Heidi BucoloSt. Lucia, an independent island nation in the Caribbean, is best known for its two mountainous peaks, the Pitons. Its capital city of Castries is a popular cruise ship port of call, and its economy is largely based on tourism. With so many unique natural attractions, it is easy to see why cruisers love St. Lucia. As a matter of fact, it’s one of our favorite Caribbean islands as well! Here, we’re rounding up our picks for the best things to do in St. Lucia on a cruise.
The 7 Best Things to Do in St. Lucia on a Cruise (2025)
1. Visit the Pitons
The Pitons, located on either side of Jalousie Bay on the southwestern coast of the island, are near the popular tourist town of Soufriere. These volcanic peaks rightly named Gros Piton and Petit Piton are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most iconic attraction in all of St. Lucia. That is why a visit to the Pitons makes our list of the best things to do in St. Lucia on a cruise.
Most island tours will offer sightseeing opportunities of these natural wonders, but if you are the adventurous type, why not get a bit more up close and personal? Yes, that’s right, you can hike the Pitons! While Gros Piton is the taller of the two mountains, it is actually the easier one to hike with defined trails and a less steep ascent. A guide is required, and you should consider your fitness level, but no experience or climbing skills are necessary.
If you prefer an organized tour, shore excursion companies do offer this approximately four to six-hour round-trip hike. So, get those hiking shoes and camera ready and prepare to be wowed by the amazing views once you reach the top of the peak.
Hike Duration: 4-6 hours
Best For: Physically fit and adventurous visitors
Information on hiking: The Gros Piton Hiking Trail
2. Take an Island Tour
If you want to see the Pitons but hiking isn’t your idea of a vacation, then you will probably want to take an island tour. With so many unique and magnificent natural landscapes, an island tour is a great way to get a taste of the beautiful nature of St. Lucia.
Departing from Castries, the island’s capital, you will enjoy spectacular scenic views as you head south towards the town of Soufriere towards your other tour attractions. Along the way, you are sure to make stops for some amazing photo opportunities of the Pitons.
Sulphur Springs/Soufriere Volcano, second in beauty only to the Pitons, is the most geothermally active and only drive-in volcano in the Caribbean. This volcano is said to be dormant with its last eruption in the 18th century. Here, you will be able to see, and smell, the hot bubbling springs. You can also take a dip in the warm sulphuric pools and mud baths known for their soothing effects.
Other notable stops on your island tour may include Piton Falls and/or Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. Piton Falls, located near Petit Piton, is hiding behind a short walk through the rainforest. This 30-foot cascading fall is sure to provide a warm and therapeutic bath.
At Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, enjoy a tranquil walk through lush flora while making your way to Diamond Falls and the Mineral Baths and Spa. Diamond Falls is certainly picture worthy as the mineral-laced cascading fall contributes to a kaleidoscope of colors on the rock face behind it.
Tour Duration: 3-7 hours
Price Range: $60-$150 per person
Best For: Newbies to St. Lucia or those looking for an overview tour that visits multiple island highlights
Sample Tour: Scenic Soufriere Tour
3. Spend the Day at a Beach
On the northwest side of the island, Reduit Beach is popular among tourists due to the convenience. It is about a 25 minute taxi ride and is recognized as a “fun” beach but is known to get quite crowded. Vigie Beach is also a convenient option as it is within walking distance from the cruise pier.
If you are willing to travel a bit farther or are in search for a great area for snorkeling, you will want to check out Anse Chastanet Beach or Anse Cochon Beach on the south side of the island. Both these areas are best accessed by water taxi.
Jalousie Beach is another popular beach option in St. Lucia. With its imported fine white sand and location between the Pitons, it is easy to see why cruisers love this beach. You can either take a taxi to the resort hotel and continue a 10 minute walk to the beach or take a water taxi to the beach. Many cruisers also recommend booking the Jalousie Beach Break tour which includes transportation to and from the beach.
Tour Duration: 2-4 hours
Price Range: $60-$110 per person
Best For: Those seeking a relaxing (or rowdy!) beach day
Sample Tour: Scenic Segway and Beach Escape
4. Get Back to Nature in the Rainforest
A visit to St. Lucia wouldn’t be complete without exploring the rainforest. If you are looking for a relaxing tour with a unique perspective, you might want to check out the Aerial Tram, an open-air gondola that traverses the rainforest while a nature guide narrates the various sights and sounds. If heights are not your thing, you can also explore the flora and fauna of this rainforest on foot via hiking trials.
Want to be a bit more adventurous? Try zip lining through the rainforest with the Adrena-Line canopy tour. You can admire the rainforest while soaring through the trees. Be sure to have your GoPro ready for this one! Want more? You can combine the aerial tram, rainforest hike, and zip lines with the Ultimate Three Package for an experience that is sure to make your list of the best things to do in St. Lucia.
