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St Lucia is a beautiful island. The locals are proud, friendly and welcoming. Given the current state of travel, I wanted to report back on my experience traveling to St Lucia this month. The pandemic situation and requirements are constantly changing. You can find the current St Lucia travel restrictions here. Despite the restrictions, there are still many fun things to do in St Lucia making it a worthwhile place to visit during COVID for those who want to travel.

For even more information for planning your trip to St Lucia, check out this post for the Ultimate St Lucia Travel Itinerary.

Bucket List Things to do in St Lucia

There really are a lot of options of things to do in St Lucia for a variety of adventure levels. An important thing to consider when planning your St Lucia travel itinerary is the location of the activity of interest relative to where you are staying. As an example, if you are staying at the Sandals Grande St Lucian, horseback riding at Sandy Hoofs and visiting Pigeon Island National Park are very close to your hotel. If you want to see the pitons and see the drive-in volcano, you would want to make sure you lump these into one (long) day rather than taking multiple trips back and forth across the island. Check out this post for a complete review of where to stay in St Lucia.

Because of the diverse options and the experiences we wanted, we ended up staying in two separate hotels and grouping our activities accordingly. On the north side of the island, we stayed at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian. On the southwest side of the island, we stayed at the Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel. The activies that are mentioned are highlighted on the two maps below.

St Lucia has wonderful beaches and most hotels have great pools. We did a significant amount of relaxing by both of these, which was a good idea given the timing of our trip. However we still got to get out and experience a few other activities.

Horseback riding in St Lucia

The first excursion we did while on the island was to go horseback riding. We took a private horseback riding tour through Sandy Hoofs St Lucia. Both of us have only been horseback riding a few times before visiting St Lucia. However, we felt comfortable and safe throughout the trip. Horseback riding on the beach was everything you could hope for and more. It was a blast. The ride and time spent by the beach was about 2.5 hours. The stable location was about a 15 minute taxi from the Sandals Grande St Lucian making it the perfect excursion from our hotel.

If you are planning to go horseback riding on the beach in St Lucia, make sure you pack towels, a bathing suit (and change of clothes), sunscreen, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. I put the necessary items in a packable backpack that comes with me everywhere that I got off of Amazon for under $20. You can even see the green backpack straps in the picture below.

Enjoy the views at Anse la Raye Beach

Anse La Raye Beach, nestled on the west coast of the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, is a tropical paradise that beckons travelers with its unspoiled beauty and vibrant local culture.

Located in the quaint fishing village of Anse La Raye, this idyllic stretch of shoreline offers a unique blend of natural charm and authentic Caribbean experiences.

Visitors to Anse La Raye Beach can indulge in a variety of fun things to do in St. Lucia.

The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, while the lush green mountains provide excellent hiking opportunities.

The village itself is a cultural gem, known for its colorful Friday night fish fry, where you can savor fresh seafood and immerse yourself in the rhythms of local music and dance.

Also, expect warm and welcoming locals, serene palm-lined shores, and stunning sunsets that paint the sky in vivid hues of orange and pink.

To truly appreciate this hidden gem, visit for its vibrant cultural events and unique charm. Just be sure to bring cash, as credit card facilities may be limited. Also, try and respect the local customs and traditions of this tight-knit community.

Expert Tip: Use a water taxi to get here. There are a lot of mountains on the island and it is usually a lot faster if you just take a water taxi.

Hop Aboard the Aerial Tram and Marvel at the Vast Rainforest Around You

The Aerial Tram in St. Lucia offers a breathtaking adventure through the heart of the island’s lush rainforest and allows visitors to see this incredible tropical paradise from a unique perspective.

As you ascend above the canopy, you’ll encounter an incredible variety of flora and fauna, including everything from vibrant orchids to colorful birds like the St. Lucia parrot.

Now, if you are looking for fun things to do in St, Lucia there are several tours available, such as the St. Lucia Aerial Tram Tour at Rainforest Adventures. It is located in Chassin Babonneau at the Castries Waterworks Reserve.

