46 Saint Lucia Travel Tips: Things to know before you go in 2024 (2024)

Welcome to my Top 46 Saint Lucia Travel Tips!

If you’re thinking of visiting Saint Lucia, then this post is for you! I’ve put together a list of 46 Saint Lucia Travel Tips to help you make the most out of your trip.

From what to pack and where to stay to how to get around and what to do, these Saint Lucia travel tips will help you plan a fantastic vacation. So without further ado, let’s get started…

No, a visa is not required if you visiting from the US and most of Europe for stays up to 28 days. Citizens of several other countries are required to obtain a visa before entering Saint Lucia.

It is recommended to view your country’s St. Lucia International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements.

Yes, it is highly recommended to get travel insurance when traveling to Saint Lucia. Your primary medical insurance may not cover treatment outside of the U.S., so travel insurance is essential to protect your health and safety.

Additionally, travel insurance can provide coverage for lost luggage, travel delays, meals, and more.

The currency in Saint Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), although U.S. dollars are often accepted.

The Eastern Caribbean dollar is the official currency used in countries like Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the British Virgin Islands, as well as Saint Lucia.

When traveling to St Lucia, it is advisable to bring some cash with you. This is because there are some places that do not accept credit cards, such as local markets, and taxis may also require cash payments.

Cash is also needed if you want to tip your servers or cab drivers, so have some small bills on hand. If you don’t want to carry too much cash on the plane, you can always withdraw it from an ATM once you are in St Lucia.

Additionally, it is important to note that some airports may require a departure tax in cash, so make sure to ask in advance if this is not included in your plane ticket.

Planning a honeymoon in Saint Lucia? You’ll need to budget for accommodation, food, and activities.

When it comes to accommodation, your choice will depend on your budget – a room with a private bathroom in a two-star hotel starts at around $150 USD per night, while a full apartment on Airbnb will set you back between $100 – 250 USD per night.

If you’re looking for something more luxurious, Jade Mountain offers a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating nature for a price that starts at $850 USD per night.

For food, a cheap meal at a casual restaurant will cost around $8 USD, while a 3-course meal and drinks will set you back around $40+ USD. A burger and fries will cost about $8 USD, and a large pizza is around $15 USD. Local beer is $8 USD, and a bottle of water is around $1 USD.

All in all, you’ll need to budget around $150 USD per night for accommodation and up to $70 USD for food, depending on where you eat.

Yes, you should tip in St Lucia if you want to. Most restaurants and bars will add 10 percent for service to the bill, although you are also welcome to provide an additional amount should you feel that you have received exceptional service.

Gratuities in USD or Eastern Caribbean dollars are appreciated and encouraged. Drivers, guides, and other service providers work hard to make sure you have an enjoyable experience and should be rewarded for their efforts.

The seasons in Saint Lucia are High Season, Shoulder Season, and Low Season.

The high Season is from December to April when the island is busiest and most expensive, but it also experiences the best weather.

Shoulder Season lasts from May to June, and room prices are more affordable. Temperatures are usually in the high 80s°F during this time of the year.

The low Season runs from May through November. You can find great deals on flights and hotels, but be cautious about traveling during this time due to the risk of storms.

The weather in St Lucia is consistently warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F and cooled by trade winds. During the wet season, from June to November, there is more rainfall, particularly in the rainforests.

Despite the rain, you can still expect sunny skies. The high season is the most popular time to visit the island because of the great weather, very little rain, and lower humidity.

In my opinion, the best time to visit St. Lucia is between May and June, when the weather is pleasant – high 70s to 80s – and hotel rates are lower.

Additionally, the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival takes place at Pigeon Island National Landmark in early May, making it an ideal time for music lovers. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy during the summer months.

When packing for your trip to St. Lucia, plan on packing clothes suitable for warm weather. Men can bring t-shirts, polo shirts, and button-up short sleeve shirts. Women can bring t-shirts, tank tops, and lightweight blouses. If you’re planning on golfing, make sure to pack clothing appropriate for the sport. You will spend most of your time on the beach or in the water, so don’t forget to bring your bathing suit and a pair of water shoes.

Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag for convenience in case your checked bag is lost. Do not pack your valuables in your checked luggage, such as jewelry and cash. Pack light to make carrying your bags easier, and leave some room in your suitcase for souvenirs from the local markets.

For more details, check out my Complete Saint Lucia Packing List.

The best way to get to Saint Lucia is by air. Fly to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort, located 40 miles south of Castries, the capital city of Saint Lucia.

From the US, there are direct services available from Miami, Charlotte, and Philadelphia on American Airlines, New York and Boston with JetBlue, Atlanta with Delta, and New Jersey and Chicago on United Airlines.

If flying from Canada, book a flight from Toronto on Air Canada and WestJet or Montreal with Air Canada.

If you are traveling from Europe, you can find direct flights from Germany, France, and the UK.

Once you arrive at the airport in St Lucia, you have several options to get to your hotel:

• Take a taxi or water taxi: There are plenty of taxis available at the airport to take you to your hotel. Before getting in, be sure to agree on the cost of the ride.
• Request an airport transfer: Some hotels and resorts offer airport transfers, so you can request one in advance.
• Rent a car: There are also rental cars available at the airport if you want to drive yourself to your hotel.

The best way to get around Saint Lucia is by renting a car, especially if you want to explore more of the island than just the main tourist hubs. You can find rental cars at the Airport for an average rate of $50 a day. To rent a car, renters must be at least 21 years old, have had their license for three years, and have an International Driving Permit.

If you want to try the local public transportation, minibusses form a loop around the main towns and typically cost about $1 USD, depending on the destination.

Taxis are also available to go pretty much anywhere, just make sure you know the cost of the ride before leaving.

Yes, you should book your reservation for Saint Lucia well in advance. Booking 6+ months in advance will give you access to more options and better deals.

Additionally, the time of year you travel will have a significant impact on the price, with the winter months being the most expensive.

In St Lucia, you can choose from a variety of accommodations, such as Airbnb, private rentals, guesthouses, all-inclusive hotels, and resorts.

Unfortunately, there are no hostels available on the island, so budget travelers will have to try and find a cheaper Airbnb. My favorites are the all-inclusive resorts, they have a large selection of pools, bars, and restaurants on-site.

When it comes to finding the best beach resorts in Saint Lucia, there are a few great options to consider:

• Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort is a great choice for couples looking for a luxury, adult-only experience with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
• For a secluded mountaintop resort in the southwestern part of the island, check out Jade Mountain Resort. This beautiful property offers stunning views of the iconic Piton mountain peaks.
• For a family-friendly option, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive resort located along the island’s southeastern Atlantic coast, offering plenty of on-property activities.
• Finally, for an ultra-luxurious experience, Sugar Beach is located right between the Pitons and on a lovely white-sand beach. With chic, minimalistic rooms and villas, plus butlers and 24-hour room service, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for an unforgettable stay.

You will also enjoy my article on the Top Beaches in St Lucia.

I’ll be honest, Saint Lucia is not known for budget traveling or backpackers paradise. There are no hostels or other low-cost accommodations. But the time you visit will have the biggest influence on the prices. For the best value, visit Saint Lucia during the off-season, which is from May to November.

Your best bet will be to find private rooms on Airbnb. These can start as low as $30 USD and usually max out at around $70 USD per night. Book your accommodation way in advance to secure the best prices and the room of your choice.

Yes, Saint Lucia is generally a safe place to visit. Thanks to the St. Lucia authority partnering with the local tourism industry, resort and hotel areas remain secure. While petty crimes like pickpocketing, theft and automobile break-ins do still occur, you can mitigate the risk by remaining aware of your surroundings and not leaving valuables unattended in public.

When renting a car, it is important to lock it and keep any personal items out of view. And avoid walking around alone at night, both in town and on the beach.

