If you’re anything like me, packing for a vacation can be stressful. You want to make sure you have everything you need so that you can relax and enjoy your time away from home.
To help take the stress out of packing for your next trip, I’ve put together a complete Saint Lucia packing list. This list includes everything you need for an incredible vacation, from clothes to beach gear to electronics.
So whether you’re headed to St Lucia for a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, be sure to pack everything on this list!
Essential Documents for Saint Lucia
Passport
It is important to bring your passport to St. Lucia because it is required for entry and to show as proof of identity. Without it, you will not be able to get into the country. Additionally, your passport must be up-to-date and not more than six months away from expiring. US citizens don’t need a visa to enter the island. If you are an international traveler, check the visa requirements with your local embassy.
Top Tip: Take pictures of all important documents and keep them on your phone and email them to yourself and an emergency contact, just in case.
Flight Ticket
This one is pretty obvious, you need your flight ticket to board the plane, but you will also be asked to show your return flight when passing through immigration in Sait Lucia, so it’s a good idea to have it printed. You may not have internet access to pull it off your app or email.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an important consideration for anyone planning a trip abroad. When traveling to Saint Lucia, it can help protect against unexpected medical and financial expenses, trip cancellations, and other incidentals that may arise while traveling. Some insurances also cover lost baggage, delays, and other unexpected expenses.
Hotel Reservations
It is important to bring your hotel reservations for Saint Lucia when traveling because customs officials may ask for proof of where you are staying. Having your hotel reservation on hand, either printed or as a photo on your phone, will help to ensure that you can provide the necessary information and avoid any delays in your entry process.
It’s also very helpful to have it printed to show the address to cab drivers when going to your hotel.
Driver’s License
It is important to bring your driver’s license to Saint Lucia for multiple reasons.
- Identification – many banks require two forms of ID when doing transactions, and a valid driver’s license is one of the most common forms.
- Driving – if you plan to rent a car in St. Lucia, you will need to have a valid driver’s license.
Beach Packing List for Saint Lucia
Swimsuit
You are going to spend a lot of time on the beach and in the water, so when packing for your trip to Saint Lucia, you should definitely bring your bathing suit. Make sure to bring some extra swimsuits, so you don’t have to wear a wet one.
Beach Towel
Many hotels and all-inclusive resorts provide beach towels, but when visiting Saint Lucia, you should also consider bringing your own. Quick dry beach towels are especially great since they are lightweight and dry quickly, making them easy to transport and store.
Additionally, beach towels are convenient for providing a place to sit or lay down, as well as a barrier between the sand and your skin. Having a beach towel is also a great way to protect your skin from the sun’s rays and stay comfortable in between dips in the ocean.
Sunglasses
When traveling to Saint Lucia, it is important to pack sunglasses because the sun is particularly strong. Get sunglasses with strong UV protection, they will help reduce eye strain and protect your eyes from permanent damage.
I usually bring a good pair for the beach and walking around and a cheaper pair for outdoor activities. If I brake or lose the cheap pair, I can just replace it easily.
For more information, also read my article on the Best Beaches in Saint Lucia.
Sunscreen
Besides sunglasses, you should also protect your skin from the scorching Caribbean sun. When going to the beach in Saint Lucia, it’s important to bring strong and effective sunscreen. Look for a sunblock with SPF that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays, ideally with triple +++ protection.
Re-apply the sunscreen every 20-30 minutes, especially if you’ll be out in the sun for an extended period of time. Wear sunblock even if you are staying under an umbrella the entire day, you can still get sunburn without it. Trust me, I learned the hard way.
Water Shoes
Water shoes with a snug fit and good grip are ideal for swimming in the ocean in Saint Lucia, as they will offer the best protection and comfort. Some of the beaches are quite rocky and uncomfortable to walk barefoot. There are also large boulders with sharp edges and sea urchins in the water.
Hats
As with most Caribbean islands, Saint Lucia is hot and sunny year-round, so make sure to pack a few hats. Sports hats are compact and protect your head and face from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat is an even better option, both for style points and sun protection.
Hair Tools Travel Bag
Swimsuit Cover-Up
It’s a good idea to bring a swimwear cover-up, so you don’t have to change your clothes every time you leave the beach. It is particularly important for beach packing in Saint Lucia because it is expected to be worn in public areas, and it is an easy way to transition from a beach setting to a dining or social setting. Wearing a cover-up also helps to protect your skin from the sun.
Flip-Flops
Flip-flops and the beach go together hand-in-hand, so remember to pack a pair. They are extremely lightweight and don’t take up much space in your suitcase, which is great for not paying extra luggage fees. Flip-flops are also an excellent option for when you’re out exploring the resort. They are both stylish and affordable, so you don’t have to worry about damaging expensive shoes.
