It’s easy to fall in love with Saint Lucia. This mango-shaped island in the Eastern Caribbean is a paradise packed with wonders. The towering UNESCO-listed Pitons rise from the sea, a drive-in volcano bubbles with mineral springs, a dense rainforest teeming with life, and its beaches? They are unlike anywhere else. St Lucia beaches are as diverse as the island itself; they offer everything from peaceful seclusion to lively beach bars. We’ve done the hard work and found the best ones, so you can skip the guesswork and start exploring.
DID YOU KNOW?
Not all Saint Lucia beaches are the same. The island has two coastlines with completely different beach experiences. The west coast has gentle Caribbean waters, while the east coast faces the Atlantic with dramatic waves. Golden sands are in the north, while the island’s southwest has dark volcanic and silver shores. And the best part? Almost all St Lucia beaches are free, except the one inside Pigeon Island National Park.
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Here are 13 of the best St Lucia Beaches
1. Reduit Beach
Do you think all beaches are peaceful and quiet? Not this one. Reduit Beach in Rodney Bay is one of the busiest and most exciting spots on the island. This mile-long stretch of golden sand on the northwestern coast of the island has unbeatable views of Pigeon Island. Cruise ship visitors, all-inclusive resort guests, and locals flock here for a reason—great food, calm waters, and endless activities.
TIP:
Want the best experience? If you don’t love crowds, arrive early to claim a prime spot. Resort guests and cruise passengers fill the north end fast. If you want space to breathe, head to the quieter southern end. It’s much more relaxed, making it a perfect place to soak up local culture. Families gather there for picnics and weekend parties while the north end stays lively with bars and music.
Head to Reduit’s south (on the left side) for a quieter vibe.
WANT MORE THAN JUST SUN?
Reduit offers everything from banana boat rides to waterskiing and kayaking. And if you’re travelling with kids (or just love adventure), don’t miss Splash Island—a floating waterpark with slides and climbing walls.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, so you can spend all day in comfort here.
2. Pigeon Island Beach
If you love history as much as stunning scenery, Pigeon Island Beach might be the perfect choice. This national park near Rodney Bay offers calm waters and sandy stretches with a gentle slope, perfect for kids. Unlike busier spots, this area is peaceful, with fewer crowds. It also has one of the most fascinating stories of any playa in St Lucia. Looking for adventure? Try SNUBA, a mix of snorkelling and scuba diving. Rent a kayak or take a short hike to the ruins of Fort Rodney.
Don’t expect to see thriving marine life here. You will need to go further south for that. Prefer a quiet moment? Find a picnic spot under the trees or order a fresh roti at the rustic beachside restaurant.
FUN FACT:
Did you know that Pigeon Island was a strategic lookout point for defending the island’s shores in the 18th century? The French and English fought over Saint Lucia 14 times until it became English. The British eventually won control of the island and maintained it until 1979.
Signal Peak: If you’re up for a little exploring, hike to the colonial ruins with old British barrack and gun batteries. Once a military lookout, it is now a peaceful escape with stunning views of Martinique.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- Despite the name, Pigeon Island is connected to the mainland by a road, so you can drive straight there. Parking is available right next to the entrance.
- Pigeon Island beaches aren’t public—they are part of Pigeon Island National Park, and you’ll need an entry ticket. As of April 2025, adults pay USD 10, kids 5-12 pay USD 3, and under-fives enter free.
- Beach Loungers/Deck Chairs cost USD 3 / chair and umbrellas USD 3 / umbrella.
3. Choc Bay
Not all St Lucia beaches are packed with tourists. If you’re looking for a peaceful spot, Choc Bay offers something different—peace, natural beauty, and a local vibe. This tranquil spot just outside Castries is a perfect spot for a relaxing swim. Its calm waters are great for families, and the tall palm trees offer natural shade. Stay until evening, and you’ll be treated to a stunning sunset over the Caribbean.
