Is St Lucia Worth Visiting in 2024? (+ Travel Tips)
Wondering, is St Lucia worth visiting this year? You’re in luck!
Are you ready to add St Lucia to your list of must-visit Caribbean islands? As someone who can’t get enough of the mountainous landscapes and tropical beaches of the Caribbean, I can wholeheartedly say that St Lucia is a gem worth visiting.
After visiting 13 different Caribbean islands and counting, the ones with mountains usually make the top of my list! It’s never easy to choose your next vacation – you certainly don’t want to pick one that’s not right for you.
Not only is St Lucia home to the famous Piton mountains, but the island also boasts some of the most unique natural attractions in the region. From the stunning Toraille Waterfall to the volcanic Sulphur Springs, it’s hard not to fall in love with this island.
To top it off, the friendly locals are always happy to share their culture with visitors. So, pack your bags and get ready while I dive into easily convincing you that St Lucia is worth visiting (or maybe, for you, it’s not – that’s okay)! Let’s get started.
Is St Lucia Worth Visiting?
Spoiler alert: St Lucia is worth visiting, and here’s why.
If you’re in the research stages of your trip and read any is St Lucia worth visiting Reddit article, you’ll find that the answer to this question is a resounding yes!
Its popularity is due to its tropical weather, stunning scenery, and for its large number of beaches and resorts. Pair that with delicious cuisine and an exciting adventure sports scene, you’ll see why this destination has so much appeal.
It’s hard to choose between Caribbean islands, but I’m here to make your decision easier.
Why is St Lucia worth visiting?
Whatever your travel style, there are so many reasons why St Lucia is worth visiting. With a rich culture, stunning scenery, and plenty of activities to choose from. Here are some of the top reasons to visit.
1. Incredible weather
Thanks to its location near the equator, St Lucia is blessed with warm, tropical weather year-round.
The breezes coming off the ocean can make it feel much cooler than it actually is, especially during the hottest times of the year. This makes St Lucia one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in August – yes, even during rainy season!
2. Unique landscape – not just beaches
When you think of St Lucia, you probably associate it with beaches. However, St Lucia actually has an incredibly diverse landscape.
For starters, St Lucia has mountains! Mount Gimie is the highest peak at 950 meters (3,117 feet). The mountain is covered in lush tropical forests which spread out into fertile plains around the mountain ranges. You’ll also find hot springs, mudbaths, and natural mineral pools.
Further inland there are tropical lowlands and rainforests filled with exotic flora and fauna that are home to various birds and animals.
Does St Lucia have nice beaches? Of course! Some of the beaches in St Lucia are considered to be the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Just not the same long stretches of sand you might find in Grand Cayman, Turks and Caicos, and USVI.
Plan a land and sea tour in St Lucia ↗
3. Hiking Gros Piton
The Pilton Management Area in St Lucia is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. The two mountains are named Gros Pitons and Petit Pitons. If you’re interested in hiking, then we recommend Gros Piton. This is one of the most popular hiking destinations on the island
Depending on your level of fitness, it takes around four to five hours to reach the top. However, if you regularly stop to take photos (which you WILL want to do), then it may take you most of the day to complete the hike.
From the top of this 798 meters (2,619 feet) volcano, you’ll be rewarded with outstanding 360-degree panoramic views looking out over the island.
4. Luxury resorts and villas
There’s an abundance of beautiful luxury resorts and villas to choose from in St Lucia. These range from upscale beachfront properties to luxurious hillside retreats.
Many resorts include indulgences like onsite spas, private pools, gourmet restaurants, fitness centers, and more. If you opt to stay in a villa, you’ll have your own private space in paradise.
Search for luxury villas in St Lucia ↗
5. Anse Chastanet Marine National Park
Anse Chastanet Marine National Park is made up of various coral reefs and seagrass beds. It aims to protect these areas, including the protection of sea turtles.
The national park is home to over 60 species of fish, dozens of hard and soft corals, and four species of sea turtles. The area also includes beaches for swimming, sailing, and snorkeling along with plenty of trails for hiking and exploring.
One of the best ways to discover what’s under the waves is to join one of the St Lucia snorkel tours that visit the marine reserve.
Book a tour to Anse Chastanet Marine National Park ↗
6. Incredible Scuba Diving Options
The warm Caribbean waters are full of diverse marine life, underwater caves, and colorful coral reefs that attract divers from around the world.
