St Lucia is renowned for its heavenly beaches: tranquil bays can be found nestled in scenic national parks, while family-friendly beaches boast super-clean sand and calm, safe waters. Want to get active? Water-sports fanatics can head to the east of the island to find long, windward beaches that are ideal for surfing. Still unsure of which stretch of sand will suit you best on your villa holiday in St Lucia? Read on to discover our list of the best beaches in St Lucia for every type of tourist.
Best for seeing turtles: Grand Anse Beach
Tucked away in the northeast of St Lucia, Grand Anse beach is as unspoilt as it gets. It’s also the place where leatherback turtles call home, and during the nesting season from March to August, the local turtle watch takes place as these endangered creatures come to the shore to lay their eggs. Quiet and remote, Grand Anse may be tricky to get to (consider taking a 4×4 or private tour) but this peaceful destination is entirely worth the journey.
Best for eco-adventures: Anse Mamin Beach
Anse Mamin Beach has become something of a haven for eco-adventurers. This dark sandy stretch is around a quarter of a mile long and surrounded by jungle so, when you’re not taking a dip in its calm waters, you can mountain bike and hike around the Anse Mamin Valley. Once you’ve got your fill of adventure, refuel at the Jungle Beach Bar and Grill legendary burger shack – you can’t top salty fries by the sea!
Best for families: Reduit Beach
Calm waters, golden sands and charming waterfront restaurants make this mile-long beach a favourite among families. It’s one of the most popular beaches in St Lucia, so arrive early to get the best spot and make the most of your day. As if the kids needed any more persuasion, this beach is also home to the very exciting Splash Island, St Lucia’s thrilling water-sports park. Still looking for things to entertain them? Check out our top things to do in St Lucia.
Best for snorkelling: Anse Chastanet Beach
Overlooked by luxury resorts perched on the bucolic hills, this silvery sandy beach is beloved among VIP sun-seekers. However, it also has huge appeal among avid snorkelers thanks to the Anse Chastanet Reef: a marine reserve that can be found just 10 yards from the water’s edge. Choose to hire equipment and take a course with Scuba St Lucia, or simply pop on a snorkel and feast your eyes on everything from puffers and parrotfish to turtles and moray eels.
Best for film buffs: Marigot Bay
When you see the emerald green hills, glimmering superyachts and towering palm trees of Marigot Bay, you’ll instantly understand why it’s featured in various Hollywood films – among them, Dr Doolittle and Pirates of the Caribbean. Several little bays make up this sought-after enclave, but its main stretch of sand juts out into the azure waters, making for a glorious place to sunbathe.
Best for rugged scenery: Donkey Beach
In the northeast corner of St Lucia, Donkey Beach is one of the smallest but most striking beaches on the island. Facing the choppier Atlantic Coast, it’s not the best for sunbathing, but it is one of the most photogenic and popular with walkers. Pack your camera, some comfy shoes, and soak up the wilder, less-trodden feel of this enchanting spot.
Best for water-sports: Anse de Sables
At almost 2km in length, Anse de Sables is one of the longest beaches in St Lucia, but it’s also one of the best beaches for water-sports. Located in Vieux Fort in the southeast, this windward beach allows you to try out everything from kite surfing and windsurfing to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Check out the water-sports centre The Reef Beach Café for more info – and then grab a fresh pizza or cold beer afterwards!
Best for feeling out of the way: Pigeon Island Beach
Part of the Pigeon Island National Park, the two pint-sized strips of sand that make up this beach are usually devoid of crowds and could easily make you feel like you’re on a desert island. Super calm waters and dense vegetation surround it, and you may even find you have the beach to yourself on some days. Look out for the little boats that pull in to sell fresh coconuts and take some time to explore the national park.
Best for views of the Pitons: Sugar Beach
Anyone who’s someday dreamt of visiting St Lucia has seen endless snaps of the incredible Piton Mountains. Our top pick for places to see them is the renowned Sugar Beach – also known as Jalousie Beach. A small cove that offers the most incredible views of these volcanic peaks, it’s also accessible by water taxi if you’re not staying nearby.
Map of the best beaches in St Lucia:
Now that you’ve read about the best beaches in St Lucia, why not take a look at our luxury villas in St Lucia? From holiday homes near the beach, a short distance away or even based on lush golden sands, we’ve got something for everyone. And if you need a little more guidance, contact our concierge team and they’ll help to find the best place for you!
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