Choc Bay is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset away from the crowds.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Choc Bay is easy to reach by car or taxi from Rodney Bay via the Gros Islet Highway. It doesn’t have public toilets, so plan accordingly.
4. Vigie Beach
If you want a break from the crowded resorts, head to Vigie Beach, which has an even more secluded feel. It’s one of the island’s softest, whitest beaches with a gentle slope, yet it stays off the radar for most tourists. Vigie Beach stretches along the George F.L. Charles Airport runway. It’s also within walking distance of Pointe Seraphine cruise port. Despite its location, it remains surprisingly quiet. This strip of sand with palm trees has a few vendors selling snacks and cold drinks on its east side. The west side has local bars like Eugeny’s Place and Jackie’s Exquisite Bar, where you can grab a cold drink right by the water.
5. Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is one of the most famous St Lucia beaches, known for its golden sands, towering coconut palms, and stunning marina. This postcard-perfect bay, located just 3.75 miles southwest of Castries, is surrounded by lush, forested hills on three sides. Some say it’s the most beautiful harbour in the Caribbean. It even served as a filming location for the original Dr. Dolittle movie.
Did you know Marigot Bay is a historic landmark with a rich past? Once a strategic naval hideout, Marigot Bay played a key role in naval battles between the French and British. According to legend, British ships even camouflaged their masts with palm fronds to hide from enemies. While no official records confirm this, it adds to the charm of this scenic destination.
Today, it’s a top destination for yachters, with a marina, waterfront restaurants, and boutique shops. Marigot Bay is one of the few ‘’hurricane holes’’ in the Caribbean where the boats may shelter in bad weather.
What to expect? If you’re looking for a large, sandy stretch, Marigot Bay may not be the best choice. The sandy strip is small, and frequent boat traffic makes swimming difficult. However, it’s worth visiting Marigot Bay for its beauty and lively atmosphere. If you love water sports, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available on the north side of the beach.
Marigot Bay is a perfect place to watch the sunset.
TIPS:
- Visit Marigot Bay in the late afternoon when sailing tours leave, and the bay becomes quieter.
- For the best view of Marigot Bay, stop at the scenic overlook on the coastal road before heading down to the bay.
- There are no public restrooms.
- Local vendors also offer beach chairs and drinks at lower prices than bars.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- A quick $1 ferry takes you from the marina to the beach and Doolittle’s restaurant (free if dining there, as of April 2025).
- The south side has shops, restaurants, and a small grocery store, with some offering free shuttles in the evening.
6. Anse Cochon
Drive 35 minutes south of Marigot Bay, and you’ll find Anse Cochon—a quiet Caribbean oasis with a more laid-back vibe. This secluded 200-metre (656 ft) cove, tucked between green hills has some of the clearest water on the island. Its dark sand and calm waters are perfect for swimming, but the real draw is underwater.
What makes it special? The stunning shallow coral reef just off the shore. Anse Cochon is one of the best places for snorkelling and diving in St Lucia, with colourful fish swimming among the reefs. Even better? A purpose-sunk wreck at a depth of 20 metres is home to a dazzling array of marine life.
Anse Cochon is an ideal getaway for rest and relaxation. It’s also one of the best places in St Lucia for spotting marine life.
Anse Cochon
Apart from the guests at Ti Kaye, tourists come on boat tours and stay for only a couple of hours. If you visit by car, you’ll have more time to enjoy the quiet surroundings. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel gear from Ti Kaye Resort, then grab lunch at the beachfront restaurant.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- Located near Anse La Raye, Anse Cochon sits halfway between Castries and Soufrière.
- HOW TO ACCESS ANSE CHOCHON: Drive through the village of Anse La Raye, and pass the Brigand Hill Estate. Follow signs for Ti Kaye Resort – it’s in a 180-degree bend. The road down to the resort is long, steep, and bumpy, but the view is worth it.
