Noted for its amazing food, nature activities and hiking trails (after all, it is home to the Pitons), St. Lucia is also a fabulous spot for beach enthusiasts. While those who like to lounge along silky white sands and gaze out at turquoise waters will certainly find many wonderful spots to enjoy this activity, snorkeling enthusiasts are in remarkable luck here as well.
As a diving, snorkeling, swimming and beach going hotspot, St. Lucia has so much to offer, yet you may not know exactly which beach offers your ideal experience. To be sure you won’t waste a moment of your holiday heading from one place to the next (even though that, too, can be fun and adventurous), we offer this “straight to the beach guide” to the beaches of St. Lucia.
Best and Busiest
Often described with those two terms, Reduit Beach offers a mile of gorgeous, golden sands, views of Pigeon Island across the waters and some of the best amenities and options. Because of this, it is very busy and you will find many island locals as well as world travelers enjoying the picnicking, beach bars, water sports, and the fabulous swimming. This is also a good spot for savoring the local fare, and most visitors tend to point towards the northern end of the beach where Spinnakers is located. This is a long-time, island favorite with famous jerk chicken and grilled fish sandwiches.
Unspoiled and Private
Sitting on the island’s western coast, between the towns of Soufriere and Castries is Anse Cochon (Cochon Beach). It is a unique spot with very dark sand, a framing of dense native growth, flawless and pristine waters ideal for snorkeling, and plenty of services. There is a spot for renting chairs, snorkeling gear, kayaks and more. You can also sample from the nearby restaurant’s range of classic beach bar fare.
Top Snorkeling
Though the island is noted for amazing snorkeling, many agree that you find some of the finest at Anse Chastanet. This is a relatively small beach with silvery sand and a nice lining of swaying palms that lead to the base of the forested hills nearby. However, it is the beach’s gorgeous coral reef that makes it such a fine destination. Safe waters, an astonishing range of sea life and the convenience of a dive center on shore make it perfect for beginners and experts. There are also options for renting loungers and a great little restaurant and bar along the sands.
Most Dramatic
It is impossible to avoid dramatic scenery when in the proximity of the Pitons. If you would savor an amazingly dramatic and unprecedented view of them, as well as some of the most luxuries beach amenities, then it is to Anse de Pitons you must travel. Though this is part of Sugar Beach (which belongs to the private Viceroy Resort), it is worth the visit. You will enjoy amazingly white sands, show stopping scenery, access (with a fee) to premium water sports gear and sun loungers, and the restaurant nearby is island chic and fun. With hammocks in a grove of almond trees and a casual menu of drinks and beach food, it makes an unforgettable experience.
The Island That Isn’t
Pigeon Island is reachable by car and is actually part of a national park. It has two lovely little golden sand beaches popular with families and those who like a shaded, quiet and scenic spot to enjoy safe swimming and access to interesting attractions. The beach furthest in from the entrance offers a lovely café as well as places to rent loungers, enjoy a picnic in the park and access the water.
Don’t waste one moment looking for that “just right” beach when this guide can steer you towards the perfect destination.
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