Many of Saint Lucia’s all-inclusive resorts cluster in the north, around Rodney Bay and Gros Islet, with beaches, marinas and restaurants close by. The island’s famous landmarks, the twin Pitons, are in the south and west, which means a day trip needs planning. This guide covers what is worth leaving a northern resort for, in order of effort. Opening hours, entry fees and tour operators change, so confirm details locally before you book.
Pigeon Island National Landmark
Pigeon Island sits at the northern edge of Rodney Bay and is joined to the mainland by a causeway, so you can walk or drive to it. It is a national landmark with the remains of a military fort, walking paths and views across to Martinique on a clear day. Allow a half-day. Wear sturdy shoes for the slopes, and bring water and a hat, since shade is limited on the higher paths. It is one of the easiest outings from a northern resort and works well as a first excursion.
Gros Islet on a Friday night
Gros Islet, the fishing village near Rodney Bay, is known for its weekly Friday night street party, locally called a jump up. Streets close to traffic, vendors sell grilled food, and music plays late. It is a lively and informal evening out, and many resort guests go in a group or on an organised tour. A few practical points: take only the cash you need, keep valuables in your resort safe, and arrange a return ride in advance. Our guide to resort safes, valuables and theft has simple habits that apply anywhere.
A day trip to the Pitons and Soufriere
The Pitons are two steep volcanic peaks on the southwest coast and form a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pitons Management Area. Soufriere, the nearest town, is the base for several attractions, including the Sulphur Springs, a geothermal area often described as a drive-in volcano, as well as botanical gardens and waterfalls. The road from the north is long and winding, so the trip is a full day. Many guests choose an organised tour with a driver, or a boat trip along the coast, which avoids the drive.
If you plan this trip, start early, bring swimwear and a change of clothes, and take motion-sickness remedies if you are prone to car sickness. Ask the operator how long you will actually spend at each stop, because a long drive can leave less time on site than the itinerary suggests.
Marigot Bay and the sheltered coves
Marigot Bay, on the west coast south of Rodney Bay, is a sheltered harbour often photographed from above. It is closer than the Pitons and works as a half-day outing with a swim, lunch and a short ferry hop across the bay. Several small coves nearby are quieter than the main resort beaches. Check beach conditions with a local before you swim, as west-coast waters can be calmer than the Atlantic side but still vary with swell.
Booking excursions
You can arrange outings through the resort desk or directly with a licensed operator. The resort option costs more but adds convenience and a degree of accountability. The independent route can save money but shifts the risk to you. We cover the trade-offs in our guide to booking excursions through the resort desk or an independent operator. For boat trips, check that life jackets are provided and the group size is reasonable.
Know what your resort includes
Before you pay for an outing, check what your all-inclusive already covers. Non-motorised water sports and some classes are often included, while tours, motorised equipment and spa time usually cost extra. Our article on what 24-hour all-inclusive actually means explains how to read the fine print, and our guide to how far from the airport your resort should be helps with transfer planning.
Saint Lucia has two airports, and which one you use affects both your resort choice and your transfer time. Hewanorra International Airport in the south handles most long-haul flights, while George F. L. Charles Airport near Castries handles regional flights. A resort in the north can be a long transfer from Hewanorra, so confirm your airport and transfer time when you book.
A sample plan
- Day two: Pigeon Island in the morning, an easy lunch near Rodney Bay.
- Friday: an evening in Gros Islet, with a pre-arranged ride back.
- Mid-week: a full day to the Pitons and Soufriere, with an early start.
- Remaining days: rest at the resort, with a short Marigot Bay visit if you have energy.
Weather matters here. Rain can make the hillside paths slippery and affect boat trips, so keep one flexible day. If you are visiting during hurricane season, read our guide to how hurricane season affects a Caribbean resort trip before you book, and consider travel insurance.
A good rule: pick one big outing and one local evening, and leave the rest of the week unscheduled. Northern Saint Lucia suits a relaxed pace.