Dive sites are suitable for those learning to dive right through to experienced divers. Aside from Anse Chastanet Marine Park which we just talked about, other great dive destinations include La Toc Bay and Anse Cochon. They are known for their vibrant coral reefs and abundance of fish species.
Common species to spot include snapper, parrotfish, pufferfish, lionfish, and goatfish. If you’re lucky, you might also spot flying gurnard, frogfish, golden-spotted eels, manta rays, and lobster.
Book a St Lucia Beginner Scuba Diving Tour
7. Is St Lucia safe? Yes!
You might be asking is it safe to travel to St Lucia right now?
For tourists, St. Lucia is a relatively safe destination. Similar to Grand Cayman Islands, the country has strict laws against the possession and use of weapons. However, try to avoid traveling alone at night or on isolated beaches.
Travelers are advised against carrying large amounts of cash with them. There have been some reports of petty theft in popular tourist areas, including from resorts and private beaches. There have also been reports of purse snatching, as well as theft from hotel rooms and rental cars.
Keeping valuables secure by keeping them in a safe at your accommodation, and using a money belt if you’re out in busy places.
As always, stay up to date with what your embassy says and make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you.
Bad things about St Lucia
The country is known for having a lack of infrastructure and limited public transportation. This can make travel outside of major cities challenging. I advise booking tours or a driver if you want to visit more off-the-beaten-track places.
It’s worth noting that services like hospitals and banks are not as well equipped as what you may be used to at home. Be prepared for a less-than-ideal experience, even if you have an emergency.
Another issue is the water quality. Sometimes untreated sewage can make its way into rivers used for swimming and other recreational activities.
Because St Lucia is a lush and tropical island with lots of vegetation and water, mosquitoes can be a problem at all times of the year. Remember to pack insect repellant if you have a tendency to get bitten as well as an ointment or antihistamines to relieve any itching.
When it comes to drinking water in the Caribbean, I recommend bringing your Water-to-Go bottle to always have safe drinking water. Use code CU15 for 15% off your water bottle.
Purchase your Water-to-Go bottle 15% off with code CU15 ↗
Is St Lucia expensive?
If you read any St Lucia reviews, a lot of them will comment that it’s not the most budget-friendly destination in the Caribbean. This is partly due to the high levels of tourism twinned with the lack of low-cost accommodation.
On average, a meal in a restaurant will cost around USD 20, while a night spent in a hotel or resort could range from $50 to $500 USD depending on the type of room you select.
Getting around can also be more expensive due to the lack of public transportation. So you’ll be limited to hiring private transportation if you plan on exploring more. I suggest reserving a rental car from Discover Cars for the best rates and coverage.
Book your rental car from Discover Cars ↗
Best time to visit St Lucia
The best time to go to Saint Lucia is between mid-January and mid-March when the island enjoys a dry season with the exception of Christmas. St Lucia is a great winter destination. Winter temperatures usually hover around 25°C (77°F) and humidity levels remain low.
The summer months tend to be hot and humid. Between June to August, temperatures range from 28°C (82°F) to 32°C (90°F) during the day.
Rainfall amounts are highest between June and November. I suggest avoiding visiting during the rainy season as there can be a risk of flooding and power outages are common during this period.
This isn’t the best time of year to visit St Lucia, but it is a good time to plan a budget trip. This is when afternoon thunderstorms are common. It’s also hurricane season.
The Best Areas to Stay in St. Lucia
Here’s a rundown of some of the best areas to stay on the island. These make the perfect base for discovering more of St. Lucia.
If you’re after luxury, then opt for Cap Estate. Here you’ll find incredible views over Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island. You’ll also have easy access to some secluded beaches as well as great restaurants and nightlife venues nearby. I’d also suggest checking out Aruba if you want a city filled with nightlife.
If you prefer culture and more life, then Downtown Castries is a great option. It’s filled with bustling street markets and old buildings from colonial times. And a street party can always be found just north in Gros Islet.
For relaxation then head to Vieuxfort Beach. This is a popular area for visitors looking for a laid-back atmosphere combined with beautiful vistas from nearby Fond Gens Libre beach.
Finally, Soufriere is renowned for its stunning landscapes. This is the town closest to the famous drive-in volcano. If you’re interested in outdoor pursuits, then this is the perfect place to find adventure.
