Travelling Solo in Saint Lucia

If you are planning on travelling to St Lucia, below is our St Lucia solo travel guide including where to stay in St Lucia, which tour company to use, things to do in St Lucia, and getting around St Lucia including driving in St Lucia. Find out how to get from St Lucia airport, and what to do in each place.

All companies included have been recommended by solo female travellers from our solo community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article for your St Lucia solo travel. 

* Before you travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for Saint Lucia.

N.b. By booking through this page for your St Lucia travel, you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping. 

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
• Map of Saint Lucia

Solo Travel in St Lucia

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 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. The vendors can be a bit aggressive so just be firm and only look at what you want to buy.

The Pitons

About Saint Lucia

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.

Although there is a usual tourist/traveler's route you can take around the island, if you choose a private guide, you can pick and choose your own St Lucia tour and which places you would prefer to see, especially if you only have a full day to squeeze everything in. But there are so many St Lucia excursions here that you can easily fill the majority of your days with the island’s treasures.

With 19,000 acres of rainforest to explore, you simply must venture into the forest. Choosing a guide to go with you will ensure that you see the waterfalls, wild orchids and exotic birds.

* Click here to discover all activities and things to do in Saint Lucia

Des Cartiers Rainforest trail

Things To Do in St Lucia

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. 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 pay the $10 entry fee. 

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. 

Birdwatchers should head to The Millet Bird Sanctuary Trail which is the best place for bird watching and is home to five of the island’s species. 

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.

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.

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. 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.

If you enjoy hiking and are wondering what to do in St Lucia for hikers, 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.

Pigeon Island St Lucia

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. 

Wellness in St Lucia

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.

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.

Explore the towns

Fun Things To Do in St Lucia

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.

If you’ve ever wanted to save baby turtles and an imaginary island from a hurricane, you can visit an attraction called Our Planet where you can find out more about environmental issues whilst doing your good deeds for the day.

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. When you’re travelling to St Lucia, one of the new unique things to do in St Lucia is visit its Splash Island Water Park, the first open water park in the Caribbean, and situated in Rodney Bay. 

St Lucia Beaches

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.

You can kite-surf at Anse D'Sables and spot the endangered leatherback turtles at Grande Anse between March to August.

With great beaches, stunning nature, and a unique elegance, travel to St Lucia for everything you need from a Caribbean island especially if you are seeking a wellness break.

Saint Lucia Tours

I used Real Saint Lucia Tours during my 3 days in St Lucia. Being solo, it was so nice to have my own private driver who designed my individual tour. Having spent a few days alone previously it was great to have someone to talk to, to teach me about the island and of course take me to the best spots in St Lucia. We even had lunch together. I would definitely recommend this company for solo females. Visit Real St Lucia Tours website. 

Other recommended tour companies good for solos:

• Cosol Tours – Tour St. Lucia with a native St. Lucian born proprietor seeing lush scenery, the island's attractions and tasting local cuisine. 
• Atlantic Shores Riding Stables – Offers horse riding along the beach or on the island's country trails.
• Serenity Vacations and Tours – offers St Lucia vacations packages and land or sea island tours St Lucia. Choose from a Gros Piton mountain hike, rum tasing or one of the St Lucia adventure tours such as horse riding or a zip line adventure through the rainforest. 

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 all Saint Lucia day tours, availability and prices here

Viator – Viator is another tour platform, popular in North America. They offer a St Lucia Casteries to Pitons tour travelling by minibus to the west coast of the island where you can take a dip in a mud bath, stop at the botanical gardens and get a great view from above Soufriere. The tour takes 5 hours. * Check prices for Casteries to Pitons tour

Accommodation in Saint Lucia

No matter where you stay here, you’re guaranteed a Caribbean escape. Whether you choose to stay on a plantation estate, St Lucia accommodation on the beach, or a private villa. Being the Caribbean there are plenty of all-inclusive choices if you don’t want to venture much outside of your resort or you can choose a smaller more intimate resort to relax in. For interaction with locals stay in one of the locally-run guest houses.

Don’t be discouraged by thinking that this is just an island for those with an over modest budget. Saint Lucia has accommodation for the most discerning of travellers and all budgets. Below are our recommended Saint Lucia hotels and accommodation for solo female travellers. For all other Saint Lucia accommodations, click on the link below.

* Check prices, availability and dates 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.

• Prices start from £65 / $90 per night for a classic suite
• Check prices, dates 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.

• Prices start from £156 / $215 per night for a garden view king room
• Check prices, dates, and availability: 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. 

• Prices start from £303 / $417 per night for an ocean view guest room
• Check prices, dates and availability: 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 $20 for driving in Saint Lucia, which you can get from the car rental company.

* Check prices 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. A taxi service from the international airport can cost approx $75 to Rodney Bay for example. 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.

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 go from here?

Martinique – 20 mins

Grenada – 50 mins

Barbados – 45 mins

FAQs 

• Can I drink the water? Yes it has been chlorinated.
• 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.

Map of Saint Lucia