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St Lucia Beaches
Most visitors arriving in St. Lucia will be unaware of the long French connection with the Island (see our history page).
One of the longest lasting testimonials to their occupation are the many French place names, like Anse Chastenet and Soufriere.
Soufriere literally means "sulphur in the air", and got it's name from the pungeant smell of rotten eggs that emanate from the dormant drive-in volcano in the hills above.
Anse is the French word for beach.


Anse Chastenet Beach
Visitors will be in awe when they gaze upon the strands of black volcanic sand, the mile-long stretches of white beach and the gorgeous palm-fringed bays bordered by towering mountains. Nature's impact on St. Lucia's beaches has made each one more breathtaking than the last. Some can be reached by car and others only by boat. All St. Lucia beaches form part of the "Queen's Chain" and therefore are all public, even if it is in front of a hotel, which means that you can see every beach that St. Lucia has to offer no matter where you stay.



Some hotels make access difficult, but by law there is a public path to the beach or you may reach it by boat. Chairs, umbrellas etc. are "free" for registered guests only. For a small fee, usually about US$3 - US$5 per day, they may be hired by non-registered guests.
In the cases of the all-inclusive hotels, a day or half-day pass may be purchased and usually includes use of chairs and umbrellas as well as the limited use of the hotels facilities (except for rooms) during the time period of the pass.
Because of St. Lucia's geography, there are black volcanic sandy beaches as well as mile-long white sandy stretches. There are no lifeguards here, but if the surf is too rough you may see a red flag indicating not to swim on the more popular beaches. Here's a collection of beaches that await you on your St. Lucia vacation.


Northwest Coast

Pigeon Island: The Causeway connects the Island landmark of Pigeon Island National Park to the mainland. Once the home of Amerindians, a hideout for pirates and a military base for the British, it's now a recreational area with beaches and areas for picnicking.
Rodney Bay: Reduit Beach has bars and sports hire facilities, but can get crowded. You cannot walk the entire length from Pigeon Point as the marina cuts off the northern part of the bay, but you can access it via a 45-minute walk or a 5 to 10 minute bus ride into Gros Islet. The area is renowned for its long white sandy beach sheltered with tropical greenery.  South of Gros Islet are several large hotels and all kinds of water sports facilities. North of Gros Islet you see only sand and trees until Pigeon Island. During the weekend this part is frequented by many St. Lucians.
Choc Bay: is a long, sweeping stretch of sand and coconut palms with tranquil waters along the north-western coast, close to Castries and the major hotels. A premier spot, the bay's tranquil waters attract swimmers and families with children A beautiful sandy beach, sheltered by palm trees, with water sports facilities and close to the large hotels, you can look out at little Rat Island off shore. The Gablewood shopping centre is located nearby.
Vigie: Located 1.5 miles from Castries, this pretty strip of sand has lots of shade. It is popular with the locals, and regularly cleaned. The only drawback is that it is parallel to the airport runway. But the lack of hotels and low levels of pollution make up for that.

Labrelotte Bay: A very nice sandy beach situated between the East Winds Inn and the Windjammer Landing.

Marigot Bay: this secluded bay is everyone's fantasy of the ultimate Caribbean cove. Bordered on three sides by three steep emerald hills, the bay is skirted by coconut palms. Inside the inlet, there are deserted beaches and a well-hidden resort, as well as anchorage for yachts. An ideal place to relax on one of the deserted beaches or anchor your yacht in this peaceful cove.


South Coast

Many of the beautiful beaches in this area are only available by boat

Anse Cochon: Accessible only by boat, the black volcanic sands and calm waters make it a romantic hideaway and shallow reefs provide hours of snorkelling fun.

Anse Chastanet: Just off the coast of Anse Chastanet beach is the popular marine reserve that has some of the best snorkelling and diving on the island.

Soufriere: North of the city there is a long stretch of dark sandy beach. Between the palm trees you have a grandiose view of one of the Pitons. The beach is mostly used by local people.

Cas En Bas: One of the pre-eminent places for wind surfing. The last part of the road to the beach is in very bad condition and it is as fast to walk down to the beach as it is to drive. There are constant on shore trade winds. At the Turtle Reef Bar, the only wooden house next to the stretched white sandy beach, you can hire a wind surf board and take wind surfing lessons. There are also kayaks for hire. During the summer months, the bar can be closed for a period of several weeks.

Anse de Sables: An easy to reach, beautiful but windy, white sandy beach looking out over the Maria Islands. This is one of the most popular places for wind surfing, as there are constant on shore trade winds. Close to the 'The Reef' bar and restaurant you can hire wind surf boards. The wind surf centre of Club Aquarius is also located here. This beach is recommended for sun-worshippers.

Jalousie: The Hilton imported fine white sand to cover the black sand on their beach that can make the water cloudy, but it is a most beautiful bay. You can feed the fish from the pontoon.

Anse Des Pitons: Relax at the foot of The Pitons on this stunning crescent-shaped beach. At certain points of the beach you're actually between The Pitons.

Anse De Sable: As one of the most beautiful and long beaches in St. Lucia, it's amazing that it's not overly developed or populated, and it's easy to access if you don't mind the drive.


East Coast

The Atlantic east coast of the island has heavy surf beating against the cliffs, so are unsuitable for swimming, but the beaches look spectacular and well worth a visit despite being so isolated that they are difficult to get to without 4-wheel drive and local guidance. They are a refreshing change from the west coast, but do not go here if you wish to swim. This area contains important habitats and nesting places for the island's wildlife, so are ideal for the naturalist and bird watchers.

Donkey Beach: An hour's walk from Gros Islet, but well worth the trek. The wild scenery is open and windy. Unlike any other beach on the island.

Anse Comerette: Accessible from Monchy. Here you'll find solitary bluffs and wind-swept beaches.

Dauphin Beach: Indian stone-carvings are the main attraction at this beach only accessible by jeep from Monchy. When you reach the beach, wade across the river to the clearing below the brush. Walk 50 metres, and you'll discover elongated stones with repeated depressions. Walk further on, and you'll see a stone pillar that seems to depict a family of three. Unfortunately, the stones have been damaged. Walk a few more meters, and you'll see the ruin of the colonial church tower that is the only remnant of the town that was destroyed in the 1795 St. Lucia French Revolution.

Anse Louvet: A 3-hour walk from Desbarra (you cannot drive here) will bring you to a stunning secluded beach. Before you set out for the beach, ask locals about the conditions of the roads since they change often. Be sure to take lots of water with you. Once there, you'll see waves beat against rugged cliffs that create a spectacular blowhole. If you follow the river into the main valley, it will bring you to a tall waterfall. See if you can spot the wild vanilla that grows here. The La Sorcière mountains make a wall between the sea and the inland giving the surroundings a special distinction.
The dry shrubs are home to the Fer de Lance snake, the only really dangerous snake on the island.
Here, the Leatherback and other turtles come ashore to bury their eggs during the night
during the breeding season


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