Best Beaches in St Lucia: An Honest Guide by Coast

Saint Lucia's beaches are different from the long white stretches of some Caribbean islands. Many are small coves, some have golden or dark volcanic sand, and the character changes a lot between the calm Caribbean west coast and the windy Atlantic east. Every beach on the island is public by law. Here is what each of the main ones is actually like.

North: Rodney Bay and Cap Estate

• Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay. The island's best-known beach. Long, golden sand, calm water and plenty of restaurants and water sports. Busy on weekends and when cruise ships are in.
• Pigeon Island beaches. Two small beaches inside the national park, reached with the park entry fee. Calm and good for families. Combine a swim with the short hike to Fort Rodney.
• Smugglers Cove, Cap Estate. A small, sheltered cove down a set of steps. Quiet on weekdays and good for an easy swim.
• Cas en Bas, Cap Estate. On the Atlantic side, with steady wind that makes it a favourite for kitesurfing. The water in the bay is shallow, but it is not the place for a calm float. There are a couple of beach bars and horseback rides.

Castries area

• Vigie Beach. A long stretch next to the George F. L. Charles airport runway. Locals swim here in the early morning and evening.
• Choc Bay. A wide, calm bay between Castries and Rodney Bay with local families on weekends.

West coast: Marigot Bay to Soufrière

• Marigot Beach. A small strip of sand on the far side of Marigot Bay, reached by a short water taxi. Pretty, but small.
• Anse Cochon. A dark-sand beach with clear water and good snorkelling. Most people arrive by boat on a day trip, which is the easiest way to get there.
• Anse Chastanet and Anse Mamin, near Soufrière. Dark volcanic sand and one of the best snorkelling reefs on the island, starting close to the shore. Anse Mamin is next door and quieter.
• Sugar Beach (Anse des Pitons). Set between the two Pitons, with white sand brought in and a hotel behind it. The view is the reason to go. As with all beaches here, the sand is public, though the loungers belong to the hotel.

South and east

• Anse de Sables, Vieux Fort. A long, open beach near Hewanorra airport, with the Maria Islands offshore and constant trade winds. Good for kitesurfing and long walks. Quiet most of the time.
• Grande Anse, north-east coast. A wild Atlantic beach where leatherback turtles nest between March and August. The currents are strong and swimming is not safe. Visit only on a guided turtle watch.

Tips for beach days

• The west coast is calmer and better for swimming. The east coast is rougher, with strong currents.
• Bring water shoes for coves with rocks and for snorkelling spots.
• Shade is limited on smaller beaches, so pack an umbrella or plan to rent loungers.
• Vendors will offer drinks, crafts and boat trips. A polite "no thank you" is enough.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral you are snorkelling over.

Guests at our Rodney Bay villas are a short drive or walk from Reduit Beach, and our Cap Estate villa is close to Smugglers Cove and Cas en Bas. We can also arrange a boat day down the west coast to Anse Cochon and Soufrière.