St. Lucia offers visitors a wide assortment of activities in a lush tropical environment. No need to be bored here. Sightseeing in Castries with a vibrant market, Gros Islet with its Friday night street party, the sulpher springs and dramatic waterfall near Soufriere, historic Pigeon Island, the rainforests of the twin-peaked Pitons, bird watching in the Fregate Island Nature Reserve, cultural heritage tours, plantation tours, botanical gardens, adventure tours, hiking, horseback riding, jeep safaris, whale watching in season, turtle watching, deep sea fishing are some of the activities on this amazing island. In the evening, local bars and restaurants offer local live bands and there are cultural performances.
St. Lucia received the prestigious Caribbean Ecotourism Award in 2000.
Of course, there is always the typical beach vacation at an elegant resort. The beaches in St. Lucia are not as dramatic as on some of the other islands. However small, they are beautiful. Another difference is that many of the resorts are built above the water on hills.
Noteworthy festivals include:
- August: Feast of St. Rose De Lima (Cultural Flower Festival)
- January: St. Lucia Regatta -- Rodney Bay