The 9 Best Beaches in St. Lucia

Close your eyes and picture yourself in a luscious paradise. A canopy of green palm fronds covers the earth. Smooth, warm sand coats the coastline. You can smell the salty sea air as it bounces off of soft, crystal waves.

If you would like this image to be more than a daydream, you should probably plan a trip to Saint Lucia. The Caribbean island offers great weather, beautiful nature, and dozens of world-famous beaches. The only problem? With so many gorgeous beaches to choose from, how can you decide where to go?

Top Beaches in Saint Lucia

We have done some digging to help discover the best Saint Lucia beaches for couples, families, and even surfing. Read on to learn more about where you can go to enjoy the stunning Saint Lucia coastline.

Jalousie Beach (Sugar Beach) – Best for Snorkeling

The Caribbean Sea is famous for its aqua blue waters. However, Jalousie Beach in Saint Lucia brings that turquoise image to the next level. The reason for this is that the waters near Jalousie Beach are protected. Located just a bit south of Soufrière, Jalousie Beach (also known as Sugar Beach) is part of a Marine Reserve. Because of the protected status of this area, fishermen do not have the right to fish at Jalousie Beach. Boaters and sailors are also prohibited from mooring nearby.

The result of these protections is a flourishing underwater world, where fish feel free to zoom around in droves. The area is so spectacular that snorkelers and SCUBA divers come to Jalousie from all around the world. And there is no reason that you shouldn’t join in on the fun!

Simply grab your goggles and throw on your mask. Then, dive deep into Jalousie’s underwater universe. As you sink into the crystal waters, keep your eyes peeled for several different varieties of coral. You can also expect to see crabs, squid, parrotfish, and trumpet fish. Past snorkelers have spotted needlefish, sergeant majors, and octopus at Jalousie Beach.

If you aren’t much of a swimmer, don’t worry! You will still be able to enjoy Jalousie Beach. The beach itself offers stunning views that are excellent for relaxing. White sands stretch between two gorgeous mountain tops, Gros Piton and Petit Piton.

Thus, visitors can sit on the beach and soak in the stunning contrast between the peaks and the coast. Arriving at Jalousie Beach is an experience in and of itself. Board a water taxi in Soufrière and let it carry you to the shore. There may be nothing as romantic as a boat trip to the beach.

Reduit Beach – Families, Watersports and Nightlife

Reduit Beach is the place to be for watersports. Considered St. Lucia’s best beach, Reduit Beach is a long sandy beach that stretches along Rodney Bay. Most of the all-inclusive hotels are located along the bay. With five miles of sand, it is good for both families, couples and young adults as there is a resort to choose from for everyone.

Reduit beach is nestled on the coast of Castries, the island’s capital. Because of this, the beach is extremely accessible. It is also super close to a number of grocery stores, restaurants, and tourist shops. This means that it’s okay if one of the kids gets hungry or leaves their prized bucket back at the hotel. Amenities are close-by and easy to obtain.

Another major benefit of Reduit beach is the variety of local activities. Adults can curl up on lounge chair with a good book while kids can hop in the water to enjoy an array of watersports. As a result, it’s great that Reduit offers a ton of cool things to do, like snorkeling and jet skiing. The best part, however, is the beach’s enormous waterpark. Known as Splash Island, the outdoor facility is an award-winning fun zone. It was designed by a mother for other mothers to enjoy the beach with their kids. Splash Island offers a number of impressive amenities, including volleyball, a floating rock climbing wall, and even some over-water monkey bars. The beachside offering is a great way for people of all ages to enjoy the ocean’s natural beauty.

Pigeon Island National Landmark

A former pirate hideout and military Fort, Pigeon Island was turned into a National Landmark in 1972. There are old ruins, beautiful sandy beaches, snorkeling, and restaurants. There are shops just outside the entrance to grab a bite to eat. It is connected to the island by a manmade causeway. Formerly a fort This is an amazing half-day trip in St. Lucia that has some amazing hikes to the top of the island and fort for incredible views of Rodney Bay.

Book this tour that includes a hike in Pigeon Point National Park, a climb up the “Hill of Good Luck”, plus a stop in Castries, and visit a banana plantation and the Eudovic Art Studio. From the top of the hike, you’ll be able to see the neighboring island of Martinique.

Anse Chastanet Beach – Best for Photos

These days, traveling the world isn’t just about having new experiences. It’s also about recording them. According to one poll, social media platforms are so powerful that they even influence where 86% of users go on vacation.

While the rise of the social media photo may be controversial, it’s definitely happening. As a result, you might as well go on your trip prepared to take some cute pictures. Anse Chastanet beach is the best place to snap a few cute shots with your family, friends, or romantic interest. Because of its proximity to the volcano, this beach has spectacular black sand. You and your companions will leave the beachside with photos to last a lifetime.

Anse Chastanet beach is its location. Since it is located within the Anse Chastanet resort, you must enter the resort area in order to access the beach. While this may seem uncomfortable or exclusive, you don’t have to worry. In Saint Lucia, all beaches are public property. As a result, everyone has the right to enjoy any beach on the island, regardless of where its located.

For all purposes, this means that you can drive up to the Anse Chastanet resort and park your vehicle there. Then, you can just explain that you are going to the beach. You will be welcome there. 

Anse de Sables – Best for Surfing

Anse de Sables is one of the best beaches for surfing in the entire Caribbean. The mile-long beach offers an unspoiled stretch of gorgeous white sands.