Sugar Beach and Marigot Bay are two additional popular areas in St Lucia.
Things to do in St Lucia
What to do in St Lucia: Here are our top three St Lucia recommendations of the best things to do on your trip.
Take a mud bath at Sulphur Springs Park
The Sulphur Springs Park in St. Lucia is an incredible natural phenomenon and one of the best places to take a mud bath. It’s located near Soufriere, in the southwest of the island, and just around the corner from the Diamond Falls Botanical Garden.
The park is a UNESCO-protected site and is home to bubbling hot springs and steamy volcanic vents, filled with heated mineral-rich water and mud. It’s said to have fantastic healing properties leaving you feeling rejuvenated after our visit.
Whether you’re looking to relax and de-stress or simply experience the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters, taking a mud bath at Sulphur Springs Park is sure to be an unforgettable experience to add to your St Lucia bucket list.
Book a tour to take a mud bath in the St Lucia Sulphur Springs ↗
Drive-in volcano
Also located in Soufriere is the world’s only drive-in volcano. Formed over 410,000 years ago it’s one of the planet’s most accessible and awe-inspiring volcanic sites.
As you drive along the winding roads into the heart of the volcano, you’ll get an up-close look at nature’s power as well as otherworldy unique beauty. Just imagine the thrill of driving inside an active volcano!
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visit as a full-island trip and enjoy the rest of the Sulphur Springs Valley at the same time.
Take a land and sea tour to St Lucia’s Drive In Volcano ↗
Explore the rainforest
Experience St. Lucia’s incredible rainforest firsthand with a tour of its lush forest!
On the west of the island, you’ll find Morne Coubaril Estate with its abundance of trails. If you’re after something more adventurous, then take a trek up Gros Piton to look down on the forests.
You’ll find unique species of birds and butterflies on the island, which makes it a great place for nature lovers to visit. On the island, keep an eye out for one of the island’s most stunning trees; the yellow Poui. This is one of St. Lucia’s most visually spectacular looking trees and, and features vibrant yellow flowers.
Another place for nature and wildlife buffs to explore is the Castries region in the north of the island.
Nestled in Babonneau, Chassin is the perfect destination for a full-immersion adventure into St. Lucia’s lush rainforest life. There are various activists on offer here. You can opt to walk some of the nature trails or take part in some of the more adrenaline-pumped activities.
Here you can soar up and away on gondolas through the canopy of trees or zip line from platform to platform amongst tall trunks for an adrenaline rush unlike any other.
Where to stay in St Lucia
- Jade Mountain Resort (Most luxurious hotel in St Lucia) ⭐10/10
- Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort (5-star Resort)⭐9.2/10
- Village Beach Cottages ⭐9.1/10
- Green Fig Resort and Spa ⭐8.9/10
St Lucia Travel Guide: Things to know before visiting
If you’re planning a trip to St. Lucia, there are a few rules, regulations, and St Lucia laws for tourists.
First, it is recommended that all visitors to the island over the age of 18 apply for an official entry visa before arriving at their destination country.
You will also need to make sure you have at least six months until the expiration date on your passport. If not, then you won’t be allowed through customs.
Additionally, all travelers to the island must provide proof of medical insurance valid throughout their stay to obtain their visa or entry permit.
FAQs: Is St Lucia Worth Seeing
Now that we’ve answered, is St Lucia worth visiting, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this beautiful Caribbean destination.
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD or ECD) is the official currency of St. Lucia, used throughout the island for all types of transactions. One XCD equals about 0.37 United States dollars (USD).
The XCD is divided into 100 cents and denominations range from 1 cent to 2 dollars coins and 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollar notes. The US Dollar is also accepted in some tourist areas but not as widely as the Eastern Caribbean dollar.
Big places like hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores take credit cards. But small stores don’t usually accept them. You can get EC dollars from an ATM at the bank.
Final thoughts: Is St Lucia worth visiting?
So, is St Lucia worth visiting? I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s a huge yes!
Whether you’re after stunning white-sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, or unique rainforest-covered volcanic peaks surrounded by lush jungles you’ll find it on this magical island.
Although the island lacks some fitness found on other Caribbean islands like Barbados or Jamaica, the rustic charm and abundance of natural beauty make St. Lucia worth visiting.