- As of April 2025, Ti Kaye Resort charges USD 10 per person for access, which you can use for food and drinks at their restaurant. They offer delicious food, including catch of the day, burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
7. Anse Chastanet Beach
Some of the most exclusive resorts in St Lucia (Anse Chastanet Resort and Jade Mountain Resort ) sit here for a reason. Anse Chastanet, a 200-metre (656 ft) black-sand cove, is one of the island’s most breathtaking spots. This isn’t just a place to relax—it’s a world-class destination for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Anse Chastanet lies inside the St Lucia Marine Reserve, where two coral reefs start just 10 metres from shore. And here’s the exciting part— these reefs on the north and south sides of the beach are shallow and thriving. Over 150 fish species call this underwater paradise home, making Anse Chastanet one of the best snorkelling spots on the island. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner with a snorkel mask, this is the place to explore.
Luxury resorts may overlook the beach, but it remains free for all visitors. Non-guests can rent sun loungers or snorkel gear and enjoy a meal at the beachside restaurant. The only downside? Anse Chastanet gets busy between 11 AM and 4 PM when excursion boats arrive for snorkelling on catamarans. For a quieter experience, come early—or stay late to watch the sunset.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can reach Anse Chastanet by water taxi or a bumpy 10-minute drive from Soufrière. The guest parking is on the left-hand side.
8. Anse Mamin
If you love secret spots, you’ll love Anse Mamin. Just a short 15-minute walk from Anse Chastanet, this peaceful hideaway offers golden sand, crystal-clear water, and zero crowds. Surrounded by jungle, it feels like a hidden paradise.
Even though Anse Mamin is only ¼ mile long, it’s one of the most beautiful St Lucia beaches. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for beauty and tranquillity.
Anse Mamin is part of a designated marine reserve, so snorkelling here is fantastic. The reef is close to shore, full of colourful fish. The calm, shallow waters also make it perfect for families with kids. If you want to escape the crowds, this is the place.
TIP:
Visit in the late afternoon for an even quieter experience.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- Water taxis from Soufrière can drop you off here.
- Loungers, kayaks, and paddleboards are available for rent.
- Try the famous beach grill which serves delicious burgers, salads, and refreshing cocktails. Arrive before 3 PM—it’s only open for lunch.
- Behind the beach, explore the ruins of an 18th-century French colonial plantation.
9. Sugar Beach
A dream spot that comes with a price.
Few places in St Lucia are as famous as Sugar Beach, or Jalousie, as the locals call it. This popular spot sits between the breathtaking Pitons, offering one of the most stunning views in the Caribbean. With soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most famous beaches in St Lucia. But there’s a little secret most visitors don’t know—this beach isn’t natural, it’s man-made.
Originally this part of the island had black volcanic sand, which is common in the south of the island. To match the luxury setting of the resort, 7,500 tons of fine white sand were shipped from Guyana.
Sugar Beach is inside a protected marine reserve, making it one of the best spots for snorkelling. Just a few metres from shore, you’ll find healthy coral reefs, including brain corals, and tons of tropical fish. The calm waters also make it perfect for a relaxing swim.
HOWEVER, THERE’S A CATCH:
Even though the scenery is straight out of a dream, getting here is not as easy as you might think. The Sugar Beach Viceroy Resort controls access and doesn’t allow non-guests to drive down. Instead, you have two choices: pay $50 per person for a shuttle (redeemable at the restaurant, as of April 2025) or hike down a steep 1.2 km hill. If that sounds like too much trouble, there’s a smarter option—arrive by water taxi. It’s faster, cheaper, and offers a scenic ride along the coast.
Sugar Beach has 3 sections:
- South end – Only for resort guests.
- Middle section with a restaurant and loungers – non-guests can rent loungers.
- North end with a pier – Best for snorkelling, with free sun loungers near a pier.
The resort restricts access to many areas, so you can’t use their pool and private chairs. Is it worth it? Absolutely, just plan ahead, choose the right way to get here, and know what to expect.
GOOD TO KNOW:
It sits near Soufrière. It’s a perfect spot for luxury travellers, with a beachfront restaurant and high-end loungers.
