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St. Lucia Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth St. Lucia travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

St. Lucia, a sovereign island nation in the southeastern Caribbean, has become one of the most sought-after travel destinations in recent years. From its gorgeous scenery to its easy-going vibe, St. Lucia is the perfect place to relax and escape the daily grind.

From a tourist’s perspective, the island is probably best known for its all-inclusive resorts (including the many Sandals properties and Sugar Beach).

That being said, there are many ways to experience the island on any budget! From guest houses to boutique hotels, there are many accommodations to choose from and ways to design a vacation that’s perfect for you. It’s even one of the best islands for solo female travel.

St. Lucia’s beaches are the country’s main draw, but there is plenty to explore beyond the shore!

Want to learn more about the history of St. Lucia?

Head to Pigeon Island, a small island connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge that was once home to pirates and British and French military forts. You can see the ruins of the British base at Fort Rodney, which also makes for an excellent hike.

Speaking of hiking, head inland to explore St. Lucia’s lush rainforest by foot or by zipline.

Still want more suggestions? Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty more St. Lucia travel tips below!

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to St. Lucia, one of the top Caribbean travel destinations.

Note: This guide to St. Lucia travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

St. Lucia Map

Use this St. Lucia travel map to begin planning your trip!

St. Lucia map

Click here for an interactive version of the above map.

Places To Visit In St. Lucia

Learn about where to go in St. Lucia.

Where To Stay In St. Lucia

Learn about the best places to stay in St. Lucia!

Caribbean Travel Tips

Make your Caribbean vacation even more memorable with the help of the following travel guides!

Top St. Lucia Tours

Book a St Lucia tour and get to know the culture through a local.

  • Majestic Gros Piton Hike
  • Rainforest Adventures St Lucia Aerial Tram and Zipline Tour (with Transfer)
  • St Lucia Snorkeling Tour with Lunch
  • Treetop Adventure Park Canopy Tour

Renting A Car In St. Lucia

Need a rental car for your St. Lucia trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Top Hotels In St. Lucia

Click here to browse hotels in St. Lucia!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

St. Lucia Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a St. Lucia tour. When visiting St. Lucia — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your St. Lucia itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

St. Lucia Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling St. Lucia.

Q: What are some of the best places to visit in St. Lucia?

St. Lucia is probably best known for its beautiful beaches. Reduit Beach, located right near the lively town of Rodney Bay, is a favorite among both tourists and locals for its clear waters and white sand. Anse Chastanet is perfect for divers and snorkelers looking to spot some of the local marine life. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, try Malgretoute Beach, where you can swim under the island’s iconic Pitons, or volcanic plugs.

Beyond the beach, St. Lucia is perfect for hikers and those who love adventure travel. Hike the above-mentioned Pitons for incredible views of the island, then chill out in the mineral water baths of Sulphur Springs Park.

Moreover, the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens show off the diverse flora of the islands as well as the gorgeous Diamond Falls waterfall.

And check out the Mourne Coubaril Estate, where you can fly over coconut trees and lakes on a zipline!

Bonus: St. Lucia is also home to some of the best Caribbean wellness resorts!

Q: Is St. Lucia safe to visit?

St. Lucia is considered quite safe for visitors. Crime is pretty low and the St. Lucia authority works with the local tourism industry to keep resort and hotel areas safe. Petty crimes like pickpocketing, theft, and automobile break-ins do still occur, so always be aware of your surroundings and don’t leave valuables unattended in public to avoid pickpockets.

If you are renting a car, be sure to lock it and keep any personal items out of view. And of course, avoid walking around alone at night, whether you’re in town or on the beach.

Q: What do I need to know before going to St. Lucia?

There are a few things to know before heading to St. Lucia. First of all, there aren’t many ATMs on the island and some have trouble connecting to banks outside of the country. Bring some cash with you and exchange it for Eastern Caribbean dollars upon arrival. Most businesses do accept U.S. dollars but some may charge extra if you pay in foreign currency.

Along these lines, most restaurants and hotels automatically add a 10% service charge onto your bill. You can certainly tip extra if you’d like, but know that it’s not required.

All beaches on St. Lucia are public, so you are more or less free to visit whatever beach you’d like. If you’re visiting a beach at a resort, though, you may not be able to use their facilities, like the bathroom or beach chairs. Bring your own chair and towel just to be safe.

Finally, St. Lucia does not adhere to Daylight Savings Time. This means that they are UTC -4 year round. Keep this in mind if you are visiting the country between November and March.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit St. Lucia?

Citizens of the United States, Canada, the European Union, and many other countries do not require a visa to visit St. Lucia. You will need to show proof of your return ticket, accommodations, and ability to cover travel costs upon entry. St. Lucia requires citizens of several other countries to obtain a visa before entering the country.

It’s recommended to view your country’s St. Lucia International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Consulate General Of St. Lucia In New York.

Q: What is the best month to travel to St. Lucia?

The best time to visit St. Lucia is at the end of the dry season, from mid-May to late June. The weather is still very pleasant during this time as it is out of the hurricane season. Winter and early spring are also great weather-wise but tend to be busier and more expensive on the island.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in St. Lucia?

While large hotels, resorts, restaurants, and attractions often accept credit cards, small establishments in St. Lucia rarely do. For this reason, it’s wise to always have some cash on hand.

Q: What is St. Lucia’s international airport?

The main airport serving St. Lucia is Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort (UVF), located on the southern end of the island. Keep in mind, this means that depending on where you are staying it can sometimes take a lot of time to get to your hotel from the airport.

Q: What is the local currency in St. Lucia?

The local currency in St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean dollar.

What would you add to this St. Lucia travel guide?