History

St. Lucia has always been a highly sought after island, providing the ideal location for military forces as well as a tropical paradise for the rich and the elite. In only 150 years, the island changed hands between the English and the French. There has been much bloodshed over what nation had the right to lay claim to St. Lucia, which was initially settled by the Arawak Indians around 200 AD.
First settled by a pirate named Francois de Clerc, a group of Englishmen decided to settle the island in 1605 after washing ashore. Their first meetings with the island’s natives seem to have been peaceful ones, as the Caribs sold supplies to the Englishmen, but soon the Caribs lured many of them off on a gold expedition, where all but 19 died.
It was nearly four decades later when the Earle of Carlisle decided to colonize the island, as he had been granted all of the islands in the Caribbean by the king of England. The British tried to invade the island, but were staved off by the Carib natives. Martinique purchased the island in 1651, and the wars between the Brits and the French over control of the island began in earnest.
In 1979, St. Lucia established its independence, and the St. Lucia today is a far cry from the island where so much blood was shed. While much of the original Carib history has been lost, much remains in the traditions and culture of the island and its people. The excitement for living that made the Caribs such a remarkable people can still be seen today on the faces of our island’s West Indian natives. An Excursion in St. Lucia will introduce you to the many island attractions and top things to do. Learn more about St Lucia excursions and things to do here.
Getting Around St. Lucia

Getting around the island is never very hard, and you will find that there are numerous options available to you. Islander offers St. Lucia Jeep rentals, as well as car rentals, and Real St. Lucia Tours can help you find the perfect transit for all of your needs.
Jeep
Because much of the island is comprised of wilderness and smaller dirt roads, four wheeled vehicles are a popular choice for travelers. A Jeep can make it easy to reach almost any of the island’s destinations while providing a sense of adventure combined with comfort.
Rental Car
If your travel plans largely include resorts and major attractions, a rental car can be a great way to get around St. Lucia. There are cars to suit any group and personality, and islander cars can provide vehicles for your use or chauffeured vehicles driven by knowledgeable locals who can help you find the best the area has to offer.
TOP CAR RENTAL/HIRE COMPANIES IN ST. LUCIA
Islander Cars St. Lucia
- COOL BREEZE CAR AND JEEP RENTAL
- AVIS CAR RENTAL
- BUDGET CAR RENTAL
Taxi
St. Lucia offers both land and water taxis. While a bit pricey to use for every journey, you will find that the taxis are definitely a unique and enjoyable experience.
St. Lucia Airport Transportation
Zip Line
You might be surprised to learn how much of the island can be explored using zip lines. While not for the faint of heart, these lines definitely offer a view and a sense of adventure that would be hard to rival.
Helicopter
If you really want a unique view of the island, why not consider a helicopter tour? From high above the Pitons, you can get a fantastic look at the plantations, rain forests, and villages that help make St. Lucia such a unique travel destination.
Bus
Buses are by far the least costly way to travel throughout the island. License plates with the letter H in the center are buses that are available for use, and you will find that they offer transit to many of the island’s most popular regions and destinations.
Other Island Activities

Of course, many travelers to St. Lucia are couples, groups, and individuals. While most of the island’s family friendly activities are perfect for adults, such as the more daring zip lines and the more strenuous rainforest hikes, there are ample activities on the island that are better suited to adults than to families.
Morne Coubaril Estate
Take a step back in time and explore this active plantation. In addition to walking tours, you will find that it is possible to travel the plantation on a zip line, which offers breathtaking views of the majestic Pitons. The plantation is fully interactive, offering one of the best tours in Saint Lucia that is at once both educational and highly entertaining.
The Pitons
The Pitons are certainly the island’s most beautiful and most photographed St. Lucia Attractions. These two remarkable volcanoes offer ample opportunities for St. Lucia Activities. Travelers can easily scale the petit Piton, while the Gross Piton must be climbed with a skilled guide. Both offer simply remarkable views, and you will find that there is a beach between the volcanoes that is perfect for swimming, scuba diving, and more. While there are few touristy areas around the Pitons, you will find ample stands that offer drinks, food, souvenirs, and more.
