Vigie Beach is a few minutes from Castries city centre and is ideal for a quick swim or a relaxing stroll by the sea. Conditions at the beach can vary. This makes the coastal spot an option to consider when choosing a stay in Castries, without having to plan a full beach day.
Saint Lucia: Landscapes and coastlines
Saint Lucia’s landscapes also offer a variety of highlights. The Pitons Management Area is in the southwest of the island and is a multipurpose area for conservation and management. Gros Piton and Petit Piton rise 770 and 743 metres above the sea on Saint Lucia, respectively; the Piton Mitan Ridge connects the two striking volcanic peaks.
Those looking for scenic views can find them on the Tet Paul Nature Trail, which offers views of the Pitons, the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding area. This brings rock formations, sea and scenery together in one panorama. For a different kind of nature experience, Mamiku Gardens is a botanical garden in the hills of eastern Saint Lucia. Latille Falls, in turn, is surrounded by tropical gardens and rainforest vegetation.
The coastlines also differ in the activities they offer. Anse Cochon is a quiet bay on the west coast between Soufrière and Canaries. Visitors can snorkel and dive there among marine life and coral reefs. Grand Anse Beach, by contrast, stretches along Saint Lucia’s east coast and is an important nesting site for leatherback turtles in the Caribbean. So while water activities take centre stage at Anse Cochon, Grand Anse is notable for its importance as a nesting site.
Saint Lucia: Market and history
Petroglyphs and various artefacts in the Pitons Management Area attest to the history of the indigenous Caribs, who inhabited the area that is now the region. History can be explored in a different way at Castries Market, which was founded in 1891. Visitors can discover fresh produce, spices, handmade crafts and local specialities there. The founding date and the market’s offerings provide two different points of reference for a visit: its long history and the goods it sells.
Other historical sites on Saint Lucia reflect its colonial past. Fort Rodney is an 18th-century British fort on a hilltop. Pigeon Island National Landmark preserves historic ruins associated with the conflicts between the French and the British. The two sites therefore offer different historical connections: the fort as a British structure, and the ruins as evidence of French-British conflicts.
Activities on Saint Lucia
During Sea Trek Helmet Diving, participants walk along the seabed wearing a specially designed helmet that allows them to breathe naturally. Check availability with a local provider before your trip. The floating Splash Island Water Park is an inflatable water park with climbing walls, slides, trampolines, swings and obstacle courses. As the facilities may change, check current operations before your trip.
Morne Coubaril offers zip-lining, horseback rides around the estate and historical tours of the estate. If you would like to include these activities in your travel plans, check their current availability before your trip. Each activity offers a different focus: Sea Trek takes you underwater along the seabed, while Morne Coubaril offers activities on the estate. Splash Island adds a floating water park with inflatable attractions to the mix.
Discover more destinations: Castries, Choc, Micoud, Soufrière, Gros Islet, Vieux Fort.
Return to the main travel overview: Saint Lucia.
