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Are you searching for a St. Lucia Itinerary to your subsequent Caribbean island trip?
There may be a lot to do and see in Saint Lucia that planning an itinerary with out lacking something might be overwhelming.
I spent a while in Saint Lucia with pals throughout a 7-night Caribbean Cruise. We disembarked on the Level Seraphine Cruise Port in Castries and taxied to Soufrière.
We received a glimpse of the countryside, noticed the Grand Pitons, and hiked to a botanical backyard waterfall. I even noticed Marigot Bay the place they filmed a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean!
After I researched the port of name in Saint Lucia, I made an enormous checklist of what I needed to do. If I had extra time on the island, that is the itinerary I’d comply with.
Under, I describe every of the primary cities with their highlights of issues to do in St. Lucia, adopted by a pattern 7-day itinerary.
This checklist may help you intend your trip whether or not you are searching for a day’s inspiration or a week-long St Lucia journey information.
Hewanorra
You’ll begin your trip by flying into Hewanorra Worldwide Airport if touring by aircraft, or in Castries if touring by cruise ship.
The gem of St Lucia is the Grand Pitons in Soufriere about an hour away, however there are nonetheless some issues to do in Hewanorra earlier than transferring on to the subsequent cease in your St Lucian itinerary.
Vieux Fort
Vieux Fort, the city adjoining to the airport, boasts a number of seashores and resorts, together with transportation choices to different cities on the island.
The Moule a Chique Lighthouse is likely one of the tallest on the planet and gives a panoramic view of St Lucia and the Caribbean Sea.
Anse de Sables seaside has a protracted stretch of shoreline to take pleasure in. A reef helps enclose this shallow bay space, creating a relaxed water spot excellent for snorkeling.
The Vieux Fort Market is ideal for memento buying and attempting native meals.
It’s tempting to remain at one of many many resorts in Vieux Fort, however I encourage you to spend only one night time right here earlier than transferring on to my favourite metropolis in Saint Lucia: Soufriere.
Soufriere
Soufriere is dwelling to the Gros Piton and Petit Piton, two mountains which are so spectacular that they’re a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Soufriere is the place you possibly can drive by means of a dormant volcano, hike to stunning waterfalls, take a mud bathtub, and benefit from the pure sizzling springs.
On my Caribbean cruise, as an alternative of staying in Castries, I took a taxi to Soufriere to see the Pitons and extra of St. Lucia’s surroundings.
Grand Piton
The Pitons are a number of the world’s largest volcanic plugs. They’re hardened magma that fashioned within the vent of a now dormant volcano.
There’s a giant volcanic plug and one smaller one, identical to the names Gros Piton and Petit Piton counsel.
The Gros Piton hike is common however has a tough issue stage. The path is just 2.9 mi (4.6 km) out and again, but it surely’s 1,833 ft (558 m) in elevation.
The steep path options tall steps to scramble up after reaching the midway method station. Hike early to complete earlier than the warmth of the day, and to convey sufficient water to keep away from points from the warmth.
Saint Lucia Sulphur Springs and Volcano
Sulphur Springs is the world’s solely drive-in volcano.
Earlier than you begin imagining driving your automobile into some effervescent red-hot lava, assume once more. The Qualibou volcano on St Lucia is dormant, so it doesn’t appear to be a child’s baking soda science mission.
You will note effervescent mud and steam rising by means of the bottom. The volcanic mud is just too sizzling to go in, however sulphur sizzling springs and dirt baths are partitioned off, excellent for locals and vacationers to take pleasure in.
Have you ever taken a mud bathtub? It’s a novel spa expertise I like to recommend to anybody. Whereas within the muddy water, you utilize your fingers to cake the mud onto your pores and skin.
Step out of the water to let it dry, then rinse off the mud with clear water. Mud drying in your pores and skin is a wierd feeling, but it surely leaves your pores and skin feeling so clean!