Gros Island Street Party
If you are traveling with a group of adults and don’t mind staying up late, the Gros Island Street Party is definitely an event to remember. With tons of live music, great local food, and the chance to mingle with the locals, entertainment is always easy to come by at these parties.
Zion Lion Farm
The Zion Lion Farm is one of the island’s best Saint Lucia eco-tours. You will find that a water taxi will pick you up, and your fantastic tour guide Paul will offer an exciting boat ride before docking for lunch and tours. The tour includes stops along secluded beaches, fishing villages, and more, as well as the chance to go snorkeling in some of the world’s most beautiful waters. Best of all, the entire day trip is showcased by Paul’s intimate knowledge of the area and even of how the local farms work. A full day Saint Lucia excursion offers hiking, a delicious feast, and much, much more.
Diamond Botanical Gardens
If you are visiting Soufriere, then a stop at the Diamond Botanical Gardens is a must do excursion. Not only will you find the most beautiful plants on the island, but there is a simply majestic waterfall as well as mineral baths that you can use for a small fee. There are snack and beverage areas for your enjoyment while you view some of the most wondrous plants and animals that a St. Lucia tour has to offer.
Reduit Beach
Reduit Beach holds a reputation as one of the best beaches in St. Lucia. Home to a luxury resort, shopping, and more, the golden sands of Reduit Beach are certainly the perfect destination for romance and excitement. On the beach you will find opportunities for swimming and sunbathing as well as ample opportunities for St. Lucia activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and even windsurfing. There are plenty of spots to mingle with the locals, but finding a more secluded area of the beach is never very difficult.
Best Places to Stay in St. Lucia
Finding a great hotel or resort in St. Lucia is never difficult, and you will find that there are perfect accommodations for any individual, family, or group. Each resort and hotel has a unique location and amenity listing, making it all the more fun to find the property that is perfectly suited to your needs.
Top St. Lucia Accommodations/Hotels
Islander Villas St. Lucia
Windjammer Landing
This resort has much to offer for travelers of all ages. While quiet, the resort has plenty of options for kids to enjoy. The rooms themselves are spectacular, and the penthouse suites will certainly create a stay to remember. The resort is built into the side of a hill, offering beautiful views of the beaches, and offers both beachfront and pool areas for swimming. Each room is packed with amenities, and the number of onsite activities is simply enormous!
Anse Chastanet
This property is one of the smaller luxury hotels in the area and is a sister hotel to Jade Mountain. Located right on the beach, the hotel offers a friendly staff and deluxe rooms. Meal plans are available, including private beach dinners, and this diving and snorkeling hotel has numerous amenities to ensure your comfort throughout your trip.
Jade Mountain
Jade Mountain is widely considered to be the most romantic luxury accommodation on the island. This breathtaking resort is an architectural masterpiece with ample amenities for travelers to enjoy. The resort offers multiple dining options, as well as a spa, beach and waterfront activities, infinity pools, and a number of in-room amenities.
The Landings
This luxury property is definitely designed with travelers in mind. Featuring a remarkable kids club, multiple food and drink options, gorgeous beaches, and much more, The Landings is a great option. With beach and harbor view rooms as well as hot tubs, pools, and more, the property is definitely a gem.
Rendezvous Resort
This romantic resort has an ideal location, with beautiful beaches and gardens located on the property. The restaurants offer a variety of delectable dishes, while the property also offers a piano bar, a fitness center, and a variety of outdoor excursions and activities.
Cap Maison
This hotel has a spectacular location and offers a cliffside restaurant. The private pools and gorgeous Rodney Bay waters are ideal for taking a swim, and the rooms are sizable with fantastic views. The entire resort is relaxing, and the onsite dining options are some of the best on the island.
