St. Lucia Travel Guide & Packing Tips: Everything You Need to Know

This Saint Lucia travel guide covers the best time to visit St. Lucia, tips on where to stay, how to get there, the top things to do, and more!

St. Lucia is one of those places that never fails to take your breath away no matter how many times you visit its palm-fringed, golden shores. From the unimaginably picturesque coastline to lush, forested mountains rising from the horizon, the scale of St. Lucia’s postcard perfection is pretty much unbeatable.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this Caribbean paradise on a few occasions and have put together a travel guide for anyone hoping to make the trip to the sun-kissed island.

 

Saint Lucia Travel Guide & Packing Tips

 

The Best Time To Visit St. Lucia

High season in St. Lucia takes place between December and April during late winter when a lot of people are trying to escape the cold from most of the Northern Hemisphere.

You’ll find that the island is busiest and most expensive around this time which is why the perfect window to visit St. Lucia’s sunny shores is between May and June. You’ll be met with gorgeous temperatures in the high 70s and 80s and most hotels, including some of the best, will be offering desirable rates.

 

Where To Stay in St. Lucia

 

The Landings Resort & Spa: Boasting its own Marina that serves as a private dock and scenic attraction for guests but also as an easily accessible departure point for the numerous water activities offered by the hotel, The Landings Resort and Spa is an enviable place to spend your trip.

A tropical oasis offering nothing short of 5-star luxury, you can expect lavish rooms, multi-story waterfalls and private beaches alongside an array of other amenities.

 

Ti Kaye Resort & Spa: If you’re looking for a more intimate experience at no expense to unparalleled island luxury, then you won’t be disappointed with the Ti Kaye Resort & Spa, nestled into a bay with crystal clear emerald water and only a 40-minute drive from George F Charles Airport.

The resort has a beautifully rustic and barefoot feel to it, complete with sweeping views of Anse Cochon. You can look forward to deliciously authentic Creole food at the main restaurant and beach grill and can expect to spend your days relaxing in or exploring your enticing surroundings.

 

Anse Chastanet Resort: Another jewel of the Caribbean is the Anse Chastanet Resort that prides itself on the tranquil nature of its surroundings and promotes simplicity and existing in harmony with the land around it. On the quiet south-western coast of St. Lucia, you’ll find 600 acres of lush, tropical land with two beaches that have views of the magical Pitons peaks across the water.

Read more: 7 Experiences Every Traveler Should Have in St. Lucia

 

How To Get Around St. Lucia

The great thing about St. Lucia is that you can usually get transfers from airports and between hotels that will end up being cheaper and more convenient than renting your own car.

Places like Rodney Bay have pretty much all the best things to do within walking distance and being somewhere like Ti Kaye means you’ll be busy relaxing on the beach or playing in the water instead of worrying how to get somewhere else. If you do decide to rent a car, make sure you grab a permit at the airport first!

Read more:25 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World (And Where To Stay)

 

Best Things To Do In St. Lucia

 

Castries Market: A trip to St. Lucia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Castries Market where you can find all the culinary and artisanal treasures the West Indies has to offer!

Pigeon Island National Park: Hikers can’t miss the opportunity to experience some of the breathtaking views around the island. Pigeon Island National Park is an island reserve that boasts a striking scenery as well as an intriguing insight into St. Lucia’s history.

Tet Paul Nature Trail: Tet Paul Nature Trail gave me the chance to get up close and personal with some of the island’s flora and the panoramas visible along the way were simply gorgeous.

Sulfur Springs: Another unmissable experience is the Sulfur Springs, famous for their mud baths that attract people from all over the world. End the day feeling young after a few hours of reaping the benefits of the mineral-rich baths.

Catamaran Snorkel Tour: Snorkelers will fall in love with the abundance of perfectly preserved expanses of coral reefs under the surface of the waters of Ti Kaye and if you want to venture further out then jump on a Catamaran Snorkel Tour. You’ll have the chance to soak up the surrounding beauty of St. Lucia as you sail across the water before diving into the colorful world below.

Read more:Top Honeymoon Destinations for Couples on a Budget

 

St. Lucia Packing Essentials

 

 Bug Spray: Between midges, mosquitoes, and no-see-ums, you’ll want as much protection as you can get!

 Snorkel Equipment: If I’m staying at a resort that charges for snorkeling equipment, I usually bring my own — not to mention, I like knowing that I’ll have a decent set of fins and a mask that won’t constantly fog up.

 Long Sleeve Rash Guard: A little extra sun protection is never a bad idea in the Caribbean and you’re undoubtedly going to be spending a lot of time in the water.

 Reef Safe Sunblock: I highly recommend eco-friendly sun block because we want our reefs to be around for as long as possible!

 Light Sweater or Wrap: A light cardigan is perfect for chilly evenings.

 Rain Cover for Backpack/Any Camera Gear: Downpours can come out of nowhere. I always bring a rain cover for my backpack in order to protect camera gear and phones.

 Sun Hat: Because after all, the Caribbean is the place for sun hats!

 

For more tips on visiting St. Lucia, check out our St. Lucia Wanderguide!