Saint Lucia is the absolute gem of the Caribbean (in my eyes, anyway). With lush rainforest, bubbling volcanic landscapes, and picture-perfect beaches, this is the island that really has it all.
We recently spent five glorious weeks soaking up all things Saint Lucian (yep, it was as dreamy as it sounds) and created our own shortlist of the best beaches in Saint Lucia that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Wondering how much a Saint Lucia trip might set you back? We documented every cost from our five-week stay — check out our full Saint Lucia budget breakdown for accommodation, food, activities, and more.
Whether you’re looking to chill with a coconut in hand, hike to panoramic peaks, or gallop down the shore on horseback, there’s a beach here for you.
Oh, and all beaches in Saint Lucia are public, even the ones in front of the swanky resorts. Some of the hotels may try to keep it exclusive, but you can definitely still visit. A few even offer day passes so you can use their facilities… lap up that luxury life!
So, without further ado, here are the top 7 beaches in Saint Lucia that made our ultimate list:
1. Gros Islet – the local intro to Saint Lucia’s beaches
This was the first beach we visited in Saint Lucia, and we were honestly blown away. White sand, crystal-clear water, and a peaceful atmosphere – it was like we were being welcomed in the best way possible.
There isn’t a lot around as it’s not overly touristy – you won’t find a bunch of bars and restaurants here – but it has everything you need: beach, sea, and sunshine. It’s more of a locals beach and feels truly authentic. Pack a picnic, bring your towel and live your best island life.
2. Reduit Beach – where all the action is in Rodney Bay
Reduit is Saint Lucia’s diamond of the north. Quite frankly, it’s stunning. Located in Rodney Bay, it’s buzzing from sunrise to sunset. Our taxi driver from the airport described it as “the place to go when you don’t want to feel alone”, and I’d second that thought.
It’s long, with soft golden sand, and has everything you could need: sun loungers, umbrellas, jet ski rentals, and guys selling everything from bracelets to fresh coconuts.
Top tip: grab a roti from Liz Roti – it’s a taste sensation and you’ll be thinking about it for days! No need to move from your lounger, she’ll walk along the shoreline selling them fresh. I actually spotted her one time from a sea dip and ran after her to secure ours. They are that good.
The vibe on Reduit shifts depending on where you are. While the main area is lively, if you walk to the far-left end you’ll find Marie’s Shack, and a more chilled zone where the locals hang out. Try both ends and see what you think!
3. Pigeon Island National Trust – a dose of history on a beautiful Saint Lucia beach
Pigeon Island has a lot of history behind it, and was given National Park status in the 1970s. Initially a separate island reserve, a man-made causeway was added to connect it to the mainland of Saint Lucia. You can delve into the history when there (and from a better guide than me!).
Parking is free – just make sure you drive all the way down. We almost parked up too early and would have given ourselves a wholly unnecessary hike to start the day. The entry fee is $10 USD, Little Rick got in free as he was under five, and you get access to two beautiful coves, walking trails, and hikes with panoramic viewpoints. Sun loungers are available for $3 USD per bed.
You can hike all the way up to Fort Rodney where the views are meant to be spectacular, but it was a little optimistic to try with a two-year-old. Instead, we walked up to Signal Peak and were rewarded with views all the way out to neighbouring Martinique.
Top tip: be sure to bring your own food and drink (the restaurant was closed when we visited) and wear decent shoes. We all lasted the day in Crocs, but it might have been better to have trainers for the walk.
4. Pigeon Island public beach – laid back fun
Right next to the National Trust area is the public beach, which offers a different vibe entirely. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for hire, but we opted to chill in the natural shade under a massive tree. This was the best move as lots of other visitors and locals had the same idea and we found ourselves in an impromptu beach party with music and a borrowed inflatable for Little Rick.
There are bars and restaurants opposite the beach, with our personal favourite being Joe’s Bar & Grill. Great for grabbing cold drinks and soaking up the laid-back scene with music and all the vibes.
5. Vigie beach – wild & wonderful waves on Saint Lucia’s rugged coast
Vigie is the rugged, wild beach of your dreams. Soft sand and big waves, it’s not the calm Caribbean waters that we were used to, but it had its own dramatic charm. It’s also the place to ride horses along the shoreline! Yep, the guys from Zion King Stables bring the horses over and offer up rides – no need to book in advance, just turn up and have a chat.
