Cruise Port Guide · Southern Caribbean
Things to Do in St. Lucia
St. Lucia is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, with lush green mountains and the famous Pitons, two volcanic peaks rising straight out of the sea. Ships dock in Castries, the capital, and the coastline is best seen from the water.
St. Lucia at a glance
“Sitting on the trampoline at the bow was a lot more fun than I expected!”
Top Things to Do in St. Lucia
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
Sail the coast by catamaran
Amy explored St. Lucia by catamaran, with fantastic views of the Pitons! It was a wonderful 4-hour excursion sailing along the coastline, with snacks, drinks, music and wonderful company. And sitting on the trampoline at the bow was a lot more fun than she expected!
- Length
- About 4 hours
- Included
- Snacks, drinks and music
- Views
- The Pitons and coastline
- Leaves from
- Castries
Sulphur Springs mud bath
The mud bath is one of the things people ask about most in St. Lucia! At Sulphur Springs Park near Soufrière, known as the Caribbean’s drive-in volcano, you can soak in warm, mineral-rich volcanic pools and cover yourself in mud, which is said to be great for your skin. Many catamaran and island tours from Castries include a stop here.
- Where
- Sulphur Springs, near Soufrière
- Known as
- The drive-in volcano
- Getting there
- On a catamaran or island tour
- Wear
- A dark swimsuit you don’t love
Soufrière and the Pitons
The Pitons tower over the town of Soufrière on the island’s southwest coast, and they’re part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seeing them up close, from the water or the road, is the highlight of most St. Lucia port days.
- Where
- Southwest coast
- UNESCO
- The Pitons Management Area
- Getting there
- By boat or road tour
- Good for
- Big views and photos
Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is a sheltered, palm-lined bay just south of Castries, often called one of the prettiest bays in the Caribbean. Many catamaran and island tours stop here for photos or a swim.
- Where
- South of Castries
- Known for
- Its calm, sheltered bay
- Good for
- Photos and a swim
- Getting there
- Catamaran or island tour
St. Lucia is also one of our favourite all-inclusive destinations. See our resort picks and free St. Lucia guide.
More Things to Do in St. Lucia
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Grab a seat up frontAmy loved her catamaran day, and sitting on the trampoline netting at the front was a lot more fun than she expected! It’s the best seat on the boat for the views.
See the Pitons from the waterThe twin Pitons are St. Lucia’s most famous sight, and they’re even more dramatic from the sea. A catamaran gets you views you can’t get by road.
Come back for a resort staySt. Lucia is one of our favourite all-inclusive destinations, with beautiful resorts like Sandals Grande St. Lucian, and it’s outside the main hurricane belt. Ask us about a resort stay.
Free Things to Do in St. Lucia
Great ways to enjoy your day without spending a thing.
Browse the Castries Central MarketDowntown Castries is small and walkable, and its open-air Central Market is a colourful spot to browse local crafts and island food.
Derek Walcott Square and CathedralRelax in the leafy square named for St. Lucia’s Nobel laureate, right beside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in the heart of town.
Swim at Vigie BeachVigie Beach is a quick four-minute drive from Pointe Seraphine, a long stretch of sand where you can swim and relax before heading back to the ship.
Know Before You Go in St. Lucia
- Book tours ahead: The Pitons are a long drive from Castries, so a catamaran or organized tour is the easiest way to see them and be back on time.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen: and bring a hat for the sun on the water.
- US dollars: are widely accepted.
- Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
St. Lucia FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
What is the best excursion in St. Lucia?
Amy loved her 4-hour catamaran excursion along the coast, with views of the Pitons, snacks, drinks and music.
What are some free things to do in St. Lucia?
Some of our favourite free things to do in St. Lucia are browse the Castries Central Market, derek Walcott Square and Cathedral and swim at Vigie Beach. Downtown Castries is small and walkable, and its open-air Central Market is a colourful spot to browse local crafts and island food.
Can you do the mud baths in St. Lucia on a cruise?
Yes! The Sulphur Springs mud baths near Soufrière are a popular stop on catamaran and island tours from Castries. Book a tour that includes them so you’re back to the ship on time.
Can you see the Pitons from Castries?
The Pitons are on the southwest coast, near Soufrière. A catamaran or island tour is the best way to see them on a port day.
What currency is used in St. Lucia?
The Eastern Caribbean dollar, but US dollars are widely accepted.
Do I need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?
Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has been to these ports and can help with tours, pre-cruise hotels and transfers.
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