Day trips · Saint Lucia
3 best day trips from Saint Lucia
Where to go when you want a day away from Saint Lucia, and how long it really takes.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Caribbeandy, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The classic day trip from Saint Lucia is Soufrière and the Pitons by boat (About 1–1.5 hours by boat from Rodney Bay). The closest option is Des Cartiers Rainforest Trail, about 35 km away.
Key facts
- Day trips in this guide
- 3
- Closest
- Des Cartiers Rainforest Trail (35 km)
- Most popular
- Soufrière and the Pitons by boat
Day trips compared
| Destination | Distance | Travel time | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soufrière and the Pitons by boat | 45 km | About 1–1.5 hours by boat from Rodney Bay | Boat tour from Rodney Bay or Marigot Bay | First-timers, Families, Couples |
| Martinique | 70 km | About 1.5 hours by ferry | High-speed ferry from Castries to Fort-de-France | Culture, Food lovers |
| Des Cartiers Rainforest Trail | 35 km | About 1 hour by car from Castries | Car, taxi or guided tour | Quiet stays, Families |
The day trips
45 km · About 1–1.5 hours by boat from Rodney Bay
1.Soufrière and the Pitons by boat
Catamaran and speedboat trips from the north sail down the west coast past Marigot Bay and Anse La Raye to Soufrière, visiting Sulphur Springs and a waterfall, with snorkelling in the marine reserve under the Pitons.
- Getting there
- Boat tour from Rodney Bay or Marigot Bay
- Best for
- First-timers, Families, Couples
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70 km · About 1.5 hours by ferry
2.Martinique
The French island to the north has Fort-de-France's market and the Bibliothèque Schœlcher, rum distilleries and beaches on the south coast. It is a long day; check ferry schedules and consider an overnight.
- Getting there
- High-speed ferry from Castries to Fort-de-France
- Best for
- Culture, Food lovers
35 km · About 1 hour by car from Castries
3.Des Cartiers Rainforest Trail
A loop trail through the Quilesse Forest Reserve in the island's interior, known for giant ferns, tall trees and sightings of the endemic Saint Lucia parrot. Guides from the forestry department can lead walks.
- Getting there
- Car, taxi or guided tour
- Best for
- Quiet stays, Families
Day-trip tips
- Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
- Privately run minibuses run fixed routes between towns, such as Castries to Gros Islet or Vieux Fort, departing when full. They are inexpensive but can be fast and crowded.
- For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best day trip from Saint Lucia?
Soufrière and the Pitons by boat. Catamaran and speedboat trips from the north sail down the west coast past Marigot Bay and Anse La Raye to Soufrière, visiting Sulphur Springs and a waterfall, with snorkelling in the marine reserve under the Pitons.
+How long does it take to get from Saint Lucia to Soufrière and the Pitons by boat?
About 1–1.5 hours by boat from Rodney Bay — Boat tour from Rodney Bay or Marigot Bay, about 45 km.
+How long does it take to get from Saint Lucia to Martinique?
About 1.5 hours by ferry — High-speed ferry from Castries to Fort-de-France, about 70 km.