Do you love the beach? Then you’ll definitely want to check out my guide to the best beaches in Saint Lucia!
I chose eleven of the best beaches on this beautiful island, so whether you’re looking for a romantic spot for two or a place to party with friends, I’ve got you covered.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today, and be sure to check out my guide to the Best Beaches in Saint Lucia!
What makes Saint Lucia a great destination for beach lovers?
Saint Lucia is a great destination for beach lovers because of its stunning beaches with diverse types of sand, spectacular views, and easy access to the public. The western shore has the best swimming conditions and beaches with dark sand, while the eastern shore is a bit too rocky for swimming.
Some of the best beaches in St Lucia are only accessible by four-wheel drive or by water taxi, making them perfect for those seeking a more remote experience.
Additionally, the resorts and hotels on St Lucia beach are open for public enjoyment and provide an idyllic backdrop with lush vegetation and green hills.
The 11 Best Beaches in Saint Lucia
1. Soufriere Beach
Soufrière Beach is one of the best beaches in Saint Lucia due to its unique location between the iconic Piton Peaks and its picturesque views, making it an unforgettable experience. It is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear water, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving.
The beach also provides a great insight into local life, as small fishing boats ply the cove and children play in and out of the water.
Furthermore, it is conveniently close to Sugar Beach Resort, with a shuttle service three times a day or a 20-minute walk downhill from Stonefield Estate Resort. Soufrière Beach is the perfect place to relax, watch the sunset and enjoy the stunning views of the Piton Peaks.
2. Anse Chastanet Beach
Anse Chastanet Beach it is tucked away in a tranquil cove north of Soufriere, making it the ideal spot to relax and take in the lush tropical scenery. The black volcanic sand and serene seas are perfect for swimming, and the nearby coral reef and sea walls are teeming with vibrant marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Visitors can also enjoy some local barbeque and drinks right on the beach, making it a great spot to spend the day.
Additionally, Anse Chastanet is home to the Jade Mountain Resort, one of the best resorts on the island. For those who are looking for a quieter and more romantic spot, there is a pathway at the northern part of the beach that leads to Anse Mamin beach.
All in all, Anse Chastanet Beach is a St Lucia beach gem that shouldn’t be missed.
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3. Sugar Beach
Sugar Beach is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Saint Lucia due to its stunning scenery and vast array of activities. The beach is situated at the base of two towering mountains covered in lush rainforest and lined by swaying palm trees.
With its soft white sand and clear, turquoise waters, it is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Scuba divers can explore the 1,800-foot drop-off at the foot of the mountains, where you can see a variety of brightly colored sea life.
You can also access part of the beach through the Viceroy Resort and enjoy lounging in the sun. With its breathtaking views and abundance of activities, Sugar Beach truly is one of the best beaches in Saint Lucia.
4. Pigeon Island Beach
Located on the northern side of the island, Pigeon Island Beach is part of Pigeon Island National Park and is connected to the mainland by a manmade causeway. It is usually free of crowds, and the calm waters and verdant vegetation make it feel like a deserted island.
Moreover, the beach is a great place to explore the island’s history and culture, as it is home to a museum and interpretive center, as well as Fort Rodney, where you can admire the beautiful panoramic view of the landscape.
With its crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and mountain backdrops, Pigeon Island Beach is truly a magnificent place to discover and relax.
5. Anse de Sables
Anse de Sables is an outstanding beach located in the southern part of Saint Lucia. The mile-long beach provides an unspoiled and stunning stretch of white sand, making it the perfect place for a beach day.
What makes Anse de Sables truly stand out from other beaches in the area is its perfect location for water sports. With its curvy shape, the beach enjoys strong winds and tall waves and is known to be a favorite spot for surfers and windsurfers.
Even those who don’t participate in water sports can still enjoy the incredible view of the white-capped waves crashing against the coast. Furthermore, Anse de Sables provides a unique view of the lush hills that surround the beach, creating a picturesque backdrop.
Also, The Reef Kite & Surf Centre, a sporting area on the beach, offers kite school, equipment rentals, and beachside snacks perfect for a day at Anse de Sables.
Whether you want to participate in water sports, enjoy watching them, or simply relax on the white sands, Anse de Sables is an ideal beach for all.
6. Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay in Saint Lucia is a great beach destination due to its picturesque scenery and abundance of activities. It is located on the western coast of St. Lucia, surrounded by small beaches, swaying palm trees, and lush vegetation that rises up steeply from the volcanic sand.
This sheltered bay provides a beautiful backdrop for relaxation, making it a popular spot for beachgoers. The bay also offers an array of activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, and a beachfront bar. With its abundance of boats and catamarans in port, Marigot Bay is a great spot to watch boats bob in the blue water and enjoy a classic Caribbean atmosphere.
Marigot Bay is also well known for its Hollywood film appearances in Doctor Dolittle and Creature, making it an even more special destination.
