Unsurprisingly for a tiny island in the Caribbean, St Lucia has some pretty sensational beaches. If you’re visiting for a short vacation, the chances are you won’t get to visit them all. So, in this article, we’ve whittled it down to what we think are the best beaches in St Lucia. Instead of sticking to the generic touristy spots, we’ve tried to include a mix of white sand and dark sand as well as touristy spots and hidden gems, that way, you get to experience the real St Lucia.
The 14 Best Beaches in St Lucia
1. Sugar Beach aka Jalousie Bay
Jalousie Bay, also known as Sugar Beach, is probably the most famous beach in St Lucia. Nestled between St Lucia’s most iconic landmarks, the Pitons, Sugar Beach truly is unlike any other beach we’ve been to. With sensational views, pristine white sand and some of the clearest water on the island, we think you have to visit if you’re in St Lucia.
Because this beach is part of the Sugar Beach, Viceroy Resort, many people think it’s private, but it isn’t. Like every beach in St Lucia, the beach is public.
You can get there by boat or by taking the road down to the resort. We took the road, which is about a 1 km walk downhill to reach the beach.
When we got to the bottom, we were told that if we bought lunch, we could take a ride back up with the shuttle bus; we just had to show our receipt to the driver, so this is what we did.
Alternatively, you can pay for a day pass. This gets you a ride down and back up, as well as $50 US credit to spend in the restaurant and bar. When we visited, it was $50 USD per person, but this may have changed since.
⛵️ This private full-day charter to Soufriere stops at Jalousie Beach as well as some of the other beautiful beaches, the Sulphur Springs and coral reefs for snorkelling.
2. Anse Chastenet
Located in Soufriere, Anse Chastenet is a beach definitely worth a visit. Often associated with the prestigious Anse Chastenet and Jade Mountain resorts, this beach is off the beaten track and is a tricky drive to reach, but it’s worth it, and you don’t need a 4×4.
Anse Chastenet is a good snorkelling spot, and while we didn’t get a chance, many people report swimming with turtles, eels and numerous tropical fish. On this dark sand beach, there’s a beach bar and restaurant that non-resort guests can use but you won’t be able to use the loungers, as they’re reserved for guests.
Personally, we found Anse Chastenet too busy for our liking, so we headed around the corner to Anse Mamin.
🏡 Book a stay at Anse Chastenet Resort or Jade Mountain Resort
3. Anse Mamin
Anse Mamin is one of those beaches that still feels like a secret. A wide sweep of dark volcanic sand framed by palms, with deep blue water that’s perfect for swimming. Despite being just next door to Anse Chastanet, it’s usually quiet, which is exactly why it’s one of our favourite beaches in St Lucia.
Getting there is easy. Head to Anse Chastanet Beach, turn right (north) and follow the coastal trail. It’s flat, takes about 5-10 minutes and you can do it in flip-flops.
When we visited, there was loads of natural shade, a nice little beach bar and loungers with umbrellas for the guests of the resort. It felt super relaxed and unspoiled, the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon with hardly anyone around. Definitely one of the best hidden beaches in St Lucia.
4. Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is one of the most famous spots on the island and is easily recognised as one of the best beaches in St Lucia. With its naturally protected harbour and sensational rolling hills, Marigot is like something out of a movie. To experience the beach itself, you’ll have to hop aboard a shuttle boat that goes to and from the Zoetry Marigot Bay Resort – don’t worry, it’s a small cost of $5 EC return, and the beach is public.
The water is unbelievably calm here. It’s like a lake. You can spend your day relaxing on the beach, soaking in the unforgettable views, or you can get out on the water in a kayak or do some snorkelling in Marigot Bay.
Away from the beach, you’ll find multiple bars and restaurants around the marina, offering the perfect waterfront dining and drinking experience. Even if you just visit for the view, Marigot Bay is a must-see while you’re in St Lucia.
🎒 On this private island tour, you visit Marigot Bay, as well as Anse Cochon Beach and 14 other stops!
