A Traveler's Guide To Visiting St. Lucia

St. Lucia offers some of the world’s most unique experiences, and even boasts not one but two wonders, the St. Lucia Pitons, located in the southern part of the island near the towns of Soufriere and Choiseul. From natural marvels and audacious dining experiences to special events and unique endeavors, there’s something amazing around every corner in St. Lucia — day and night.

Outdoors

During the day, one of the best St. Lucia excursions is riding horseback along the beach, then straight into the invigorating Caribbean Sea. Catch views of the scenic St. Lucia landscape along the way. After a relaxing day, sail away on a sunset cruise—many of which offer light eats, an on-board bar, music, and entertainment.

Special Events

Generally held in July, the St. Lucian Carnival is the island’s biggest party of the year. The best time to go to St. Lucia is when this lively celebration is happening. You’re invited to dress for the occasion (in carnival costume), and spend the day walk-dancing to the latest Afro-beats and reggae tunes in a street parade. Hyped up DJs and live bands are also featured. But first, gear up for the main event with a pre-Carnival night party (the night before). Get into the carnival spirit by taking part in one of the festivities that lead up to the main event like the annual Transcend Neon Night Party on Pigeon Island.

Food and Drink

Aromas that cause mouths to water in anticipation and flavors that heighten the senses can be found in restaurants across St. Lucia—from the heavily trafficked restaurants to the quaintest countryside vendor and eateries. Day and night, bite and sip your way through some of the island’s national favorites: Smoked Herring & Breadfruit, Stewed Chicken Backs, Lamb Neck Bouillon, Crab Callaloo, Roti, and Green Fig Salad. If you’re an adventurous epicurean, seek out menus that offer surprising, unfamiliar cuisine like Mannish Water (made from various goat parts including intestines, testicles, and feet), BBQ Kidney, Black Pudding (minced meat consistency made with either pig or cow blood), Manicou (opossum), and Stewed Pig Trotters. It is said, when the sun sets, the local spirits come out. Don’t leave the St. Lucia night scene without first testing the island’s rum offerings or island famous beer, Piton.

Sports and Hobbies

There is a plethora of unique and vigorous St. Lucia activities. Birdwatchers delight in St. Lucia’s birdwatching scene. The island boasts six endemic species, making up the highest count in the Caribbean (about 180 different types). They include the island’s national bird, the St. Lucia Parrot — known for its rainbow plumage and blue face — as well as the St. Lucia Oriole and St. Lucia Pewee. Sports die-hards know when the biggest and best sports events are held on the island and there is one sport locals and visitors alike go crazy for. Into the evening, after a peaceful day of birdwatching, catch a lively cricket night game, one of St. Lucia’s leading spectator sports. Major matches are played at the massive Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet.

Rest and Relaxation

For rest and relaxation from the everyday, spa-cations are everything. In St. Lucia, experience the best of the best respite. During the day, opt for a trip to Sulphur Springs located on the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano. Sulphur Springs is an active geothermal zone.

Get close to the bubbling mud pools and steamy vents. The best part? You get to take dip in the pools fed by the warm, mineral-rich springs which soothe your muscles.