Why a Saint Lucia sunset cruise was a must for our family
For us, no trip feels complete until we’ve been out on the water. It’s practically a family tradition at this point – back in the pre–Little Rick days, Mr Rick and I always carved out time for a boat trip, no matter how much of a beach bum we’d been for the rest of the time. Living in a campervan has made that tradition trickier in recent years, but Saint Lucia was the perfect place to bring it back. And with a two-year-old who is basically 90% water (the obsession is real), we couldn’t resist.
But the question was: which boat trip?
Choosing a Saint Lucia sunset cruise company
When you start Googling, three names pop up on repeat: Sea Spray Cruises, Carnival Sailing, and Mystic Man Tours. Because we were staying in the north, we narrowed it down to Sea Spray or Carnival (if you’re based further south, Mystic Man could be a solid option). Honestly though, whichever you choose, I don’t think you can go too far wrong.
We went with Carnival Sailing because we met the fabulous Adrien through our Airbnb host – he worked there and it sealed the deal for us. The trip we booked was the Piton Sunset Cruise, costing around £72 per adult (Little Rick was free as he was under three).
Carnival Sailing boarding & first impressions
The cruise started at 2pm, with check-in 15 minutes earlier at the embarkment point in Castries. Transfers from major hotels are included, but we drove ourselves – which, after missing the turning and having to wrangle the hire car back up a steep, pothole-filled hill, turned into an adventure all of its own.
Once parked and checked in, we found our spot on the catamaran. Drinks were flowing from the start – rum punch, beer, soft drinks – and gentle music set the mood.
Top tip: don’t forget sunscreen, towels, swimwear, and (if you’ve got a toddler) easy snacks!
Cruising past Marigot Bay and the Pitons
Our first stop was the dreamy Marigot Bay, where we were treated to the stunning shoreline from the water (and made a note to ourselves to come back another day!). A couple more passengers came aboard here and were brought out to us by tender boat.
Explore Marigot Bay with us – one of our favourite beaches on the island
Then came the showstopper: the Pitons, rising like giant emerald peaks from the water. Photos do not do them justice… and seeing them from the ocean is pure magic.
Swimming, snorkelling & fun at Sugar Beach
Next up was our absolute personal highlight… Sugar Beach.
We waded ashore through crystal-clear water and straight onto soft, white sand. Some of our fellow passengers went off snorkelling (all equipment included), but we parked ourselves on the beach before being inevitably lured into the water. What followed was swimming, splashing, and Little Rick squealing his head off on the floaties anchored nearby. It was one of those “yep, this is why we travel” moments.
See why Sugar Beach made our list of Saint Lucia’s must-visit beaches here.
Food, drinks & what happens if it rains
Back onboard, food was ready! And it was more than we expected. Chicken, fish, sandwiches, sausage rolls, plantains… enough that we skipped dinner afterward. (Vegetarians, take note: there weren’t any veggie options, so you may want to bring something along.) We had taken a picnic along for Little Rick but it wasn’t needed as he demolished everything put on his plate.
By this time, the rum punch was flowing and everyone was ready for the big sunset moment. In my head, I was already gazing dreamily out the back of the boat, the sun’s rays dipping dramatically in the distance. Except… no one had informed the Caribbean skies, and they had other plans. Of the torrential rain kind. The spectacular sunset was, in fact, not happening. Bummer.
But something strange happened. It turned out even better. The crew, feeling sorry for us I think, transformed the return trip into a floating party. Karaoke, dancing, group singalongs, even a surprise round of Baby Shark for Little Rick (which the other passengers graciously tolerated – thanks guys!). The rain hammered down, we laughed harder than we thought possible, and it became one of our best memories of the whole trip.
Returning to Castries: tired but happy
We arrived back in Castries with one exhausted toddler and two parents grinning ear to ear. A little sad to say goodbye to our new boat friends, but absolutely buzzing from the experience.
Know before you go: Carnival Sailing Piton Sunset Cruise details
- Cost: ~£72 per adult, under-3s free
- Duration: 2pm until after sunset (weather permitting)
- Transfers: Free from most main hotels
- Bring: Sunscreen, swimwear, towels, toddler snacks
- Food: A healthy amount of hors d’oeuvres (meat/fish only, no veggie options)
- Is it family-friendly? 100% yes – even with little ones under 3
Final thoughts on our family-friendly Saint Lucia boat trip
We may not have got the golden sunset we signed up for, but we got something better: a hilarious, joy-filled afternoon/evening we’ll remember forever. If you’re on the fence about booking, or worried it won’t work with kids, just do it. I promise you won’t regret it.
Does this sound like your type of trip? Any questions, let me know in the comments!
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