This was one of our Saint Lucia highlights and something our toddler still talks about regularly. Even better, the guys took photos and videos on our phones so we could be in the moment and still have photographic evidence.
The waves here are much stronger than the other beaches we were used to, so do be careful. We weren’t comfortable with Little Rick being too near the water, and my sunglasses were nearly sacrificed to the sea gods (thankfully Mr Rick carried out a heroic rescue, and they lived to see another day!).
Top tip: There’s no official parking at Vigie – we followed the locals and parked up in between the trees on the sand. Perfect for being close enough to grab what we needed without hauling everything out.
6. Sugar Beach — Piton paradise and Saint Lucia’s most iconic beach
Sugar Beach is drop-dead gorgeous. Nestled between the Pitons (the famous volcanic peaks in Saint Lucia), it is the true definition of paradise. Soft white sand, crystal-clear water, stunning views – it’s genuinely the stuff of dreams.
We visited as part of our boat trip with Carnival Cruises so were dropped off at the shore. Within minutes, we were straight into the water and relaxing on the inflatables that were already out in the bay, before chilling on the purest sand we’ve ever experienced.
Sugar Beach does have a hotel resort on it (The Viceroy – looked super fancy… one for another trip maybe!), but as all beaches in Saint Lucia are public, you can definitely still visit.
We didn’t get back for a full day (it’s on our wish list for next time), but I did do all the research as we planned to. So if you do go independently:
- Non-resort guests park further up the hill by the guard shack and walk down (apparently this is a relatively steep but doable walk). There may be the option to pay for the hotel shuttle down to the beach too.
- Towels and chairs are allowed to be put out, but you can’t use the resort’s sun loungers and umbrellas.
- Restaurants and bars can be used on a paid-for basis. Plus snorkelling gear can be rented.
- If you buy something, keep the receipt and you should be able to get the shuttle back up.
- There’s an option to pay for a day pass for $50 USD per person for use of the facilities, with some of this spend going towards food/drinks. BUT this isn’t essential, the beach itself is free.
7. Marigot Bay – Hollywood history and a secret Saint Lucia beach
Marigot Bay feels like a Saint Lucian secret… it’s not, but it definitely feels that way. Like you’ve stepped into a mystical bay that is yours, and only yours. It’s tiny, pretty, and best reached by boat – which is how we first saw it.
It’s been the setting of a couple of Hollywood films, and when you see it, you can understand why. The most famous was Dr. Dolittle, and there’s even a bar named after it that you can only get to by water taxi.
As our boat trip visit was short, we drove back another day. This was… ambitious! The road isn’t the smoothest so you just have to go with it, and parking was more of a rock climbing mission than a car park – but the effort was worth it. The views are beautiful, there are plenty of cosy beachside restaurants, and the bay feels like its own little universe.
Final thoughts on the best beaches in Saint Lucia
For us, Saint Lucia isn’t just a beach destination, it’s a complete soul refresh. Each beach has its own personality, and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring every one, from the wild waves of Vigie to the stunning perfection of Sugar Beach. There are obviously plenty of other beaches in Saint Lucia, but these are the ones that stood out to us… and are the ones we’d head back to in a nanosecond.
Whatever you’re searching for, I have no doubt that you’ll find the beach of your dreams here. So pack your sunscreen, grab your tribe, and let the Caribbean do the rest.
FAQ: your top questions about Saint Lucia beaches
Q: Are all beaches in Saint Lucia public?
A: Yes! Every beach in Saint Lucia is public, including those in front of resorts. Some resorts may try to make it feel exclusive, but you’re welcome to visit and enjoy.
Q: Can I visit Sugar Beach without staying at the resort?
A: Absolutely. You can walk down from the parking area or take a hotel shuttle if available. Towels and chairs are allowed, but resort loungers require a day pass.
Q: Which beaches in Saint Lucia are best for families?
A: Reduit and Pigeon Island National Trust are great family-friendly options with calm waters, easy access and free parking.
Q: Is horse riding available on Saint Lucia’s beaches?
A: Yes! Vigie Beach offers horse rides along the shoreline with Zion King Stables – no booking needed, just show up.
Related reads
- Curious what 5 weeks in Saint Lucia actually cost us? Here’s the full breakdown.
- Want to experience the island’s biggest party? Check out our ultimate guide to the Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party.
- Craving more adventure? Find out what it’s like to explore Saint Lucia’s incredible drive-in volcano.
Which beach sounds like your vibe? Do you agree with our top 7? Let me know in the comments below.
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