When preparing for your trip to Saint Lucia, you should take the following steps:

1. Plan Your Trip’s Itinerary: Take the time to plan out what you want to do and see while on vacation in Saint Lucia. Having a plan in place ensures that you can see and do the things you want, and it will also make packing for your trip much easier.
2. Make Copies of Important Documents: Before traveling, make photocopies of documents such as your ID, passport, and receipt for prepaid services in case of any misfortunes. Keep pictures of your important documents on your phone and also email them to yourself for extra peace of mind.
3. Notify Financial Institutions of Your Travel Plans: Be sure to notify your bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of your travels. This will prevent your accounts from being put on hold when international charges appear.
4. Pack Efficiently: Try to take only the essentials with you on your trip. Rolling your clothes tightly instead of folding them will save you valuable space and reduce deep creases. Keep any essential items such as ID, passport, any paperwork, money, credit cards, traveler’s checks, contact information, and medication on your person at all times, or stow them in the hotel safe.
5. Activate International Data on Your Phone: Most carriers these days offer add-ons for international travel but only use roaming only for emergencies. If you need access to the internet outside your hotel, buy a local sim card with internet access.
6. Notify Family and Friends of Your Plans: Let at least two people know your exact plans, flight info, and resort name, just in case. Check in daily or every other day and let your loved ones know you are ok.

The medical system in Saint Lucia is very good. For minor injuries, you can get some supplies from a local farmacy, like disinfectant and bandaids. It’s always good to have some on hand when exploring around.

For more serious problems, there are two public hospitals, Victoria Hospital in Castries and St. Jude Hospital in Vieux-Fort, and one private hospital, Tampion Hospital, near Castries. It is important that you get travel insurance that includes coverage for emergency medical care when traveling to Saint Lucia.

There are a few scams in St Lucia, but they are rare. It is important to use common sense when taking taxis, tours, and engaging with strangers on the street. It is also wise to keep your belongings secure and out of reach to avoid theft.

Solo female travelers should feel safe but should take the proper precautions, such as not leaving drinks unattended and not walking home alone while intoxicated.

We often think of things to do on our vacation, but we also have to consider the don’ts:

• Don’t dress inappropriately, Saint Lucia is a conservative island.
• Don’t venture into unknown territory alone, stick to the tourist areas.
• Don’t pet the stray animals.
• Don’t carry obscene amounts of cash, especially in crowded areas.
• Don’t rent a car unless you are prepared to drive on the left, amongst fearless local drivers and pot-hole-ridden roads.

Saint Lucia is full of amazing sights and activities that are sure to delight visitors from all over the world. One of the best things to start off with is to go snorkeling and scuba diving. The waters off of St. Lucia are clear, and its reefs are home to numerous species of tropical fish.

Next, you’ll want to check out the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. This six-acre site is nestled in a gorge and features a beautiful 50-foot waterfall, which is laced with natural minerals that give it a vivid, colorful appearance.

The island also boasts two famous volcanoes, Gros Piton and Petit Piton. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular excursion for visitors. Gros Piton is a 3-hour hike from the trailhead and offers incredible views of the ocean, while Petit Piton is a 4-hour hike that requires a guide.

Another must-see is Castries, the capital of the island. Founded in 1650, it is situated on its own harbor and has many attractions, including Fort Charlotte, La Toc Battery fort, and Saint-Etienne Cathedral. There are also some beautiful beaches to relax on, such as La Toc Beach.

Pigeon Island is also worth a visit. This 44-acre national park was home to the indigenous Caribs and a pirate crew in the 16th century. There are marked trails that lead to the remains of two forts and panoramic viewpoints over the north side of St. Lucia.

Finally, bird-lovers should head to the Bois D’Orange Swamp, the Rain Forest, and Boriel’s Pond, where they can spot a variety of stunning birds, including the St. Lucian Parrot, the White Breasted Thrasher, the St. Lucia Peewee, the St. Lucia Oriole, and the St. Lucia Wren.

