Your Guide To The Top 5 St. Lucia Beaches

St. Lucia beaches are world-renowned, making this beautiful isle a frequent favorite for those traveling on Caribbean cruises. This vibrant paradise packs an incredible array of varied landscapes, from its pristine shores to lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs and the glorious Grand Piton mountains.

As your ship pulls into the island's centrally located cruise port, you're close to the excellent Castries beaches and not far from many other of the best beaches in St. Lucia. From powdery sand enclaves to volcanic sand beaches, these strands are the definition of paradise. Here's your expert guide to the five best St. Lucia beaches.

1. Vigie Beach

The quickest and closest seaside retreat can be found at Vigie Beach, one of the best beaches in St. Lucia near the cruise port in the Castries area. Once you arrive at Pointe Seraphine cruise port, you're a quick four-minute drive from the soft, golden shores. It's a bit far to walk, so just hop on the convenient open-air trolley train and enjoy a fascinating tour of Castries' Old Town.

Virgie Beach ranks high on any list of the best St. Lucia beaches for its fine white sand, expansive shoreline (spanning two miles) and calm waters. While it might not be the best beach for snorkeling on the island — the beach is not known for its marine life and the shoreline has a sandy bottom — you'll find it's perfect for swimming and wading, long walks along the extended coast and sunbathing. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent while beach volleyball is the favorite sport at this top Castries beach. This shore can be busy, but it still maintains a laid-back vibe.

2. Reduit Beach

You'll find the picturesque shore of Reduit Beach about a 15-minute drive north of the cruise port. Reduit Beach is one of the best beaches near Castries, St. Lucia, with its lively atmosphere and soft white sand that stretches nearly a mile. This beach is a hub of water fun for all ages with jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding and banana boat rides.

The easiest and most convenient way to experience the best of Reduit Beach is through a cruise excursion. Consider the Segway Safari and Beach Fun, which takes you gliding through the Mt. Pimard nature reserve before snorkeling the clear waters off Reduit Beach. Or for those looking for the perfect beach day, check out the St. Lucian Beach Excursion, which includes transportation to the beach and a beach chair along with a drink and snack from the beach bar.

3. Pigeon Island Beach

On the north end of Rodney Bay, you'll find the beautiful Pigeon Island Beach at the Pigeon Island National Landmark. North of Reduit Beach and an estimated 22-minute drive from the cruise port, this beach oasis is perfect for an all-day retreat that mixes relaxation with a historical hike. History buffs will appreciate taking the time to explore the ruins of Fort Rodney. It's here the British military built lookouts and fortifications to help in its battles against the French, and many of these structures date back to the 18th century.

Trek the lush green mountains, and you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the island and the ocean. Here's a tip: Pack athletic shoes or hiking boots as this hike is not ideal for flip-flops or bare feet. After your hike, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the soft white sand and swimming in the clear waters.

Snorkeling is best done by the rocks, where colorful fish abound and you may spot occasional rays. Not into snorkeling or hiking but still want to keep active? Kayak rentals are also available nearby. For lunch, stop by The Thirsty Parrot for a beachside meal of fresh coconut curry fish and island cocktails.

The beach is part of Pigeon Island National Landmark, which has facilities like restrooms and picnic areas. There is an entry fee to access the park, but it's well worth it for the experience.

4. Anse Chastanet Beach

One of the best beach dive sites in St. Lucia can be found at Anse Chastanet Beach. The 80-minute drive along the island's western coast gives way to calm waters filled with fish galore. The draw is the Anse Chastanet Reef, 10 yards off the shore. This marine reserve is a hub of vibrant coral, sponges and tropical fish. Scuba dive or snorkel through the serene reef or kayak and paddleboard above it and witness the many undersea wonders through the clear blue waters. The calm sea here makes all these water sports and activities pleasant.

The beach is immersed in a lush tropical jungle and is relatively untouched, with palm trees lining the shore. You'll also find a unique mix of black volcanic and white sand, comfortable enough to walk on but not necessarily ideal for sandcastles. The beach is part of the Anse Chastanet Resort, which offers dining options and rentals for beach chairs and water sports gear. Don't miss the resort's fresh mangos grown onsite — they're some of the best mangos you'll ever try!

5. Jalousie Beach (Sugar Beach)

A day trip to Jalousie Beach, also known as Sugar Beach, places you between the island's dramatic twin volcanic peaks, the Pitons. Well worth the 90-minute drive (or 45-minute boat ride, which should be scheduled ahead of time) from the Pointe Seraphine cruise port, the beach is known for its powdery white sand, imported by a local resort to cover dark volcanic sand. This slice of paradise is one of the best beaches in St. Lucia, as it is a marine reserve with calm, clear and protected waters.

If you're a snorkeler, you'll be thrilled to hear that the coral reefs are near the beach, making this one of the island's best snorkeling and diving sites. For the best underwater sights, head to the base of the Pitons, where you're likely to spot colorful fish, sea urchins and the occasional sea turtle. Kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing are popular here, with local vendors off the beach offering rentals. While the beach is public, a local resort controls sections and certain amenities and sunbeds may come with a fee.