Your Ultimate Itinerary: What to Do in St. Lucia for a Week
St. Lucia is an excellent choice for a week-long getaway. As the world’s top honeymoon destination, this island offers more than just romance. Packed with activities for families, friends, and solo travelers, there’s plenty to explore. If you’re wondering what to do in St. Lucia for a week, this guide has you covered.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Teach Travel Discover is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program as well as other affiliate programs. These are designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details.
Most visitors spend around six days here, but even a full week can feel too short with everything there is to see and do. From exploring lush rainforests and hiking the iconic Pitons to indulging in local cuisine and relaxing on pristine beaches, St. Lucia offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Just make sure you click on the links to see the tours that I recommend!
If You Only Have One Day in St. Lucia
If you’re visiting St. Lucia by cruise ship, you’ll likely dock in the capital city of Castries, located on the island’s western shore. Castries is a vibrant and fun town, so make sure to carve out some time to explore. Your top priority should be booking the best cruise excursion and getting started as soon as your ship docks.
Many cruise passengers feel a bit disappointed when they don’t immediately see the Pitons from their balcony. That’s because these iconic peaks are about 45 minutes south in Soufriere. We suggest booking a small group or private tour to the Soufriere area. Once there, visiting the Pitons is a must. If you’re up for an adventure, we recommend hiking Gros Piton—it’s the easier of the two, with a more gradual incline. Petit Piton, while shorter, has a steeper, nearly vertical climb.
If hiking isn’t your thing, take a catamaran tour for a stunning view of the Pitons from the water. This water excursion often includes snorkeling and a stop at a local beach. Also in the area: beautiful waterfalls, a drive-through volcano, and the famous Sulfur Springs mud baths. Many land excursions combine these highlights into one trip, getting you back to your ship with time to spare.
What To Do In St. Lucia For A Week
A week in St. Lucia offers seven days of pure bliss. This island is perfect for ultimate relaxation, with just the right amount of adventure. Given the island’s size and its laid-back vibe, it’s best to spread out your activities throughout the week.
Keep in mind that airfare can fluctuate depending on the season and even the day of the week. Flying in and out on days other than Friday or Saturday is often more affordable. Our suggested itinerary runs from Thursday to Thursday or Friday, giving you plenty of time to enjoy everything St. Lucia has to offer.
Settle In and Relax at the Resort
Your first day in St. Lucia is all about easing into vacation mode. Most flights arrive by mid-afternoon, leaving just enough time to check in and settle into your resort. Keep in mind, the main international airport is on the island’s south side, while most popular resorts are up north, which can mean a one to two-hour drive. Once you arrive, unpack, relax, and enjoy a laid-back dinner at the resort.
After checking in, I like to take a quick tour of the resort. I scout out the pools (and take note of how many pool chairs are available) and check out the beach area to see how crowded it might get. I also locate the restaurants and make sure to find out if any require reservations—if they do, it’s smart to book them on day one. Besides enjoying a nice dinner at the main restaurant, grab a drink at the beach bar or catch the sunset from a prime spot on the resort grounds. It’s a perfect way to kick off your stay in St. Lucia.
Hiking and Waterfall Adventures
If you want a half-day adventure, follow your hike with a visit to one of the island’s stunning waterfalls—either Diamond Falls or Toraille Falls. Diamond Falls, located in the Botanical Gardens, is known for its vibrant colors due to the mineral content in the water, making it a great spot for photos. Toraille Falls offers a more secluded experience, where you can take a refreshing dip under the cascading waters.
After the waterfalls, take a drive through the island’s famous volcano. Yes, literally drive through it! The La Soufrière Drive-In Volcano is the only one of its kind in the Caribbean. Afterward, unwind at the Sulphur Springs and Mud Baths. The natural mineral-rich mud is said to have healing properties, so slather it on and enjoy the therapeutic benefits before rinsing off in the warm sulfur springs.
If you’re up for a full-day adventure, start with the Pitons hike, then head to a local chocolate farm for a tour and tasting. St. Lucia is known for its high-quality chocolate, and this tour gives you a chance to see the production process up close and sample some delicious treats. After lunch, continue your day with a visit to the waterfalls, the drive-in volcano, and finally, the Sulphur Springs and Mud Baths before heading back to your resort. This full-day itinerary packs in the best of St. Lucia’s natural beauty and unique experiences, giving you a day to remember.