Underwater Camera & Accessories
Saint Lucia has amazing crystal-clear water, reefs, and colorful fish. An underwater camera will be an ideal choice for capturing your adventures while snorkeling or scuba diving. I use GoPro and DJI Osmo, both great options for action cams. Make sure to pack additional batteries and memory cards to ensure you have enough storage capacity.
Snorkeling Gear
When it comes to snorkeling on the beaches of Saint Lucia, it’s best to bring your own equipment. A complete set would include goggles, a snorkel tube, a swim cap, and fins. You can also rent snorkeling equipment at your resorts, but they are usually beat-up and bad quality, so it’s always preferable to have your own.
Clothes and Shoes for Saint Lucia
Casual Wear
During the day, casual wear is the way to go while walking around the resort, exploring the town, or on a trip. My list of casual wear for Saint Lucia includes beachwear, T-shirts, shorts, such as khaki or denim shorts, tank tops, short-sleeved shirts, and light slacks.
Ladies, don’t forget your sundresses and skirts. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are ideal for hot weather.
Dress Clothes
You will be going to dinners, bars, and clubs so it’s important to bring some dress-up clothes as well. A shirt and a pair of long pants will work great. Also remember to bring some accessories, like belts and bags.
Shoes
When visiting Saint Lucia, besides your flip-flops, also bring some sandals, a pair of more formal shoes for nights out, and a pair of sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes for nature excursions, such as the Rainforest Walk.
Underwear and Pajamas
And of course, we can’t forget the all-important underwater and something to sleep in. Bring extra pair of underwater, always good to have in hot climates.
Rain Jacket
Saint Lucia does experience rain from time to time, especially in the rainy season, so pack a lightweight jacket that offers protection from the occasional downpour. You can also use it as a windbreaker on colder mornings.
Money and Payments for Saint Lucia
Cash
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the legal tender in Saint Lucia, though U.S. Dollars, traveler’s cheques, and major credit cards are also accepted. I would still bring cash or take some out from an ATM, just not the ones in the airport.
Keep most of your vacation money in the hotel safe, don’t carry it around everywhere with you for safety reasons. As with almost every touristy place, there are pickpockets around looking to take your valuables. You will need cash for tips, taxis, local markets, and souvenirs.
Credit cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Saint Lucia in hotels, resorts, and large restaurants. But you may want to check with your credit card company and place a vacation notice to make sure they do not block transactions in Saint Lucia. It’s also a good idea to use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, especially if they offer travel rewards.
Top Tip: If prompted to choose the currency when paying, always choose the local currency, not the US dollar. This way, your bank at home does the currency conversion at the daily rate saving you a lot of money.
Travel Wallet
A travel wallet is a secure and convenient way to store your valuables while traveling. I used all kinds, from small pouches that can carry cash, and credit cards, to neck wallets and larger holders that can fit your passports as well.
It keeps all your important items organized and easy to access. A Travel wallet can help you avoid getting pick-pocketed in crowded areas or just straight losing your stuff.
Related Article: The Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean.
Chargers and Electronics for Saint Lucia
Charger for electronic devices
It is essential to bring your chargers for electronic devices to Saint Lucia because they will be used a lot throughout your holiday. You will need them to take pictures and videos and navigate around. Additionally, if you plan on renting a car, you will need a 12V car charger.
And don’t forget your charger for the GoPro and all the cables you may need.
Protective Phone Case
A phone protective case is a waterproof or water-resistant cover designed to protect your mobile device from damage. Most phones claim they are water and dust-resistant, but salt water is very corrosive, and getting sand in your charge port can brake your phone entirely, so you should protect it.
These cases are especially useful when traveling in Saint Lucia because of the humid climate and because you will spend most of your time on the beach. They also have neck straps to help you not lose your phone during activities on the island.
e-Reader
If you are a book lover, bring along an e-Reader with books downloaded offline. Compared to a phone or tablet, the e-Reader can be used in direct sunlight because of its special screen, it won’t overheat, and the battery lasts much longer.
It still can’t replace the feeling of an actual book, but with limited baggage space and airlines becoming more aggressive on overweight fees, it’s the best thing for vacations.
Power Adapter
Unfortunately, the power outlets in Saint Lucia vary with each accommodation. A few use the US plug with 110V, but the most commonly used is the British (220v) outlet. To ensure that all devices can be charged, it is best to bring a universal adapter or two with you.
