St. Lucia Travel Guide

As one of the most beautiful romantic getaway destinations in the Caribbean, St. Lucia offers something for all types of travelers and caters to beach-goers, outdoor enthusiasts and those with a taste for adventure. From the lush green rainforests to the magnificent mountain peaks, St. Lucia is the type of place that many people dream about when thinking of a Caribbean vacation. The island of St. Lucia is an independent commonwealth of Great Britain and is a popular vacation destination for Europeans and travelers from around the globe.

The island of St. Lucia encompasses just over 237 square miles and is most famous for its majestic mountains. In fact, it is one of the most mountainous islands in the Caribbean and is a picture-perfect destination for hiking, mountain climbing, trekking and mountain biking. Mount Gimie is the tallest peak on the island, and is surrounded by fertile valleys, beautiful beaches and natural harbors.

St. Lucia is also an attractive destination for snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing, boating and yachting. Many watersport enthusiasts head here to enjoy the variety of activities and easy access to the beach. Rock climbers typically flock to Pitons for the challenging climbs and amazing sites. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll want to spend some of your trip exploring the Saint Lucia National Trust and Department of Forestry. This site is home to eight trails that weave through the island’s rainforest. You’ll get a chance to see indigenous animals and plants during your visit, and also enjoy some amazing views of the natural landscape.

The easiest way to get around St. Lucia is by cab or by renting your own car. If you’re visiting St. Lucia for the first time, consider taking a guided bus tour or driving tour of the major sites to get situated. Several privately-run bus services offer some exciting tours to destinations including La Place Carenage and Castries Market. Another fun way to take in the sights is with a helicopter tour. You’ll find a number of ferries leaving the coast for other islands in the Caribbean over the course of the week, making inter-island hopping a breeze.

You’ll find dozens of hotels and resorts to fit your budget, and many of the large-scale destinations offer affordable packages that include onsite activities and tickets to local events. If you’re on a tight budget, consider staying at one of the all-inclusive resorts where you can enjoy great food, live music, entertainment and comfortable accommodations for one low price.

St. Lucia Weather and Best Time to Visit

St. Lucia’s peak season is the same as the rest of the Caribbean, with high season running from the middle of December to the middle of April. You’ll find that the northern coast is brimming with crowds over the holiday season, because this is when many people from colder climates head to the Caribbean for some fun in the sun. Hotels and restaurants are booked full to capacity during these months, so make sure you book well in advance to get the best rates and desired rooms or seating.

Even though rates do tend to increase during the peak season, this time of year is still a great time to visit because of the high-energy atmosphere, festivals around the island, and the busy nightlife scene. Off-peak season in St. Lucia is usually during hurricane season that runs from June through November. These are the wettest months on the island, and you’ll find that some of the local restaurants and smaller hotels shut down completely during this season. If you plan to travel during the off-peak season, you can expect lower than average rates but may find that a number of properties and destinations are closed. Still, prices on airline tickets and hotel stays tend to drop as much as 50 percent right around April, so this can be a great time for a St. Lucia vacation when you’re on a budget.

Experience St. Lucia

The northern part of St. Lucia is where you’ll find most of the shopping venues, great restaurants and the thriving nightlife scene. The southern part of the island is home to many private resorts and dense rainforests. You’ll find a number of natural attractions around the major mountain peaks, and within a short distance from the larger resorts and hotels.

The local culture is a mix of French, Creole, English and Indian, and you’ll find many restaurants in the area specialize in cuisine from Europe, India and Cajun style cooking. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, want to enjoy some quality time with the family, or just want to explore one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is an idyllic destination to enjoy your memorable vacation. St. Lucia is a prime destination for foodies and the perfect venue for sampling dozens of different dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Whale watching and boating tours are readily available around St. Lucia, and the waters around St. Lucia are teeming with over 20 different species of whale and hundreds of species of fish. Fishing excursions and deep sea fishing charter boats are a popular activity year round, and can be some other ways to enjoy the best of the island.

The events and festivals on St. Lucia are among the major draws to the island, you’ll find at least one significant festival or event taking place on the island each month. From jazz festivals to the Creole heritage celebrations, St. Lucia is the place to enjoy a variety of cultural events and celebrations, learn about the local heritage, and will also give you a chance to meet local residents. If you do plan on traveling during a major festival, expect large crowds and a in some cases, higher rates at area hotels and resorts.