Gizane Campos
The Pitons aren’t just a highlight of Saint Lucia tourism; they’re a major pull for visitors to the Caribbean. That said, the imposing twin peaks scratch the surface of what Saint Lucia offers. This guide provides a handbook for planning a trip to Saint Lucia, including visa requirements, best places to stay, and cultural norms.
Introduction to Saint Lucia Tourism
Some Caribbean islands offer cheap all-inclusive resorts, whereas others are appealing for luxury travel; St Lucia’s appeal lies in its natural beauty, a unique Creole culture, and boutique hotel experiences. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority spotlights the Pitons as the country’s signature attraction. Experiencing Creole Day is also one of the best things to do in St Lucia.
Top Attractions in Saint Lucia
1. Gros Piton
A hike up Gros Piton is not only a highlight of the Winward Islands, but is at the top of the list of things to do in the Caribbean. Standing 2,619 feet (756 meters) high, Gros Piton is part of the Pitons Management Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour operators like Serenity Vacations & Tours, St Lucia Eco Adventures, and Shore Excursions Group offer guided hikes up the peak’s 3.2-mile trail.
2. Creole Day
Creole Day—Jounen Kwéyòl, as it’s officially known—is Saint Lucia’s main cultural celebration. Taking place annually in October, it honors the Creole history of the country. Tambo music is heard throughout the festival, which also features indigenous dance, and local cuisine like bouyon and green fig.
3. Sulphur Springs Park
The Sulphur Springs Park in Mount Soufrière is the world’s only drive-in volcano. The park offers the opportunity to take a volcanic mud bath and soak in the sulfur hot springs that sit across from the volcano.
4. Castries Market
A trip to Castries Market reveals how Saint Lucians live day-to-day. Located in the center of Castries, the street market is easily accessible and sells locally produced fruits and vegetables, small souvenirs, and Indigenous art.
5. Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is one of the most popular cities among expats living in Saint Lucia. The bay has been the backdrop of famous Hollywood movies like Dr. Dolittle. It shows Saint Lucia’s beautiful coastline and offers yachting, kayaking, and snorkeling activities.
When to visit Saint Lucia?
Weather
Saint Lucia’s location in the Eastern Caribbean region generates a warm tropical climate year-round. The temperature rarely goes below 70 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
Though sunshine is always expected, Saint Lucia’s tropical climate is characterized by heavy rains and abrupt rainfall. The country has a tropical marine climate, which means the weather shifts between dry and rainy periods.
Its location near the equator brings trade winds and ocean currents, as experienced by other Caribbean islands. June to November is the wet season, consistent across Caribbean countries and islands.
High season
The Saint Lucia peak season aligns with the dry season, typically mid-December to mid-April. Most foreign visitors from Europe, the US, and Canada travel during this time to escape the harsh winters.
Jounen Kwéyòl: Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day) takes place outside the high season, but causes a spike in tourist numbers. As the event has the most attendees, visiting Saint Lucia during this time is generally more expensive.
How to Plan Your Saint Lucia Trip
Entry requirements
The St Lucia passport requirements allow US, Canadian, and most European citizens to visit Saint Lucia without a visa for up to 90 days. Travelers must have a passport with at least six months validity, an onward ticket, and a completed Electronic Entry Form. The form is required for those arriving by air in George F. L. Charles Airport (GFL) and Hewanorra International Airport (UVF).
Saint Lucia passport holders and nationals of other member countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), including those with Caribbean citizenship by investment, can visit Saint Lucia with their national ID card.
Getting there
Direct flights to Saint Lucia’s two international airports are offered by:
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- JetBlue
- Air Canada
- British Airways
Cities with the option to fly direct include New York, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta, Toronto, and London.
Caribbean Airlines, British Airways, Winair, InterCaribbean Airways, and Sunrise Airways offer nonstop regional flights to Saint Lucia from other Caribbean countries and territories.
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises offer closed-loop cruises from Fort Lauderdale and New York to the southern Caribbean islands, including Saint Lucia.
Where to Stay in Saint Lucia: Hotels and Resorts
A’ILA Resorts Villas & Residences: A’ILA Resorts Villas & Residences of Mount Pimar in Rodney is the island’s top luxury accommodation, funded by the Saint Lucia citizenship by investment program. The residence features private villas and apartments designed for comfort and privacy. Its grounds offer a wellness center, luxury dining, and water sports activities.