🏡 Book a stay at Zoetry Marigot Bay Resort
5. Anse Cochon
Anse Cochon is a popular beach because it has amazing snorkelling and diving at the nearby shipwrecks, beautifully clear waters and a waterfront restaurant. The crescent-shaped bay is backed by plenty of natural shade and tall palm trees, and we enjoyed spending a few hours here.
It does get periodically busy at Anse Cochon because of the snorkelling. So, throughout the day, boat trips will anchor just off the beach, but this only lasts for an hour or so.
Ti Kaye Resort is on this beach, so if you want access to loungers and umbrellas, and it’s quiet, the security guards on the beach might be kind enough to let you use one.
To access the beach, you can go via the resort, but you’ll need a reservation at the restaurant. Alternatively, you can park on the road and take a 5-10 minute walk down a trail to the beach. It’s an easy walk (but somehow Lauren managed to break a toe).
🎒 This private island tour is a great way to visit the bay from the water, as well as stop at 15 other amazing spots in St Lucia.
🏡 Book a stay at Ti Kaye Resort
6. Cas en Bas Beach
Cas en Bas is one of two beaches on the east coast that feature in our best beaches in St Lucia list. Although the water on the Atlantic coast can be unpredictable, this beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay is wonderfully calm and truly a step away from the tourist trail.
It’s highly unlikely you’ll find any other holidaymakers laying out towels and spending the day here. Instead, you might find locals enjoying a beer at the small, rustic beach bar or a few tourists visiting to enjoy horseback riding on the beach.
If you’re feeling adventurous, this is a great, rugged area of the island that deserves to be explored. You will discover coastal paths, trails and hikes to unspoiled beaches, miles of pasture and incredible viewpoints.
🐴 Book a Horseback Riding tour here.
7. Reduit Beach
Reduit Beach is possibly the most touristy and popular beach in the northwest. Located in the heart of Rodney Bay, this beach is dotted with beach bars, restaurants, loungers and watersports. If you prefer a beach bustling with activity, then Reduit is for you. It’s also one of the best St Lucia beaches to watch the sunset.
On a busy day, Reduit can feel crowded because the stretch of sand is quite narrow, but on a quieter day, you’ll be able to enjoy the crystal-clear Caribbean waters and relax. An added bonus of Reduit Beach is the beautiful views of the northern coastline up to Pigeon Point.
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8. Smugglers Cove
This one is a bit of a hidden gem. Up in the prestigious Cap Estate, and often considered part of the Cap Maison Resort and Spa, Smuggler’s Cove is a small, intimate beach that is an excellent spot for sunsets.
Although the beach is next to a resort, the resort sits atop a cliff, so it feels separate. To get down to the beach, there is a relatively short but steep staircase, so if you have mobility issues it might be a challenge.
Another highlight of this beach is the amazing Naked Fisherman bar and restaurant. It’s the perfect spot for either lunch, dinner or drinks. We had one of our best meals in St Lucia here!
🏡 Book a stay at Cap Maison Resort and Spa
9. Vigie Beach
Vigie Beach makes our list because it’s one of the best things to do in Castries, the capital of St Lucia. Adjacent to the runway of St Lucia’s smaller airport, Vigie Beach is a beautifully long stretch of sand flanked by a few local beach bars and restaurants. Here, you can watch as the small inter-island planes take off and land, enjoy a stroll along the long stretch of sand, and the water is calm enough for swimming.
If you’re visiting the capital for the day or disembarking from a cruise ship and looking for a nearby beach, Vigie Beach is the one you should visit.
10. Choc Beach
Located on the outskirts of Castries en route to Rodney Bay, Choc Bay is often overlooked by many because it’s beside a dual carriageway with limited parking.
We decided to try it out because we’d heard positive things. And, it’s home to the Sandals Halcyon Beach Couples Only Resort, so it had to be beautiful, right?! Well, we weren’t disappointed.