Waterfalls and Hikes
Another issues to do in St Lucia embody exploring nature trails and waterfalls.
Tet Paul Nature Path is a neater hike than the Gros Piton Path and gives superb views of the island.
Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens is a straightforward stroll by means of a backyard of vibrant, tropical flowers. The waterfall is gorgeous and surrounded by timber and vines.
I considered Diamond Falls as a tropical oasis and definitely worth the taxi experience from Castries. Should you like botanical gardens, try the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve within the Bahamas.
Searching for extra waterfalls in Soufriere?
You may swim within the Piton Falls’ heat water or the refreshingly cool water from the Toraille Waterfall. Each waterfalls require a small entrance price and are nice choices after the sulphur springs mud bathtub!
Seashore Day Close to Soufriere
Lots of people like going to Jamaica for island beach days and snorkeling, however the seashores in Saint Lucia are additionally beautiful.
Soufriere is the place to search out the perfect snorkeling seashores in St Lucia.
Sugar Seashore is a part of Viceroy Resort and gives calm waters in a protected marine protect. Anse Chastanet Seashore is extra common for its snorkeling and is a part of the Anse Chastanet Resort.
Anse Chastanet can be the placement of SCUBA St Lucia in case you desire diving to snorkeling.
Each seashores are additionally excellent for sunbathing, and ocean swimming seaside days.
Castries
Castries is the capital of Saint Lucia and the placement of the island’s cruise terminal.
Are you searching for St Lucian itinerary concepts for a cruise cease? Castries is the place you have to to start out. I like to recommend reserving your excursions by means of the cruise line instantly so you will have extra safety in returning earlier than the ship leaves port.
The George F. L. Charles Airport in Castries is the second airport in St Lucia and is for home flights. Likelihood is you’ll be flying into the worldwide airport in Hewanorra as an alternative.
Castries Central Market
Cease by the Castries Central Market when within the metropolis. This market is the go-to spot for locals to purchase recent tropical vegatables and fruits and Caribbean spices.
In addition they have distributors promoting souvenirs to vacationers, however be able to haggle. The cruise ship port being close by will increase the worth tags of all the pieces.
I’m horrible at haggling. Should you’re additionally not used to haggling for a cheaper price, try the native marketplace for a worth reference.
You too can examine the price of issues on the cruise ship or lodge reward store earlier than shopping for one thing like a magnet at a tourist-centered market.
Historic Landmarks
Should you like these historical forts in San Juan, you may love these concepts of issues to do in St. Lucia.
The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is the biggest Cathedral within the Caribbean.
The surface of this Cathedral is probably not as spectacular as cathedrals in Europe, however there are stained glass home windows and exquisite imagery inside.
The Cathedral is the proper addition to a Caribbean island trip in case you’re non secular, like historical past, or admire artwork and structure.
La Toc Battery is a part of an previous preserved fort. A historic battery refers to a grouping of canons at a army fort or a brief place of battle.
It’s fairly cool seeing actual cannons troopers utilized in historical past. I nonetheless can’t wrap my head round the truth that these previous forts had been useful at one level.
Rainforest Adventures
Rainforest Adventures gives a gondola experience and ziplining by means of the cover of the tropical rainforest.
There are additionally birdwatching excursions and guided walks in case you desire to maintain your toes on the bottom.
You may plan to cease by in your method again to Hewanorra from Rodney Bay, however the excursions promote an included shuttle for friends from Castries. Each Castries and Rodney Bay are a couple of 30-minute drive from Rainforest Adventures.
Ziplining by means of a rainforest is one thing you do not need to overlook. I included a tour possibility within the week-long St. Lucia itinerary beneath.
Rodney Bay
Rodney Bay is within the northern area of Saint Lucia. Ebook a lodge within the north to your exploring and seaside days earlier than trekking again to the airport within the south of the island.
This bay is an ideal retreat for crusing or having fun with a seaside day.
