It’s not hard to find a reason to fall in love with Saint Lucia. This mango-shaped island in the Eastern Caribbean is a true paradise on Earth that ticks every single box. It has the UNESCO-listed Pitons peaks, a drive-in volcano, mineral-rich springs, dense rainforest and authentic Creole culture. Beyond these wonders, St Lucia offers stunning beaches, some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. We have cherry-picked the best St Lucia beaches you should visit at least once.
St Lucia beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. All beaches are free to visit, except for the private one in Pigeon Island National Park.
DID YOU KNOW?
Saint Lucia is home to unspoiled beaches backed by jungle, but it also has beautiful beaches lined with lively bars and restaurants. The beaches in the north have golden sands, and the volcanic southwest has dark and silver beaches. The more sheltered west coast has a gentle Caribbean Sea with calm waters, and the east coast has Atlantic wild beaches.
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Here are 13 of the best St Lucia Beaches
1. Reduit Beach
It’s easy to see why Reduit Beach in Rodney Bay is one of the first St Lucia beaches many tourists visit. This gorgeous beach with fine gold sands is the island’s liveliest and most famous beach. It’s a mile long and has lovely views across the bay and Pigeon Island. It stretches on the northwestern coast of the island.
Reduit Beach is a popular place for resort visitors and cruise ship passengers. This pretty beach has many all-inclusive beachfront hotels, restaurants and bars where you can get a beer or a cocktail.
Reduit Beach
TIP:
- Don’t forget – the beaches’s north end can get super busy during the day. Hence, come to the beach early to get the best spot. Head to the quieter southern end (on the left side) to escape the crowds. Families and locals gather here for picnics and weekend parties.
Reduit Beach – south
Reduit Beach has calm waters – ideal for swimming and families with children. You can even try all sorts of water sports, including waterskiing, kayaking, and banana boat rides are also available. It even has Splash Island – a large waterpark with inflatable slides and climbing walls. That’s why Reduit Beach is one of the best St Lucia beaches.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can rent sunbeds and also umbrellas on Reduit Beach.
2. Pigeon Island Beach in St Lucia
If Reduit Beach sounds too busy for you, hop in a water taxi and head to Pigeon Island National Park. This national park is a famous recreation area with two sandy strips on the southern side. Pigeon Island beaches are some of the best St Lucia beaches for families with kids. Even though they are small, the waters are calm here, and both beaches have a gentle slope. Also, Pigeon Island beaches are popular for kayaking, snorkelling and even SNUBA (a cross between snorkelling and diving). Plus, you can rent sun loungers here.
Don’t expect to see thriving marine life here. You will need to go further south for that.
Here, you will find a rustic beachside restaurant where you can try local food, such as roti. Additionally, Pigeon Island is perfect for a picnic because it has a lot of shaded grassy areas.
DID YOU KNOW?
This national park near Rodney Bay is one of the most historical attractions on the island. Maybe you don’t know, but Pigeon Island was once a strategic lookout point for defending the island’s shores in the 18th century. The French and English fought over the island 14 times until it became English. The British eventually won control of the island and maintained it until 1979.
Singal Peak: Go for an easy hike and see colonial ruins with old British barrack and ruins of gun batteries. Don’t miss the Rodney Fort – this lookout point offers gorgeous views of Martinique Island and also the sea.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- Despite its name, you can also visit Pigeon Island by car. This small hill was once a separate island, but the locals link it with a road with the mainland. Now, you can find a few large resorts, such as Sandals and Overwater bungalows.
- If you arrive by car, there is a big car park right next to the entrance to the park.
- Don’t forget – Pigeon Island beaches are not public. They are part of Pigeon Island National Park, and you need to buy a ticket if you want to go there. As of May 2024, the entrance fee is USD 10 for adults, USD 3 for kids 5 to 12 years old and under five can visit for free.
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3. Choc Bay
One of our favourite St Lucia beaches is Choc Bay on the northwestern coast. This pretty bay just outside Castries is perfect for everyone who wants to visit a less hectic beach. Choc Bay has calm waters which are safe for swimming and ideal for families with children. Plus, its palm trees provide shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Do you need more reasons to visit it? Then, you should know that Choc Bay is a perfect spot to watch the sun go down.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- You can easily access Choc Bay from Rodney Bay by car with the Gros Islet Highway.
- Choc Bay doesn’t have any public toilets. It is good to know if you want to spend a whole day on the beach.
