What to Do in St Lucia: Top Activities and Hidden Gems

Have you ever thought about how you can spend an entire week on a Caribbean island without repeating any single activity? St. Lucia offers you just such an opportunity. With its variety of nature, culture, and pace, it is not just a beach vacation. There are layers to this island.

To the visitor wondering what to do in St. Lucia or in search of alternatives to the typical resort experience, here is a new seven-day itinerary based on hidden corners, local life, and memorable experiences.

Day 1: Start With Local Culture at Castries Market

The St. Lucia market is one of the finest places to start your week in St. Lucia. Castries Market has its own sense of energy and aromas of cinnamon, fresh mango and grilled fish. As you walk up and down the bustling stalls, you would get a better idea of what a normal life is like in the country of locals.

Eat a bowl of green fig and saltfish, peruse the handwoven baskets and coconut-shell crafts, and ask sellers how they grow or craft what they sell. And if you are still wondering what to do in St. Lucia, this market is a convenient and entertaining place to start.

Day 2: Snorkelling in Anse Cochon

Most tourists go directly to popular beaches, but Anse Cochon is still a hidden paradise. This little cove, between Soufriere and Marigot Bay, features a part of a protected marine environment with some of the clearest water on the island. It is one of the best snorkelling areas in the world, particularly for first-time snorkelers or those with intermediate skills, because it provides direct access to coral reefs, which are full of colourful fish.

You may reserve a local boat tour or just rent it there and then. There are fewer crowds here so you enjoy more time in the water and clearer views without people in the way.

Day 3: Walk the Art Trail in Choiseul Village

Choiseul Village is an excellent choice if your travel vision involves getting to know local producers and experiencing actual communities. This seaside village is the dwelling place of generations of craftsmen who continue to use clay, wood, and natural fibres to make items in the old ways.

Spend the day wandering between the studios and roadside stalls where you can observe pottery being shaped by hand or woodcarvers making masks and musical instruments. There are also beautiful churches and cafes in the area, which makes it an ideal place to wander.

Golden Ticket SLU suggests a pairing with a visit to a nearby plantation or historic estate to make it a full-day event. To see guidelines on how to plan your trip in a trouble-free manner, you can always refer to the St. Lucia Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip, which offers a useful overview of routes, schedules, and other travel options.

Day 4: Explore the Edmund Forest Reserve

For travellers asking what to do in St. Lucia for a week, spending time in the rainforest is a must. The Edmund Forest Reserve is one of the least commercialised eco-zones in the country. Guided hikes here take you deep into a world of tall trees, cool streams, and birdsong.

The terrain is moderately challenging, which means it’s suitable for most visitors with a reasonable fitness level. Along the way, guides often point out medicinal plants, native orchids, and the elusive St. Lucia parrot. It’s peaceful and shady, a sharp contrast to the island’s sunnier coast.

Day 5: Visit a Cocoa Estate

This is an exclusive item in the itinerary that chocolate lovers will savour. St. Lucia’s cocoa farming is a long-established tradition, and there are a number of plantations where one can get an in-depth tour of cocoa farming. On estates such as Morne Coubaril or Fond Doux, you can stroll through groves of cocoa trees, crack open fresh pods, and observe the fermentation and drying of cocoa.

Beautiful gardens and picnic sites are also found in these estates. End the visit with a savouring session on rich, locally produced chocolate, some of the finest in the Caribbean.

Day 6: Enjoy a Sunset Cruise from Rodney Bay

No visit to the island would be complete without spending some time on the water. Most of the evening cruises depart Rodney Bay and make their way along the western coastline in time to see the sun set beyond the horizon. A sea view of the Pitons is one of the most recognisable images of St. Lucia. 

You can find light music, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere on board. It is a good mix of sightseeing and relaxation, and is a good way to end a busy week of travel.

Day 7: Swim and Picnic at Anse L’Ivrogne

To close out the week, head somewhere few visitors ever reach. Anse L’Ivrogne is a hidden beach located at the base of Gros Piton. Getting there requires either a boat ride or a short hike, but the reward is complete tranquillity. There are no vendors, no loud music, and no distractions.

Bring your food and drinks for a picnic, and spend the day swimming, exploring tide pools, or simply lying back and listening to the waves. It’s one of the rare beaches where you might not see another visitor for hours.

What Not to Do in St. Lucia

While there’s plenty to enjoy, it helps to know what not to do in St. Lucia for a smooth trip:

• Don’t skip greetings — locals appreciate a polite “good morning” or “good afternoon.”
• Avoid isolated areas at night, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the region.
• Don’t assume everything is included — always confirm tour details in advance.
• Avoid picking fruit from roadside trees — many grow on private land.
• Don’t rely solely on US dollars — Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD) are widely used and often better for small purchases.

These simple tips help you travel respectfully and safely while enjoying everything the island has to offer.

Conclusion 

A full week in St. Lucia offers far more than the usual beach escape. From the energy of Castries Market and the calm of Anse Cochon to the cocoa estates and mountain trails, every day brings a new side of the island to discover. If you’re still deciding what to do in St. Lucia, think beyond the resort and dive into the authentic experiences that make this destination unique.

Golden Ticket SLU makes it easy to organise local tours, transport, and stays that match your schedule. With the right plan, your St. Lucia trip can be one you remember for years to come.

FAQs

1. What to do in St. Lucia if you want more than just beaches?

Beyond its famous coastline, St. Lucia offers rainforests, local markets, cocoa estates, and cultural villages. Activities like hiking in Edmund Forest Reserve or exploring Choiseul give you a deeper look at the island’s character.

2. What to do in St. Lucia for a week without repeating activities?

A full week lets you explore a variety of experiences from snorkelling at Anse Cochon and sailing at sunset to touring cocoa plantations and visiting quiet inland trails. With the right mix, every day can feel completely new.

3. What not to do in St. Lucia as a respectful traveller?

Avoid walking in unfamiliar areas at night, taking fruit from private land, or relying only on U.S. dollars. Understanding what not to do in St. Lucia helps you travel responsibly and connect better with the local community.