Emerald Shores and Crystal-Clear Waters
Each paddle stroke reveals a new discovery in the clear Caribbean water that slips beneath your board. From your standing vantage point, rainbow-hued corals and pastel sponges seem close enough to touch. As you round a tall headland, jungle-covered bluffs open to reveal a hidden bay that can't be reached by road. These are just some of the reasons why standup paddleboarding is fast becoming one of the most popular water sports in Saint Lucia. With miles of coastline to explore, and dozens of beaches to launch from, paddlers will run out of time long before they run out of possibilities.
Highlights
- Best for: Everyone, experiences including watersports, yoga, spas and soft to rugged adventures
- Best season to visit: Year round
- Weather: Steady trade winds account for relatively minor differences in seasonal air temperatures, which range from the 70s into the mid 80s. Rain showers are less common from December to May
Saint Lucia Information
Board Sports in Saint Lucia Overview
Paddleboard activities can begin at beaches all along the western coast of Saint Lucia, and a number of hotels offer rentals, lessons and group paddles. In addition, there are several tour companies that support longer trips and one-way routes with shuttle service, and sometimes a stop for a beach barbecue or swim.
Board Sports in Saint Lucia Tips
Since most paddleboarding takes place in sheltered bays on the calmer Caribbean side of the island, you won't have to worry about waves or the wind whenever you schedule your paddle. That said, an early start gives the best chance for glassy water and clear skies.
Best Places for Board Sports in Saint Lucia
A paddle from Rodney Bay around Mount Pimard leads to the secluded cove at Trouya Beach. Get in on a game of Yolo Polo at Reduit Beach. Launch at Marigot Bay to glide through an anchored fleet of million-dollar yachts. See the famous peaks of the pitons from the water, and float over the reefs of Anse Chastanet, where you can see the corals and fish right from the surface.
What to Pack for Board Sports in Saint Lucia
Go for water shoes with grippy soles, a flotation device and whistle for safety, a sun hat and clothing that can get wet for comfort. Backpack-style hydration bladders are a good idea for longer trips and a waterproof fanny pack for snacks. Use an ankle leash for trips in open water.
Specials
Saint Lucia
Anse Chastanet
Valid through 10/31/23. Rates from $2.629 per person double.
Valid 11/1/23-12/19/23. Rates from $2,959 per person double.
From $2,629 per person double
Book NowPackages
Saint Lucia
Anse Chastanet
8 scuba dives for certified divers, and/or 1-scuba beginner resort course for non-divers (2 dives); jungle biking; boat snorkel trips; guided walks and hikes on ANSE CHASTANET’s 600-acre estate; and 1-rain forest hike. Use of non-motorized watersports (snorkeling, kayaking, paddle board, mini-sailing, windsurfing), sunrise and sunset yoga, jungle biking, kool kayaking coastal adventure, beach chairs and towels on the resort’s 2 beaches.
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Saint Lucia
Anse Chastanet
Additional boat snorkeling available in shopping cart, or learn to Scuba Dive and take a Beginners Discover Course!
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Resorts
Saint Lucia
Anse Chastanet
Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.
Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Saint Lucia
Jade Mountain
Jade Mountain offers Various Specials & Group Discounts-Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for Exclusive Pricing and Information.
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Saint Lucia
bodyholiday Saint Lucia
Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.
Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
See Packages & Learn More
Saint Lucia
Jade Mountain
Jade Mountain offers Various Specials & Group Discounts throughout the year Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for Exclusive Pricing and Information.
Call 800.328.2288 for Special Pricing and Information
See Packages & Learn MorePassport and/or Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens need a valid passport that must be valid 6 months beyond the date of entry into Saint Lucia, with available space for entry stamp. No visa is required with proof of onward or return ticket and accommodation confirmation. Check the entry/exit requirements here. A departure tax of $68EC, approx $25.30 should be included in your international airline ticket.
Immunizations
Vaccinations are not required for entering the Caribbean if you're coming from the United States. Before traveling check with the CDC here.
Culture and Customs
Saint Lucia is a land of vibrant greens set in a sapphire sea. Rainforests cover the island's interior, providing vacationers with a variety of eco-adventures that range from sedate birding hikes and relaxing rides on an aerial tram to off-road adventures and soaring zip line flights through forested canopies home to endemic birds such as the Saint Lucia parrot. The lush surroundings also set the stage for a number of unique resort properties that blend luxury and nature, and provide some of the best dining experiences in the Caribbean. The island's rich volcanic soil yields a cornucopia of tropical fruits and vegetables. This bounty is reflected in the savory dishes of traditional Creole cooking, and it has inspired a new wave of organic and fusion cuisines that have earned island chef's top honors in international culinary competitions. In addition to enlivening resort kitchens, Saint Lucia's farms and orchards support a thriving agricultural export sector that includes bananas and chocolate. One of the island's sweetest day trips involves a tour of historic cacao plantations, followed by a chance to create your own chocolate confections. Across the island English influences are obvious, but so too are the cultural contributions of France and Africa. The local version of relaxing is known as “going on the lime” or “liming,” which simply involves stopping by a favorite local pub or rum shop and spending time with friends.
Electricity, Phone and Internet Access
Saint Lucia runs on 220 to 230-volt AC (50 cycles), so bring an adapter if you plan to use U.S. appliances. Some hotels are wired for U.S. appliances.
Check with your local provider to see what plans are available, otherwise, you will be subject to roaming charges. The country/area code for Saint Lucia is 758.
Many hotels offer WiFi.
Water Quality
The local tap water is chlorinated and considered safe to drink. Alternatively, bottled water is available for purchase at restaurants, bars, hotels and local grocery stores.
Language & Currency
English is the official language, but islanders often speak a French-Creole patois or Kweyol similar to that heard on Martinique, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Grenada and Dominica.
The currency in Saint Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, (EC$). You can see the current exchange rate here. However, nearly all hotels, restaurants, and shops accept US dollars. Change may be given in EC Dollars. ATMs are available which dispense EC dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.
Time
Saint Lucia is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) and does not observe Daylight Savings Time. St. Lucia is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT).
Location, Size and Population
Saint Lucia is a sovereign island country in the Eastern Caribbean that is part of the Lesser Antilles. Saint Lucia is a mountainous island of 238 sq. miles, located about 25 miles north of St. Vincent and 25 miles south of Martinique and northwest of Barbados.
The population of Saint Lucia is 185,868 (2016).