15 Amazing Non-touristy Things to do in St Lucia

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It comes as no surprise that St Lucia is consistently voted one of the best islands to visit in the Caribbean, from its great beaches, warm water, and its luxury hotels.

But, what is a surprise, is what’s off the coast. From Piton hikes, waterfalls to jungle adventures. All those amazing things you don’t find in your typical guide books.

So, let me share with you some of my best non-touristy things to do in St Lucia, including some spectacular hidden gems.

Let’s get started…

This gorgeous 44-acre national landmark offers amazing panoramic views of the ocean and Rodney Bay down below.

Take the scenic hike to the top of Pigeon Island where, on a clear day you’ll be able to see its neighboring island, Martinique. The hike is peaceful so you won’t be bothered by lots of tourists.

There’s plenty to do here, that will appeal to the outdoorsy and adventurous travelers, from hiking, snorkeling, exploring the 18-century military ruins and not to mention sampling the amazing food on offer.

Take the stunning Tet Paul Nature Trail, and chances are you’ll be all alone. This peaceful hike will only take about 45 minutes to complete.

A guided tour is recommended if you want to learn along the way from one of the knowledgeable locals.

However, If you want to go at your own pace and stop for lots of picture opportunities then I would recommend going alone.

There’s plenty of view decks which overlook the majestic Pitons, honestly, pictures don’t do its beauty justice.

In the distance, you can also see the islands of Martinique and St. Vincent.

Here you will find a beautiful secluded beach that not many people know about. You do have to take a 5-minute walk to get here though, so maybe that’s why it’s not full of tourists.

There is everything you need on this tranquil, the restaurant is actually known in St Lucia for having the best burgers on the island.

The beach has plenty of chairs to relax on and lots of shaded areas if you get too hot. The snorkeling is also great here.

Overall, Anse Mamin is a great secluded hidden gem you have to visit while in St Lucia.

Not far from the Piton nature trail you’ll find a true hidden gem on the property of the 26-acre Stonefields Resort.

A short path into the jungle leads to a set of ancient rock carvings called ‘Petroglyphs’ estimated to have been carved in the 1300s.

Researchers believe that this site was a birthing area for the native people.

This is a great stop if you’re in the area as its located near the Pitons, waterfalls, trails, and the open volcano.

While you’re here though, why not stop for a drink at the resort? The views of the Pitons are out of this world.

This adventure-packed 18th-century estate has something for everyone. If you’re looking to learn about the history of St Lucia then exploring the estate is highly recommended.

You’ll learn all about making sugar cane syrup, producing cocoa and wander around a traditional village within a stunning Botanical garden setting.

If you’re feeling more adventurous take a ride on the ziplines, as you fly through the canopy you’ll be greeted with jaw-dropping views of the Pitons.

Other activities include exploring the estate on horseback, hiking through the lush rainforests and swimming in waterfalls. As there are so many unique things to do here, the estate isn’t overrun with tourists.

If you’re thinking of surprising your partner then what better way to get the heart racing with your very own private deck overlooking the ocean accompanied by a zipline!

Yes, that’s right. Your very own zip line that will deliver champagne right down to you. What better way to enjoy a romantic meal or even pop the question.

With unobstructed views what better way to watch the incredible sunset in this perfect secluded setting.

Marigot Bay is the perfect example of why people visit St Lucia. This little fishing village has a lovely little secluded beach accompanied by a few restaurants, bars, and fine dining options.

A perfect spot to watch the world go by and also a great location for watching the sunset. There’s not a whole lot to do here, so you’ll find it’s very peaceful and relaxing.

Marigot Bay is arguably one of the most beautiful bays in St Lucia and you can see exactly what if you take a walk to higher up to the viewing areas.

If you’re looking to go off the beaten path then why not hire your own boat and be the captain for the day?

Especially when the cruise ships come in, take a self-guided tour down the beautiful coastline and explore the hidden gems for yourself.

Be sure to stop at Anse Chastanet Beach on your way, this is a lovely hidden gem and I’ll tell you why next.

Situated between the luxury resorts of Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet Resort, some people can be put off going as it’s a little tricky to get to and the road is bumpy, to say the least.

If traveling by car, most people can be put off thinking the beach is private as its located near luxury resorts. However, this is not the case, all beaches are public and you can access it!

This pristine beach has minimum tourists and most certainly will not be crowded, chances are they’ll only be a few people there.

You’ll find amazing snorkeling and 10 miles worth of tropical walking and biking trails to explore, as well as a colonial plantation.

Don’t expect something similar to Niagara Falls or Victoria falls, as it will leave you slightly underwhelmed. However, when coupled with stunning surroundings and Botanical gardens, this small waterfall is a must-see.

It can get crowded, so make sure you get to this tropical oasis early to avoid the crowds, especially on cruise days.