Power Bank
A power bank is a portable battery that stores energy, allowing you to charge your devices on the go when no other power sources are available. This is particularly useful when traveling, especially in the airport, on the airplane, or when exploring around.
You will take hundreds of photos on your phone, so you will need to top it off more often than regular. Get a small power bank, it’s compact and lightweight, so it is easy to take with you wherever you go.
You will also like this article on the Top Things to Do in Saint Lucia.
Toiletries and Medication for Saint Lucia
Toiletries
When traveling to Saint Lucia, it is important to make sure that you are prepared and have all the necessary toiletry items. Hotels usually have shampoo and shower gel, but unless it’s a fiver star resort, they are pretty poor quality, so bring your own or buy some from a local market.
You will need to bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste, perfume, cosmetics, and any hair care products that you need. And don’t forget any personal hygiene items that you may need.
Essential Medication
Make sure to pack any prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, stomach remedies, seasickness medicine, antihistamines, and any other medicines you may need. Keep all prescription medications in the original bottles and have your prescriptions on hand in case you are asked for them by Police or TSA.
Body Lotion
When packing for Saint Lucia, it is important to bring a body lotion that is hydrating and provides long-lasting moisture to protect your skin from the hot climate. Look for lotions with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and glycerin.
After Sun Cream
Even with beach umbrellas, hats, and sunscreen, the sun will still get you a little bit. I always bring an Aloe Vera After-Sun Cream when visiting tropical climates, as it can help to cool and soothe skin.
Insect Repellent
Nowhere is safe from mosquitos. They are a constant source of annoyance and itchiness, so don’t let them ruin your vacation, bring some insect repellant cream or spray. DEET-based insect repellents are available for use to protect against midges, mosquitoes, and no-see-ums. There are some natural alternatives, but if you are the unlucky one in the group to always get stung, get the DEET.
Other Things to Consider Packing for Saint Lucia
In-Flight Essentials
Depending on where you are coming from, the flight can be an hour or several hours. I always pack some in-flight essentials to make the journey to Saint Lucia more comfortable. My must-haves are a neck pillow, face mask, ear plugs, headphones, e-Reader, hand sanitizer, travel bidet, and my medication.
Hair Tools Travel Bag
Mini First-Aid Kit
I always carry a mini first-aid kit with me when traveling. I always get small cuts and injuries when exploring around, especially in the tropical forest of Saint Lucia. It is a small, portable container that contains essential items such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and pain reliever medication.
Travel Bag
Travel bags are amazing. They are water resistant, lined with many pockets, lightweight, and an essential item for any traveler, especially when visiting Saint Lucia. It can help you carry all your belongings, such as clothes, toiletries, electronic devices, and other items you may need on your trip.
Having a lightweight day bag or beach bag makes it easier to take your belongings with you to the beach, go sightseeing, or just go on a short excursion. Pack enough items in your backpack, but don’t go overboard so that you can make the most of your time in Saint Lucia.
You will also enjoy my Complete Saint Lucia Travel Tips.
Luggage locks
Luggage locks will help to ensure that all of your items stay safe and secure. Pickpockets and thieves look for the easiest victim. If your backpacks and roller bags have a lock on them, it’s usually enough to discourage them from trying.
Additionally, using locks can also protect your belongings from being lost or damaged during the journey, as it will help to keep your luggage securely closed. They are small and cheap to buy, so there is no reason not to use them.
Packing Cubes
This is my secret weapon to stay organized. Packing cubes are specialized bags designed to help organize, store, and transport your clothing and belongings in a neat fashion. These cubes are usually made of lightweight, durable materials, such as nylon or polyester, which make them easy to carry and stack in luggage.
They provide many convenient features, such as multiple compartments, mesh windows and pockets, and labels, which enable us to pack and organize our belongings easily. Some sets also have shoe and laundry bags to keep your dirty clothes away from the clean ones.
Made by travelers, for travelers, check out the Barefoot Caribou Products below!
The Complete Saint Lucia Packing List
Whether you’re planning a Saint Lucia vacation or any other type of trip, it’s important to be prepared. If I missed anything, please let me know in the comments below!
I hope this packing list will help you make sure you have everything you need for an incredible trip. What are you waiting for? Start packing!
If you enjoyed this article, also check out my Favorite Travel Destinations.
2 thoughts on “Complete Saint Lucia Packing List for an Incredible Vacation in 2024”
I can’t tell you how helpful your articles have been regarding St. Lucia. Thank you so much for providing such detailed information and in a very easy format! Thank you
Hey Katie,
Thank you for the kind words!
I’m happy the article was helpful.
Have an amazing time in Saint Lucia.