Pigeon Island Nationwide Park
A causeway connects Pigeon Island to the mainland. This island is filled with pure magnificence and is critically necessary in Saint Lucian historical past.
There have been forts from the English and the French, and at one level in historical past, the pirate Jambe de Bois held management of Pigeon Island along with his crew of over 300 males. He was one of many first pirates to have a wood peg leg!
You may discover the ruins, stroll the character trails, or take pleasure in one of many secluded seashores.
Grand Anse Seashore is 45 minutes away in Marquis and value mentioning as a result of you possibly can see leatherback turtles lay their eggs. March by means of August is the nesting season, but it surely’s necessary to maintain a respectful distance to keep away from disturbing the turtles.
Smuggler’s Cove
Smuggler’s Cove in St. Lucia is near Pigeon Island. There are numerous resorts, high-end eating places, malls, and a on line casino.
The cove received its identify from the smuggling of liquor throughout prohibition. Now, Smuggler’s Cove is the place you go for a tropical getaway and quieter seashores.
All-inclusive means the lodge value contains meals, drinks, and actions. It is a should on any traveler’s bucket checklist.
The resort could have some specialty eating places that cost an extra value, however you’re in a trip bubble the place all of the requirements are included (after which some).
The resort may help organize excursions if you wish to discover extra of the island. It is all tremendous handy.
7 Days in St Lucia Itinerary
As you possibly can inform from the numerous choices of issues to do in St Lucia, it’s simply one of the best Caribbean Islands to go to.
Just a little tip: when driving between Soufriere and Castries, search for Marigot Bay.
The scene firstly of Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed on this bay, and it is beautiful. It is a photo-op view price stopping for.
Yet one more thing- do not forget to pack some bug spray! Mosquitos are round principally at nightfall, particularly when it is humid.
Okay, let’s dive into what every week in St Lucia appears like…
- Day 1: Arrive at Hewanorra Worldwide Airport, take a taxi or resort shuttle to your lodge, then discover the Vieux Fort Marketplace for native meals and crafts.
- Day 2: Get pleasure from a seaside day at Anse de Sable Seashore, then stroll round Moute a Chique lighthouse for panoramic views. Take a taxi or rental automobile to Soufriere (1-hour drive), then examine into your subsequent lodge.
- Day 3: Snorkel in Anse Chastanet, after which take pleasure in a volcanic spa expertise within the Saint Lucia Sulphur Springs.
- Day 4: Hike the Grand Piton (difficult), or go to the Toraille Waterfall and discover the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. Use a taxi, or a rental automobile, or ebook a tour out of your lodge.
- Day 5: Take a taxi or rental automobile to Castries (1-hour drive), and examine into your lodge. Get pleasure from a 4-hour tour of the Aerial Tram and Rainforest Cover Zipline (30-minute drive, transportation obtainable within the tour). Discover the Castries Central Marketplace for souvenirs and native meals or see the biggest Cathedral within the Caribbean.
- Day 6: Take a taxi or rental automobile to Rodney Bay (a 20-minute drive). Get pleasure from a seaside day at Smuggler’s Cove or go to Pigeon Island Nationwide Park. Examine into your subsequent lodge.
- Day 7: Store, eat, and discover Rodney Bay earlier than heading again to the Hewanorra Worldwide Airport (1.5-hour drive).
This 7-day St. Lucia itinerary would require the next:
- Lodging: 1 Evening in Hewanorra, 3 Nights in Soufriere, 1 Evening in Castries, 1 Evening in Rodney Bay
- Transportation: Rental Automotive or a mixture of Taxis and Shuttles.
- Excursions and Reservations: Saint Lucia Sulphur Springs, Rainforest Journey
- Extra Actions: Seashore Days, Snorkeling, Simple or Difficult Hikes, Purchasing, Eating, Historic Landmarks and Panoramic Views
This itinerary covers the primary highlights and a few enjoyable adventures, however there are such a lot of issues to do in St. Lucia.
