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The water is a dazzling aqua colour, the mountains are emerald green and the beaches are golden-hued, like precious gems in a royal crown. For most people its difficult to tear themselves away to look past this and experience the inner island. Although St Lucia is more commonly known as a honeymoon destination, we can honestly say its a fantastic trip to do with children. There are plenty of incredible educational insights that you can learn about in A Family Travel Guide To St Lucia.
Contents
Welcome To St. Lucia!
St Lucia is a mountainous sovereign island nation ringed with pristine beaches. This remarkable island is in the West Indies part of the eastern Caribbean Sea, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. On the west coast lie the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Pitons, a pair of cone shaped dramatically tapered mountains. This coast consists of black volcanic beaches, charming fishing villages that time forgot, superb diving sites and a host of luxury resorts. The capital of the island is Castries, located to the north and is a popular port for cruise ships docking for day excursions.
We explore this gorgeous island in more detail in our Family Travel Guide To St Lucia below.
We suggest Spending The Day At Sugar Beach St Lucia
for an incredible beach experience!
Best Time To Go
St Lucia has two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season generally runs from June to November and the dry season December through May.
The hurricane belt does affect St Lucia. However, due to its location in the southeast of the Caribbean basin, the hurricanes are almost always the lesser categories 1 or 2.
For families, the most popular times to visit are April and during July or August. April temperatures are very warm and there is low chance of rainfall making for perfect weather. However, the ocean can be a little too chilly to swim in. We travelled during July and whilst technically this is considered wet season, we encountered one rainy morning out of the seven days we spent there. Spells of rain are short and can clear up just as quickly as they start. Ocean temperatures were absolutely gorgeous.
Helpful Tip:
Months to avoid are September, October and November
when the heaviest rainfall on the island is quite common.
Travel Basics
Getting There
There are two main ways most people travel to St Lucia: by air or by sea. For travellers arriving by cruise ship, docking takes place in one of two places in Castries, either the centre of town or near the large duty-free marketplace. If arriving by air, quite frequently the flights arrive into Hewanorra International Airport which is located at the southernmost part of the island. If coming from the Caribbean or via charter planes these are likely to land in Castries at George FL Charles Airport. Both airports offer similar services such as tourist centres, car rental, and other typical travel facilities.
Arrival
Upon arrival in St Lucia by air, show your passport as well as an immigration form and customs declaration. Once through customs you pick up your luggage and exit from the terminal at which time you will find pre-arranged taxi drivers displaying passenger names.
Transport
If renting a car, exit through Immigration and Customs area through the double doors and look to your left where you will see the Airport Car Park directly ahead of you. All foreign drivers must first obtain a driving permit at the airport. You will require your driving licence and pay a fee of $62 EC Dollars. You must also pay a parking/exit fee from the Airport Car Park. Be sure to also have small US dollar notes as they only accept cash.
Driving is on the left hand side of the road
and great care should be taken while driving in St. Lucia.
The roads are narrow with many sharp hairpin turns (one thing to note when travelling with young children as the risk of travel sickness is high). There are no street or road names along the way except in towns and even those are somewhat ambiguous. Minibuses and public transport of any kind will always attempt to overtake so extra care is required.
We opted to fly into Hewanorra International Airport and out of George FL Charles Airport so we have experienced both. Whilst we used taxis to and from the airports, we rented a jeep for the duration of our stay on the island which was delivered to our hotel. The local drivers tend to know the roads well and can take the turns at hair-raising speed! It was only when our youngest vomited in the car after our first few hairpin turns that we truly experienced driving in St Lucia. I think it is a rite of passage!
Car Rental
We hired our jeep from Cool Breeze Jeep/Car Rental which offers a host of different driving options including both covered and open top jeeps. Many of the roads off the beaten track are unpaved and rocky and sometimes steep, so be sure to hire a four wheel drive if you plan on exploring.
Local Taxis
If driving is too much to take on then local taxis are the way to go. A trusted taxi driver by the name of James provided our transport to and from the airports. James can accommodate up to 12 people in his van and it has air-conditioning which is a huge plus. He will conveniently wait for you outside Customs if flying into an airport. If coming in by ship, contact James well in advance to book transport for your outing. James Taxi Van Pick Up (758) 584 7359.