It’s very similar to Vigie Beach in that it’s a lengthy stretch of sand, ideal for a beach walk, the water is suitable for swimming, and you’ll likely have the beach mostly to yourself. If you bring a cooler and some snacks, you’ll be set for a few hours on a relatively quiet beach.
11. Sabwisha Beach
Sabwisha Beach has the darkest sand we saw in St Lucia, and it’s a hidden gem – we were the only ones there. Located on the south coast of St Lucia, just beyond the Pitons, it’s off the beaten track, but yet it’s literally beside the road.
We brought a few beers and relaxed for a while, enjoying nothing but the sounds of the waves. The water wasn’t particularly calm when we visited, but it was fine to wade up to knee height. It’s also a lovely spot to catch the sunset.
12. Laborie Beach
Laborie Beach, in the little fishing town of Laborie, isn’t necessarily a sunbathing and set-your-towel-out kind of experience, but it’s a real local vibe. We truly felt immersed in St Lucian life here. The water is dotted with tiny fishing boats and the beach is backed by fishermen assessing their day’s catch and locals enjoying a beach BBQ.
We took a walk along the beach and through the town of Laborie and really enjoyed ourselves. As Laborie is a local community, exploring it feels like you’re a world away from the tourist hotspots, and that’s why we recommend it so much. You could stop at a rum shop, grab a rum punch or beer, and just enjoy the slow-paced, laid-back island lifestyle.
We tied Laborie and Sabwisha into one day and we’d definitely recommend it, so you can see a different side of St Lucia to the tourist hot spots.
⛵️ This full day St Lucia tour stops at 11 places around the island, including the hidden gem Laborie town and beach! It takes place every Sunday and lunch and pickup is included.
13. Anse Galet Beach
Anse Galet is another off-the-beaten-path beach in St Lucia. If you go in the week, you’ll be the only people there; if you go at the weekend, you might find locals having a party.
Anse Galet is a dark sand beach that few people visit because it’s hidden down a dirt road at the bottom of a hill. The road looks sketchy, but if you take it slow, you’ll be fine. We weren’t in a 4×4 and made it down with no issues. You can read our comprehensive guide to renting a car in St Lucia packed with essential tips and guidance to exploring the island on wheels.
When you arrive, you’re greeted by nothing but palm trees, unspoiled landscapes, dark sand and calm water. Bear in mind that there are no amenities here, so make sure you pack everything you need for a beach day.
14. Anse Des Sables Beach
Found right next to the runway of St Lucia’s international airport, Anse Des Sables is an incredibly long stretch of white sand on the south east coast. Some areas of the beach have fallen victim to a lot of sargassum seaweed in recent years, but that doesn’t detract from the sheer beauty of this area of the island.
Often, you’ll find many locals come here for beach barbecues and parties on Sundays, but as the beach is so vast, you can find a quieter spot if that’s what you’re after. As always, with the Atlantic side of the island, the water can get rough and swimming isn’t always advisable.
We wouldn’t advise planning to spend the whole day here, but it’s definitely worth a stop to take in some breathtaking scenery along the east coast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which side of St Lucia has the best beaches?
The best beaches in St Lucia are on the west coast. This is the Caribbean coast, where the waters are clearer and calmer, making for a more enjoyable beach day. However, don’t neglect the east. The Atlantic side of the island is rugged and undeveloped. You should take time out to experience this side of the island because it offers landscapes like you’ll have never seen before and there are loads of great hikes too.
Which is the best beach near St Lucia cruise port?
We think Vigie Beach is the best beach near the St Lucia cruise port in Castries. It’s close enough that you won’t stress about getting back to the ship as it’s just 5 minutes by taxi or about a 30 minute walk. The beach itself is long and sandy, great for a wander, with calm water for swimming and a couple of local bars and restaurants if you want a drink or bite to eat.
What is the prettiest beach in St Lucia?
Jalousie Bay, better known as Sugar Beach, has to be the prettiest beach in St Lucia. Sitting on soft white sand with the Pitons rising up on either side feels almost unreal. The water’s crystal clear too, which makes the whole setting even more ridiculously beautiful.
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