Travelling Solo in Saint Lucia

Are you thinking of solo travel in the Caribbean? If you’re looking for some inspiration for where to go, St Lucia is a wonderful island to explore solo. It has mud baths, wellness and lush scenery and is perfect if you are looking for relaxation and plenty of nature. I travelled around the Caribbean solo for 3 months and Saint Lucia was one of my favourite islands. 

To help you plan your St Lucia solo travel, I’ve put together a St Lucia solo travel guide including what to see and do for all types of solos, how to get around the island and to and from the airport, plus recommended places to stay for solos. Happy planning!

N.b. If you book your Saint Lucia accommodation or tours through this article, I donate to organisations helping vulnerable girls in conflict zones. Thanks for helping. Lisa x

Contents

• Solo Travel in St Lucia
• About Saint Lucia
• Saint Lucia Tours
• Accommodation in Saint Lucia
• How Long Do You Need?
• Travelling Around Saint Lucia
• From The Airport
• Island Crossings
• FAQs
• Plan a Trip To Saint Lucia

Solo Travel in St Lucia

St Lucia is a stunning island. If you’re into wellness and want to spend a morning covering yourself in volcanic mud then washing it off in a gorgeous waterfall, then this is definitely the place for you.

Is St Lucia safe? Saint Lucia is a beautiful island. Although some say that you should be careful here, as long as you have a guide with you you’ll be fine. It is not advisable to visit beaches by yourself especially ones away from the main tourist resorts. The crime rate here is low but any place where you don’t see many locals, don’t go by yourself. This includes the more secluded beaches. You won’t find many backpacking St Lucia so expect to spend some time alone here. 

The vendors can be a bit much so just be firm and only look at what you want to buy. But overall, I was here for a week solo and didn’t encounter any problems. * Before you travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for Saint Lucia.

Is St Lucia Worth Visiting?

If you are wondering “Is St Lucia worth visiting?” The answer is yes!

St Lucia is a fantastic destination for solo female travellers, especially if you’re seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation. It has a laid-back island vibe with plenty of things to do. Think lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and the iconic Pitons rising dramatically from the sea. Whether you’re hiking up to Gros Piton for panoramic views or lounging on Sugar Beach, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise.

If you’re into wellness and pampering, St Lucia offers luxurious resorts and eco-retreats where you can indulge in spa treatments, yoga, and relaxation. Resorts like Sugar Beach or Jade Mountain are renowned for their privacy and tranquillity—perfect for a peaceful solo escape. And beyond its beaches, St Lucia has a vibrant local culture where you can mix with locals. I recommend it!

The Pitons

For Culture Solos

Saint Lucia is one of the well-known islands in the Caribbean Sea and a mecca for those seeking wellness holidays. Lush rainforest, beaches, and plenty of volcanic mud are just some of Saint Lucia’s attractions but its main focal point are the Pitons, two mountainous volcanic spires which dominate the island.

Castries is Saint Lucia’s capital with a colourful Saturday market ideal for shopping in St Lucia, where you can buy anything from souvenirs and t-shirts to spices and fruits. Pointe Seraphine is a duty-free area where you can buy to your heart’s content then admire the architecture afterwards in Derek Walcott Square.

Along the trail, you can visit a traditional house to learn how the islander’s ancestors once lived so it’s cultural too. The trail is located near Soufriere and if you decide to do it independently without a guide, you just pay the entry fee.

Visit Soufriere, an old seaside town, or watch the fishermen with their nets in the sleeping fishing village of Anse La Raye with wooden cottages which date back a few years. Or visit one of the plantation estates which date back to the colonial era to find out more about how cocoa is produced.

Near Rodney Bay is Pigeon Island National Park, an area of more than 40 acres, rich in history and classed as a historical landmark. Here you’ll find military forts left by the British amongst its wild nature and beaches. Hike to the cannons of Fort Rodney for a panoramic view.

One of the free things to do in St Lucia is see the lighthouse at Vieux Fort, situated at the southernmost part of the island. The Moule-a-Chique Lighthouse is said to be the second highest in the world. This area was once one of the main sugar producers and today is home to a sea port, a horse racing track, beaches and a lighthouse.

Des Cartiers Rainforest trail

Active Solos

If you do come here to just relax and sunbathe with a good book, you may not want to explore the island on a tour every day. If you only have time to take one tour, this sea and land tour is ideal to see the main highlights of the island by boat and by vehicle for a whole day.

With 19,000 acres of rainforest to explore, you can explore waterfalls, wild orchids and exotic birds or learn how cocoa is made on a chocolate tour (and you get to taste it afterwards too!)

The north of the island is the easiest to hike through but in the south you can hike the Des Cartiers Rainforest trail. This trail takes two hours and goes along an old military road. Your accommodation can arrange transport to the beginning of the trails but team with others or use a guide.