Language
The general population of St Lucia claims English as the official language. However, approximately 20% of the islanders do not speak English at all. A larger percentage of people speak French Patois which is a mixture of French Creole infused with British/French influence from colonial years. The French dialect called Creole is also spoken. Its a mix of French and African grammar, mostly English vocabulary with French and some Spanish words as well.
Currency
EC$ (Eastern Caribbean Dollar). US dollars can be used but change will be given in EC$.
Credit Cards
Hotels, car rental agencies, shops and restaurants widely accept Visa, American Express and MasterCard .
Carrying some cash while travelling is always wise for small purchases or emergencies.
Tipping
Bills generally include a standard 10% tax and 10% service so there is no need for additional tipping.
Family Safety
General crime and violent crimes in St Lucia remain low. However normal precautions are advisable such as avoiding walking alone in isolated areas at night and be vigilant at any late night street parties. Use only licensed taxis, keep car doors locked and be aware of petty theft from hotels and holiday rentals.
Insects
Mosquitos can be quite oppressive depending on time of travel. Be sure to bring strong mosquito repellant and take necessary daytime precautions. If travelling with younger children, bring DEET and citronella-free products with you as these are challenging to find in St Lucia. Cover legs and arms at all times of day.
Educational Opportunities
The island is a wonderful experience for children to learn about true Caribbean culture and the incredible natural surroundings. You can learn more about these in A Family Travel Guide To St Lucia.
Earth Science
Geology and Volcanology
You would be mistaken for thinking you have just entered into Jurassic Park as many children believe. A mixture of volcanoes and large swathes of untouched jungle peppering the island makes for a remarkable adventure. Numerous aspects of Geology can be covered with the unique make up of this island along with specialty subjects such as Volcanology. Exploring the volcanoes and mud pits in Soufriere is highly recommended.
Geography
Discuss the climate, atmosphere, soil, streams, landforms and ocean to explore both the physical and human geography of St. Lucia. Being a volcanic island makes for interesting learning about how the islands were formed and how this has impacted the distribution of people across the island. Hiking the Pitons is an excellent way to get an overview of the island and begin to form visual links between village distribution in relation to the land and how it was formed.
Biology
Botany
Surround your children with lush green rainforest and all the amazing elements that go with it. There are various hikes in the interior of the area with stunning waterfalls to discover and coastal views to die for. Hiking is a great way to introduce children to the beauty of the rainforest and it’s creatures along with all the plants that thrive in it. The Tet Paul Nature Trail is a must and is short enough and easy enough for children of walking age. A further visit to Diamond Falls will really introduce children to the vairiety of plants that can be found in St Lucia.
Marine Biology
Getting in the water is a must in St. Lucia. Whether your child is diving or snorkelling there is a large array of colourful marine life to discover in the watery world surrounding the island. There are dolphins, whales and three species of sea turtles to discover along with various colourful fish. Get them to learn about the types of marine life they may encounter beforehand and play the finding game! Best spots for snorkelling are off Anse Chastenet beach where there is a reef teaming with life accessible directly off the shore.
Wildlife & Nature
There are ample opportunities to see numerous birds including the Saint Lucian Parrot which is the national bird of St. Lucia along with three species of hummingbird in the rainforest. Experience a surprising number of native wildlife such as the agouti (a member of the rodent family), opossum, bats, mongooses, wild boar and even feral pigs. Four species of snake including boa constrictor will be sure to keep children enthralled. If that isn’t enough, there are 12 fascinating species of lizard to discover as well.
History
What child doesn’t love stories of pirates and battles? St Lucia has a fascinating colonial history nowhere more evident than a visit to Pigeon Island. Learn about the British and French occupation by exploring crumbling forts. Learn about pirate treasure and hideouts as well as how this affected the development of the island.
Culture
Nowhere is there a more fascinating and unique mixture of cultures than in St Lucia. A melting pot of Creole, African, French and even Spanish influence has created a culture endemic to the island with its own dialect, cuisine and cultural celebrations that can only be found in St Lucia. A visit to Castries Central Market will give children a chance to hang out with locals. In A Family Travel Guide To St Lucia, we recommend dining in some plantation restaurants to experience authentic and delicious Creole cuisine.