The perfect factor about planning your trip is that it’s customizable!
Wish to go crusing? Swap it with the snorkeling.
Does consuming your method by means of the chocolate-making tour from Resort Chocolat sound scrumptious? Add it to your Soufriere itinerary!
Get pleasure from journey, rest, and tradition in a single Caribbean island trip.
Methods to Get Across the Island
You need your passport to reach by aircraft or ship to this Caribbean Island.
As soon as there, you possibly can take a taxi or personal automobile to drive you round or lease a automobile to drive your self.
It is a 1.5-hour drive from the south facet of the island, the place the worldwide airport is situated, to Rodney Bay within the north, so navigating is nothing loopy.
The catch is an international driver’s permit is required to drive in St. Lucia. The allow can simply be acquired if you lease a automobile.
There’s a public bus system, however it’s unreliable for a good schedule.
After I visited with my pals, we took a taxi from the cruise terminal in Castries to the Diamond Falls Botanical Backyard in Soufriere. The motive force was so educated it was like having a private tour information.
We had a big group, so we cut up the price of the taxi, making it a bit extra reasonably priced.
Should you’re not renting a automobile, you possibly can look into airport, lodge, and tour shuttles to reduce taxi charges.
Saint Lucia island is family-friendly, however new mothers will need to plan for a day out with their baby, and take note a drive of 1 to 1.5 hours between cities.
Keep in St Lucia
It’s possible you’ll be on a budget, however there are many lodging choices in St Lucia. Ebook an Air BnB, Resort, or an All-Inclusive Resort.
The Sandals Grande St. Lucian all-inclusive resort will place you by Pigeon Island Nationwide Park. They’ve a beach-front property with all kinds of facilities and actions.
A singular luxurious expertise is the Rabot Hotel from Resort Chocolat. The lodge is 1,000 toes above sea stage and gives a picturesque view of the Grand Piton mountains.
A extra budget-friendly possibility in Soufriere is The Downtown Hotel. It additionally gives a view of the Grand Pitons, simply not a scenic image from a lush resort. The rooms include wifi, a mini fridge, and a microwave.
Airbnbs are an alternative choice if you’re searching for a versatile vary of funds and site, however St Lucia isn’t often known as one of many cheapest Caribbean islands.
Greatest Time to Go to St Lucia
Earlier than you lock in your St. Lucia Itinerary, double-check the best time to visit the Caribbean.
The dry season on the island is roughly from December to April, so there’s so much much less likelihood of a tropical rainstorm. It’s not as humid and the solar remains to be shining, however that is additionally the prime vacationer season.
Plan your journey between Might and June for decrease charges, hotter temperatures, and fewer crowds.
June is the start of hurricane season within the Caribbean, however the probabilities of a storm are so much lower than July by means of October. Simply be ready for some rain and humidity.
Abstract of St. Lucia Itinerary
There are tons of issues to do in St Lucia, so decide your itinerary rigorously when you have restricted time.
The Sulphur Sizzling Springs on the drive-in volcano, Grand Pitons, and the waterfalls are cause sufficient to make Soufriere your precedence.
Nonetheless, Castries could also be higher suited so that you can shuttle for the Rainforest Zipline journey. It’s additionally the place to begin for anybody arriving by cruise ship.
I like to recommend flying into Hewanorra Nationwide Airport after which exploring Soufriere. Spend a day in Castries and finish the remainder of your time having fun with the seashores and historical past in Rodney Bay.
Some extra distinctive experiences are the chocolate-making tour in Soufriere and seeing leatherback turtles nesting at Grand Anse Seashore in Marquis.
What are you ready for? Ebook these excursions, finalize your St. Lucia itinerary, and lock in your Caribbean getaway!
Hello, I am Karen Kelly a licensed well being coach, freelance meals and journey author, and blogger. At Seasonal Cravings, you’ll discover scrumptious recipes and enjoyable journey concepts.
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