The Ultimate St. Lucia Family Guide
Planning a trip to the “Helen of the West Indies” with kids? This St. Lucia family guide is your one-stop hub for everything family-friendly—from the best calm-water beaches and rainforest adventures to kid-approved restaurants and where to stay. Whether you’re bringing toddlers or teens, we’ve got you covered.
Jump To:
- Top Things to Do
- Best Beaches
- Snorkeling with Kids
- Where to Eat
- Regions Overview
- Top-Ranked Family Stays
- Local Tips
- Getting Around
- Best Time to Visit
- What to Pack
Top Things to Do
St. Lucia is a nature-lover’s paradise, offering adventures from the rainforest canopy to the sea. Families can visit the world’s only “drive-in” volcano, zip-line through the jungle, explore historic parks, or splash at an inflatable water park. There’s an adventure for every age.
- Sulphur Springs: Visit the drive-in volcano and take a therapeutic mud bath in the hot springs.
- Treetop Adventure Park: A thrilling experience with ziplines and aerial trams through the rainforest canopy.
- Pigeon Island National Park: Explore historic military ruins, hike for stunning views, and relax on two calm beaches.
- Splash Island Water Park: A fun-filled inflatable water park located on Reduit Beach.
Best Beaches for Kids
St. Lucia’s beaches range from the calm, golden sands of the west coast to more dramatic, secluded coves. While the island is volcanic (not all beaches are white sand), you’ll find perfect spots for families to swim, splash, and snorkel in calm, clear Caribbean water.
- Reduit Beach: A long, golden-sand beach in Rodney Bay with very calm waters, lots of amenities, and the Splash Island water park.
- Sugar Beach (Anse des Pitons): A stunning white-sand beach set dramatically between the two Pitons, with excellent snorkeling.
- Pigeon Island Beach: Two calm, sheltered coves within the national park, perfect for toddlers and beginner snorkelers.
Top Ranked Family Stays
From large all-inclusive resorts in the north to stunning boutique hotels near the Pitons in the south, St. Lucia offers lodging for every family. Many properties feature kids’ clubs, multiple pools, and easy access to beaches and attractions.
- Rodney Bay (North): The center of activity, with large resorts, calm beaches, restaurants, and shopping.
- Soufrière (South): Quieter and more scenic, offering luxury and boutique hotels with incredible Piton views, close to nature attractions.
- All-Inclusive Resorts: Many options (like Coconut Bay Beach Resort) are dedicated to families, with water parks, kids’ clubs, and activities.
Snorkeling with Kids
St. Lucia’s clear Caribbean waters are home to vibrant marine reserves, making it a fantastic place to introduce kids to snorkeling. Many of the best spots are protected coves accessible right from the beach, teeming with colorful fish and coral.
- Anse Chastanet: A protected marine reserve with walk-in snorkeling right off the beach, known for its abundant fish.
- Sugar Beach: The roped-off snorkeling area (on the right side of the beach) is a protected reserve with lots to see.
- Pigeon Island: The coves offer clear, calm water for beginners to practice and see small fish.
Where to Eat
St. Lucia’s dining scene is very welcoming to families, with options from casual beach bars to fun, local Creole restaurants. You’ll find plenty of spots with high chairs, kid-friendly menus, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a family meal.
- Spinnakers Beach Bar & Restaurant: A classic, casual spot right on Reduit Beach, perfect for a family lunch with toes in the sand.
- Rodney Bay Marina: Offers a variety of casual, family-friendly restaurants (like pizza and cafes) with views of the boats.
- Local Creole Restaurants: In Soufrière or Castries, don’t miss trying authentic and flavorful local dishes.
Regional Breakdown
St. Lucia is defined by its two distinct coasts. The north is the island’s entertainment hub, while the south is its scenic, natural heart. Choosing your base depends on whether you want action and amenities or quiet and nature.
- Rodney Bay (North) – The main tourist hub with big resorts, restaurants, shopping, and the calm Reduit Beach.
- Soufrière (South) – The scenic heart of the island, home to the Pitons, volcano, waterfalls, and eco-luxury resorts.
- Castries – The capital and cruise port, with a bustling central market and duty-free shopping.
Local Tips
- Driving is on the **left** side of the road. Roads are steep and very winding, especially between the north and south.
- The tap water is officially safe to drink, but many visitors prefer to drink bottled water.
- Currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), but USD is accepted in all tourist areas.
- Power plugs are **UK-style (Type G)** with 220-240V. You will need an adapter for U.S. devices.
- Bring plenty of bug spray, especially for rainforest excursions or evening dinners.
Best Time to Visit
St. Lucia’s peak and driest season is from December to April, which is the most popular time to visit. The off-season (June-November) is the official wet and hurricane season. While St. Lucia is in the hurricane belt, you can often find lower prices and fewer crowds during this time.
Getting Around
Renting a car (a 4×4 is recommended) is an option, but be prepared for the challenging, winding roads. Taxis are widely available but can be expensive. A popular and scenic option for families is using **water taxis** to travel between coastal towns like Rodney Bay and Soufrière.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen and rash guards
- **A UK (Type G) power adapter**
- Bug spray (essential for the rainforest)
- Water shoes for snorkeling and rocky beaches
- Light rain jacket for brief showers
- Sturdy sandals or hiking shoes for nature trails
We hope you found this St. Lucia family guide useful. For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on St. Lucia.