Beach Day and Relaxation
Today’s all about relaxation. Sleep in and ease into the day. Start with brunch on the beach or in your room, letting the island vibe set the tone. If you’re up for exploring, make your way to Rodney Bay and Pigeon Island, located on the northwest coast of St. Lucia.
Rodney Bay is an area known for its beautiful beaches, marina, and a wide range of dining and shopping options. The calm waters make it perfect for swimming and lounging. Just a short drive or boat ride from Rodney Bay, you’ll find Pigeon Island National Landmark, a historic site with stunning views and a rich past. Here, you can explore the remnants of Fort Rodney, a military fort used during the battles between the French and British. The hike to the top is short but rewarding.
Visiting the Pitons
Today is all about epic adventures! The Pitons, St. Lucia’s most iconic landmarks, are a must-see for any traveler. These twin volcanic peaks—Gros Piton and Petit Piton—stand tall over the island and offer some of the most rewarding hiking experiences in the Caribbean. Depending on your fitness level and sense of adventure, you can choose to tackle either peak.
On my honeymoon, we took a boat tour that gave us spectacular views of the Pitons from the water. I highly recommend choosing a tour that includes a swim stop—it’s impossible to resist diving into those clear, inviting waters. Plus, it adds a refreshing break to your adventure. Fun fact: we kept hearing the locals refer to the Pitons as “tetas,” a Spanish slang term for…well, a specific part of the female anatomy, haha.
Local Culture: Markets and Cuisine
Start your day with a relaxed pace. After breakfast, head to the capital city of Castries to get a real feel for the island. Visit the city viewpoint or tour the Hilltop View Guesthouse to check out the lay of the land. Then, walk through Central Market, where you can find local crafts, spices, and fresh produce. Take a walk along the main harbor or spend some time on Vigie Beach.
In the late afternoon, head to the town of Gros Islet for a true St. Lucian experience. Every Friday night, the town turns into a lively street party. You’ll find local food vendors serving dishes like grilled fish and barbecue chicken, performers, live music, and a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the night. It’s a great way to end your day, soaking up the energy of the island.
If you’re looking to make the most of your day, I recommend booking a guided tour that covers these highlights. My favorite one is literally a private shopping tour! These tours are an easy way to dive deeper into St. Lucia’s culture and enjoy some of the best local experiences.
Water Sports and Island Excursions
After yesterday’s adventures, today is all about kicking back and taking it easy. It’s the perfect time to go through your photos, relive the highlights, and just soak in the memories. Find a cozy spot in a pool or beach cabana, order lunch, and let yourself do absolutely nothing. Trust me, months from now, you’ll be glad you took this time to unwind.
There’s one more thing you must do before heading home: getting out on the water! Seeing St. Lucia from the water is the best way to appreciate its incredible landscape. Water charters/tours can range from two to eight hours, depending on your preference. Ideally, choose an excursion with a little bit of everything: swimming, snorkeling, food, and sailing. Aim for an afternoon adventure too, that way you can catch one last sunset, but from the water this time!
For honeymooners, this is a great day to treat yourselves to one of St. Lucia’s world-class spas. A couple’s massage, a facial, or even a full spa day is the ultimate way to pamper yourselves and recharge. As the day winds down, get dressed up and enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach. Watching the sunset over the ocean while sharing a meal together is the perfect way to wrap up a day of pure relaxation and connection.
Final Day in St. Lucia
Depending on your flights, you may leave either mid-afternoon or later into the evening today, giving you part or most of the day today to get in a few more hours of enjoying St. Lucia. Chances are, your resort has so much to do, and you’ve realized you haven’t quite seen or done it all yet – well this is your chance! One more restaurant, one more dip in the pool, or one more stroll along the beach, before packing up, checking out, and heading back home.
Wrapping Up Your Week: What to Do in St. Lucia Before You Leave
St. Lucia remains one of our most popular requests, and it’s no surprise why. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for both relaxation and adventure, this island is a must-visit. If you’re planning to explore St. Lucia for just one day or enjoy a full week, it’s important to plan ahead. Given its popularity, we recommend booking your trip at least a year in advance to secure your spot. If you’re ready to experience the magic of St. Lucia, contact us today—we’re here to help you craft the perfect getaway.
