Have you ever dreamt of a tropical island getaway in the Caribbean but didn’t know which island to choose?
St Lucia might be the perfect place for you! This small island in the Eastern Caribbean is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning mountainous landscapes and friendly people.
After visiting St Lucia for myself recently, I’d love to share my thoughts on the island and let you know if I’d go again.
Let’s jump straight in!
Is St Lucia Worth Visiting – My Personal Experience
I recently visited St Lucia after it was recommended to me by a family friend who went there on her honeymoon.
I’m so glad I took her advice as it ended up being one of my favorite vacations ever!
I loved everything about St Lucia from the towering Piton mountains, the lush greenery and the sparkling, turquoise shores.
I spent most of my time chilling on the beach and snorkeling in the ocean searching for turtles (I saw tons by the way!).
I even ventured out to some of the lesser known beaches which were super picturesque, untouched and I even had one completely to myself!
In the rest of this guide, I’d love to delve deeper and share some all of the best reasons to visit St Lucia based on my own firsthand experience.
So what can you expect if you choose to visit St Lucia?
View Natural Wonders
St Lucia is blessed with amazing natural scenery including lush green mountains and dense rainforests.
From the iconic Piton mountains to secluded waterfalls, there is no shortage of breathtaking sights to see.
Take a hike or a drive; either way, you will be in for some spectacular views wherever you are on the island.
There are 21 miles of white sand beaches to sunbathe or enjoy watersports.
Jalousie Beach, also known as Sugar Beach, has the best views of the Pitons twin peaks.
Families love to flock to the relaxing Reduit Beach, which also has a luxury resort.
Another one of my favorite beaches is Anse Mamin Beach which is super quiet and secluded and has the best burgers in town.
The Indian River Lagoon is also a must-see. It is one of the few remaining strongholds of the endangered manatee.
Bring the family to the Manatee Observation and Education Center on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday to meet them up close!
💡Helpful Tip: To see as much of the island as possible in a short period of time, book this land and sea tour. This highly-rated tour takes you across the island to see all of St Lucia’s top attractions including the Drive-In Volcano, the Pitons, Toraille Waterfall and more.
Go Horseback Riding
One of the most adventurous things to do in St Lucia is horseback riding on the beach. It is the perfect way to relax and enjoy a tour of the island.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, you will definitely enjoy this experience.
Just make sure to book in advance to ensure you don’t miss out as this activity is super popular and books up fast.
I can personally recommend this private horseback riding tour that will pick you up right from your hotel.
Stay in Luxury
If you are looking for a luxurious vacation then St Lucia is the perfect destination.
From 5-star all-inclusive resorts to secluded villas, you will be spoilt for choice.
Some of my favorite resorts in St Lucia include:
- The Landings Resort & Spa – this beachfront hotel features decorated villas where you can soak in views of luxury yachts.
- Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort – tourists have a private cottage in the mountains surrounding acres of rainforest.
- Jade Mountain Resort – soak in your private infinity pool (complete with Piton mountain views) as your concierge spoils you.
In fact, you have 42 resorts on the island to choose from so take your pick! There’s definitely something for everyone.
If luxury resorts like these are out of your price range then check out my guide on how to do St Lucia on the cheap (hint: it’s extremely doable!).
Use Your Hiking Boots
There are miles of hiking trails to explore on the island. From short and easy walks to more challenging treks, you can easily explore the island and get a workout in at the same time!
One of the most popular trails is the Gros Piton hike. It can take up to six hours in one direction, so bring comfortable shoes!
I can guarantee that the sights of flora and other plants will wow you as you reach the ultimate view from the summit!
I always recommend going with a guide. This highly rated Gros Piton guided tour is an ideal choice.
If you are feeling really adventurous then you can try the Mt. Gimie hike, which is the tallest peak on the island. It’s a bit more challenging but totally worth it when you reach the top.
Party With The Locals
Some destinations around the world are a little standoffish to foreigners. St Lucia is not one of those places! The locals here are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.
St Lucians love to show off their culture and are always down for a good time. Make sure you catch the Friday Night Street Party, where you can easily mingle with locals and other tourists.
Here’s what you can expect from the Friday Night Street Party:
So let your hair down, grab a drink and enjoy the vibes! FYI, the rum punch is a must-try.
Check out how friendly the locals are:
Is St Lucia Nice?
St Lucia is a really nice place to go on vacation. The locals are really friendly and the island itself is very beautiful.
St Lucia is a mountainous island with unreal natural beauty including the famous Piton mountains. It’s very nice to see all this in person.
In addition, the locals in St Lucia are some of the friendliest that you’ll meet!
They are always up for a good time and are happy to chat with most tourists, making them feel at home. This is especially true if you’re staying in the Rodney Bay area.
Just head out to any local bar and you’ll see what I mean!
What Is St Lucia Known For?
St Lucia is most famous for its stunning landscapes and luxury resorts. It is also a popular destination for honeymoons and weddings.
However, the island’s claim to fame is also due to the iconic Pitons, two volcanic peaks that rise out of the sea.
The Pitons date back to around 160 million years ago and are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Is St Lucia Expensive?
St Lucia is one of the more expensive Caribbean islands. However it is worth the splurge if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, unique nature exploration or a romantic honeymoon.
Expect to spend around $150 to $200 daily on food and activities. If you are staying in a luxury resort, you can expect to pay significantly more.
While you can find cheaper accommodations in the town center, most tourists opt to stay in resorts closer to the beach for comfort, safety and scenery.
If your budget is tight then it’s worth having a look at the cheapest time to visit St Lucia to save some money.
Is St Lucia Safe For Tourists?
When it comes to safety, St Lucia is generally a safe place for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Some safety tips to keep in mind include:
- Don’t flash your valuables in public
- Be cautious when driving as roads can be in poor condition
- Avoid walking alone at night
- Keep an eye on your belongings at the beach
Overall, crime rates are relatively low on the island, and most tourists report having a safe and enjoyable trip.
The main concern is theft, so as long as you take precautions, you should be fine.
There are no sharks in the waters, but the beaches don’t have lifeguards so exercise personal caution in the water by not swimming too far out and always being aware of your surroundings.
Summary
In conclusion, St Lucia is the ultimate bucket list trip.
This lush island offers luxury accommodations, stunning scenery and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
While it is a bit more expensive than some other Caribbean islands like Jamaica, you will get your money’s worth.
Hopefully this post answered all your burning questions like ‘is St Lucia worth visiting?’
Need more help planning your St Lucia vacation?
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