When it comes to tropical vacations, few destinations can compete with the beauty and charm of St Lucia. This stunning Caribbean island is home to many breathtaking beaches that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Some of the best beaches in Saint Lucia have amazing views of the island’s most iconic inhabitants, the Gros Pitons, making for great photo opportunities.
Many of the most beautiful beaches in St Lucia are inside or partially located inside some of the island’s top all inclusive resorts. However, the good news is that all the beaches in St Lucia are free entry for everyone so you can visit any beach you want, whether you are staying at that resort or not at no cost.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the 13 best beaches in St Lucia and cover both the western and eastern sides of the island.
13 Best Beaches in St Lucia
Visiting beautiful beaches is one of the best things to do in St Lucia. So get your sunscreen, hat and towels ready, here are the 13 best beaches in St Lucia.
1. Anse Chastanet – Best Black Sand Beach
If you like a beach with scenic black sand then Anse Chastanet is for you. Anse Chastanet beach is located within the stunning Anse Chastanet Resort, one of the two resorts I stayed at when I visited St Lucia. Anse Chastanet is located in the south west of the island and is also home to Jade Mountain Resort.
This St Lucia beach is well known for being a world-class scuba site that offers some of the best diving on the island. There is also a coral reef where you can snorkel in the clear turquoise waters. I took the snorkeling option and had a lovely afternoon seeing tropical fish. It is possible to hire all the water sports equipment you will need on the beach.
Boat trips also leave from Anse Chastanet Beach and I enjoyed a fantastic sunset cruise around the island organised by Anse Chastanet.
Trou Au Diable restaurant is located on Anse Chastanet Beach. The lunch menu is a mix of beach grill and creole and there is also a great bar. I became a bit obsessed with the ceviche served in coconut when I stayed.
And if you are visiting Anse Chastanet, this next lovely beach, Anse Mamin, is just a 15-minute walk away.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Anse Chastanet
2. Anse Mamin – Best for Mangrove Serenity
If you’re looking for a secluded and serene beach to escape the crowds, Anse Mamin is the perfect spot for you. Anse Mamin Beach is a part of an old sugar plantation on the west coast of the island and is surrounded by lush greenery containing several cycling paths.
This was one of my favorite beaches in St Lucia. It is as pretty as Anse Chastanet, but as it is a bit further south, it feels calmer. It is an excellent spot for both swimming and sunbathing. Bring your own towels and supplies if you aren’t staying at the Anse Chastanet resort. If you are a guest at the resort, you can use the lounge chairs with umbrellas.
Anse Mamin is home to the Jungle Beach Grill, part of the resort. Everything I ate at Anse Chastanet was great and I highly recommend ordering local seafood. Seating is right on the beach.
Top Tip: St Lucia Travel and Tours is the best for airport pickups and all your driving needs while on St Lucia. I met owner Randy and two of his drivers. All of them were outstanding careful drivers on the rather rough roads of St Lucia. They were also delighted to help out with tourist info, tips and photos.
3. Grande Anse Beach – Best for Turtle Watching
Grande Anse Beach is located on the east coast of St Lucia in the north. This sandy beach tends to be quieter than some other beaches on the island, as it isn’t easy to get there. The path to the beach is rough and best suited to walking (although it is quite a long way).
If you are up for the journey, you will be rewarded with white sands and leatherback turtles. There are no guarantees on spotting sea turtles. You may see them nesting on the beach if you’re lucky. Nesting season is between March and August. Of course, make sure to keep a respectful distance from the turtles.
4. Sugar Beach or Jalousie Beach – Most Photogenic Setting
Sugar Beach is a must-visit if you’re looking for a beach that combines natural beauty with luxury. This stunning white sand beach is nestled between the two Pitons of St. Lucia and is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sands. The waters near this beach are protected.
This is possibly the most photogenic beach in St Lucia. The combination of the Gros and Petit Piton, see-through blue water, shimmery white sands and palm trees makes for Instagram envy photos galore!
Sugar Beach is also known for having great diving and snorkeling due to its crystal clear seas. For divers, there is an 1800-foot drop at the base of the Pitons.
Sugar Beach is also home to the Viceroy Sugar Beach Resort but there is a section of the beach that is open to the general public. Bonte Restaurant and Bar is located on the beach and part of the Viceroy.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at The Viceroy
5. Marigot Bay – Best For Green Scenery
If you’re looking for a picturesque and tranquil beach, Marigot Bay is the place to be. This stunning bay is a yachtsman’s haven and has been featured in many Hollywood films, such as Dr. Doolittle. The small hills around the bay are covered in lush palm trees, which makes the setting particularly scenic.
The bay is located just south of St Lucia’s capital Castries. Marigot Bay Beach is the best-known beach in the area. The Marigot Beach Club Hotel is located on the beach but as always in St Lucia there is a section of the beach open to the public. The beach has food and drink kiosks and equipment for water sports can be hired.
Marigot Bay is a great spot for kayaking, paddleboarding or taking a catamaran tour around the beautiful bay. I went on a sunset cruise around the bay and loved it. And unsurprisingly it is also a great spot for scuba, snorkeling and sunbathing.
Book Your Catamaran Trip in St Lucia
6. Anse du Piaye and 7. Laborie Beaches – Best for an Authentic St Lucia Beach Experience
The next two beaches are located near each other in the southwest of St Lucia and are not part of any resorts. These are beaches that are popular with both locals and tourists and feature the distinctive St Lucia black sands plus swaying palm trees.
