Each of these fills one day in Saint Lucia. Together they span the area’s most quintessential experiences, from hiking in the rainforest or sailing down the island’s West Coast to snorkel to shopping in Castries.
A Day in the South
Saint Lucia’s most interesting natural attractions are in the south—specifically in and around Soufrière. From Rodney Bay or Castries, take a sailing trip down the West Coast and admire the eye-popping views of the iconic Pitons as you approach Soufrière Harbor. Tour the sulfurous La Soufrière “drive-in volcano;” the spectacular Diamond Botanical Garden, with its mineral-encrusted waterfall; and the historic Morne Coubaril agricultural estate, which also has a zipline ride. Enjoy a Creole lunch at Fond Doux Eco Resort, where you can also walk along the garden pathways and learn how to turn cacao beans into delicious St. Lucian chocolate.
A Day in the Rainforest
One of the island’s most amazing natural attractions is its vast rainforest. There are two ways to enjoy it—from above or below. Kids may prefer a thrilling zipline trip through the forest canopy, while others may prefer the more sedate aerial tram that takes a slow two-hour tour through the forest; both of these attractions, offered by Rainforest Adventures, are in the Castries Waterworks Forest Reserve east of Rodney Bay. Those looking for a more down-to-earth experience may want to take a guided hike in the Edmund Forest Reserve in the central part of the island, but you’re expected to hire a guide from the Forest and Lands Department.
A Day of Shopping in Castries
Saint Lucia’s capital has one of the most extensive market complexes in the Caribbean, with more than 300 vendors. You’ll find row upon row of tropical fruits and vegetables in the orange-roofed produce market, where vendors also sell spices, vanilla, wood carvings, and locally bottled sauces at bargain prices. Next door and across the street, you’ll find huge indoor markets with souvenirs ranging from cheesy to beautifully handcrafted. For duty-free shopping, try La Place Carenage or Pointe Seraphine.
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A Day at Pigeon Island
Take a taxi, minibus, or rental car to Pigeon Island National Park—a historic site and natural playground at the island’s northwestern tip. You’ll find ruins of 18th-century batteries and garrisons scattered around the 44-acre grounds, along with a multimedia display of the island’s ecology and history in the museum and two small beaches. Bring a picnic or buy refreshments at the snack bar.
A Day at Rodney Bay Village
The daytime focal point of Rodney Bay Village is Reduit Beach, a broad swath of golden sand that is considered to be the island’s finest beach. Just offshore, kids (and adults) love the open-water inflatable Splash Island Water Park. Rodney Bay is also home to Baywalk Mall, featuring more than 50 stores. In the evening, the village becomes “restaurant central,” with everything from quick snacks to fine dining. Stick around for the nightlife, where several bars and clubs have live bands. On Friday, check out the local fish fry at Gros Islet village. It’s a huge street party with DJs, freshly grilled fish, and flowing drinks.
A Day on St. Lucia’s West Coast Road
While getting to Soufrière by boat is both fun and expeditious, traveling between Castries and the South along the winding mountainous West Coast Road provides a grand overview of St. Lucia’s natural beauty. About 15 minutes south of Castries, stop at Marigot Bay to view its pretty harbor (great photo ops) and have lunch or a snack. Continuing past banana fields, the winding road threads up the mountains, through hairpin turns in the rainforest and past spectacular views out to sea. You’ll pass through the fishing towns of Anse La Raye and Canaries before seeing in the distance the iconic Pitons and the picturesque town of Soufrière. It’s about a 90-minute (nonstop) drive each way and best done by a taxi driver, who isn’t intimidated by the road and doesn’t mind the return trip.