Things to do in St Lucia

St. Lucia Event Calendar

There are a variety of exciting Island events such as the Jazz Festival, Kalalu World Music Festival, and Carnival. Click here for the latest calendar of events.

EXCURSIONS

Adventure Tours

Choose from an array of organized adventure tours that promise to amaze and delight: • ATV Tours though rivers and a 1,000-acres plantation in the rainforest • Mountain Biking in the rainforest or to waterfalls where you can swim • Sea Kayaking along the beautiful and rugged coastline • Helicopter tours take in sweeping views of St. Lucia’s coastline and interior rainforests • Boat tours offer a great way to see the dramatic coastline, mountains and hillsides covered in tropical forests, quaint fishing villages, and more. There are a variety of tour operators offering boat excursions in everything from a catamaran to a pirate ship! • Horseback riding along the beach • Ziplining through the rainforest canopy • Whale Watching • Jeep Safaris • Rainforest rides in an open-air gondola that skims the rainforest canopy

EXOTIC WILDLIFE

Turtle Watching

Turtle watching takes place on Grand Anse Beach on the north east coast, where the Leatherback Turtle comes to nest. The period for turtle watching is between mid-March and the end of July.

Whale Watching

Massive humpbacks come to our local waters during the winter. A variety of sperm whales, pilot whales and assortment of dolphin species can be seen year-round.

Bird Watching

Walk the scenic loop at Millet Bird Sanctuary for a chance to spot five bird species found only on St. Lucia.

NATURE LOVERS

Waterfalls

The lush tropical forests and mountainous terrain creates an abundance of waterfalls that are stunning. Some must see waterfalls include: Diamond Falls and Mineral Baths; Latille Falls; Toraille Falls; Anse La Raye Waterfall.

Driving Tours

Rent a car and enjoy a tour around the Island. Local maps will guide you to scenic overlooks, places to visit and eat, and the best beaches. Just remember to drive on the left side of the road!

Hiking Trails

• Eastern Nature Trail - This is an invigorating exploration along St. Lucia´s Atlantic Coastline. Along the trail you should see several species of birds, among them the magnificent Frigate bird and the Red Bill tropical birds. • Forestiere Tropical Forest Trail - This tour takes you into the heart of the St. Lucian countryside, through the dense tropical rainforest, whilst the fascinating flora and fauna is pointed out to you by a well informed guide. • Rainforest Hikes - Explore the Rainforest Reserve with a guide from the Forest and Land Dept. on a 3-hour trek. The paths are lined with tinier plants, orchids, bromeliads and mushrooms. Throughout the tour beautiful birds can be seen, just as the indigenous St. Lucia Parrot.

Botanical Gardens

Visitors can choose from three exquisite botanical gardens, each brimming with rare and exotic plants and flowers. • The Diamond Botanical Gardens in Soufriere features mineral baths and a picturesque waterfall. • Mamiku Gardens is situated on an historic site which encircles the ruins of an 18th Century Micoud Estate. • Tropical Gardens in the north of the island.

ISLAND LAND AND WATER SPORTS

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

St. Lucia is a diver’s paradise. The island is at the tip of an underwater volcano where both beginners and experienced divers alike will enjoy the variety of coral sponge and marine life. Artificial reefs have developed around a number of sunken ships which have become home to gigantic barrel sponges, black lace corals and a wide variety of brightly-colored tropical fish. Dives sites you don’t want to miss include: • Anse Chastanet Reef • Fairy Land • Superman’s Flight • The Lesleen M Shipwreck • Key Hole Pinnacles Enjoy Wide Variety of Island Sports • Kitesurfing • Windsurfing • Parasailing • Deep Sea Fishing – Fish for the abundant marlin, swordfish, or Dorado • Jet Skis • Kayaking • Sailing

Golf

St. Lucia Golf & Country Club has the only 18-hole golf course in St. Lucia. It is conveniently located in the northern part of St. Lucia within Cap Estate. It offers fabulous views to the Caribbean and Atlantic coastlines. The 6,815 yard, Par 71 championship golf course is a challenge to serious and recreational golfers. The club facilities include a state-of- the-art 350 yard driving range and golf academy, a club house and a pro shop. Golf carts are mandatory and golf shoes with soft spikes or tennis shoes are also required. Club rentals and lessons are available.

SHOPPING

Shopping

Local shops are generally open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon. There are a variety of local markets, the largest being the Castries market, where local produce and crafts are available. Two duty free shopping malls – Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage – offer a wide selection of jewelry, perfume, clothes, and electronics. Local arts and craft stores are located throughout the Island. Julian’s Supermarkets are located throughout the Island wide. General store hours are: Daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays and Holidays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

NIGHTLIFE AND VILLAGE FETES

Nightlife – It’s called “Liming” in St. Lucia

There are numerous nightclubs and bars that offer both live music as well as DJs. The majority of bars and clubs are located in the north of the island along what’s called the Rodney Bay Strip. A few of the more popular one’s are: The Lime on the Bay; Upper Level Nightclub; Mango’s Bar, Jam De Boise; Pulse, Jungle Care; and Delirius.

Seafood Night in Anse La Raye

This village, just south of Castries, on the west coast, offers a Friday night seafood extravaganza. Sample from a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood prepared on the spot by experienced local cooks.

Gros Islet’s Friday Night Jump Up

The street party on Friday nights in Gros Islet has been going on for 16 years. Caribbean rhythms keep the locals and visitors hopping. Barbeque grills are set up on the side walk with sizzling chicken and conch kebabs.

Vieux Fort’s Saturday Night Swoiree

The event in the south of the island offers music and a local feast that goes well into the night.

Dennery’s Beachside Bash

Every Saturday, the Atlantic fishing village of Dennery hosts a fun-filled beach party featuring fresh fish with local side dishes.

HISTORY & CULTURE

Historic Sites and Tours

St. Lucia has a rich and colourful history. Explore on your own or join the St. Lucia National Trust, St. Lucia Heritage Society, and other Tour Operators who offer fabulous trips. • La Sikwi Sugar Mill • La Toc Battery • Stonefield Estate • Fort Charlotte • Pigeon Island • Villages: Some tours will take you to the traditional fishing villages of Praslin, canaries, and Anse La Raye.

Plantation Tours

Explore how people lived and worked centuries ago at one of these Plantations. • Fond d´Or Nature Historic Park - This tour combines historical St. Lucia with the tranquility of a nature site, the Fond d´Or Historic Park. It includes symbols of the Amerindian settlement and historical buildings of the sugar age. • Fond Doux Estate - This tour takes you to a Caribbean style working plantation, where you will heighten your senses by smelling, touching and tasting a variety of tropical fruits and plants. • Also worth visiting are: La Sikwi Sugar Plantation with 400 acres. It features a museum, a theatre and a 42 ft waterwheel. The Morne Coubaril Estate with its worker´s village, sugar mill, manioc and cocoa houses. Visit the Marquis Estate where you can see the production of St. Lucia´s main export crops, bananas and copra.

For more about St Lucia go to Guide to St Lucia - the unofficial guide.