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You could quickly run out of superlatives for St. Lucia.
Aesthetically, it’s the perfect embodiment of a Caribbean island: crystal waters, lush greenery, picture-perfect beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. But there are more things to do in St. Lucia than lounging away your days on the beach (although you should do that, too).
UNESCO World Heritage sites, breathtaking hikes, a sneakily strong culinary scene, and endless volcanicity all lend themselves to an island experience with a little more depth than expected.
These are the best things to do in St. Lucia.
Hike the Piton Mountains
The Piton Mountains, screaming skywards from the Caribbean Sea, are St. Lucia’s most iconic landmark. As volcanic plugs, they were formed slowly as magma hardens inside the vent of an active volcano. They’re no longer active and serve as a jaw-dropping backdrop for the island.
The most popular and one of the best things to do in St. Lucia is to climb one of them. Gros Piton, the taller of the two, can be climbed with a guide. It should be a comfortable but challenging climb for anyone in decent shape. The smaller Petit Piton is far more challenging and should only be attempted if you’re in good shape and comfortable with climbing.
Visit the Sulphur baths
In keeping with the volcanic theme, the only active spot remains in the small town of Soufrière (literally Sulphur in French). Exploring the area is best done with a guide, although it’s simple to go yourself.
You’ll first be hit by the smell but struggle through it, and you’ll discover a fantastic lunar-like landscape with bubbling pools. When you’re done exploring, you can take a dip in one of the geothermal pools. As it’s great for your muscles, it’s best done after climbing one of the Pitons.
Explore Pigeon Island
At first glance, St. Lucia may seem to be all looks, but it boasts an impressively vast history. The Indigenous population inhabited the island for almost two thousand years before colonial arrivals changed its course.
For history buffs, Pigeon Island is one of the best things to do in St. Lucia. Used throughout the centuries by French pirates, British Naval fleets, and even the Americans in World War II, it’s been an important outpost. Remnants of the British presence in the 1700s remain and can be explored with a guide. It’s connected to the main island via a manmade causeway built in 1971.
Take a food and rum tour
For a small place, St. Lucia’s food scene packs a punch. From homegrown Cacao to unbelievable seafood and, of course, rum, there’s more than enough to get your teeth stuck into.
To savor the best of the island, hop on an organized tour. There are multiple options, usually for private groups, covering chocolate, rum, and local food in one tour. If you have the time, you can split the tours into each unique aspect to delve deeper into the culture of the island’s culinary habits.
Chill at the beach
It may be fifth on our list, but there’s a good chance it’s number one on the majority of St. Lucia’s visitors. Even by Caribbean standards, St. Lucia’s beaches are enchanting.
Sugar Beach is the most iconic—owing to its incomparable positioning between the two Piton mountains. The dramatic surroundings turn a simple day of relaxation into something more surreal. Other popular beaches include Anse Chastanet, La Toc Beach, and Anse de Sables.
Ride the Aeriel Tram and visit the rainforest
The Aerial Tram is one of the most unique things to do in St. Lucia. The eight-person open-air gondolas move slowly across the canopy of the rainforest, gifting travelers stunning views of the island and potential encounters with some of the rare bird species found on the island. Guides are on hand to point out any wildlife, plants, and trees.
For a less informative take on the experience, hop on one of the island’s zipline courses, or wander through the rainforest paths. Whatever you choose (maybe all three?), don’t miss out on experiencing the rainforest.
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
