6 Best Sights in Saint Lucia

In front of the resort of the same name and Jade Mountain, this palm-studded dark-sand beach just north of Soufrière Bay has a backdrop of green mountains, brightly painted fishing skiffs bobbing at anchor, calm waters for swimming, and some of the island's best reefs for snorkeling and diving right from shore. Anse Chastanet Resort's gazebos are among the palms; its dive shop, restaurant, and bar are on the beach and open to the public. The mile-long dirt road from Soufrière, though, is a challenge even for taxi drivers, given its (by design) state of disrepair. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming.

This dark-sand beach in front of Ti Kaye Resort and Spa is accessible by boat or by jeep via Ti Kaye's mile-long, tire-crunching access road—and then 166 steps down to the beach. The calm water and adjacent reefs, part of the National Marine Reserve, are superb for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Most catamaran cruises to Soufrière stop here on the northbound leg so that day-trippers can take a quick swim. Boaters and swimmers can enjoy refreshments at Ti Kaye's beach bar. Snorkeling equipment is available at the dive shop on the beach. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

The white sand on this crescent beach, snuggled between the Pitons, was imported years ago and spread over the natural black sand. Accessible through the Sugar Beach resort or by boat, Anse des Pitons (aka Sugar Beach or Jalousie Beach) offers crystal-clear water for swimming, excellent snorkeling and diving, and breathtaking scenery—you're swimming right between the Pitons, after all. The underwater area here is protected as part of the National Marine Reserve. Neighboring resorts provide shuttle service to the beach for their guests; there is also free parking for those with a rental car, or you could take a land or water taxi. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming.

Calm waters rippled only by passing yachts lap a sliver of sand on the north side of Marigot Bay adjacent to the Marigot Beach Club and Dive Resort, across the bay from Zoëtry Marigot Bay and a short walk from Mango Beach Inn. Studded with palm trees, this tiny beach on extremely picturesque Marigot Bay is accessible by a ferry (EC$5 round-trip) that operates continually from one side of the bay to the other, with pickup at the Marina Village dock. You can find refreshments at adjacent or nearby restaurants. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; sunset.

This small beach, within the national landmark on the northwestern tip of Saint Lucia, has golden sand, a calm sea, and a view that extends from Rodney Bay to Martinique. It's a perfect spot for picnicking, and you can take a break from the sun by visiting the nearby Pigeon Island Museum and Interpretive Centre. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming.

This stretch of beachfront on Soufrière Bay was designated Soufrière Beach Park in spring 2019. The park offers beachgoers small restaurants, a smoothie bar, beach bar, pizzeria, souvenir shop, and a tourism information center. You can also rent nonmotorized water sports equipment. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming.