With an interior carpeted with dense jungles and a coastline filled with spectacular beaches, St Lucia is arguably one of the most naturally striking islands in the Caribbean. It’s popular with nature lovers and beachgoers alike due to the vast range of activities that you can take part in. It’s also one of the best Caribbean islands for families!
St Lucia is perhaps most famous for its iconic Piton mountains, which stand proudly on the island’s coastline. But there’s so much more to the island. Below are some of my favorite things to do in St Lucia.
1. Drive in the World’s Only Drive-In Volcano, Sulphur Springs
St Lucia is an island of volcanic origin and today houses an active geothermal area known as Sulphur Springs. Sulphur Springs is famous for being the world’s only drive-in volcano.
Sulphur Springs are a mere 10-minute drive from the large town of Soufriere whose name is actually French for sulfur mine. On a visit to Sulphur Springs you can marvel at the bubbling mud from the safety of a wooden platform. The mud is said to be roughly 340 Fahrenheit (170 Celsius) in temperature. The smell of the sulphur is strong, so be prepared!
As well as watching the springs, visitors to Sulphur Springs can enjoy a mud bath (thankfully however not in 340-degree mud!) which is rich in minerals and is said to have medicinal properties.
2. Hike to the Summit of the Majestic Gros Piton
There are two Piton mountains: Petit Piton and Gros Piton, the latter being the largest of the two, as the name would suggest. The beautiful Piton mountains are volcanic plugs formed thousands of years ago when magma solidified within a lava dome.
You can in fact hike to the top of the largest Piton which stands 2,619 feet above sea level. The hike will take you through swathes of unspoiled forest on a well-marked path until you reach the summit, where you will have unparalleled views of St Lucia.
A permit and guide are required in order to undertake the hike. The walk is best completed early in the morning before it gets too hot. It can be challenging at times, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it.
3. Step Back in Time on the Historic Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island is a 44-acre islet in the very north of St Lucia. Despite having ‘Island’ in the name, this stretch of land is in fact connected to the mainland via a road.
Pigeon Island plays a very important role in St Lucia’s history. The indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples of St Lucia used the islet as a fishing village and named it ‘Iouanalao’, meaning ‘island of the iguanas’. Later, during the 1700s, Pigeon Island played a key role in the battles between the French and the British for control of the Caribbean and was used as a lookout point and a base for attacking enemy ships.
Today pieces of the island’s history are still visible in the form of military ruins. Visitors can stroll around these ancient ruins as well as unwind on one of the island’s two beaches. Pigeon Island also houses a restaurant that has glorious views over the ocean and the mainland.
4. Discover St Lucia’s Beauty on the Tet Paul Nature Trail
Just minutes outside of the bustling town of Soufriere is this 45-minute walk through St Lucia’s lush green interior with exquisite views of the surroundings, including the Piton mountains. Parts of the trail are steep, and there’s an expanse of wooden steps that you have to contest with known as the ‘Stairway to Heaven’.
This trail is often touted as one of the most scenic walks that you can take in St Lucia, and with good reason. The views of the island that you get at the top of the trail are simply unrivaled.
5. Chase Waterfalls on a Visit to Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
Stroll through vibrant tropical gardens in this fabulous 2,000-acre estate which is in fact the oldest botanical garden in St Lucia. The gardens are laced with colorful flowers and a river known as Diamond Falls River which is an unusual orange color due to the high mineral content.
The star attraction however of the Botanical Gardens is a cascade of falls known as Diamond Falls. What’s so special about this waterfall is that it is packed with minerals which gives the waterfall a unique appearance. Due to the high concentration of minerals in the water, swimming is prohibited.
6. Make Your Own Delicious Chocolate
St Lucia has the perfect conditions for cacao trees to thrive. Perched on the equator with rich, volcanic soil, cacao beans have been grown in abundance here. Whilst St Lucia used to export its beans, it has now stopped the practice and produces its own chocolate.
A trip to the Rabot Estate owned by Hotel Cocolat gives you the opportunity to see first-hand how chocolate is produced, to join in on the process, and of course to sample the yummy chocolate along the way.
7. Kayak Through Precious Mangroves on the Roseau River
From the scenic Marigot Bay there are opportunities to take to the water in a kayak and gradually make your way up the winding Rosea River, the longest river on the island, which is lined with mangroves, one of the most important ecosystems on the planet.
Listen to nothing but the sound of ores gliding through the water and the singing of birds as you head to a beautiful lagoon. The kayak tour typically takes between 1 and a half and 2 hours to complete.
8. Hit the Waves From Marigot Bay
Satisfy your taste for adventure at Marigot Bay, one of the main marinas on the island. This marina is the starting point for many water-based tours such as kayaks and fishing adventures.
Marigot Bay is also a popular spot for those who are looking to relax and admire some breathtaking scenery. This bay is incredibly picturesque and has starred in a number of films including Dr. Doolittle. It is famous for being the only bay with a hurricane hole (the ideal location to moor boats in a hurricane) in the Caribbean.
9. Gallop Down Golden Sand Beaches
With miles of pristine golden sand beaches, St Lucia is the ideal island to explore secluded stretches of sand from the saddle. There are a number of stables dotted around the island offering horse riding treks through St Lucia’s beautiful landscapes, including beaches.
Sandy Hoofs Riding Stables is one of the best-reviewed stables on the island and even offers the opportunity, should conditions allow it, to take a dip in the ocean with your horse.
10. Chill Out on the Gorgeous Anse Mamin Beach
As one of the best honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean, Sta Lucia offers jaw-dropping sceneries. One of which is Anse Mamin. This is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in St Lucia. The quaint expanse of black sand is backed by towering palm trees and crystal clear waters lap at the shore. It’s a secluded beach and a real hidden gem on the island.
The beach is renowned for being a fantastic snorkeling spot. There are some striking rock formations at the edge of the beach and around the base of these rocks you can find a vast array of marine life to marvel at.
Sun loungers are available to rent for the day and there’s even a delightful restaurant on the beach, nestled between sleepy palms called the Jungle Beach Bar & Grill.
11. Stroll Through Vibrant Soufriere Town
This beautiful town, just a stone’s throw away from St Lucia’s iconic Pitons is one of the most charming settlements on the island. It actually used to be St Lucia’s capital before Casties. As well as being the gateway to some of St Lucia’s star attractions such as Sulphur Springs and the Tet Paul Nature Trail, the city houses an array of sights and activities.
The town is quiet yet colorful. Numerous shops and restaurants line the streets, many in brightly colored wooden buildings. There are numerous charming eateries throughout the town including a few bars and cafés which line a quiet beach.
12. Zipline through the Jungle
Get your adrenaline pumping at Treetop Adventure Park, close to St Lucia’s wild east coast. There’s a host of activities for you to try at this park including ziplining and climbing. Watch the vibrant jungle canopy wiz past you as you take to the air on one of the numerous extensive zip lines.
The Treetop Adventure Park has runs tailored to all ages and abilities, providing fun for the whole family.
13. Swim with Tropical Fish at Chastanet Beach Marine Reserve
Just off from the beautiful and popular Chastanet Beach is a Marine Reserve that encompasses an area of coral reefs. Whilst snorkeling here you can spot a variety of tropical fish, eels, octopuses, and much more.
The Marine Reserve is very accessible, positioned just off the beach.
Once you have satisfied yourself with your snorkeling expedition, there is a restaurant on the beach for you to enjoy a bite to eat or sip on a cocktail in the sun.
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I hope I have given you some inspiration for your St Lucia itinerary. What are your favorite things to do in St Lucia? Let me know in the comments!