The Tet Paul Nature Trail is one of the top things to do in St Lucia for hikers. Along the 45 minute trail you can see views of the mountains and the blue water, and even have a photo opportunity with the Pitons in your backdrop.

For those who want a challenge, you can’t get more challenging than scaling the Pitons. Out of the two, the Gros Piton stands 798 metres high and is meant to be easier than the Petit Piton. Allow four hours for this and hire a guide to tackle this huge spire.

If you don’t fancy walking there’s a tram ride instead which provides aerial views of the rainforest canopy whilst sitting in a gondola. This is near Babonneau in the north of the island.

The adventurous solo can zip line through the trees at various places on the island. Fly through the trees at the Morne Coubaril Estate, Babonneau and aptly named Treetop Adventure Park. You can combine the aerial tram, zipline and hiking in the rainforest on this St Lucia Ultimate 3 adventure. 

Ocean Solos

Just off its coast lie the Maria Islands, a nature reserve surrounded by coral reefs which are perfect for snorkelling. You can take a boat tour from Vieux Fort to see the islands.

This full-day catamaran sightseeing cruise includes snorkeling in Marigot Bay and Anse Cochon. Or if you’re not that confident in the water, you could try SeaTrek St. Lucia where you can discover the sea life on the island comfortably. 

You can even horse-swim here, well technically it’s horse riding along the beach before taking your horse in the water with you. And don’t worry if you’ve never done this before, there are classes for beginners at The International Pony Club and Trim’s Horseriding Stables in the north of the island. Or you can book this private beach horseback ride. 

One of the best ways to see the island is on a St Lucia cruise by catamaran which takes you along the west coast. You can go yachting and also dolphin and whale spotting (although it is never 100% guaranteed). For water activities in St Lucia, snorkeling is best at Anse Chastanet which is part of a marine park, and one of the prime diving sites is Anse Cochon with a sunken wreck to explore.

Beach Solos

For beach lovers, the west coast on the Caribbean Sea is the most sheltered compared to those on the east. The liveliest beach is Reduit Beach, a mile of sand beach where you can waterski, take a banana boat ride or choose another watersport to wile away your hours.

This is one of the best beaches in St Lucia to meet others as it is lined by Rodney Bay hotels and there are bars on the beachfront to enjoy a Pina Colada as the sun sets. Anse des Pitons has one of the most beautiful beaches and you can visit The Jalousie Plantation, a luxury resort whilst you are there.

If you enjoy hiking before you sunbathe, there is a coastal walkway connecting two of the islands’s nicest beaches: Anse Mamin and Anse Chastanet. The beaches are hardly ever crowded and you can rent a lounger if you decide to stop and sunbathe on the way.

Other things you can do at the beach is kite-surf at Anse D’Sables and spot the endangered leatherback turtles at Grande Anse between March to August.

Enjoying the mud bath

Wellness Solos

The island is known for wellness and one of the most popular St Lucia attractions is the Sulphur Springs. They don’t really have an odour but bathing in the bubbling mud will leave your skin looking the best it’s ever looked. You can get really close to the steam in this drive-through volcano which hasn’t erupted since 1766.

Many hotels offer spa treatments but if you don’t have the budget, you can soak in the restored baths in Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens for less. This Magical Soufriere tour includes the sulphur springs.

Apart from smothering yourself in the mud baths (which you simply have to as it’s the one of the best things to do in St Lucia), Marigot Bay is my favourite place in Saint Lucia. The green waters are so calming and this location was even used as a scene in the original movie of Dr Doolittle. You can take a half-day jeep tour around the island that stops in Marigot Bay and tells you about the history of island.

Party Solos

Rodney Bay is the heart of Saint Lucia’s nightlife. Reduit Beach is the place to go if you want to meet others, with bars lining the beachfront where you can sip cocktails and soak in the lively atmosphere.

The street parties at Gros Islet Street can be a bit hectic with loud crowds so get someone to accompany you if you’re wanting to experience this nightlife in St Lucia or you can join this party cruise to meet others. Or if you prefer to stay on land, you can join a local on a bar and food hopping tour and sample the local cuisine with company. 

Saint Lucia Tours

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated St Lucia activities and the best excursions in St Lucia. Choose from a day tour of all the island’s highlights, an ultimate island tour, or a trip on the rainforest aerial tram. There are several St. Lucia tours to choose from and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check rates and availability for GYG Saint Lucia tours

Viator – Viator is another tour platform, popular in North America. They offer similar tours to Get Your Guide including a sea and land tour as well as bar and food hopping tours and half-island tours cruising around the island in a jeep. * Check all St Lucia Viator tours

Best Place To Stay in Saint Lucia For Solos

No matter where you stay here, you’re guaranteed a Caribbean escape, whether you choose to stay on a plantation estate or accommodation on the beach. Saint Lucia has accommodation for all budgets.

