St. Lucia
Things to do in St LuciaDuration: at least 3 weeks
Best time to travel: Dry Season: October-June; Festival Season: June to August
Budget: $125 per day
St. Lucia has long been on my travel list. Known for its landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly locals, it stands out as the only Caribbean island named after a woman.
As an independent traveler, I seek places with a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. St. Lucia, with its towering Pitons, lush rainforests, and clear beaches, offers all this and more. This year, I’m visiting for the famous carnival but plan to explore beyond the festivities.
From relaxing on pristine beaches to hiking rainforests, and from experiencing local festivals to sampling the island’s cuisine, St. Lucia has much to offer.
Here’s my bucket list of things to do in St. Lucia, featuring must-see spots and hidden gems for the intrepid explorer.
- Culture 90%
- Beaches 85%
- Nature 110%
- Activities 100%
Playing mas in St. Lucia has long been a dream of mine, and this year, it’s finally coming true. I’m also thrilled to explore what the island has to offer, especially since I’ll be traveling during the rainy season.
Why visit St. Lucia?
Beaches in St. Lucia
From what I heared the beaches in St. Lucia offer very distinct vibes. Here are the beaches I’m most excited to visit:
Reduit Beach
Reduit Beach is perfect for a lively day out. With its long stretch of golden sand and calm waters, it’s ideal for swimming and sunbathing. I’m looking forward to trying out the various water sports available, like jet skiing and paddleboarding. Plus, Rodney Bay nearby offers great dining, shopping, and nightlife, making it easy to spend an entire day in the area.
Anse Chastanet
The marine reserve just offshore in Anse Chastanetis teeming with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. I also I also plan to stay at one of the eco-friendly resorts nearby, where I can enjoy stunning views of the Pitons and dine on fresh, delicious cuisine.
Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay’s is a sheltered Bay know for its beautful views and clear waters. It’s a great spot for sailing and yachting enthusiasts.
Hidden Beaches
For those seeking solitude, St. Lucia has numerous hidden beaches waiting to be discovered. These lesser-known gems offer peace and tranquility away from the crowds. Beaches like Anse Cochon and Secret Beach are perfect for a quiet day by the sea. I’ll make sure to write you an extensive guide on the secret beaches.
Smaller Local Beaches
I’m particularly excited to visit the smaller local beaches like La Toc, Vigie Beach, and the beach in Vieux Fort. These spots are popular with residents and offer a more authentic St. Lucian experience. I secretly hope that I will love the beaches as much as the ones around Kingston.
Hiking in St. Lucia
While I’m not the biggest fan of long hikes, I feel like a little exercise and detox from carnival will do me and my booty some good. I hope to explore St. Lucia’s many things to do by horse. However, I’ve also heard the following hikes are amazing:
Gros Piton Nature Trail
This iconic hike offers stunning views of the island and the Caribbean Sea. It’s a moderately challenging trail that takes you up one of St. Lucia’s famous Pitons. A guided tour is recommended to ensure you get the most out of this adventure.
Tet Paul Nature Trail
Perfect for those who prefer a shorter, less strenuous hike (like me), the Tet Paul Nature Trail provides breathtaking panoramic views. The trail is known for its beautiful scenery, including views of both Pitons, and is accessible to all skill levels.
Enbas Saut Waterfall Trail
Located in the Edmund Forest Reserve, this trail takes you through lush rainforest to a beautiful waterfall. It’s a great option for nature lovers and those looking to experience the island’s rich biodiversity.
Des Cartiers Rainforest Trail
A longer trail that immerses you in the heart of St. Lucia’s rainforest. It’s an excellent spot for bird watching and experiencing the island’s natural beauty. A guide can enhance the experience by pointing out the diverse flora and fauna.
Pigeon Island National Park
Although not a traditional hike, exploring the trails around Pigeon Island offers historical insights and stunning coastal views. It’s a more relaxed option but still provides a good workout and fantastic scenery.