The calm crystal-clear waters are the perfect place for swimming and snorkeling and there are plenty of shaded areas to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean. However, there are few amenities so make sure to bring your own supplies.
8. Balenbouche Beach – Best Beach for History and Tranquility
Balenbouche Beach is located just north of Anse du Piaye in the southwest of the island and borders the beautiful Balenbouche Estates. The beach is open to everyone but you will need to walk through the grounds of the beautiful estate to reach it. As a result, the beach tends to have few visitors.
The beach is a mix of volcanic sands and large flat rocks complemented by lush greenery and palm trees. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. There are no facilities on the beach.
One of the unique features of Balenbouche Bay is the Balenbouche Estate, which is a historic plantation that has been transformed into a sustainable eco-tourism destination. Visitors can take a guided tour of the estate and learn about the history and culture of St Lucia and the sustainable farming practices used on the property.
In addition to the beach and estate, several hiking trails in the area offer stunning views of the coastline and surrounding landscape. You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the bay and nearby mangrove forests.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Balenbouche Estate
9. Anse L’Ivrogne – Best Hidden Beach
If you’re looking for a secluded beach off the beaten path, Anse L’Ivrogne is a great choice. Located near Tet Rouge Hotel, this hidden gem is one of the last beautifully preserved coves in St Lucia. If you are a guest at Tet Rouge there is a complimentary shuttle to and from the beach.
With crystal-clear water and soft sand, Anse L’Ivrogne is a great place for swimming and sunbathing. It’s also one of the departure points for the Gros Piton hiking trail, making it a great spot for adventurers and nature lovers.
While the beach is not equipped with any facilities, it’s still worth a visit for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Remember that the road to Anse L’Ivrogne can be bumpy and difficult to navigate, so it’s recommended to visit with a local guide or in a sturdy vehicle.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Tet Rouge
10. Hummingbird Beach – Best Town Beach
Hummingbird Beach is located in the city of Soufriere and gives Sugar Beach a run for its money regarding views of the Piton. The sand at Hummingbird Beach isn’t as pure white as Sugar Beach but it is soft and lush and the water is the usual crystal clear St Lucia standard.
This is a great spot for photos as the beach is very scenic and a dock runs out into the ocean. The beach is named for the hummingbirds that apparently can be found in the surrounding rainforest although I didn’t see any.
There is a three-star resort, the Hummingbird Beach Resort, but this is a public beach used by tourists and locals. A major advantage of this St Lucia beach is the amount of facilities around the beach. The beach is lined with colorful buildings containing bars, restaurants and equipment hire.
11. Reduit Beach – Best Crowd Pleaser
If you’re looking for a beach with it all, then Reduit Beach in Rodney Bay is the place for you! With its golden sands, crystal clear waters, and stunning views of Pigeon Island, it’s no wonder that Reduit Beach is one of the most popular beaches in St Lucia.
Located in the north of the island, this five-mile beach runs along Rodney Bay on the coast of the island’s capital Castries. This is probably the best beach on the island for amenities as it is lined with hotels, bars and restaurants. There is equipment hire and it is also possible to hop in a water taxi and head over to Pigeon Island.
If you’re traveling with kids you might want to check out the popular Splash Island waterpark.
Book Your Kayaking Tour in St Lucia
12. Pigeon Island Beach – Best for Culture
If you are looking for a beach that offers a mix of history, nature, and relaxation, Pigeon Island Beach is the perfect spot. Located on Pigeon Island, a national landmark and park, this beach offers a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in St Lucia.
One of the major Pigeon Island National Park attractions is Fort Rodney, built in the 18th century by the British to protect the island from French invaders. Today, the fort is a popular spot for visitors to explore and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area. You can also visit the museum inside the fort to learn more about the island’s history.
In addition to the fort, the island has two sandy beaches with clear waters and mountain backdrops. Umbrella and chair hire is available plus equipment hire and there are a few restaurants and bars.
If you’re looking for some beach-based luxury check out my articles on the best resort towns in Mexico, things to do in Cancun, Bali Retreats for Singles, Sierra Leone Beaches and things to do on Lanzarote.
13. Cas En Bas Beach – Best for Wind
Horseshoe-shaped Cas En Bas Beach is located in the north east of the island and is very popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers. As it is located on the eastern Atlantic Ocean side of the island, expect quite a bit of wind eg it may not be the best beach for you if you want to sunbathe and paddle. Horse riding is also possible along Cas En Bas beach.
In addition to the wind, Case En Bas is known for Marjorie’s Beach Shack. This popular restaurant is best known for its grilled local seafood and is popular with tourists and locals.
Book Horseback Riding in St Lucia
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, an adventurous vacation, or a family-friendly trip, St Lucia has something for everyone.
St. Lucia beaches are located on both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, offering a unique experience. The island’s western side is protected from the trade winds, making it perfect for swimming and water sports. The eastern side is wilder and remote, with unspoiled sand and a peaceful atmosphere.
St Lucia’s twin peaks, the Pitons, provide a stunning backdrop for many of the beaches. The island’s rainforest and volcanic origins add to the beaches’ natural beauty.
St Lucia Tourism was kind enough to cover all of my costs whilst I was in St Lucia including the economy portion of my flights. However, as always my opinions are my own.
Do note that this article contains affiliate links. That means if you click through on one of the links in this article and end up making a purchase I may receive a small commission. This helps me keep this website going and doesn’t add to your cost.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.