A Traveler’s Guide to the Best Beaches in St. Lucia
Sun, sea, and sand. That’s what we all want when we go on a tropical vacation (well, most of us at least), and that’s exactly what awaits us on St. Lucia. This heavenly little slice of the Caribbean is packed with the kind of picture-perfect beaches that sell travel magazines by the hundred. Complete with all the warm white sands, turquoise seas, and hot, hot sun anyone could ever want, St Lucia’s beaches are what attracts millions of us to the island each year, and the reason so many of us keep going back for more. But which beaches are the best? Which little inlets, sandy expanses, and golden bays are most worthy of your attention? If you’re in need of some guidance, here’s our pick of the best beaches in St. Lucia.
Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach is a thin, long stretch of beach that regularly ranks as one of St. Lucia’s most beautiful. It’s also one of the quietest, making it ideal for those who’d rather avoid the crowds and enjoy their own little corner of Caribbean paradise. Sit back with a book, soak up the sun, and relax… what could be better?
Marigot Bay
Even on an island known for its beautiful bays, Marigot Bay stands out as something truly exceptional. Nestled between emerald hills and offering breathtaking views over the surrounding area, this charmingly picturesque harbor was once described as “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean” by Chesapeake novelist James A. Michener. It’s also featured in no end of movies, including the 1967 classic adaptation of Hugh Lofting’s Doctor Dolittle books. The yachts dotted around the harbor make for a colorful sight, while the opportunities for watersports, sunbathing on the beach, or relaxing with a cooling beverage at one of the bars and restaurants scattered around the shoreline are boundless. If you prefer something a little more active, the hike up the hills surrounding the beach should keep you happy.
Jalousie Beach
Trip Advisor reviewers have some good things to say about Jalousie Beach.. something that no doubt explains why it’s widely considered one of the best beaches in St. Lucia. Overshadowed by the iconic Pitons, this soft sand beach is tranquil, relaxed, and a great place to try some snorkeling. Want to see what all the fuss is about for yourself? Then check out some of the feedback. “White sand beach nestled right between the Pitons. It doesn’t get much more beautiful than this. You will constantly look around in amazement at Gros and Petit Piton and the beautiful clear water. The entire beach is public so don’t feel constrained to one area, however, there is a side that is labeled as the “public side” as it has free chairs. If you are going to be hanging out at the beach over lunch time, I highly recommend visiting the little cabana on the public side and asking about food. They have local lunches boated in every day and the food is amazing and very reasonably priced. Also, one local will arrive every day by a canoe filled with fresh fruit. He will sell fresh smoothies right on the beach. This is a must as they are amazing,” one comments, while another happy visitor says “I’m an avid snorkeler and snorkel all over the Caribbean. This has got to be the most amazing place to go and it’s right there from the beach. Go to the right-hand side and walk in (be careful, there are lots of rocks). Snorkel up and down the side and you will find plenty of sea life, huge coral, and sponges. So many things to see and it doesn’t disappoint.”
Anse Chastanet
If you prefer your beaches to come without the legions of tourists that accompany some of St. Lucia’s most popular destinations, Anse Chastanet could be your ideal match. Lapped by calm, gentle waves, ringed by lush tropical forests, and offering breathtaking views over both the Piti and Gros Piton mountains floating in the distance, it’s a little slice of tranquil paradise. The beach is large enough to give you plenty of space to find your own little corner of heaven, while the type of crowd it attracts tends to be of the quieter and older kind than the type that hangs around places like Reduit Beach. The opportunities for snorkeling, meanwhile, are among the best on St. Lucia: the legions of rainbow-colored fish circling the coral reef will keep you entertained for hours.
Vigil Beach
A longer, gentler-sloped alternative to Reduit beach, Vigil Beach has it all: a quiet relaxed atmosphere that still manages to have enough going on to keep you entertained, and the somewhat novel distinction of being one of the few beaches in the world be located near an airstrip. Kids will love the way the gently sloping beach keeps the waves gentle (although surfers might need to look elsewhere for their thrills), while the rental umbrellas and ice-cream vendors make it even more family-friendly than it already is. As triphobo.com notes, the plethora of shops and kiosks skirting the beach makes it ideal for picking up a few knick-knacks or souvenirs, while the combination of relaxed atmosphere and lively vibes is positively infectious.
Reduit Beach
Reduit Beach is one of St. Lucia’s most famous beaches, and for good reason. Considered by US News and World Report to be one of St. Lucia’s most must-see places, its combination of warm white sands, crystal clear waters and mesmeric views over the Caribbean Sea is spellbinding. But there’s more to Reduit than just the beach itself: dotted around the shoreline are enough restaurants, bars, shops, and kiosks to keep you entertained for weeks. The atmosphere is gloriously lively, while the big waves rolling across the shore make it one of the best places for surfing on the island.