Exploring these trails will give me a chance to see St. Lucia’s natural beauty up close and provide a refreshing break from the carnival festivities. Whether on foot or by horse, I’m excited to discover all the things to do in St. Lucia.
City Life in St Lucia
As someone who loves visiting cities, I’m particularly excited to explore Castries and Vieux Fort. Castries, the bustling capital, is home to the vibrant Castries Market, where I can dive into the local culture. Exploring the market, I’ll get to see a variety of local produce and crafts. I’m eager to try some must-try foods like fresh tropical fruits, local spices, and street food delicacies such as the famous St. Lucian saltfish and green figs. Bargaining is part of the experience, so I’ll be sure to practice my haggling skills to get the best deals on unique souvenirs. Vieux Fort, with its historical significance and charming streets, offers another layer of cultural discovery. I’m looking forward to learning more about the local way of life and immersing myself in the everyday rhythms of these vibrant cities.
Events and festivals in St. Lucia
St. Lucia Food and Rum Festival
- When: January
- Highlights: Culinary demonstrations, rum tastings, and gourmet dining experiences.
- Description: This festival celebrates St. Lucia’s culinary heritage and the island’s rum industry. It includes events such as cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, rum tastings, and food stalls offering local delicacies.
St. Lucia Independence Day
- When: February 22
- Highlights: Parades, fireworks, cultural performances, and official ceremonies.
- Description: Independence Day marks St. Lucia’s independence from British rule. The island celebrates with a series of events including parades, flag-raising ceremonies, fireworks, and cultural displays.
St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival
- When: May
- Highlights: Performances by international and local jazz artists, art exhibitions, and cultural showcases.
- Description: This renowned festival features a diverse lineup of musical performances, from jazz and R&B to reggae and Latin music. It also includes arts and crafts displays, poetry readings, and fashion shows.
St. Lucia Carnival
- When: July
- Highlights: Colorful parades, calypso and soca music, dance competitions, and elaborate costumes.
- Description: One of the biggest events on the island, St. Lucia Carnival is a lively and energetic celebration that attracts visitors from all over the world. The festivities include street parties, steel pan performances, and the crowning of the Carnival Queen.
La Rose Festival
- When: August
- Highlights: Traditional singing, dancing, and floral displays.
- Description: La Rose Festival is one of St. Lucia’s traditional flower festivals. It celebrates the Rose, one of the island’s two cultural flower societies. The event includes folk songs, dance performances, and a parade of floral arrangements.
La Marguerite Festival
- When: October
- Highlights: Folk music, dances, and elaborate floral decorations.
- Description: La Marguerite Festival is the counterpart to La Rose Festival, celebrating the Marguerite flower society. The festival features vibrant processions, traditional music, and dance, highlighting the island’s cultural heritage.
Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day)
- When: Last Sunday in October
- Highlights: Traditional food, music, dance, and cultural displays.
- Description: Jounen Kwéyòl is a celebration of St. Lucia’s Creole heritage. Communities across the island participate by showcasing traditional Creole cuisine, folk music, storytelling, and cultural performances.
Food culture in St. Lucia
One of the most exciting aspects of visiting St. Lucia is diving into its rich and diverse food culture. The island’s cuisine is a delicious blend of African, French, and East Indian influences, creating a unique culinary experience that’s sure to delight any food lover. Here are some highlights of St. Lucia’s food culture that I can’t wait to explore:
Local Dishes
1. Green Fig and Saltfish
Description: Known as the national dish of St. Lucia, this hearty meal features salted cod (saltfish) sautéed with herbs, peppers, and onions, served with boiled green bananas (green figs). It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that reflects the island’s history and agricultural heritage. This is definitely at the top of my must-try list.
Callaloo Soup
Description: A staple in St. Lucian cuisine, callaloo soup is made from the green leaves of the callaloo plant, cooked with coconut milk, onions, garlic, and sometimes crab or other seafood. It’s a creamy, nutritious, and delicious soup that I’m eager to taste.