I wrote an entire article on the Best Things to do in St Lucia.

Yes, there are amazing festivals in St Lucia all year round. Here are my favorites:

• Saint Lucia Carnaval – July 1 – 19
• La Rose Flower Festival – August 30
• Saint Lucia Dive Fest – September 16 – 23
• National Day – Festival of Lights and Renewal – December 13

In my opinion, the best beaches in Saint Lucia are Marigot Bay Beach and Reduit Beach, located near Rodney Bay, which is the most popular spot.

Anse Chastanet provides a stunning view of the local marine life, while Malgretoute Beach is perfect for those seeking a more secluded spot under the iconic Pitons.

The best dive spots in St. Lucia are Le Sport, the Dinosaur Reef, Smugglers Cove, Pigeon Island, La Roche, and Birdsh*t Rock. All of these locations offer crystal clear waters and a variety of sea creatures such as parrot fish, trumpet fish, and needlefish.

Anse Chastanet Reef is another popular spot for divers and is home to a variety of marine life, as well as sunken ships and white sand sea floors. Diving tours are available, and prices start at $100 USD for certified divers.

SNUBA – a combination of snorkeling gear and a breath tube, is also available for $80 USD.

Yes, there are amazing hiking trails in St. Lucia. There are many scenic trails to explore, such as the Barre de L’isle Rain Forest Trail and the Enbas Saut Trail.

Both hikes take approximately three hours and are quite steep, but offer stunning views and the opportunity to refresh yourself at the waterfall. Make sure to bring plenty of water and suitable hiking shoes.

The island also has two volcanos: Gros Piton and Petit Piton, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are great for hiking.

Yes, they have a few nightclubs in Saint Lucia, but not a lot. If you want to have fun, every Friday night, locals and tourists gather for the Gros Islet Jump Up, a street party in the small town of Gros Islet that features Caribbean music, beer, lobster, and people-watching.

If you want to go to an actual nightclub, try Zen Nightclub, Ultra Lounge, or Club Red.

In Saint Lucia, the official language is English, but most of the locals also speak French Creole. The place names often have a French origin, though they are not pronounced in the same way as French words.

Despite the strong French influence in the culture, the tourism industry is mostly oriented towards American and British visitors, with flights to the international airport coming mostly from major cities in the United States or London.

You can get along just fine with English when visiting the island, but if you want to learn a few local words, here are some greetings:

• Bonjou (Hello)
• Koman ou rele? (What is your name?)
• Koman ou apre? (How are you?)
• S’aw fè? (How are you?)
• Byenbé (Goodbye)
• Orevwa (Goodbye)
• Mèsi (Thank you)
• Pandanmèsi (Please)

When visiting Saint Lucia, there are a few local customs to be aware of. It is important to dress appropriately and respectfully. When entering any establishment, it is polite to say hello to people.

Additionally, given the conservative attitudes in the country toward the LGBT community, it is important to avoid public displays of affection.

The local food in Saint Lucia is truly unique, drawing influence from many different cultures. From traditional dishes like green figs and saltfish, Lambi (conch), and Paime (dessert), to the national dish of stewed saltfish with boiled green bananas.

Barbecued pork and chicken are also very popular here, and for breakfast, you can enjoy cocoa tea made with local cocoa, spices, and milk, as well as hot, deep-fried bread.

Yes, they have a lot of seafood in St Lucia! It is an island after all so fresh seafood is served pretty much everywhere. One of the best places to find it is at the Gros Islet Fish Fry, which is held every Friday night.

Most of us go the all-inclusive resorts, where all the meals are included, but I would suggest going to dinner one of the evenings and trying some local dishes.

St Lucia’s local beer is called Piton, a pilsner named after the Piton mountains. They are also famous for rum, which is known as the Spirit of St Lucia.

Sugar was first introduced to St Lucia in the 1700s and has since had a huge impact on the island’s culture, so rum is a big deal here, and each Caribbean island tends to have its own signature rums. Make sure to try a local Rum punch.