It offers an eco-friendly way to explore the pristine wilderness, provides educational insights into the rainforest ecosystem, and offers a unique perspective on the island’s natural beauty.

Moreover, the price is affordable and the tour lasts for 2.5 hours, giving you ample time to appreciate the rainforest’s vastness and the vital role it plays in adding to St. Lucia’s biodiversity and providing ecological balance.

Gros Piton Hike

When you picture the landscape of St Lucia, likely you are thinking of the most recognizable feature of St Lucia – the pitons. We love hiking so we obviously had to summit one of these pitons. At the time of our trip, the Gros Piton hike was the only one that was open. The Gros Piton is taller than the Petit Piton, However the Gros Piton is not as steep, making it the “easier” one to hike. The Gros Piton hike is 3.2 miles and 1840 ft of elevation gain. If you want to hike the Gros Piton, you must go with a guide. The office at the base of the hike opens at 7am. It is $50 USD per person to hike (they do take credit card at the office).

If you are planning to hike, bring lots of water, snacks, sturdy shoes, appropriate hiking clothes, and cash as there are snack stands. Starting early was a great idea as we weren’t headed uphill during the heat of the day. I hiked in my Keen sandals which were great to have for the beach by the Caille Blanc. This hike was similar to hiking in the rainforest – it is incredibly humid, rained on and off, there was mud and the trail was slippery. Dark clothing can help make sure the mud stains do not permanently show. We did this hike while staying at the Caille Blanc and it was about a 30 minute taxi ride from the hotel to get there.

Zip Line High Above the Forest

In St. Lucia, a zip line ride through the forest is a thrilling adventure that immerses you in the island’s breathtaking natural beauty.

As you soar through the lush canopy, prepare to be enchanted by the amazing surroundings, which include rare botanical specimens, and colorful bird species.

Zipline tours in St. Lucia offer an opportunity to witness the island’s stunning tropical scenery from a unique perspective.

Some notable zipline tours on the island include Adrena-Line Zipline Canopy Tour at Rainforest Adventures St. Lucia which is located in Chassin Babonneau at the Castries Waterworks Reserve.

This tour is typically one of the most fun things to do in St, Lucia that features a zoom through the forest canopy.

Plus, Rainforest Adventures features a triple-redundancy cable system to guarantee your comfort and safety during this 2.5-hour tour.

Lastly, for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, a forest zip line ride in St. Lucia promises an unforgettable and awe-inspiring adventure in one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque destinations.

Sailing

We rented a private catamaran for a full day through Mystic Man tours based out of Soufriere. The Soufriere marina was about a 10-minute drive from the Caille Blanc. Our crew – Andel and Zack – were awesome. We rode up the coast of St Lucia and got out to snorkel. In non-COVID times, we would have been able to explore more of the beaches as well. After snorkeling we continued on to Marigot Bay where we stopped for lunch. Then we sailed back down the coast towards Soufriere and in between the pitons.

Go Shopping at Castries Market

Castries Central Market is the capital’s largest market and one of the best things to do in St, Lucia which features over 300 vendors.

With its rich history dating back to its construction between 1891 and 1894, the market underwent a transformative redevelopment in 2019 that preserved its iconic orange roof while adding a modern touch to its enduring charm.

Also, It earned a spot in National Geographic’s top 10 Best Food Markets worldwide.

That’s because here you can shop for local ingredients, jewelry, traditional clothing, woven bags, local rum, home decor, wooden souvenirs, and more.

Plus, the market opens early in the morning and typically closes around 7:00 p.m.

Moreover, It’s an ideal place to immerse yourself in St. Lucian culture, find unique souvenirs, and sample local flavors.

Visit the Soufrière Drive-In Volcano

You don’t normally just drive up to the top of a dormant volcano and have a look inside. But you can at this amazing drive-in volcano in St. Lucia.

It is easily the most accessible volcano in the Caribbean and is filled with incredible mud pots, steamy fumaroles, and amazing sulfur vents.