4. Vigie Beach
Just a short walk from Choc Bay will bring you to Vigie Beach. This laid-back beach with soft white sand is one of the most peaceful Saint Lucia beaches. Vigie Beach has calm waters, which slope gently into the Caribbean Sea. It also has pretty palm trees, which provide much-needed shade. And the best part: this beach is less crowded than other beaches even though it lies near the airport and cruise ship port.
5. Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is also one of the most famous St Lucia Beaches because it has golden sands and many coconut palm trees. It’s one of the prettiest bays on the island. Some even claim it’s the most beautiful harbour in the Caribbean, can you believe it? Marigot Bay is famous for its marina, waterfront eateries, bars and nearby shops. This bay was the setting for the backdrop for the original Dr. Dolittle movie.
Marigot Bay is a perfect destination for those arriving on private yachts.
FUN FACT:
Did you know that Marigot Bay is one of the few ‘’hurricane holes’’ in the Caribbean where the boats may shelter in bad weather?
Marigot Bay, surrounded on three sides by forested hills, has calm waters, and you can see superyachts here. Due to its surroundings, it’s a popular stop for sailing excursions. As a result, it can get super busy here during the day. Also, Marigot Bay beach is only a small strip of sand. It’s pretty, but not the best beach on the island. Note that swimming and snorkelling in the bay are not ideal due to boat traffic nearby.
TIPS:
- The best time to visit Marigot Bay is in the late afternoon when sailing excursions leave the bay.
- The best views of Marigot Bay are from a scenic viewpoint. You can find it on the road between the main Caribbean coastal route and the bay itself.
- There are no public restrooms on the beach.
- If you want to rent a paddleboard, kayak or Hobie catamaran, go to the north side of the beach. You can also rent beach chairs and buy drinks from the locals on the beach (much cheaper than in the bar).
Marigot Bay is a great place to watch the sunset.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- If you arrive by car, take a ferry from the marina to the beach and Doolittle’s restaurant. It takes less than 1 minute and costs USD 1. You can get a free ride when you visit the Doolittle’s restaurant.
- Marigot Bay has a small grocery store and a few pricey restaurants and shops on the south side. Many restaurants and bars offer free shuttles until late in the evening.
6. Anse Cochon
Drive 35 minutes south of busy Marigot Bay on the west coast, and you will find beautiful Anse Cochon. This perfectly secluded cove is a Caribbean oasis with a more laid-back vibe. The 200-metre (656 ft) long Anse Cochon has dark sands and beautiful clear water. It also has a coral reef full of marine life, lying close to the beach. There is even a purpose-sunk wreck in about 20 metres of water where the divers can spot colourful fish.
Remote Anse Cochon, with a shallow coral reef, is one of the best diving sites in Saint Lucia. This gorgeous beach is also an ideal getaway for some rest and relaxation. That’s why it’s one of the best St Lucia beaches.
Anse Cochon Beach
And here’s the fantastic part— Anse Cochon is a perfect place to escape more crowded beaches. This pretty beach with palm trees is not touristy and is ideal for swimming and water activities. You can rent a kayak, paddleboard, snorkelling equipment, and even sun loungers from Ti Kaye Resort.
Apart from the guests at Ti Kaye, tourists usually arrive here on boat excursions. They stay here for only a couple of hours snorkelling.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- You can find Anse Cochon near Anse La Raye, halfway between Castries and Soufriere.
- HOW TO ACCESS ANSE COCHON BEACH: If you are not coming on a boat, drive through the village of Anse La Raye. Pass the Brigand Hill Estate until you spot the Ti Kaye Resort & Spa sign in front of you. It is in a 180-degree bend. Go straight, pass the sign, and follow the long road – it will lead you down to the resort. The road is steep and bumpy, but trust us – you will quickly forget about the ride when you see the beach.
- Ti Kaye charges USD 10 per person to access the beach, but you can redeem it against the food and drinks at the beach restaurant. Go to the hotel reception to pay the charges. Ti Kaye’s Beach restaurant has delicious food (catch of the day, burgers, salads, sandwiches, etc).
7. Anse Chastanet Beach
It’s easy to see why luxury resorts such as Anse Chastanet Resort and Jade Mountain Resort have their base here.
If there is one beach you should not miss, it’s gorgeous Anse Chastanet Beach on the island’s southwest coast. This approximately 200-metre (656 ft) long black-sand cove beach is one of the most scenic St Lucia beaches. Anse Chastanet Beach is also an ideal getaway for honeymooners and everyone who needs a relaxing escape. Plus, it is famous for excellent scuba diving and snorkelling right offshore.