Sandals Grande St Lucian: The Sandals name is known throughout the Caribbean tourism industry for its luxury accommodation. Situated on its own peninsula, which creates 360-degree views of the island, the complex features luxury rooms, direct beach access, five grand pools, and 12 restaurants.
Anse Chastanet Resort: Anse Chastanet is an exclusive eco-resort within the Anse Mamin estate. Guests can view the Caribbean Sea and the Piti and Gros Piton mountains. Surrounded by greenery, the resort provides an immersive experience alongside organic food.
Saint Lucia Travel Tips and Safety
Getting around Saint Lucia
Getting around Saint LuciaRenting a vehicle is the most efficient way to get around St Lucia. 132 Car Rental, Final Rentals St. Lucia, and St. Rose Auto Rental Services offer rental services from Hewanorra International Airport in the south. Other options include Drive-A-Matic, Unique Auto Rentals, and Sixt by George F.L. Charles Airport. Rental cars start from about $60 per day, excluding taxes and insurance.
Transfers from Hewanorra Airport in Vieux Fort to popular hotels in Rodney Bay and Gros Islet typically cost $100 to $150, depending on the vehicle and passenger numbers.
Safety
SafetyThe US Department of State considers St Lucia safe for tourism, issuing a travel advisory “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.” Neighborhoods like Marchand and Chaussee Road in Castries have been reported to have gang activity and petty crime rates higher than the national average. Other areas popular among expats living in St Lucia, such as Rodney Bay and Soufrière, are generally considered safe and relatively crime-free.
Health precautions
Health precautionsSuggested vaccinations for foreign travelers to St Lucia include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, and rabies. If you’ve visited an area with a high risk of yellow fever within the six weeks before a planned trip to Saint Lucia, you’ll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Visitors should take out travel or health insurance covering evacuation in case of emergencies, as services offered in the St Lucia healthcare system are limited.
Cultural norms and customs
Cultural norms and customsSaint Lucia’s cultural heritage is rooted in African and British traditions. Most Saint Lucians descend from enslaved Africans, so the imprint of British colonialism and history is evident in the country’s religions, music, and celebrations. The country’s former occupation by France is also evident through its French patois.
While many Saint Lucians have conservative beliefs, the Saint Lucia government legalized same-sex activity in July 2025. This marked a gradual acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights. Even so, those in the LGBTQ community should exercise caution to prevent unwanted attention or reactions while in Saint Lucia.
Saving Money in Saint Lucia
Saving Money in Saint Lucia- Visit in the low season: Saint Lucia hotels, boutique resorts, and short-term rentals charge lower rates in the low season. Flight prices also tend to be cheaper.
- Eat local: Places where locals in St Lucia eat are commonly known as shacks or kiosks. They offer a cheap alternative to high-end restaurants and diners inside resorts.
- Buy a local SIM: Local telecom companies in Saint Lucia, like Flow and Digicel, offer 5GB seven-day prepaid SIM cards for $13.
Take a look at our St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Frequently Asked Questions about Tourism in St Lucia
Is Saint Lucia worth visiting?
Impressive features like the Gros Piton and unique cultural events like Creole Day (Jounen Kwéyòl) make St Lucia more than worth visiting for solo travelers and families with young kids.
Is it safe to travel to St Lucia right now?
Saint Lucia is a safe destination to travel right now as the United States Department of State’ classifies it as “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.”
Do I need an ESTA for St Lucia from the UK?
You can visit St Lucia from the UK without a visa by completing the Electronic Entry Form available through stlucia.org//entry.
What language is spoken in St Lucia?
English is Saint Lucia’s official language, and all Saint Lucians speak it. Most Saint Lucians also speak a French patois.
What paperwork do you need to enter St Lucia?
Everyone visiting St Lucia is required to present a passport with at least six months of validity. Other paperwork that may be requested is proof of accommodation and an onward or return ticket.
Should I bring cash to St Lucia?
Bringing cash to St Lucia is useful for small purchases like food or souvenirs from street vendors. However, banks in St Lucia, like 1st National Bank St Lucia and Bank of Saint Lucia, allow withdrawals from foreign credit and debit cards.