Due to its curvy shape, the beach receives strong winds and tall waves that have made it a favorite for surfers and windsurfers alike. In fact, Anse de Sables is home to The Reef Kite & Surf Centre. This sporting area has been in business since 1994 and attracts surfers from all across the globe. Its kite school is perfect for folks looking to try out a new hobby.

Meanwhile, its equipment rentals are ideal for ocean veterans looking to experience new waters. You don’t have to be a surfer, however, to have a good time at Anse de Sables. Spectators can also enjoy observing the white-capped waves as they crash along the coast. Plus, many of the water athletes are fun to watch.

Grab a blanket, a snack, and some icy cold sodas. Then, plop down on the sand and watch the surfers and kite surfers slay. With their colorful kites and sleek boards, many of these athletes aren’t afraid to put on a bit of a show.

Marigot Bay – Laid Back Beach Life

Marigot Bay is located just south of the capital city of Castries and is an idyllic destination of white sand beaches and swaying palm trees. The bay is more of a stretch of small beaches where you can find a beautiful stretch of sand to watch the boats bob in the calm waters as you sip on a cocktail at one of the many beach bars. A great way to explore it is to rent kayaks. You can book this snorkeling tour in advance to see shipwrecks and marine life living within St. Lucia’s coral reef.

Fun Fact: Pirates of the Caribbean and the original Dr. Doolittle featured scenes from Marigot Bay.

Gros Islet Beach – Best for Sunsets

Did you know that Saint Lucia is famous for its spectacular sunsets? At the end of each day, you can watch as gorgeous orange and pink hues fill the sky. Just before dark, the sun dips into the ocean, leaving viewers stunned.

During your vacation to Saint Lucia, you should not miss the world-famous sunsets. However, not all beaches will give you a view. In order to catch the sunset, you will have to head to the West side of the island. Only there will you be able to watch the sun sink into the blue ocean waves.

Of all the places to watch the sunset in Saint Lucia, Gros Islet Beach is perhaps the most romantic. At the far end of this gorgeous beach stands a sharp green volcano that extends into the horizon. 

When the sun sets, it sinks directly behind the volcano, sending waves of light all around it. The mixture of bright colors almost creates the impression that the volcano is “on fire.”

This is a great spot for couples to come and have a romantic evening experience. Grab a chilled bottle of white and pop it on the smooth Gros Islet sands. Then, sink back into your chairs and enjoy nature’s spectacle. 

Balenbouche Beach – Best for Romance

Saint Lucia is not just a gorgeous Caribbean island. It’s also an award-winning honeymoon destination. In fact, just last year in 2021, Saint Lucia was listed as the “Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon” spot. But, with so many honeymooners on the island, where can you go to enjoy a romantic afternoon on the beach?

Balenbouche is one of the most secluded beaches on the entire island. Even though all beaches in Saint Lucia are public, very few people wander to this stunning stretch of sand. The reason is that Balenbouche is only accessible by crossing the historic 60-acre Balenbouche Estate. According to the estate’s website, the beaches are almost always empty.

“Balenbouche beaches are very private. Our guests love the fact that they are almost always alone on the beach. Quite often, one or more of our loyal dogs will accompany them.” 

Beyond the luxury of privacy, the beaches of Balenbouche offer stunning scenery. For one thing, these beaches have plenty of gorgeous black sand lining their shores. They are also flanked by a line of jagged cliffs. These seaside cliffs add a level of visual complexity to the paradisal shoreline.

In terms of activities, guests can enjoy a number of water sports. The tranquility of the Balenbouche waters makes the area perfect for snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Many folks also enjoy body surfing in the tiny local waves.

Whether you are in the mood for a romantic stroll or an afternoon snorkeling session, Balenbouche is a gorgeous and private place where you can have fun with your partner. 

Grand Anse Beach – Best for Turtle Watching

Do you love to spot unique animals? Would you be interested in spotting turtles on the ocean shore? If so, you may be interested in exploring Grand Anse Beach. Grand Anse is sometimes referred to as “the forgotten beach,” as most tourists never stop by. The reason for this has everything to do with Grand Anse’s treacherous waters. Unlike some of the other beaches in the area, Grand Anse is plagued with strong currents and powerful tides.

Consequently, people cannot swim, sail or do water sports in the Grand Anse waters. It would, unfortunately, be too dangerous for anyone to take a dip. However, what Grand Anse lacks in swimming it makes up for in sightseeing. The beach is one of the best places in the world to spot sea turtles hatching.

Every year, between the months of February and October, turtles crawl onto the beaches to lay their eggs. You can visit the beach in the evenings to watch the turtle nesting process. But if you dare step near the nests, beware! Volunteers patrol the beach at night to keep the baby turtles safe in their shells.

For true nature lovers, this experience is truly one-of-a-kind. At Grand Anse, you can spot green turtles, as well as loggerhead turtles, leatherback turtles, and hawksbill turtles.

Learning More About Saint Lucia Beaches

Are you planning a trip to Saint Lucia beaches? Or, are you hoping to put together a beach vacation budget? Regardless of your situation, you may want to do a bit more research about the different travel possibilities available.

Our Caribbean travel guide is packed with information on how to have the best possible trip. Click here to learn more about Saint Lucia attractions, options for beaches, and ideas for sticking to your travel budget.

Map of St. Lucia Beaches and Accommodations

We have been traveling the world for over twelve years. Because of this, we have all the best tips for how to have an amazing experience abroad. With our help, we are sure that you will have the best possible Saint Lucia vacation.

And, if you are still open to exploring other destinations, don’t be afraid to check out our guides and itineraries. Whether you want to go to Europe or Oceania, we are here to give you our favorite travel tips.