Being the Caribbean there are plenty of all-inclusive choices if you don’t want to venture outside of your resort or you can choose a smaller resort to relax in. For interaction with locals stay in one of the locally-run guest houses.

If you are unsure where to stay, I’ve listed my recommended accommodations for solos below.  * Check rates and availability for all Saint Lucia accommodation

Harmony Suites, Rodney Bay Village – $

This 3 star St Lucia hotel in an oasis of tropical gardens and fountains overlooks the marina and it’s really close to the beach. They have a great sushi bar and you can also try European food here too. Plus there’s a tour desk to book excursions around the island such as visiting the very cool Pitons. Choose from a classic suite, a premium suite or a luxury suite with a waterfront. * Check rates and availability: Harmony Suites, Rodney Bay Village

Coco Palm, Rodney Bay Village – $$

This cute little 3 star hotel in St Lucia is popular with solo travellers not only because it’s really great value but because the staff are so friendly. There’s a full-service spa and gym and a swimming pool to relax at, plus they do great cocktails too. It can get booked up fast. Choose from a garden view king or double, a pool view, a patio garden view, patio pool room or king suite. * Check rates and availability for Coco Palm, Rodney Bay Village

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, Gros Islet – $$$

If you’re ready to splash the cash, this 5 star accommodation in St Lucia has the most spacious rooms right on the Caribbean Sea. It’s easy to meet others here as you’ll find families and plenty of people to talk to. Treat yourself in the luxury spa or one of the 6 pools – nearly one for every day of the week! Choose from an ocean view guest room, a one-bedroom ocean view villa or a one-bedroom villa. * Check rates and availability for Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort

How Long Do I Need?

To see most of the island and spend some time relaxing on a beach, I would definitely recommend a week at least. This gives you time to visit Soufriere, the Saturday markets at Castries and the Pitons. If you have 2 weeks in St Lucia you could combine these activities with a week of relaxing at one of the St Lucia all inclusive resorts to really unwind. 

Getting Around Saint Lucia

How to get around St Lucia without a car

If you don’t opt for a tour, you can book your own taxi driver to take you around the island (just agree a price beforehand). Water taxis operate in Rodney Bay and Soufriere which will take you to nearby beaches. Check out Shashamane water taxis. 

For St Lucia public transportation, there are buses which have cheap fares and take passengers all over the island. Look for the minibuses with the green licence plate displaying ‘M.’

If you have the cash, one very cool way of getting around in St Lucia is on an aerial helicopter flight, which you can take as a tour or a transfer between the north and south of the island.

Renting a car in Saint Lucia

It is easy to navigate your way around the island roads in St Lucia so if you choose to rent a car in St Lucia so there’s no need to worry about getting lost. You do need to purchase a temporary driving permit for driving in Saint Lucia, which you can get from the car rental company. * Check rates and availability for rental cars St Lucia

From the Airport

Getting from the airport can be expensive. If you are planning on doing your own road trips, you can find St Lucia car rental at the airport. If you have air travel from another Caribbean island, expect to arrive at George FL Charles Airport (Castries Airport St Lucia). All international flights arrive at Hewanorra International Airport in the  south of Saint Lucia.

* Feel more confident with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book a transfer with Hoppa, a reliable and safe service for solo females.

Travel Insurance For Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is an amazing island to visit but travel insurance is always recommended for your holiday to cover you for any medical assistance especially if you’re planning on hiking here.

True Traveller and World Nomads are insurance companies that I recommend. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.

All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover. * Check insurance cover and prices for True Traveller

N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

To The Other Islands

St Lucia to Martinique – If you are traveling to St. Lucia from Martinique or vice versa, there is a ferry from St Lucia to Martinique which takes 2 hours. A day trip leaves on Thursday for shopping and a barbecue which is a great way of meeting others. Click here for the Martinique St Lucia ferry

Where can I fly from here?

• Martinique – 20 mins
• Grenada – 50 mins
• Barbados – 45 mins

FAQs 

• Can you drink the water in St Lucia? Yes, the water is drinkable as it has been chlorinated but you may prefer to take a water filter bottle with you to remove the chlorine. 
• Is tipping expected? In hotels and restaurants they automatically add an 8% government tax and 10% service charge.
• Fixed price or barter? Fixed price but you can haggle at the markets in Castries.
• Any ATMs? Yes, all over the island.
• Which side of the road do they drive? Left-hand side.
• Good for vegetarians? There are vegetarian restaurants and a vegan one too.
• Any Seven Wonders of the World? No.