Itineraries for Your Trip to St Lucia
1 Day in St. Lucia for First Timers
The mountainous island of St. Lucia has become one of the Caribbean’s most stylish and sophisticated destinations, known for its photogenic volcanic peaks, hidden beaches, luxury resorts, and lively nightlife. Here’s how to get a taste of what St. Lucia has to offer with just 24 hours on the island.
First-time visitors to St. Lucia will want to start their day with an island tour to catch the highlights, including Marigot Bay, the Governor General Mansion, Sulphur Springs, Diamond Waterfall, and the towering twin Pitons. Opt for a private tour to make sure you don’t miss anything on your must-see list. If adventure is more your style, start the day by exploring the rain forests of St. Lucia by aerial tram and zipline; it’s a thrilling and ecologically responsible way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty. Other land-based options include ATV tours, off-road-buggy adventures, guided hikes, and excursions to bubbling La Soufrière volcano.
As the day begins to heat up, cool off in the beautiful turquoise Caribbean waters. You might head to the nearest stretch of sand for some rest and relaxation in the sun, or opt for a more active afternoon of scuba diving, snorkeling, Sea Trekking, sailing, or deep-sea fishing. If you’re on the island between mid-June and November, consider a whale-watching cruise to spot humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and spinner dolphins just off the island’s coast. If you’d like to enjoy the water at your own pace, charter a boat for the afternoon and create your own itinerary of swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun.
After a day of adventure, unwind with an island tradition—a village street party. These parties, typically hosted on Friday nights in towns such as Gros Islet and Anse La Raye, feature freshly caught seafood, beer and rum, and live steel bands or local DJs spinning Caribbean tunes well into the night. Join a tour and leave the transportation to and from your hotel to someone else. If it’s not Friday but you’d still like a taste of the island nightlife, head to Rodney Bay for a guided barhop to some of the town’s most popular after-dark spots. Venues range from waterside pubs to cocktail bars with stellar views over the bay, and each offers the chance to sample local Caribbean beer and rum.