So, grab your car and have a look at vast areas of bubbling sulfur; they offer unique insights into the creation of this amazing tropical paradise. Afterward, head to the nearby mud baths and relax the day away.

Enjoy Tet Paul Nature Trail

Looking for a must-see spot to add to your St. Lucia bucket list? If so then stop by the Tet Paul Nature Trail. It’s affectionately known as the “stairway to heaven,” and is your ticket to jaw-dropping views of this incredible island.

This trail sits on the southwest side of the island and features guided tours that take around 45 minutes. You’ll see a traditional St. Lucian house, visit a working organic farm, and enjoy breathtaking views of Gros Piton, Jalousie Bay, and Maria Island.

Overall, the hike is beginner-friendly, although there are a few steep sections. So, stop by any time between 8:00 am. and 5:00 pm to enjoy all that this amazing trail has to offer. Tickets start at $10.00 for adults and $5 for kids under 12.

Visit Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park

Nestled on the west side of the island, Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park is a working plantation that grows cocoa beans, coffee, copra (the dried white bits from coconuts), and a colorful variety of tropical fruits.

If you decide to visit, this historic spot will take you back to the 18th century as you walk through a historic estate house, visit the beautiful gardens, and learn all about St.Lucia’s incredible history.

During your tour, you’ll watch live demos on how coconuts are dehusked and see how cocoa beans are prepped for chocolate making. You might even get a tasty snack and delicious drink samples along the way.

For even more excitement, try zip-lining through the trees, hiking to Sapphire Falls, swimming in the mineral pools, or embarking on a rum and chocolate-tasting tour.

Expert Tip: If you visit, get the Opt for the buffet lunch at Morne Coubaril Estate. You’ll get an authentic taste of Caribbean cuisine that includes stewed chicken, fried fish, plantains, rice, and cake.

Snorkel and Enjoy the Beach at Anse Chastanet

Anse Chastanet is one of St. Lucia’s most breathtaking beaches. Nestled along the island’s southwestern coast, this secluded bay is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkelers of all levels. As you glide over the reef, you’ll encounter a wide variety of tropical fish, sea urchins, and sea turtles. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe.

The beach itself is equally captivating. Soft sand and gentle waves create a relaxing environment, whether you’re sunbathing under a palm tree or sticking your toes in the warm Caribbean waters. Anse Chastanet also has a unique setting since the beach is surrounded by the majestic Pitons. It adds a bit of surreal beauty to this already captivating place.

I also love that the surrounding area is quiet and intimate, creating a peaceful escape that is in stark contrast to busier tourist spots. Nearby eco-friendly resorts and beachside cafes also sell fresh local food and refreshments without detracting from the area’s tremendous natural beauty.

Check Out Sugar Beach

Sugar Beach is nothing short of breathtaking and easily one of the island’s must-visit destinations. This crescent-shaped beach is famed for its soft, white sand and calm, turquoise waters, creating a picture-perfect Caribbean getaway. The setting is dramatic yet serene, with the towering peaks of volcanoes in the background.

Beyond its beauty, the calm waters are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or soaking up the sun. Snorkelers can also explore nearby coral reefs filled with tropical fish, while those looking to relax can unwind on luxurious loungers beneath swaying palm trees. The beach is also home to world-class resorts with top-notch dining, spa treatments, and beachfront service that create the ultimate luxe life experience.

However, what really makes Sugar Beach truly special is its balance of adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re photographing the dramatic Pitons, enjoying water sports, or simply basking in the sun, it captures the essence of what makes St. Lucia so special.

Eat Some Local Cuisine

St. Lucia is a foodie paradise. It is home to a vibrant mix of flavors that reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage. So, no visit is complete without trying green figs and saltfish. It is the national dish and is made from unripe bananas that are cooked with salted codfish, onions, and spices. It’s a savory, hearty breakfast that demonstrates what the culinary traditions on St. Lucia are all about.

Another must-try is the roti. It is a soft flatbread stuffed with curry chicken, beef, or vegetables, perfect for a flavorful on-the-go meal. It can be bought from street vendors or at markets across the island.