7. Cas en Bas Beach
Located on the northeast coast, Cas en Bas Beach has a rugged landscape and is renowned for its local seafood restaurant, Marjorie’s beach shack. This local spot is known for its delectable food and drinks, as well as its welcoming and friendly staff.
The beach is also popular with locals for fishing, horseback riding, and kitesurfing. For those looking to get away from the tourist-filled west coast, Cas en Bas Beach serves as a great local spot for a quiet and tranquil beach day.
Plus, with its stunning view of the ocean and nearby hills, Cas en Bas offers a unique and beautiful backdrop for beachgoers looking for a peaceful and idyllic experience.
8. Gros Islet Beach
What makes Gros Islet Beach one of the best beaches in Saint Lucia is its unbeatable combination of beautiful scenery, amazing sunsets, and plentiful activities. The beach offers up soft white sand and crystal clear blue waters, as well as stunning views of the twin Gros and Petit Piton volcanic peaks.
Not only that, but it also has some of the best sunsets in St. Lucia, making it the perfect spot for a beach day and sunset-watching.
For those looking for an adventure, Gros Islet Beach has plenty to offer, with snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities just off-shore.
The Bay Gardens Beach Luxury Resort & Spa also provides an excellent place for relaxing and sunning, with a portion of the beach set aside for the public with separate lounging chairs.
All in all, Gros Islet Beach has something to offer everyone, making it one of the best beaches in Saint Lucia.
9. Laborie Bay Beach
Laborie Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in Saint Lucia for many reasons. It is located on the southwest edge of the island, making it an excellent spot for relaxation away from the busy tourist areas.
The beach is surrounded by swaying palm trees that provide shade and a pleasant Caribbean breeze, making it a perfect place to escape and unwind. The tranquil water is perfect for a refreshing dip, while snorkeling is also a great way to explore the vibrant sea life and coral just offshore.
Additionally, there are authentic local restaurants nearby that serve St. Lucian cuisine and drinks, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with a view.
10. Vigie Beach
Vigie Beach is one of the best beaches in Saint Lucia due to its stunning natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and convenient location. This two-mile stretch of golden sand is lined with lush vegetation, and the Caribbean Sea is a beautiful shade of blue.
It’s far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city of Castries, yet only a 20-minute walk away. The beach is well protected from the trade winds, making it a great spot to relax in the sun. It is also close to the cruise ship port and the island’s smaller airport.
For those looking to sample local cuisine, there are several restaurants nearby, and there is even an on-site restaurant right on the beach. To top it off, there is an ice cream vendor that drives by regularly, offering refreshing treats.
All in all, Vigie Beach is the perfect destination for a peaceful, relaxing beach getaway with plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure.
11. Grande Anse Beach
Grande Anse Beach is one of the best beaches in Saint Lucia for its remote and rugged beauty, its seclusion, and its importance in sea turtle conservation.
Located on the Atlantic coast just north of Dennery, this mile-long stretch of sand is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and has a truly unspoiled feel. Since it takes a bit of a hike to get there, this beach is usually empty and offers an ideal escape from the island’s tourist areas.
Furthermore, the beach is a nesting ground for endangered leatherback sea turtles, so visitors can partake in a Turtle Watch tour and witness the natural wonder of turtles laying their eggs.
With its remote location and stunning scenery, Grande Anse Beach is a must-see destination for anyone looking for a truly unique beach experience in Saint Lucia.
FAQ
Which part of St. Lucia has the best beaches?
The west coast of the island is known for its stunning beaches fronting the calmer waters of the Caribbean, as well as offering stunning views of the sunset. Rodney Bay and Pitons Bay are some of my favorite spots.
What activities are available at Saint Lucia's beaches?
At Saint Lucia’s beaches, you can enjoy a range of activities, from swimming in the calm waters, playing beach volleyball, and building sandcastles on the powdery golden sands to trying the exciting water-sports park at Splash Island in Rodney Bay Village near Castries.
While families can take part in the inflatable water park, watersports enthusiasts can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing. When taking a break from activities, you can enjoy a few drinks and snacks at the laid-back beach bar/restaurant Spinnakers.
On the weekends, the beach becomes lively with picnics, locals, and upbeat music.
What is the best beach in Saint Lucia?
In my opinion, the best beach in Saint Lucia is Sugar Beach, also known as Jalousie Beach. This beautiful stretch of soft white sand lies at the base of and in between the two peaks of the Pitons, just south of the village of Soufriere.
It’s considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and is known for its great snorkeling and scuba diving, with an 1800-foot drop-off at the foot of the mountains. Part of the beach is open to the public and offers lounge chairs.
Is there a beach in Saint Lucia suitable for swimming?
Yes, the beaches on the west side of Saint Lucia are great for swimming. This side faces the Caribbean sea and has tranquil waters. All beaches in Saint Lucia are open to the public and have their own unique characteristics to explore.
