When you think of St. Lucia, you automatically think of The Pitons- and that’s completely fine! The Pitons are popular but they’re far from all that this island in the sun has to offer. If you’re keen on getting out of your hotel, villa or Airbnb, this list will tell you just where you can go to explore St Lucia – all while avoiding crowds.
Here are six things you can do in St Lucia.
1. La Tille Waterfalls and Gardens – Micoud
Ferry Zievinger | Latille Falls St. Lucia
This waterfall on the east coast is St. Lucia’s outdoor spa. It’s a bit of a distance away from the highway but absolutely worth the drive. You are greeted by a locally made hut where local products are sold by the estate owner. If you ask, he’ll be very willing to share the history of the area with you, as well as his vast knowledge of the garden plants and flowers.
Among other things, La Tille features waterfalls, rivers, a natural pool and a fish pond. The pond is especially popular since the tiny fish give you a free pedicure when you dip your feet in. If you are a fan of animals, the owner takes care of several dogs and cats. There are also several species of birds flying through the gardens.
La Tille Falls is featured as a heritage tourism site. There’s never a crowd so this quaint location is the epitome of a hidden gem.
2. Anse L’Ivronge Beach – Choiseul
Photo Credit: Mervin La Eme
Do you remember earlier when we mentioned The Pitons? This beach is hidden away at the base of Gros Piton on the western side of St Lucia. It’s accessible through the community of Choiseul and can be quite a hike downhill. If you’re aren’t that adventurous there is the added option of the vehicle access route.
Fishermen and other people from the nearby communities often spend time at the wide bay of Anse L’Ivronge, but it is never crowded. There, you can either spend hours in the warm Caribbean sea or enjoy a dip in the river. This beach and the surrounded wooded area feels like a tropical getaway, away from the usual tourist spots in the north.
If you’ve decided to spend a day at Anse L’Ivronge, make sure you pack a full day’s worth of food since it’s not very easy to find meals in the area.
3. Piaye Waterfall – Choiseul
Photo Credit: Kitania Regis
How many of you would guess that Choiseul is filled with so many of these wonderful hidden locations? This next spot is in the unsuspecting community of Piaye, which borders Choiseul and Laborie. If you really want to experience St. Lucia, securing directions to this waterfall is one of the best ways to do you.
You will want to pack a lunch and water and prepare yourself for a little bit of a downhill hike. It’s nothing too treacherous. The sounds of the rushing water as you get closer to the falls are a refreshing sound. While the waterfall isn’t much of a secret, it’s not visited often. If you make it there on a weekday you and your friends may be the only ones there. Sometimes referred to as ‘The Sou’ the waterfall cascades over several levels and features natural rock pools. It’s really a beautiful location and makes for unique picture opportunities as well.
If you do visit The Sou, make sure to take all your garbage away with you. People who live nearby are trying their hardest to make sure that the area stays clean. You wouldn’t want to come to a dirty location, would you?
4. New Jerusalem Mineral Baths – Soufriere
Photo Credit: New Jerusalem Falls Facebook Page
If you’re planning on coming to St. Lucia or are already here, you must have heard of Soufriere! It once was the capital of St. Lucia and is home to places like the Sulphur Springs, Sugar Beach and Diamond Falls. Many people don’t know that New Jerusalem Mineral Baths are also found in Soufriere – and that it’s an absolutely AMAZING place.
You will really feel like you’re headed deeper into a tropical jungle when you’re headed to New Jerusalem. It starts off on a dirt path off a main road in Soufriere. You’ll need to be careful while walking downhill toward the river. Yes – a river! Don’t worry though, there’s a bridge for convenience but there’s also the option to wade through the shallow water. The mineral baths are only a few steps away and there are colourful flowers all along the way. By the way, the mineral baths are overseen by a local man who does charge a small maintenance fee.
New Jerusalem Mineral Baths is a series of pools built into the landscape to catch the naturally heated water (yes that’s right) from a nearby waterfall. Soufriere is a volcanic area and the nearby Sulphur Springs heat up the water in the surrounding areas. You’ll feel like you’re soaking away life stresses in nature’s hot tub.
If you plan on staying for hours on end you may want to bring something to eat and drink as well.
5. Cas En Bas Beach – Cap Estate, Gros Islet
Photo Credit: David Hoffmann
Now for our first location in the north of St. Lucia. Cas En Bas Beach is located in Cap Estate, one of the northernmost communities in St Lucia, and on the Atlantic side. It’s known that the Atlantic Ocean is rougher than the Caribbean Sea on the west coast, but it just means that Cas En Bas beach is a water sports lovers dream! Kite surfing is extremely popular at this beach since the brisk winds create the perfect environment. Kayaking, windsurfing, hiking and horse riding are also all very popular at Cas En Bas Beach.
Never kite surfed before? There is actually a school right there on the beach where the experienced staff will teach you just how to do it. There’s also the restaurant ‘Majorie’s’ along the shoreline so you won’t have to worry about food.
Cas En Bas Beach is best if accessed by vehicle since it would be quite a long walk from the Cap Estate roundabout. There is a hotel directly on the beach, so you can book your stay at Cotton Bay Village Resort if you want constant access to that beach.
6. River Rock Falls – Anse La Raye
Photo Credit: gocaribgo.com
When you think of Anse La Raye you probably think of Marigot but that’s not all that this western village has to offer. While Marigot has a bunch of exciting things to do, it’s not really a hidden gem, is it? River Rock Falls rounds out our list of underrated locations in St. Lucia. This waterfall is tucked away off the main highway in Anse La Raye and is actually quite easy to get to since there’s a sign pointing you toward the entrance while you drive along the road.
The waterfall may not be the tallest or largest but a pool has been created at the bottom so you could enjoy a cool swim. There are also picnic tables and chairs which add to the peaceful setting of River Rock Falls. It’s the perfect place for a nice family outing. Changing rooms give added convenience and a nearby bar offers cold beverages.
Do you like these ideas?
This wraps up our list of 6 things to do in St. Lucia – 6 underrated things. All of them are some sort of water feature, but St. Lucia really does have some of the best beaches and waterfall. Let us know which one you’re going to visit on your trip to St. Lucia!
For more fun ideas on what to do during your stay in St. Lucia, head over to the ‘Experiences’ page on our island’s official website https://www.stlucia.org/en/ or their Instagram page @travelsaintlucia.
2 Comments
Did you rent a car?
Hi, no. I am the photographer. I used my own vehicle, I would suggest getting a driver for your trip.