Oasis Marigot
The Oasis Marigot offers villas, cottages, and hotels in the most scenic areas of St. Lucia. The views are breathtaking from all of their rooms and villas and they specialize in crewed yacht and catamaran sailing vacations. The resort is ideally located for both adventure seekers and those looking for a relaxing beach vacation.
Coconut Bay Resort
This resort offers a family friendly vacation for those traveling with children and their Splash wing is definitely set up for fun and entertainment. The Splash wing features St. Lucia’s largest water park and a kids club at exceptional value. The resort also features an adults-only wing called Harmony that features a private pool, bar, and spa for a relaxing and kid-free stay.
Coco Palm Resort
This boutique resort located in Rodney Bay Village and offers excellent opportunities for shopping as well as a large pool and spa. Rodney Bay Village is known as the entertainment capital of St. Lucia and hosts around 50 restaurants as well as a casino. The hotel offers poolside and garden view rooms as well as suites and a myriad of day trips and adventure tours.
Bay Gardens Hotel
The hotel itself features a charming and intimate atmosphere designed to make the guests feel at home with simple comforts. The hotel is located a short shuttle ride from the beach and features a swimming pool as well as a restaurant and bar. This hotel is located in Rodney Bay Village, a hub of island entertainment and leisure, and offsite activities and shopping opportunities abound.
Villa Caribbean Dream
This lovely guesthouse is located on the southern tip of St Lucia overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Surrounded by exquisite tropical gardens, the house is designed in Creole style with a large veranda for relaxing or sunbathing. Nearby there is the Club Mistral Station that offers some of the best wind and kite surfing around.
Nature’s Paradise
This elegant little B&B offers a romantic and private escape on the island with private bungalows that overlook the sea and a lush tropical garden to make the aura of serenity complete. The property features a 30 ft waterfall that feeds into a lovely pool with views of the Caribbean Sea. They also offer several eco-tours and eco-adventures that will allow you to experience the beauty and tropical diversity of the island.
East Winds Inn
This all-inclusive resort is one of the oldest and established resorts on the island, set in 12 acres of tropical gardens and located in Le Brellotte Bay. The resort prides itself on providing a traditional and authentic Caribbean experience set in simple luxury. You’ll enjoy the sounds of calypso rhythms from the onsite musicians, beachside beverage service, and an absolutely breathtaking environment.
Ginger Lily Hotel
This Rodney Bay Village boutique hotel offers value and an intimate village escape. The vibrantly colored hotel features rooms and suites, a swimming pool, as well as a beautiful garden and an onsite restaurant and bar. Located just a block from the beach, this little hotel is ideally suited to those on a budget looking for an intimate atmosphere coupled with closeness to the exciting entertainments offered by Rodney Bay Village.
Fond Doux
For those looking to mix a bit of history with their visit to St. Lucia, the Fond Doux is built on an actual 19th century plantation in French colonial style. This hotel is located near a world historical site, the Pitons in Soufriere, and blends old world colonial style with modern amenities. Accommodations are in private cottages situated in lovely tropical gardens overlooking an active agricultural plantation and include exclusive access to the Mamma La Terre Spa.
Ti Kaye Village Resort
This award winning resort is located in remote Ti Kaye Village and is lauded for the intimate feel and modern amenities it has on offer. All of the cottages overlook the ocean and the resort features non-motorized water sports on location as well as a spa, beach grill and bar, swimming pool and other standard resort amenities. They also offer a number of both land and sea tours for those looking to add a little adventure to a romantic getaway in a secluded part of the island.
About Real St. Lucia Tours
Real St Lucia Tours is more than just a tour guide or travel company. Our service is staffed by locals who both know and deeply love the island. We bring our experience and intimate knowledge of St. Lucia to every tour, helping you find the best sites, the most relaxing or exciting resorts, and the best food and fun for your personality and your needs. When you are looking to book an excursion in St. Lucia & discover the very best of the island of St. Lucia, you can count on Real St. Lucia Tours and the Islander Group to make it easy!