Anyone who has planned a vacation knows that the budget is one of the most important things to keep in mind. No one wants to go on a holiday without setting a budget first because that’s just a disaster waiting to happen. If you’ve had your eyes on visiting the Caribbean paradise that is St. Lucia, here’s what you need to know about budgeting and expenses before deciding on the best things to do in St Lucia.
Is it Expensive To Go on A Holiday In St. Lucia?
Any Caribbean dream vacation will cost you and your family a good chunk of your savings. However, a well-planned St Lucia holiday doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. One of the best St Lucia travel tips to reduce expenses is booking flights during the off-season, which are early January to late March and late August to early December.
Visiting the island during the off-season also leads to cheaper hotel and resort deals, adding to your savings. Just keep in mind that the cost of a vacation in St Lucia depends on your travel style and expectations. Rest assured, there’s something to do on the island for different budgets.
Best Things To Do In St. Lucia If You Want to Splurge Or Skimp
Whether you’re planning to go all out and splurge on a luxury vacation St. Lucia experience or you would rather save some money and stick to a strict budget, there’s a St. Lucia itinerary perfect for your needs. This is a list of the best budget-friendly and luxurious activities you can try during your getaway, depending on how much you are willing to spend.
10 Most Luxurious Things To Do In St. Lucia
If your budget allows it and you can spend a little extra to go on the best Caribbean vacation, opting for luxury is one of the top things to do in St Lucia. Here are some suggestions on how to plan a luxury vacation in style:
1. Book An All-Inclusive Resort & Spa
There’s no better way to experience St. Lucia’s luxuries than to book an all-inclusive stay in one of the Sandals Resort and Spas in the area (there are three). Whether you choose the Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Sandals Halcyon St. Lucia or Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa in St. Lucia you are guaranteed the best services, facilities, and dining experience from the moment you arrive.
2. Book A Land And Sea Tour
Experience everything the island has to offer both on land and in the water by booking a full-day land and sea tour that includes snorkeling, visiting a bat cave, an authentic Caribbean lunch, and more!
3. Charter a Private Boat Tour
Get away from the crowds of tourists on the island and see the coastline from a speedboat. Nothing is more lux than renting your own private boat to charter you all over St. Lucia’s waters.
4. Go On A Private Island Tour
See everything worth seeing in St. Lucia on your own time and pace. A private tour of the island allows guests to choose their own departure time while working with a personal guide to find the best sights to see.
5. Catamaran Cruise With Snorkeling
The best way to get to all the amazing snorkeling spots is to book a catamaran cruise. This way, you’re guaranteed to swim in the best areas without bothersome tourists getting in your personal space.
6. Go On An ATV Tour
Those who want to explore the land after spending time in the water should opt to go on an ATV tour. It’s the fastest way to get to all the secluded areas most visitors can’t access.
7. Visit Anse Chastanet Beach
Whether you rent a water taxi or hire your own boat to reach Anse Chastanet for a little more peace and privacy on an equally beautiful beach.
8. Go Ziplining
For tourists looking for a bit of adventure and some additional thrill, one of the best things to do in St Lucia is to go zip lining in the island’s rainforest. This half-day eco-guided tour lets you enjoy all the breathtaking views of this corner of the Caribbean.
9. Guided Pitons Hike
Although it is possible to hike the iconic pitons of St. Lucia, the 4 – 5 hour hike can be overwhelming for some. To get the most out of the hike, you can hire your own private guide who can show you around the trail and bring you to fishing villages for a delicious lunch.
10. Book The Bean To Bar Experience
Visit the cocoa plantation in St. Lucia, where you can make your own bar of chocolate after harvesting ripe cocoa pods yourself at Boucan.
10 Things To Do In St. Lucia If You’re On A Limited Budget
While most people think that all Caribbean vacations should be expensive and over the top, that’s not necessarily true. It’s also possible to do a budget travel St. Lucia vacation without missing everything the island offers. These are just a few suggestions:
11. Shop At Castries Market
Save on food expenses by shopping at the famous Castries Market. Plus, this shopping trip also doubles as a sightseeing tour, making it a wise budget travel St. Lucia decision.
12. Look For Cheaper Accommodations
There are different accommodation options available depending on your budget. Save a good chunk of your budget by opting for hostels or cheap Airbnb options.
13. Hiking Pigeon Island
There’s a small entrance fee to hike the Pigeon Island trail, but that’s all you need. The trail is simple enough that you don’t need to pay extra for a guide.
14. Watch The Sunset at Reduit Beach
Reduit beach is a manmade lagoon where you can watch the sunset while enjoying a few drinks from Spinnakers during happy hour, a must-do for all St Lucia travel tips and lists.
15. Rent Your Own Car
Taxis in island are expensive. You can save more by renting your own car during your stay. Plus, your own car allows you to reach multiple attractions easily, adding to your savings.
16. Visit The “Drive-In” Volcano
Yes, it’s possible to visit St. Lucia’s drive-in volcano while on a budget. It’s accessible enough that you can drive to the area by yourself to enjoy the sights without additional expenses.
17. Try All The Best Roti
One of the top things to do in St Lucia is to try the food, especially the rote. Thankfully these delicious pieces of fried bread are budget-friendly.
18. Visit Attractions Without A Guide
Avoid spending extra when visiting St. Lucia’s waterfalls, mud baths, and other attractions. If it’s possible to do everything by yourself, do it!
19. Try The Rum
Rum is all over the island and St. Lucia’s rum history is very deep, and the locals are proud of it. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of two for your stay and to bring home.
20. Enjoy All The Public Beaches
All the best beaches in St Lucia are free to the public. So even if your budget is super tight, you can still enjoy all the island’s beaches without spending a single cent.
No matter what your budget is, as long as you plant your St. Lucia itinerary accordingly, you will have a wonderful Caribbean holiday. After all, some of the best things to do in St Lucia don’t cost a lot of money to enjoy, such as visiting all the best beaches in St Lucia.