Where To Stay
In A Family Travel Guide To St Lucia, we explain about the different areas of St. Lucia along with hotel recommendations to suit all budgets.
Rabot Hotel St Lucia
Two distinct areas divide St. Lucia. In the north you will find the busy capitol of Castries. The port hosts cruise ships and it is where the bulk of the larger resorts are situated. In contrast, a quieter more mountainous region can be found in the south. The main town of Soufriere dominates this area. Here you will find the two Pitons and oodles of charming old plantations draped with history.
The type of holiday you are after will dictate which area you should be considering. A Family Travel Guide To St Lucia will hopefully assist in your planning process. The south part of the island is perfect if you are looking for adventure or unique experiences for your children. The north has lovely activities to do as well such as a visit to Fort Rodney, an old British naval base but it is more focused on relaxation at resorts. Thats not to say the south doesn’t have its fair share of glamorous resorts as well.
High End Resorts
Although numerous high end resorts in St. Lucia cater to the honeymoon crowd, they are becoming increasingly child friendly. As it’s a large part of the travel market that St. Lucia has yet to fully develop, many resorts are very keen to welcome families. They are able to offer numerous family-friendly amenities.
In A Family Travel Guide To St Lucia, we recommend Viceroy Sugar Beach, Anse Chastanet, Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa and Marigot Bay Resort & Marina.
Viceroy Sugar Beach St Lucia.
Due to St. Lucia being a volcanic island, most natural beaches consist of black sand. Some high end resorts such as Viceroy Sugar Beach have imported white sand to create the Caribbean look and feel most people come to expect and they have done it very well.
If a private luxury boutique hotel experience is what you are looking for then we recommend our personal family favourite Caille Blanc Villas. Their spectacular infinity edge pool overlooking the Pitons rivals anything on offer from the more famous Jade Mountain and Ladera but without the price tag to match. More of a private home, you will be welcomed as one of the family.
Check out our Caille Blanc Villas Review to see why this hotel is so special!
Caille Blanc Villas Pool
Mid Range Resorts
St. Lucia offers many choices for families with a variety of mid range resorts offering some incredible experiences.
Be sure to check out Bay Gardens Beach Resort, Fond Doux Eco Plantation & Resort , The Landings Resort & Spa, St. James’s Club Morgan Bay, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Windjammer Landing.
Budget Hotels
There are numerous budget hotel options in St. Lucia which offer a no-frills experience but be sure to check out location and reviews.
Some of these include La Haut, Villa Beach Cottages, Coco Palm, Mango Beach Inn and the Ginger Lily Hotel.
Adult Only Hotels
There are other numerous stunning hotels to stay in but sadly they are adults only. However, if you ever wish to take a break with no children, A Family Travel Guide To St Lucia recommends Jade Mountain, Ladera, The BodyHoliday, Calabash Cove Resort & Spa and Rabot Hotel (previously known as Boucan by Hotel Chocolate). Even parents needs a break sometimes!
View from Ladera St Lucia.
Where To Eat
We didn’t feel A Family Travel Guide To St Lucia would be complete without mentioning the fabulous cuisine on offer in St. Lucia. During our stay we frequented numerous restaurants with our children and whilst some menus were limited there was always something to be found for them to eat and in many instances the kitchens were able to accommodate. Some restaurants will have high chairs but some won’t so if you have a little one, try to bring a portable booster seat wherever you go.
DINING SOUTH SIDE
Martha’s Tables
One of the finest local restaurants on the island is Martha’s Tables. Martha herself owns and operates this charming restaurant. In fact it isn’t a restaurant at all but Martha’s home and she invites guests to sit on her modest but elegantly decorated outdoor patio to enjoy a home cooked West Indian Creole meal. This restaurant only serves lunch so be sure to get there early as it’s a popular place. Located on Jalousie Road which is on the way to Viceroy Sugar Beach its a nice place to stop at if you are spending your day at the Viceroy or other activities nearby. http://www.marthastables.com
Marie’s Local Cuisine
Marie’s Local Cuisine is another welcoming local restaurant. It is located next to the botanical gardens and an excellent place to stop for a delicious Creole lunch buffet at a fair price. Others to consider locally include Captain Hooks, Orlando’s Restaurant and Fedo’s Restaurant.
