What to do in Saint Lucia: our highlights guide

One of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia's twin volcanic peaks rise dramatically from turquoise seas. Along with powdery-soft, palm-fringed beaches, the island offers a host of interesting activities within its mountainous interior.

There are plenty of hiking and trekking opportunities and archaeological and historical sites to explore. Or you might prefer to sail around the coastline in search of the many whales and dolphins that can be spotted in the waters here.

From summiting Gros Piton to snorkeling among the corals, here are 10 things you could do on a trip to Saint Lucia beyond relaxing on its pristine white sands.

1. Gros Piton summit hike

A good level of fitness is required to hike to the summit of Gros Piton, the second highest peak in Saint Lucia. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the views from the top make this challenging hike worth the effort. It can take up to six hours in total, so we recommend starting early to make the most of the cool morning hours.

As you climb, your guide will give you insights into the fauna, flora, and history of the peak. They might point out wildlife, including — if you’re lucky — the rare St Lucia black finch, which is endemic to the island. They might also regale stories of the bandits who used to live in the mountains as you pass their former camps. Then, after scrambling through forest, you’ll be treated to views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea, the southernmost tip of Saint Lucia, and Gros Piton’s smaller and aptly named twin peak, Petit Piton.

A helicopter flight is another great way to get an aerial view of the Pitons. There are various options to explore the north or south. We suggest a 20-minute island tour that takes in the Pitons, the dense vegetation of the rainforest areas, and the pretty bays along the Caribbean side of the island. If you’d like to see the rugged Atlantic coast and its fishing villages, this can be covered on a 30-minute tour.

2. 4x4 rainforest adventure

If the Gros Piton climb sounds a little too strenuous, you can still explore the lush rainforest of the island’s interior by 4x4 or on one of the hiking and nature trails in the area. The vast and beautiful expanse of Saint Lucia’s dense rainforest stretches across the island and is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, as well as waterfalls and views of sweeping valleys and the sea beyond.

3. Guided walk along the Tet Paul Trail, with a taste of Saint Lucia’s chocolate

Set slightly south of Soufrière, this relatively short nature trail rewards you with forest-framed views of the Pitons, taking around 45 minutes in each direction.

On the way to the top you'll find lots of native species of flora and fauna, and you might even catch a glimpse (or hear the distinctive squawk) of the St Lucia parrot. Your guide will also explain the medicinal uses of certain plants the local community grows en route, like soursop, rosemary, and lemongrass.

Before your hike, you’ll also visit a local cocoa plantation and sample artisan chocolates made from the island’s bounty — a classic Saint Lucia experience. If you want to delve deeper into the industry, we can arrange for you to take a separate tree-to-bar tour at eco-conscious Emerald Estate. Here, you’ll learn how cocoa beans are fermented, sun-dried, and polished, before being turned into silky bars of chocolate, which you’ll get to taste and take away with you.

4. Exploring the archaeological sites of Pigeon Island

Picturesque Pigeon Island is managed by Saint Lucia National Trust and connected to the mainland by a causeway. This living museum is heralded as one of the most important monuments of Saint Lucia’s history. There’s a number of interesting archaeological and historic sites to explore, including the ruins of military buildings used during the battles between the French and British colonists. A look-out point at the top of the fort provides far-reaching views of the northwest coastline.

5. A night spent at the Friday Fish Fry

If you’re looking for an authentic Saint Lucia experience, start the weekend as the locals do at the Friday Fish Fry.

Large numbers of people from all over come to enjoy these bustling street parties, held in both the north and south of the island. Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to sample freshly caught fish and lambi (conch) kebabs, while the sounds of music and lively conversation swirl around you, crescendoing as the night progresses.

We suggest going earlier in the evening if you’d prefer to focus on the food rather than the party atmosphere.

6. Whale and dolphin watching by boat

Saint Lucia has its fair share of resident and visiting cetaceans, and the success rate of spotting them is high. On a boat trip around the island, you can look out for pods of spinner dolphins, as well as the more elusive pilot, sperm, and orca whales during their migration from October to February.

Even if you don’t see all of these creatures, the island’s mountainous landscape provides a dramatic backdrop as you sail along in search of them. In particular, look out for the two volcanic spires of the Pitons, which appear to pierce out of the aquamarine waters, cloaked in mossy-looking vegetation.

7. Turtle spotting at Grand Anse Beach

From March to July, head to remote, little-visited Grande Anse Beach to see turtles lay their eggs. The three species that nest here are the green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles — the largest reptile in the world. While all three species are endangered, a local turtle watch project is working with the Saint Lucia National Trust and the government to protect them.

8. Rural life in Saint Lucia’s interior and on the east coast

With most development focused on the west coast, the east coast and center of Saint Lucia shelter a quieter and more traditional way of life. To experience the more rural side of the island, you can head to Babonneau, a quiet farming community set in the hills. There, you’ll meet a local Kwéyòl-speaking family who’ll teach you about their traditions, as well as the spices and plants they grow. Alternatively, you can visit the agricultural and fishing villages of the east coast.

9. Birdwatching in the Millet Bird Sanctuary & on the Des Cartier Rainforest Trail

Saint Lucia is home to over 160 species of birds, including six endemic species: the St Lucia parrot, the St Lucia black finch, the St Lucia pewee, the St Lucia oriole, the St Lucia warbler, and Semper’s warbler (though the latter is possibly extinct).

There are a number of key birding sites on the island, including the Millet Bird Sanctuary, where over 30 species, including five endemic ones, can be found. The Des Cartier Rainforest Trail is one of the best sites for birdwatching on the island. It offers possibly the best chance of seeing the rarer birds, including the Saint Lucia parrot, the national bird. If you're braving the strenuous trail up Gros Piton you can also spot endemic birds along the hike.

Across the island, we can pair you with a naturalist guide for your best chances of spotting the birds that interest you the most.

10. Snorkeling in Saint Lucia’s coral reefs

The west coast offers great snorkelling and diving opportunities, with fish-filled coral reefs just a short distance from the shore. We can arrange for you to set sail on a private boat, which will take you to Anse Cochon, within the National Marine Reserve. There, as you snorkel in the clear waters, you might spot lion fish, trumpet fish, crabs, and eels.