfortunately, this also means it’s usually crowded.
Things to Do in St. Lucia
Lounging on one of the many idyllic beaches aside, activities in St. Lucia cover a range of interests, from relaxing flower-gazing at Mamiku Gardens to extremes like ziplining and scuba diving. You’ll want to take advantage of the Soufriere Volcano, where you can experience the world’s only drive-in volcano, rejuvenate in a natural mud bath and bath in a mesmerizing waterfall. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Diamond Falls Botanical Garden & Mineral Bath.
St. Lucia is an adrenaline junkie’s heaven. Scuba diving the 1,800-foot drop or hiking Gros Piton is not for the faint of heart or ill-prepared. But, those looking for something more accessible will love Tet Paul Nature Trail, snorkeling or even a kitesurfing lesson in the north at Cas en Bas Beach. While you’re in the north, head to Rodney Bay and take the causeway to historic Pigeon Island for learning, Fort Rodney and the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival if you happen to visit in May.
Finally, if you’re looking to hit the green, there’s an 18-hole course at the St. Lucia Golf Club—it’s known as one of the hardest in the Caribbean!