10. Anse de Pitons
Anse de Pitons may be famous for its views, but its real beauty lies beneath the surface. This bay, tucked between the Pitons lies on the island’s south-west. It’s part of a protected National Marine Reserve, filled with coral gardens, towering rock formations, and vibrant marine life. Below the surface, the reefs are full of life, and the dive sites here are some of the best in the Caribbean. Scuba divers from around the world come here to explore dive sites like Piton Wall, Superman’s Flight (both at the base of Petit Piton), and Coral Gardens (at the base of Gros Piton). If you’re looking for something truly breathtaking, check out Key Hole Pinnacles (the northern entrance to the Bay of Soufriere).
Even if you don’t dive, Anse de Pitons is worth visiting. Sugar Beach sits right here, offering soft white sand and stunning views of the Pitons. The water is perfect for swimming and snorkelling but watch out – it gets deep quickly. So, stick close to the shallows if you’re not a strong swimmer.
GOOD TO KNOW:
If you want to explore the underwater world, book a dive tour with operators like Scuba St Lucia or Dive Saint Lucia. Alternatively, Book a dive tour with Dive Fair Helen, Island Divers, or ask at one of the all-inclusive resorts.
11. Laborie Bay
Most visitors rush past Laborie Bay on their way to the Hewanorra International Airport, never realizing they just missed one of the most peaceful spots in St Lucia. If you’re looking for a quiet escape on the southwest edge of the island, this is it.
Unlike the flashy resort beaches, Laborie Bay belongs to the locals. Fishermen pull in their daily catch, kids play in the shallow waters, and life moves at a slow, easy pace. Here, you’ll find locals enjoying the simple things—chatting under the shade of coconut trees and watching the fishing boats come and go. You won’t find beach clubs or loud music, just picnic tables, where you can sit down, and soak in the view. Want to experience authentic island flavours? Stop by a local restaurant and try freshly grilled fish or a traditional Creole dish.
12. Anse de Sables
If you dream of riding the wind and conquering the waves, Anse de Sables is a perfect place for you. Located just east of Vieux Fort, this wild and untamed stretch of sand is the best spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing in St Lucia. The steady trade winds, wide-open bay, and reef protection create excellent conditions for adrenaline lovers.
But Anse de Sables isn’t just for water sports fans. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore here too. Just offshore, Maria Island Nature Reserve is home to rare birds and five species of reptiles found nowhere else in the world. A short boat ride gets you there, and if you love snorkelling, the surrounding coral reefs are full of vibrant marine life. For an even wilder experience, visit Mankote Mangrove Swamp, the largest wetland in St Lucia. It plays a massive role in protecting the island’s coastline. It’s also an incredible place to watch birds in their natural habitat.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- Anse de Sables has shallow waters and is not overrun by tourists.
- You can find it next to the main St Lucia airport (the island’s southeastern part).
- Take lessons or hire the equipment at the water sports centre.
13. Grand Anse Beach
Most people visit St Lucia for its calm, Caribbean waters, but Grand Anse Beach tells a different story. This wild and rugged shoreline on the east coast is a world away from tourist hotspots. Powerful tides and strong currents make it too dangerous for swimming, but that’s not why you come here.
Grand Anse is St Lucia’s primary nesting spot for Leatherback turtles. From March to August, it transforms into a sanctuary for endangered Leatherback turtles. These ancient creatures, some over six feet long, return every year to lay their eggs. If you want to witness this incredible event, you can join an official turtle-watching tour.
DID YOU KNOW?
Conservationists work hard to protect these gentle giants. They monitor the nests, ensuring the hatchlings make it safely to the ocean. Only one in 1,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood, making conservation efforts critical.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Getting here isn’t easy. The road is rough, and the last stretch requires a short hike. If you plan to visit, a 4×4 vehicle or a guided tour is your best option. But if you make the trip, Grand Anse reveals a side of the island that few visitors experience.
Now you know what the best St Lucia beaches are!
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Last updated: 02/04/2025