Alternatively, Callaloo soup is a true island classic that is a creamy blend of leafy greens, okra, and coconut milk. It is a comforting local staple that showcases St. Lucia’s fresh produce and bold flavors.

For meat lovers, grilled fish and seafood are everywhere. They are also usually served with spicy Creole sauces and rice, peas, or fried plantains.

Breadfruit, either roasted, fried, or boiled, is another iconic food that is served with almost every dish you’ll try here, creating a slightly sweet, starchy counterpoint to bold, savory flavors. Additionally, don’t forget to try the island’s fresh tropical fruits, including mangoes, papayas, and soursop. Any of these delicious fruits creates a refreshing finish to an exquisite meal.

For dessert, try coconut sugar cakes or black cake. The latter is a rich, rum-soaked cake that is often enjoyed during holidays and local celebrations.

Visit Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths

Visiting Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths is one of the most enchanting experiences in St. Lucia. Located in Soufrière, this lush 6-acre garden is home to an incredible variety of tropical plants, flowers, and towering trees. As a result, it is a vibrant, colorful oasis that feels worlds away from everyday life. So, get ready to stroll along winding paths, admire exotic orchids, and enjoy breathing the fragrant tropical air.

However, the highlight of the gardens is Diamond Waterfall. It is a stunning, multi-colored waterfall named for mineral-rich waters that seem to shimmer gold, green, and blue in the light. These mineral waters feed the natural mineral baths, which is where visitors can soak in warm, therapeutic pools that are believed to have healing properties for the skin and muscles. The combination of the warm water and lush surroundings makes for an incredibly rejuvenating experience.

In addition to the gardens and baths, the site also has a bit of historical charm since it was once part of a colonial estate. Therefore, a visit here gives travelers insight into the island’s unique past.

Other activities in St Lucia

If you are looking for additional things to do in St Lucia, there were a few other activities that we did not get a chance to do that sounded interesting. The first was visiting Pigeon Island National Park. You can see this from the Sandals Grande St Lucian. During non-COVID times you could walk there. However, each resort has a day that you can visit and we were not going to be at the Sandals on their official day. And because our next hotel was pretty far away, we did not want to return to that side of the island.

The second activity was visiting the volcano and mud bath. Fellow travelers gave this rave reviews, we just did not make it there ourselves. St Lucians are also very proud of the volcano and most people mentioned it to us as a suggestion.

Things to do in St. Lucia FAQs

What is St Lucia Best Known For?

St. Lucia is famed in the United States for its breathtaking natural landscapes that include the iconic Pitons, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches.

It’s also known for its rich blend of French and English cultures, lively Carnival festivities, and a plethora of outdoor adventures like ziplining and snorkeling.

Does St Lucia Have Good Nightlife?

Saint Lucia is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, offering a fusion of exotic rhythms and flavors.

From lively clubs to open-air street parties, it’s a place where you can enjoy music, dance, and delicious local cuisine, creating unforgettable memories of the island’s culture and spirit.

Is St. Lucia Cheap or Expensive?

The cost of a trip to St. Lucia can fluctuate based on personal choices, with a variety of lodging and dining options for different budgets.

While high-end resorts can be costly, there are also budget-friendly selections. In fact, activities and dining can be affordable if you take advantage of local experiences. So, St. Lucia can accommodate both luxury and budget-conscious travelers.

What are five Interesting Facts About St Lucia?

Five facts about St Lucia are:

• St. Lucia is home to the world’s only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs.
• The island’s iconic twin Pitons are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• It’s famous for its vibrant and colorful Carnival celebrations.
• It became a self-governing nation, free from British control, in 1979.
• It was the world’s first country to be named after a woman.

Fun List Things to do in St Lucia

Hopefully this list of things to do in St Lucia will have you ready for your trip. Have you been to St Lucia or are you planning to visit? Did I miss anything on this list? Let me know in the comments.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• The Ultimate St Lucia Travel Itinerary
• Horseback riding in St Lucia
• Where to stay in St Lucia

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