Are there any white sand beaches in St. Lucia?
While a lot of the beaches on the island have dark sand or golden sand, there are several stunning white sand beaches on St. Lucia, such as Anse des Sables, a shallow bay protected by a coral reef along the southwestern coast of the island.
Other white sand beaches to consider are Sugar Beach and Pigeon Island Beach.
What’s the best time of year to visit St. Lucia?
With its year-round warm temperatures, the ideal time to visit St. Lucia and enjoy its stunning beaches is between December and May, which is the driest season.
The holidays are a dream come true on the beautiful Saint Lucia coastline, but this is also the busy season, which means more people and higher prices.
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What kind of wildlife can be seen at Saint Lucia's beaches?
At Saint Lucia’s beaches, you can spot a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. Sea turtles come to lay their delicate eggs on the beaches, while dolphins and whales can be seen on boat tours.
And let’s not forget about the countless colorful fish you can spot by snorkeling or diving.
Make sure you have everything you need for your vacation in Saint Lucia. Read my Complete Packing List Here.
Are there any resorts near Saint Lucia's beaches?
Yes, there are plenty of incredible resorts located right along some of the best beaches in St. Lucia.
- From the Landings Resort & Spa to Sugar Beach Resort, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
- Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Oasis Marigot Club and Villas offer luxurious over-the-water bungalows with butler service,
- while Ladera Resort and Mago Estate Hotel are set in stunning rainforest locations with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Pitons.
- For a luxurious stay, choose one of the 1-bedroom beachfront bungalows with private courtyards containing a Jacuzzi, a furnished waterfront patio, and a spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub.
Are there any restaurants or bars near Saint Lucia's beaches?
Yes, there are several restaurants and bars on the beaches of Saint Lucia. Some of my favorites include Seashell Beach Restaurant in Soufriere Bay, Doolittle’s in Marigot Bay, and Hi-Tide Beach Side Restaurant in Rodney Bay.
Are there any other attractions near Saint Lucia's beaches?
In addition to the gorgeous beaches in St. Lucia, there are plenty of other attractions to explore. Visitors can relax on the soft sand and watch boats go by in Marigot Bay or have a picnic and listen to upbeat music at Rodney Bay Village.
Other attractions nearby include the lush rainforest at Soufriere Beach, the hot springs and mineral baths, and hiking and bird watching in Pigeon Island National Park.
You should also read this article on Things to do in Saint Lucia.
Are there any beaches in Saint Lucia good for snorkeling?
Yes, there are several beaches in Saint Lucia ideal for snorkeling, such as Sugar Beach, Pigeon Island beaches, Anse Cochon, Laborie Bay, and Reduit Beach. In particular, Soufriere beach is known for its clear and vibrant coral reef, which can be accessed by walking in from the north end of the beach within 150 ft.
Are there any safety concerns when visiting Saint Lucia's beaches?
Saint Lucia is one of the safest places in the Caribbean, but there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to safety. The western side of the island faces the Caribbean Sea and has calmer waters, making it the better option for swimming.
However, the eastern side of the island faces the Atlantic Ocean, which has rougher waters and is not recommended for children and beginner swimmers.
When lounging on the beach and going in the water, be careful of your valuables. Serious crimes are very uncommon in Saint Lucia, but pickpocketing and thriving occur from time to time. Use your best judgment and ask one of the members of your group to safeguard your valuables.
Lastly, make sure to bring bug spray and sunscreen, as the heat can be intense. A wide-brimmed hat will also be great to help shade you from the sun.
Does St. Lucia have crystal-clear water?
Yes, St. Lucia has crystal clear, gorgeously colored water in shades of blue and turquoise, making it great for snorkeling and scuba diving. It also features a variety of beaches, ranging from white to gold to gray and black sand due to its volcanic origins.
The western side of the island faces the Caribbean, providing swimmable waters, while the eastern side faces the Atlantic Ocean, with waves suited for watersports.
Additionally, St. Lucia is considered one of the top islands in the Caribbean for dolphin and whale watching, offering tourists the chance to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.
Here are some of my top tips for traveling to Saint Lucia
- Book your trip in advance, Saint Lucia is quite expensive
- The best weather is during the winter months, but also the most expensive
- Carry some cash on you for small purchases and tips. USD and the local currency XCD are widely accepted.
- All beaches are open to the public, but you may need to check in at the resort’s front desk to access a few of them
- Bring bug spray if you’re catching the sunset, the mosquitos are not friendly in the evening
- If you plan on driving, stay alert and keep to the left
- It’s essential to put on sunscreen with a high SPF and wear hats to protect yourself from sunburn.
For more information and ideas, you may want to check out my Saint Lucia Travel Guide.
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The Best Beaches in Saint Lucia
So there you have it, my guide to the Best Beaches in Saint Lucia! I hope you found this helpful and that it makes your trip planning a little bit easier.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comment section below.
