St Lucia / Beaches

St Lucia has a mix of white, golden and dark volcanic sand beaches. The most popular are on the calmer, western coast, particularly in the less mountainous part of the island in the north, where the sand is generally whiter (the reason that the majority of the hotels have been built there). The sea can be choppy at certain times of the year in the North, especially around Christmas. Some bays may also have currents, so be aware when swimming.

As you head further south along the Caribbean coast the terrain becomes steeper but the beaches are equally pretty, set in pretty coves between massive headlands that tumble down to the sea. These beaches tend to have dark volcanic sand, but they are still very attractive. Some also have beach bars, so you can spend a good day out on them.

The Atlantic side of the island also has a number of very attractive beaches, most of which have white sand and many of which are completely unspoiled. However, do be aware of the Atlantic swell and undertow as people have drowned due to the dangerous currents. Some of the beaches are protected by an offshore reef making them safe for swimming, but do ask before heading out. The southern end of the Atlantic side has excellent sand and winds.

You are advised to keep aware about security on the remoter beaches on St Lucia, both of your belongings and yourself. Do not leave valuables unattended in your belongings while you are swimming.

Click on the map to see an interactive map of St Lucia's Beaches.

Here is a selection of the best St Lucia beaches...

Caribbean Side

Choc Bay, north of Castries - Nice white sand, bar, watersports available

La Toc Bay, just south of Castries - Light sand, difficult to access due to an all-inclusive hotel

Labrelotte Bay - Curve of light grey sand, home to Windjammer resort

Marigot Bay - One of the prettiest bays in the Caribbean. Just a little sand on the palm-fringed spit at the entrance to the harbour. Waterfront restaurants and bars in the bay

Pigeon Island National Park, opposite Rodney Bay - Numerous small white sand beaches, beach bar, watersports and some historic buildings inland

Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay - St Lucia’s main beach, with hotels, all the sports and facilities, beach bars

Smuggler’s Cove, Cap Estate (between Le Sport and Club St Lucia) -
A tiny cove at the foot of a steep wooden staircase, dark sand, good snorkelling and a small bar open sporadically, normally quiet

Vigie Beach, opposite Castries airport - Nice stretch of palm-backed white sand, not usually frequented, some bars by the airport

Atlantic Side

Anse Lavoutte - Popular for body surfing, partly protected by reef

Cas En Bas - Attractive, reef-protected curve of beige sand with a bar, popular with windsurfers (strong onshore winds) and the St Lucians at weekends, often deserted otherwise, development underway, sometimes a 4-wheel drive needed to reach it

Donkey Beach - Very picturesque stretch of Atlantic sand

Grande Anse, Desbarra - Only accessible by 4 x 4. Two miles of golden sand, unsafe for swimming, one of the main sites for turtle watching tours between March and August.

Honeymoon Beach, south of Micoud - Lovely stretch of sand in a remote cove, access hard, by 4 wheel drive, surrounded by hills, swimmable but beware, strong waters

Secret Beach, south of Cas En Bas - Very secluded, strewn with volcanic rocks

The South of St Lucia

Anse Chastanet, north of Soufrière - Dark sand, very attractive, within a resort, famous for its diving and snorkelling

Anse Cochon, near Anse la Raye - Accessed by boat mainly, but also by road for those staying at Ti Kaye Village, good for snorkelling (it sees quite a few day sails on a snorkelling stopover)

Anse des Sables - Long stretch of white sand on the Atlantic side, popular with the wind and kite-surfers

Anse Mamin, north of Anse Chastanet - Small bay, beach bar, sand and stones

Choiseul, Laborie - Very local beaches, pretty palm-backed grey strands

Malgretoute Beach, beneath Petit Piton - Palm backed, stony with limited sand, on the Caribbean side just outside Soufrière, with a small restaurant