St. Lucia is one of the most popular destinations for families cruising around the Caribbean. This lush, tropical paradise is a little slice of heaven, a dream vacation spot full of breathtaking landscapes, endless golden beaches, and a huge variety of family-friendly attractions. As a result, taking advantage of the shore excursions on offer is highly recommendable for any family arriving by cruise to this glorious island.
Whether you want to relax on a beautiful stretch of sand while the kids splash around in the shallows or come face to face with the exotic local wildlife, St. Lucia can provide. Here are some of the best shore excursions on St. Lucia that are perfect for families.
Pigeon Island National Park
This lovely designated national park is an ideal destination for families who want to get out into nature and explore. Combining several excellent hiking trails, some fascinating historical ruins, and two amazing beaches, it offers a whole day’s worth of entertainment for the whole family.
Sulphur Springs Park
The boiling, bubbling geothermal mud pots will fascinate and excite kids of all ages, which makes Sulphur Springs such a great shore excursion. The world’s only drive-in volcano, this unique spot offers a combination of science and natural wonder, as well as the opportunity to pamper yourself a little with the rejuvenating mud from the springs, a natural spa treatment!
Toraille Waterfall
This enchanting cascade offers a fantastic adventure for the whole family. The hike there is a great experience, and the opportunity to dive into the waterfall pool at the end for a refreshing, relaxing break is the perfect way to end.
Sailing and Snorkeling Tour
Of course, not all shore excursions have to take place on dry land, and it is well worth exploring the coastline of St. Lucia by boat on a sailing and snorkeling tour. There are plenty of local operators who will take you out on the crystal-clear waters that surround the island and can show you to the best coral reefs and snorkeling spots for a magical underwater adventure. The trip itself is delightful, and you’ll get a wonderful and alternative perspective of the island’s natural beauty, seen from the sea, as well as a chance to explore the amazing marine world below the waves.
St. Lucia Rainforest Adventure
The rainforest-covered interior of St. Lucia is lush, verdant, and mysterious, and no trip to the island would be complete without an adventure into its amazing jungly heart. Guided tours are readily available and include wildlife watching, zip-lining, and hiking, giving your kids the chance to learn a little about the biodiversity of the island while also providing them with plenty of thrilling experiences at the same time.
Meet the Dolphins in Soufrière
The bay in Soufrière is one of the most enjoyable places for kids to visit, a wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most magnificent sea creatures around. Head out into the bay on a boat trip and you’ll get the chance to swim with dolphins in the wild, as well as see whales in their natural habitat. These amazing encounters are truly life-changing and will stay with you for years to come.
Anse Chastanet Marine National Park
This pristine marine national park is filled with vibrant coral reefs, majestic megafauna, and vibrant, electric tropical fish, making it the perfect place for a snorkeling excursion with the kids. The water is calm and relatively shallow, so even newbies will feel right at home, and for the least confident swimmers there are glass-bottomed boat tours, an HD widescreen to a magical underwater world!
Choc Bay Coastal Walk
Not all shore excursions have to be minutely planned and organized, and some of the very best adventures come from just a simple stroll amidst the beauty of nature. The Choc Bay Coastal Walk is an excellent example, offering a lovely trail between the mangrove swamps and the beach, populated by a huge variety of bright, beautiful bird species, not to mention amazing coastal vistas. It’s a great place to relax and blow off a little steam, as well as offering an opportunity to teach your kids a little bit more about the varied ecosystems of St. Lucia.
Explore Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is one of St. Lucia’s most picturesque locations, particularly popular with photographers, Instagram influencers, and honeymooning couples, but it is also an exceptional place for families who want to enjoy the best of St. Lucia’s beach life. The waters of the bay are incredibly calm, so renting kayaks, paddleboards, or small boats and exploring at your own pace is perfect for families of all sizes. The beach is fringed with excellent local restaurants and food vendors, making it a great place to taste fresh seafood and other local delicacies.
Tet Paul Nature Trail
Adventurous, outdoor families should strap on their hiking boots and head off to the Tet Paul Nature Trail, a wonderful entry point to St Lucia’s mountainous landscape. It’s a relatively easy hike so perfect for beginners and younger kids, but one that offers up some of the most stunning vistas and best views of the Pitons.
Exploring Maranatha Gardens
If you can’t quite face a trek into the jungle, Maranatha Gardens is a brilliant place to explore the natural beauty and exotic flora that exists on the island. This beautiful botanical garden is an oasis of peace and tranquility, making it a great spot for a stroll or a quiet picnic away from the hustle and bustle of the cruise.
Balenbouche Estate Tour
This historic estate offers a great way to delve a little deeper into the history of St. Lucia and step into the footprints of the past. The blend of well-kept gardens, picturesque architecture, and intriguing historic ruins makes it an exciting and educational place to spend the day.
There are loads of places to explore in St. Lucia, and the above shore excursions are some of the best and most family-friendly. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the natural beauty of the island, or learn a little bit more about its history and culture, St. Lucia has something to delight every member of your family during your cruise stop.