Maybe you don’t know, but this beach lies in the heart of the St Lucia Marine Reserve. This cove with calm waters has beautiful coral reefs just 10 metres from the water’s edge. And here is the fantastic part – its coral reefs are in shallow waters and healthy. The reefs have lively marine life and are home to more than 150 different fish species.
Because of that, Anse Chastanet is one of the best St Lucia beaches for everyone who loves snorkelling and scuba diving.
TIP:
Did you know Anse Chastanet Beach has two coral reefs? One is on the south and the other one on the north side of the bay.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- Despite the presence of luxury resorts, Anse Chastanet is a public beach, and non-resort guests can access it for free. The hotel rents sun loungers on the beach to everyone, and you can even hire snorkelling gear here.
- You can grab some sandwiches or try some specials at the hotel’s bar and restaurant behind the beach.
- This beach is a popular stop on excursion boats stopping off in the bay for snorkelling. The beach gets busy with cruise ship passengers coming on catamarans. But once they leave, it is almost deserted again. Hence, if you prefer a calmer experience, visit Anse Chastanet Beach before 11 am or after 4 pm.
- HOW TO GET TO ANSE CHASTANET BEACH: You can arrive here via water taxi or drive from Soufriere. There is a steep 10-minute bumpy drive from Soufriere on an unpaved road. Once there, the guest parking is to the left.
8. Anse Mamin
Afterwards, head to the northern tip of Anse Chastanet Beach and find a coastal path. A 15-minute walk below the cliffs will bring you to another beautiful beach. Anse Mamin is a lovely dark sandy beach surrounded by trees and lush vegetation. This remote postcard-perfect beach is also a part of the Anse Chastanet Resort but is also open to the public.
This secluded beach is only about ¼ mile long. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for beauty and tranquillity.
Why you should come here? Because this beach is also a part of a designated marine reserve. Anse Mamin has clear and calm waters, which are ideal for swimming. It also has a colourful coral reef right offshore where marine life thrives. This beach is perfect for everyone who prefers a less-crowded beach and also for families with children.
TIP:
Visit this beach in the late afternoon for an even more deserted feel.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- You can also get to Anse Mamin Beach directly by water taxi from Soufriere.
- If you don’t stay at the nearby resort, you can rent sun loungers, kayaks and paddleboards for a fee.
- Anse Mamin has a legendary grill restaurant on the beach which offers tasty burgers, salads and cocktails. But bear in mind that it serves food only until 3 pm.
- If you have spare time, explore the old French colonial plantation. These 18th-century colonial plantation ruins are directly behind the beach.
9. Sugar Beach St Lucia
Sugar Beach, or Jalousie Beach, as the locals call it.
No trip to Saint Lucia would be complete without a visit to the most famous beach – Sugar Beach. This gorgeous beach is one of the best beaches in St Lucia because it offers stunning views of the soaring Piton mountains. Also, Sugar Beach is part of a Marine Reserve, and its waters are famous for snorkelling and diving.
Take a waterproof camera and enjoy snorkelling – this is one of Saint Lucia’s best places for snorkelling. This pretty beach has a healthy coral reef with many gorgeous corals, such as brain corals. They are just a few steps from the shores.
FUN FACT:
Sugar Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. It has powdery white sands, which aren’t common on the south of the island. This part of the island has dark volcanic sands due to the island’s volcanic heritage. And Jalousie Beach used to have them, too.
Did you know? Sugar Beach is man-made. It has 7,500 tons of white sand brought in from Guyana.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- You can find Sugar Beach directly at Sugar Beach Resort, just south of Soufriere.
- Use the Sugar Beach Viceroy Resort entrance if you want to visit Jalousie Beach. This luxury resort doesn’t allow non-residents to drive down to the beach. Instead, you need to use a shuttle service, which the hotel provides for USD 50 per person (as of May 2024). Alternatively, you can walk down to the beach (a steep 1.2 km long downhill walk).
- Good news – you can redeem the USD 50 per head access fee at a restaurant.
- If you want to avoid an expensive shuttle bus or walking down the steep, curvy road, arrive by boat (water taxi).
- Don’t forget – all St Lucia beaches are public (except Pigeon Island), and anyone can explore them, even though the Sugar Beach Viceroy Resort’s staff makes it difficult. You can visit the beach but cannot use the hotel’s lounge chairs.
