Caribbean, Saint Lucia · Trip plan
5 days in St Lucia
The Pitons, a drive-in volcano and some of the Caribbean's most romantic resorts.
- Best time
- Dec – Apr
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- $300 per person
- Trip for two
- about $3,000
Planning a 5-day trip to St Lucia? Here's a day-by-day St Lucia itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
December to April is the dry season, with sunshine and calm seas: the classic Caribbean winter escape.
St Lucia is a lush, volcanic Caribbean island with rainforest, waterfalls, beaches and the iconic Pitons.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to April: 26–30°C, dry.
Don't miss
Best things to do in St Lucia
- 01
The Pitons
Twin volcanic spires rising from the sea.
- 02
Sulphur Springs
The world's only drive-in volcano, with mud baths.
- 03
Marigot Bay
A gorgeous sheltered bay.
- 04
Pigeon Island
Forts, beaches and views.
Day by day
St Lucia itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: Arrive
- Morning
- Transfer from Hewanorra airport to your hotel (up to 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon
- Swim and settle in.
- Evening
- Sunset over the Caribbean.
Arrange transfers in advance.
- D2
Day 2: Soufrière
- Morning
- Drive into Sulphur Springs, the world's only drive-in volcano, and bathe in its warm mud pools.
- Afternoon
- Visit Diamond Falls and the botanical gardens.
- Evening
- Dinner with views of the Pitons.
Wear an old swimsuit to the mud baths.
- D3
Day 3: The Pitons
- Morning
- Hike Gros Piton with a local guide (about 4 hours return) for panoramic views.
- Afternoon
- Snorkel off Sugar Beach, between the two Pitons.
- Evening
- Rest and dinner.
Start the hike early to avoid the heat.
- D4
Day 4: The north
- Morning
- Explore Pigeon Island's fort ruins and beaches.
- Afternoon
- Lunch at Rodney Bay.
- Evening
- Join the Friday night street party in Gros Islet.
The street party is on Friday nights.
- D5
Day 5: Home
- Morning
- Morning swim.
- Afternoon
- Lunch.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Leave a buffer for the drive to the airport.
Shorter or longer
St Lucia in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in St Lucia
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in St Lucia
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Aruba.
What it costs
St Lucia trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $150 | $1,500 |
| Mid-range | $300 | $3,000 |
| Luxury | $900+ | $9,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to St Lucia is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in St Lucia for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in St Lucia
Green fig and saltfish
The national dish.
Accra
Saltfish fritters.
Local rum punch
Everywhere.
Getting there
How to reach St Lucia
- Travel
- Hewanorra airport (UVF) has direct flights from the US, UK and Canada.
- Getting around
- Taxis, water taxis and tours.
- Taxis are pricey; arrange transfers ahead.
- Go to the Friday Gros Islet street party.
Before you go
What to pack for St Lucia
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
St Lucia trip FAQs
How many days are enough for St Lucia?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: The Pitons, Sulphur Springs, Marigot Bay. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day St Lucia trip cost?
Roughly $150 a day per person on a budget, $300 mid-range and $900+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $3,000 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit St Lucia?
Dec – Apr. December to April is the dry season, with sunshine and calm seas: the classic Caribbean winter escape.
Where should I stay in St Lucia?
Budget: Guesthouses in Rodney Bay (North), from about $120 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Soufrière (South), from about $300 a night. Luxury: Jade Mountain (Soufrière), from about $1,500 a night.
How do I reach St Lucia?
Hewanorra airport (UVF) has direct flights from the US, UK and Canada.
Is 4 days enough for St Lucia?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in St Lucia?
December to April: 26–30°C, dry.
What food should I try in St Lucia?
Green fig and saltfish: The national dish. Accra: Saltfish fritters. Local rum punch: Everywhere.
How do I get around St Lucia?
Taxis, water taxis and tours.
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