Sailing and Boat Trips in Saint Lucia

A sailing island

The Caribbean side of Saint Lucia is sheltered, which makes the west coast ideal for boats. Rodney Bay has a large marina and is the finishing point each year for a well-known transatlantic rally for cruising yachts. Marigot Bay is one of the most protected anchorages in the Caribbean.

Whether you want a relaxed cruise or a private charter, there is a boat to match. Operators run day trips, sunset cruises and longer charters, and some include snorkelling stops and lunch.

Popular trips

A catamaran day out from the north often runs down the west coast, stopping for swimming and snorkelling before returning. From the south, trips along the coast beneath the Pitons give the best view of the peaks, and some call at the reefs described in our diving and snorkelling guide.

• Book with a licensed operator and check safety equipment and insurance.
• Bring sun protection, a hat and a light layer for the breeze.
• Sunset cruises from Rodney Bay are popular with couples.

Planning

Sea conditions are usually calmer in the drier months, covered in our best time to visit guide. Pair a boat day with a visit to Pigeon Island in the north or a stay at Cap Maison, and see the trip planning page to arrange your itinerary.

Types of trip

The simplest option is a shared catamaran day trip, which usually includes a stop for swimming and snorkelling, lunch and drinks. These suit couples, families and groups of friends and are a good way to see the coast. Smaller boats and private charters allow more flexibility, from fishing trips to sunset sails for two.

In the south, trips take in the coast beneath the Pitons, with stops at snorkelling spots. In the north, a trip often runs from the marina in Rodney Bay down the west coast, calling at bays and beaches that are hard to reach by road. Some trips also include a visit to Marigot Bay.

Choosing well

Ask the operator what is included, how long you will be on the water, how many people will be aboard and what the safety arrangements are. Check the weather and the sea state before you go, and bring sun protection, a hat and a light layer. If you are prone to seasickness, take advice before you sail.

Sunset cruises are very popular, so book ahead in the busy season. Combine a sail with a visit to Pigeon Island, or use the day to see the island's reefs, as set out in our diving and snorkelling guide.

• Look for licensed operators with safety equipment on board.
• Ask about child and non-swimmer policies.
• Check cancellation terms in case of poor weather.

What is the best boat trip in Saint Lucia?

The best boat trip in Saint Lucia depends on where you stay: a catamaran day sail down the west coast from Rodney Bay, a quiet harbour outing at Marigot Bay, or a Soufrière trip beneath the Pitons with a swim and a snorkel. The west coast is sheltered from the Atlantic swell, so the sea is usually kind, and the coastline is dramatic, with forested cliffs, small coves and fishing villages that cannot be reached by road. Almost every trip combines sailing with a swim, and many add lunch and drinks.

A day on the water has a gentle rhythm. You board in the morning, motor out of the bay, then raise sails or simply cruise along the coast with a breeze on the deck. Crew point out landmarks, fish jump, and the boat anchors in a cove where you swim or snorkel. Lunch is served, music plays, and the afternoon passes in a haze of sun and salt before the sail back. Even those who say they dislike boats often find that a calm catamaran is more relaxing than they expected.

In the south the highlight is the view. From the water, the Pitons rise straight out of the sea, and you can see how they relate to each other and to the bay, which is impossible from the road. Sunset adds colour to the peaks and turns the sea gold. Divers and snorkellers can combine the sail with a stop at the reefs described in our guide to diving and snorkelling, and photographers will want to be on deck at both ends of the day.

What is the difference between catamaran, yacht and local boat trips in Saint Lucia?

Catamaran trips are shared day sails with food, drink and swim stops, private yacht charters give you control of the route and the guest list, and local boats offer a more traditional, often simpler, way to see the coast. Choose the one that matches your group and your priorities. A shared catamaran is sociable and good value, with space to move around and a crew who do the work. A private charter suits celebrations, families who want their own pace and couples who want privacy. Local boats suit those who want to see the coast with fishermen or small operators.

Our guide to catamaran and sunset cruises explains what to expect on a shared boat, and our sea tours page compares the options and describes the events that fill the water calendar. Anglers should look at deep sea fishing, where small boats chase marlin and tuna in deep water close to the coast. For wildlife, our guide to whale and dolphin watching explains how morning trips look for dolphins and whales along the west coast.

Size matters. Larger boats are steady and sociable but can feel crowded, while smaller boats are more intimate but may feel the swell more. If you are prone to seasickness, ask about the size of the boat and the route, choose a calmer time of year and take advice on remedies. Families should ask about child policies and life jackets, and non-swimmers should say so when booking. Good operators will be happy to answer these questions, and a reluctance to do so is a reason to look elsewhere.

How do I choose and book a boat trip in Saint Lucia?

Choose a licensed operator, check the route, duration, group size, food and drink, and weather policy, and book sunset and busy-season trips ahead, since December to May usually brings the calmest seas. Ask what is included in the price, whether transfers are provided, what equipment is supplied for snorkelling and how the operator handles bad weather. A good company will also tell you about safety arrangements without being asked. Hotels often have trusted partners, so it is worth asking at reception before you search online.

Think about timing. A morning start gives you the longest day on the water and the clearest light, while an afternoon or sunset trip is shorter and more romantic. If you are limited to one, choose by what you want most: a full day of swimming and sun, or an hour or two of golden light. Bring sun cream, a hat, a swimsuit, a towel and a light layer for the breeze, and take a waterproof bag for valuables. Our best time to visit guide explains the seasons.

Yacht owners and charterers arriving by their own boat should read our guide to yacht arrival and clearance, and anyone who wants to look after the reefs should read our responsible travel guide. For snorkelling from the shore, the snorkelling beaches page lists good spots, and the water adventures guide adds kayaking and paddleboarding. Whichever you choose, leave time afterwards for a shower and a quiet evening, because a day in the sun and sea is more tiring than it feels.

Sailing with some sea knowledge

Time on the water is better when you know the sea. The marine life and coral reefs guide describes what lives below, and the climate and hurricanes page explains seasons and winds.

The coastline you pass is described in the geography guide, and French and British rule tells why these waters were once contested.

Where to stay and how to plan

Most visitors fit this into a holiday in St Lucia, so choose your base first. Compare places to stay in St Lucia by area and style, and read our guides to luxury hotels in St Lucia and all inclusive resorts in St Lucia if you are choosing between a boutique stay and an all in package.

Then set your dates with the best time to visit St Lucia, book flights to St Lucia and pick days out from our St Lucia itineraries. Couples can also read about a honeymoon in St Lucia or weddings in St Lucia.

Questions travellers ask