Caille Blanc Villas
There is a host of amazing places to dine located within hotels and resorts on the south of the island. Dining at Caille Blanc Villas where we stayed is a special experience not to be missed.
Dasheene at Ladera
Another enviable dining location is Dasheene at Ladera is an award winning farm-to-table restaurant offering traditional St. Lucian dishes. This is the place for THAT view of the stunning Pitons. Located at the highest point between the Pitons it is absolutely stunning. Be sure to go early and nab a ringside seat to watch the sun setting over the Pitons from the bar area. It’s an experience that will stay in your children’s minds long after the end of the holiday. Whilst this resort is adult only, thankfully children are very welcome at the bar and restaurant. Also check out the gorgeous breakfast here … the banana pancakes are to die for!
Rabot Hotel (formerly Boucan by Hotel Chocolate)
For the ultimate chocolate experience for adults and children be sure to dine at Rabot Hotel. Open for lunch and dinner this unique restaurant combines the hotel’s exclusive cacao cuisine with a spectacular setting making it one of St. Lucia’s most popular foodie destinations. Dishes are inspired by the rare cocoa growing on the surrounding Rabot Estate and all dishes have chocolate infused in one way or another … even the savoury ones! And don’t even get me started on the deserts. Willy Wonka would have certainly approved! Even though this hotel is also adults only they thankfully have allowed children to dine in the restaurant. However as the hotel is surrounded by high elevation and steep inclines it is advisable to keep a close eye on little ones. Be sure to check out their educational chocolate experience and finish off with a gorgeous lunch.
Fond Doux Plantation
If you are visiting Diamond Falls or any other attraction in the area, the two restaurants at Fond Doux Plantation Resort are a delicious place to stop for lunch. Both Cocoa Pod and Bamboo restaurants offer a “Plantation to Plate” experience. This consists of local Creole cuisine using fresh organic fruits, vegetables and local spices from their rare certified organic farms. Dining on a genuine 19th century eco-friendly colonial resort surrounded by a 250 year old plantation is both a memorable and educational experience.
Bayside Restaurant at Viceroy Sugar Beach Resort
A great evening out and a good choice for children is the evening BBQ at Bayside Restaurant at the Viceroy Sugar Beach Resort. Whilst this is on the pricey side the food is amazing and its a fun evening out with entertainment on the beach. BBQ events are only on select evenings so be sure to check it out before you go. This restaurant is also a nice place to have lunch if you are in the area.
Others
Other options to explore are the Mango Tree at Stonefield Villa Resort, the Anse Chastenet Beach Restaurant which also does Caribbean buffet dinners on select nights, Delice Restaurant & Bar at La Haute Plantation, The Restaurant at The Still Beach House on Anse Chastenet Road to name a few.
DINING NORTH SIDE
Whilst most of the above are located in the south part of the island, there are also a host of lovely restaurants located in the northern part of the island closer to Castries.
The Cliff At Cap
The Cliff at Cap, the restaurant at Cap Maison, deserves an honourable mention here. Whilst on the pricey side, this restaurant boasts a sensational clifftop location with incredible panoramic views over the water which makes for an unforgettable experience. If travelling with children, lunch here may be a good option. If budget can’t stretch then at the very least do pay a visit to the bar area which you will not regret.
Others
Other restaurants to consider include Big Chef Steakhouse (dinner only) and Cafe Ole both in Rodney Bay Village. The latter offers lovely sandwiches and salads for lunch while Elena’s two doors down offers great Italian ice-creams. Rainforest Hideaway (dinner only) in Marigot Bay is an utterly magical spot accessible only by boat. The Coal Pot across the bay from Castries has a lovely setting. A long verandah immediately adjacent to the water shows off the best tables. Lunch is excellent value here.
Final Thoughts
St. Lucia is an extraordinary island. Dense rainforest, magical waterfalls and charming fishing towns remain untouched by commercialism. If you are looking for the raw Caribbean, this is about as close as you can get. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back and watch the world spin past or get out and explore the incredible activities and sights there are to see. Interact with the locals and you will be treated to both charm and warmth and their love for children shines through.
So go on then, what are you waiting for?
We hope you have enjoyed A Family Travel Guide To St Lucia.
Be sure to check out our
Ultimate 7-Night Family Getaway In St Lucia for more ideas!
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