It’s a great stop to add on your itinerary if you’re near the Pitons and Sulphur Springs. I’d recommend getting a mud bath then blasting it off under the waterfall.

Overall, a welcomed break and something different from all the touristy beaches.

The open volcano and sulphur springs are a sight to behold, but not one to smell.

Considered to still be a dormant volcano, its last eruption was in the 1700s.

You can get a quick 15-minute guided tour to learn all about the volcano which was very interesting. There’s also an observation deck where you can get amazing pictures too.

If you want to jump into the mud baths, it can get busy so make sure you get there early and avoid cruise days.

It’s totally worth it though, as you’ll get out feeling 10 years younger.

Guests staying at the luxury Sugar Beach are blessed with one of the most perfect quiet beaches in St Lucia

However, all beaches in St Lucia are public, meaning anyone can visit whether you’re staying at a resort or not.

That said when we visited it was made pretty awkward for us to enter and we didn’t feel 100% comfortable. It was like we were being watched!

Don’t let that put you off though because the beach is amazing and you’re right next to the towering Pitons.

What better way to experience St Lucia than hiking up the iconic pitons. You’ll be blessed with insane views and be surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife.

The trail is pretty tough going and it’s recommended you take a guide to the top. Not only will you be safe, but you’ll learn about the history and nature on your way.

The trail takes around four hours in total, two up and two down. You won’t see many tourists up here as most people will be on the beaches so it will be nice and peaceful.

This is most definitely off the beaten track and one of the most magical and unique places to visit if you’re looking for something different.

This former 60-acre sugar plantation offers beautiful walking trails, secluded beaches, an 18th-century sugar mill and a museum, all surrounded by ancient trees and tropical gardens.

This great little secluded hideaway is perfect for escaping the mainstream busy beaches and tourist spots.

Its small beach is perfect for relaxing and listening to the gentle ocean waves as you sip on a cocktail.

The beach bar and restaurant offer mouth-watering fresh seafood at affordable prices.

I nearly forgot, the snorkeling here is brilliant too, so don’t forget your gear.

Here are some of my top tips if you’re planning on visiting some or all of these non-touristy things to do while you’re in St Lucia.

See what you want to see

Don’t be put off doing something even though it might be touristy, if you want to see a point of interest just go and do it, you’re on vacation after all. For example, even though the mud baths at the sulphur spring might be a little overcrowded I wouldn’t want to miss this once in a lifetime experience.

Get there early

If you’re really worried about too many tourists visiting the same spots as you, then I would recommend waking up really early and beating the crowds.

Get a guide

We generally always get taxi tours around the islands, as the locals know where all the hidden gems are and you get to learn about their culture and the wildlife.

Plan your route

Use Google Maps to plan your route to make the best use of your time. Planning your route carefully could mean that you get more time to spend at each location or sometimes you can even fit in another sight.

Split your itinerary

Although with careful planning you can potentially fit in more points of interest, I would recommend trying to split it up rather than squeezing everything into one day. I guess this all depends on how long you’re on the island. Personally, I’d group together things that are close together.

Check cruise schedule

If you’re really worried about overcrowding and too many tourists then I would recommend that you check the cruise schedule for the duration of your stay. That way, when the cruise ships are in you can do tours that are on the other side of the island or have a chill day by the pool or beach.

Here’s a list of my recommended travel gear to consider for your visit to St Lucia. These are the essentials I bring everywhere with me!

Quality Camera

It goes without saying, you should get a good camera for any vacation, the last thing you want is blurry or pixelated images.

We recommend a mid-range level SLR camera like the Canon EOS 4000D (View on Amazon), we’re not professional photographers so we don’t need to spend thousands on a camera alone.

GoPro

If you’re adventurous and are planning on hiking the pitons or snorkeling in St Lucia then you have to get a GoPro (View on Amazon).

They’re easy to carry, high quality and you can take them underwater or hiking without having to worry about any damage. Perfect for capturing those memories on the go without weighing you down.

Quality Backpack

If you are planning on hiking the Pitons, which is amazing by the way. Then you’ll need a good quality backpack to carry all your essentail gear without weighing you down.

We recommend the Osprey Porter 46 backpack. It has amazing reviews on Amazon and it will last you a lifetime.

Water shoes

I would recommend a durable high quality pair of water shoes whereever I go, such as the No products found. on Amazon.

If you’re like me and love exploring and swimming then you’ll need some of these. You never know what you’re standing on in the sea sometimes, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Underwater case

If you fancy something cheaper than a GoPro then I would recommend getting an underwater case for your cellphone, like this universal phone pouch on Amazon.

St Lucia has some great snorkeling spots so one of these would be extremely handy. You can also take it to the waterfalls and in the mud baths too without worrying about damaging your phone.