Bouyon
Description: Bouyon is a robust and flavorful stew made with meat (usually beef, pork, or chicken), ground provisions (such as yams, sweet potatoes, and dasheen), and vegetables. It’s a popular dish for family gatherings and special occasions, and I can’t wait to experience it and hope to find a veggie version.
Accra
Description: Accra are savory fish cakes made from salted cod, flour, and a blend of spices. These deep-fried delights are often served as appetizers or snacks and are a must-try when visiting local markets and street vendors.
Street Food and Local Markets
Castries Market
Exploring Castries Market is supposedly a must for any food enthusiast. Here, you’ll find a vibrant array of fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies. I’m excited to sample local treats like coconut cakes, tamarind balls, and freshly made smoothies. The market is also a great place to buy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and bay leaves to take home.
Fish Fry
Locations: Gros Islet and Anse La Raye
Description: The Friday night fish fry is a beloved tradition in St. Lucia. Both Gros Islet and Anse La Raye host these weekly events where you can enjoy freshly caught fish, grilled or fried to perfection, along with other local dishes and live music. It’s a great way to experience the local community and cuisine.
My Must-Try Foods
Roti
Description: Roti is a popular dish in St. Lucia, influenced by East Indian cuisine. It consists of a thin flatbread filled with curried meat (chicken, beef, or goat) and vegetables. It’s a convenient and tasty option for a quick meal that I’m looking forward to trying.
Bake and Saltfish
Description: This traditional breakfast dish features fried dough (bake) served with salted codfish cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It’s a flavorful and filling start to the day, and I can’t wait to start my mornings with this local favorite.
Breadfruit
Description: Breadfruit is a versatile fruit that can be roasted, fried, or boiled. It’s often served as a side dish or incorporated into various local recipes. I’m excited to see the different ways it’s prepared and enjoy its unique taste.
Rum and Beverages
St. Lucian Rum
Highlights: St. Lucia is known for its high-quality rum. Visiting one of the island’s distilleries, like the St. Lucia Distillers, offers a chance to learn about the rum-making process and sample a variety of rums. The island’s rum punches and cocktails are also a must-try for me.
Fresh Juices
Description: St. Lucia’s tropical climate means an abundance of fresh fruits. I’m looking forward to enjoying refreshing juices made from mango, passionfruit, guava, and other local fruits.
Travel Tipps for St. Lucia
What language do they speak in St. Lucia?
The official language is English. However, you will also hear Saint Lucian Creole (Kwéyòl) spoken by the locals.
What is the best time to visit St. Lucia?
The best time to visit St. Lucia is from December to April, during the dry season, when the weather is most pleasant. However, traveling during the summer and early fall can also be enjoyable and less crowded, despite being the rainy season. Plus, you get to be part of the cultural events.
Are St. Lucia safe?
St. Lucia is generally safe for tourists. However, it’s always wise to take standard precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
What is the currency in St. Lucia?
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the official currency. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, but you may receive change in the local currency. Credit cards are also accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Getting around St. Lucia
St. Lucia offers various transportation options, including taxis, rental cars, and buses. For a more adventurous experience, you can also explore the island by bike or on foot for shorter distances.
Internet and Sim Cards in Trinidad
Internet and phone service is available in the major cities and on most of the countryside. You can purchase SIM cards for your cell phone to use with local carriers such as Digicel or Bmobile. The wifi speeds are decent, although they tend to be slower in more rural areas.
Can I drink tap water in Trinidad and Tobago?
Tap water in St. Lucia is generally safe to drink. I still always fell better to use my UV-bottle just to be sure.
Challenges for the conscious traveler
Trash: Street food almost always comes wrapped in aluminum foil, and many restaurants serve it in to-go boxes. Luckily enough, a foldable food container will go a long way.
Sunscreen: Protect Marine life and wear reef-friendly sunscreen!
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