You also need to know that Sugar Beach has 3 parts:
- The “south” part, which only hotel guests can access.
- The ‘‘middle’’ part of the beach with the restaurant and loungers. This part of Sugar Beach is for hotel guests, but you can hire luxurious loungers for a fee.
- The ‘‘north’’ part of the beach with a pier. This is a snorkelling area where you can use the sun loungers for free.
10. Anse de Pitons
Pitons Bay has plenty of marine life and a dramatic underwater landscape.
Anse de Pitons is one of the best St Lucia beaches, and there are reasons for that. This gorgeous bay on the south-west lies between the two Pitons. This underwater area is a part of the National Marine Reserve. Anse de Piton has numerous diving sites, and coral reefs cover a big part of the site’s marine area. Scuba divers of all levels come here to explore reefs which look like an undersea fairytale. Some of the favourites are Coral Gardens (at the base of Gros Piton) and also Piton Wall (at the base of Petit Piton). Other cool dive sites in the area are Superman’s Flight (at the base of Petit Piton) and the Key Hole Pinnacles (the northern entrance to the Bay of Soufriere).
Sugar Beach
Anse de Pitons is not only a scuba diver’s paradise. It is also suitable for non-divers and everyone who loves beautiful views. Pitons Bay is home to the famous white sand Sugar Beach, which offers gorgeous views of the Pitons. It’s perfect for relaxation, and its waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. As we have already told you, this pretty beach has a beautiful coral reef very close to the shores. But don’t forget, the waters here are quite deep, just a few metres from the beach.
GOOD TO KNOW:
It’s not hard to find a dive operator who will take you to explore dive sites. There are many to choose from, for example, Scuba St Lucia, or Dive Saint Lucia. You can also contact agencies such as Island Divers, and Dive Fair Helen, or ask at one of the all-inclusive resorts.
11. Laborie Bay Beach
Before reaching Hewanorra International Airport, stop at Laborie Bay. It’s a charming fishing village on the southwest edge of the island. It has a pretty sandy beach, which holds a special place in the heart of locals. This beach may not be popular with tourists, but it is perfect for a refreshing dip.
While this beach may not fit the typical Caribbean beach stereotype, it has calm waters – perfect for swimming. Laborie Beach offers gorgeous views, and its coconut palm trees provide much-needed shade. It even has inviting picnic tables where you can sit down and relax. Alternatively, you can visit authentic restaurants, where you can try some local food.
12. Anse de Sables
If you want to try kiteboarding, go to Anse de Sable Beach, just east of Vieux Fort Village. This wild beach has constant strong winds. They make conditions in the reef-protected bay ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing. In fact, curvy Anse de Sable is one of the best beaches in St Lucia for water sports activities. This almost 2 km (1.2m) long beach with white sands is also one of the longest beaches on the island.
Anse de Sables is perfect not only for water enthusiasts but also for nature lovers. This pretty beach has a few national parks within its close proximity. One of them is Maria Island Nature Reserve. A 20-minute boat ride will bring you to the islands. They have 5 endemic reptile species and rare birds. Also, the waters around the islands have coral reefs, which you can explore when snorkelling.
Not far from Anse de Sables is also Mankote Mangrove Swamps. These wetlands are the largest mangrove swamp on the island. This “rainforest by the sea” is crucial for wildlife protection and erosion control. Mankote Mangrove Swamps is a favourite spot for bird watchers because it has many different bird species.
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
If you find yourself on the East Coast, don’t miss Grand Anse Beach. This forgotten beach with pretty cliffs on the northeastern beach is one of the less visited St Lucia beaches. But don’t forget, this beach has strong currents and powerful tides. Tourists always skip this peaceful stretch of gold sand because it’s not safe for swimming.
Did you know Grand Anse Beach is St Lucia’s primary nesting spot for endangered Leatherback turtles? During the nesting season (from March to August), turtles come to lay their eggs on this secluded Atlantic beach. And we have good news for you: you can join an organised camp on the beach and observe the turtle nesting process. That is why Grand Anse Beach is one of the best St Lucia beaches.
Did you know it is estimated that only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood? That’s why they are protected by the law, and you should visit them only on a turtle watch tour.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Grand Anse Beach is tricky to get to – it requires also a small hike. If you plan to come here for a picnic, take a 4 x 4 or private tour.
Now you know what the best St Lucia beaches are!
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