Tour Duration: 4.5-5 hours
Price Range: $135-$160 per person
Best For: Adrenaline-seekers and nature lovers
Sample Tour: Ultimate Three (Aerial Tram, Zip Line, and Hike)
5. Visit Pigeon Island National Park
Pigeon Island, located approximately 40 minutes from the cruise pier, is a 44 acre island rich in culture and history. It was joined to the mainland in 1972 by a man-made causeway and later became recognized as a National Park. Pigeon Island is now a tourist attraction for visitors of St. Lucia. Here, you can explore ruins of military buildings including Fort Rodney, relax on a secluded beach, indulge in some local cuisine, or take the opportunity to capture some photos of the scenic vistas including the island of Martinique to the north.
If you are vacationing to St. Lucia at the beginning of May, you might also catch the annual St. Lucia Jazz Festival — some performances of which take place on Pigeon Island. Various excursions to the island are offered including snorkeling, kayaking, and more. You can also venture their on your own via water taxi and pay a $10 fee for entrance to the grounds.
Whether you choose to explore the history, relax on a beach, or add a bit of adventure to your trip to Pigeon Island, you are sure to enjoy it. Once you visit, you will know why it made our list of the best things to do in St. Lucia on a cruise.
Tour Duration: 4-5 hours
Price Range: $50-$60 per person
Best For: Those who want a slower day away from the crowds
Sample Tour: Countryside Drive & Beach
6. Set Off on a Sailing Adventure
If you love nothing more than to be on the water, consider taking a catamaran tour. Many tour companies offer sailing adventures to the town of Soufriere, where you’ll see the world-famous Marigot Bay as well as small villages along the way. From the water, you’ll also get a great view of the Pitons — the most iconic landmark of the island.
Catamaran tours to Soufriere also often include a land portion, where you’ll take in “drive-in” volcano Sulphur Springs and have the option to take a mud bath there. The tour linked below also includes visits to Diamond Falls and the botanical gardens. The boating excursion even includes time in the water for snorkeling and swimming before heading back to Castries Harbour.
Tour Duration: 4-7 hours
Price Range: $80-$120 per person
Best For: Those who want a scenic tour of St. Lucia by water
Sample Tour: Soufriere Sail
7. Head Out on a Scenic Kayaking Trip
If you want a more slow-paced, up-close exploration of St. Lucia via the water, consider taking a kayaking tour. The adventure starts in Marigot Bay, a famous bay used as a filming location for movies including Dr. Dolittle and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. From there, you’ll paddle out with the group to the open sea to get to the Roseau River. Once on the river, you’ll travel along a lagoon and amongst mangroves filled with native birds. A kayaking excursion is a great way to explore the scenery and nature of St. Lucia from the water without being caught up in the hustle and bustle of town.
Tour Duration: 4-5 hours
Price: $85 per person
Best For: Those who love nature and being on the water
Sample Tour: Marigot Bay to Roseau River Kayaking
St. Lucia Frequently Asked Questions
Where do cruise ships dock in St. Lucia?
There are two terminals where cruise ships dock in St. Lucia. The more common one, Pointe Seraphine Cruise Port, is located on the northern side of Castries Harbour. The other, La Place Carenage, is located across the harbor on the southern side. La Place Carenage is more often used for smaller ships. Both terminals are located in the heart of Castries, which is the capital of St. Lucia. The downtown area is walkable from both terminals, with La Place Carenage being more in the middle of all the action.
Are taxis readily available at the St. Lucia cruise port?
Yes, there are plenty of taxis that are readily available and easy to find in Castries, St. Lucia.
Are there beaches near the St. Lucia cruise port?
The best and closest beach to the cruise port is Vigie Beach. It’s located north of the cruise terminals almost directly along the runway of a small regional airport called George F.L. Charles Airport. Facilities and amenities at the beach include lounge chairs and umbrellas, food vendors, and restrooms.
How long do cruise ships typically stay in St. Lucia?
Cruise ships typically dock in St. Lucia for eight to 10 hours. This gives cruisers plenty of time to take a longer excursion, or take a shorter one and still have time for exploring Castries or grabbing a bite to eat or a drink before heading back to the ship.
Can you use U.S. dollars in St. Lucia?
The official currency in St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted on the island, especially in tourist areas. However, keep in mind that change will likely be given in Eastern Caribbean dollar. As well, most larger stores and restaurants accept major credit cards. You should bring cash, though, if you plan to buy from small local shops.
Comments
Have you traveled to St. Lucia and done one of the tours above? Do you agree with our list of the best things to do in St. Lucia? Drop us an anchor below to share your travel experiences on this island. Help your fellow cruisers make the most of their time on the picturesque island of St. Lucia.
