Today, The Octopus is taking you on a sailing adventure around Saint Lucia’s best stopovers. This is an absolute gem of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean Sea! The picturesque island is renowned for its natural beauty and breathtaking bays. Its landscapes are famously framed by the Pitons, two volcanic peaks classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Saint Lucia has it all, from the dramatic tapestry of its emerald rainforests, to the black and golden sand beaches embrassed by crystal-clear waters.
Beyond its gorgeous views, Saint Lucia is the perfect destination this time of the year, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 28°C and moderate winds. Whether you are drawn to adventurous hikes or relaxing days at the beach, Saint Lucia has everything you need for an unforgettable sailing journey, and more!
Without further ado, let’s dive in Saint Lucia’s best stopovers!
The best stopovers when sailing in Saint Lucia
Rodney Bay
Our first stopover is located at the north of the island, in the picturesque Rodney Bay. There, you will have two options, one of anchoring at the north of the bay, and one at the south. The first anchorage is protected from the north to the southeast by the east. It offers good holding in sandy bottoms resting between 4 and 10 meters deep.
The second anchorage is protected from the south to the east by the southeast. Be careful when anchoring, as there are areas with rocks at the bottom. It might be better to dive in order to make sure your anchor is stable!
At the northern anchorage, you will have the opportunity to visit Pigeon Island National Landmark. Pigeon Island is one of the most treasured sites on the island, highlighting Saint Lucia’s cultural and historical heritage. In the 18th century, it was a separate islet used for military purposes by the British against the French. In 1972, it joined the mainland after a causeway. Today, it is a national park that is enchanting with its lush greenery, hiking trails, and military ruins.
At the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views on the Caribbean Sea. On clear days, you might even get glimpses of Martinique!
From the south of Rodney Bay, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. From the deck of your boat, you will be able to admire lush, emerald-green hills encircling the bay, their slopes blanketed in tropical foliage that cascades down towards the coast. The water in the bay sparkles with shades of turquoise and deep blue, contrasting beautifully against the white sand beaches that edge the shore.
At dusk, the setting sun bathes the entire bay in warm hues of orange and pink, casting a magical glow across the landscape. It is an unforgettable sight, blending the tranquility of nature with the lively charm of Saint Lucia.
Rodney Bay Marina
We are now headed to Saint Lucia’s liveliest area, the town of Rodney Bay. After seeing it from afar from the anchorage, you will be able to visit this vibrant town by making a stop at Rodney Bay Marina. With state-of-the-art facilities, five-star-services, and over 200 berths available, it is one of the Caribbean’s finest marinas!
On top of that, Rodney Bay Marina offers a collection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a welcoming place for all boaters – whether they’ve come for a short trip or for a longer stay.
Beyond the prestigious atmosphere of the marina, Rodney Bay is a town worth stopping by while sailing in Saint Lucia! For instance, the golden sand beaches and turquoise waters make perfect for a relaxing day. For a bit of island culture, you can visit the open-air markets and craft stalls where local artisans display handmade jewelry, artwork, and traditional souvenirs.
At night, Rodney Bay comes to life! The dining scene is full of wonders, from creole inspired dishes to Italian, Indian, and seafood restaurants. After a delicious dinner, you can sip a cocktail or two in one of the numerous bars of town.
Right next to Rodney Bay, the town of Gros Islet will bring even more excitement to your stay! Each Friday night, the Gros Islet Street Party takes place. This weekly event is a major attraction, turning a quiet fishing village into a lively festival filled with music, dancing, and delicious local food.
As the night sets in, the town comes alive with the sounds of reggae, soca, and Caribbean beats blaring from large speakers. The streets also line with mouthwatering island specialties like grilled fish, jerk chicken, barbecued ribs, and fresh seafood.
Marigot Bay Yacht Haven
To continue our sailing journey in Saint Lucia, we are dropping anchor at another gorgeous location – Marigot Bay! Marigot Bay Yacht haven is a great docking spot, as it offers all kinds of services and a warm welcome from the professional and kind staff.
Marigot Bay is also a great location for exploring further locations. From there, you can rent a car and discover the numerous hiking options that Saint Lucia has to offer! For starters, you can go to Mount Edmund Forest Reserve. Located in the heart of the island, this protected rainforest is home to numerous plant and animal species.
There, some unique wildlife can be observed or heard. If you are lucky, you might encounter the Saint Lucia parrot – the country’s national bird and an endangered species. Since it is a protected area, entering the Reserve is restricted and has to be done with a guide, you can find more information here!
If you want your stay to take a more historical turn, you can also visit Morne Fortune. The “Hill of Good Luck” is a historic area overlooking Castries – the capital of Saint Lucia. In the past, it used to be the site of battles between the French and the British. You will be able to see remnants of military fortifications still standing, like Fort Charlotte and an old military cemetery.
On top of the historic legacy, Morne Fortune offers sweeping views of Castries and the island’s northern coast. What more could you need when sailing in Saint Lucia?
Soufriere Bay
Our next stop is Soufriere Bay, a picturesque location right by the town of Soufriere. Anchoring there is strictly forbidden due to the seagrass at the bottom. So, if you want to stay there, you will have to take a mooring buoy.
The bay is protected from the northeast to the southeast by the east, and it offers splendid views on the surrounding hills and turquoise waters.
If you are feeling adventurous, Soufriere is the perfect spot to rent a car and explore famous areas. For instance, the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths will grant a peaceful retreat? This is the perfect spot to recharge your batteries! In the gardens, you will be able to observe an incredible variety of tropical flora. This includes hibiscus, heliconias, orchids, and other vibrant flowers and exotic plants.
Winding pathways will guide you through the gardens, where you can observe hummingbirds, butterflies, and other wildlife that thrive in the environment.
The focal point is the Diamond Falls itself, a picturesque waterfall colored by volcanic minerals. There, you will see water that changes hues from yellow to green to purple. Finally, you can also relax in the hot springs for an additional fee!
Located nearby, the Sulphur Springs are another location that should not be missed! This is the only drive-in volcano in the world, and it offers a unique touring experience. There, you will bathe in mud baths, wash off in the breathtaking waterfalls, and go to the top of the volcano!
Belle Vue
The name of this stopover fits the setting perfectly. “Great View”, in French, will give you scenic views of the surrounding bay and famous Petit Piton. The bay is protected from the northeast to the southeast by the east, but anchoring there is forbidden.
Therefore, you must take a mooring buoy if you want to enjoy its breathtaking views!
If you are looking for a peaceful spot in the middle of nature, Belle Vue is exactly where you need to go. From the deck of your boat, you will find yourself surrounded by unspoiled nature. The views on lush tropical forests and golden sand beaches are simply spectacular.
To add to the gorgeous setting, Petit Piton (Small Peak in French) majestically overlooks the bay. This not-so-small volcanic peak is one of the most iconic spots in Saint Lucia. You will be able to take a closer look at the next stopover!
Anse des Pitons
For our final stop, we thought it was best to keep the best for last! Anse des Pitons is an iconic stopover. This is due to the fact that it is located between the two volcanic Pitons of Saint Lucia.
Anse des Pitons is protected from the north to the southeast by the east. You will also have to find a mooring buoy in order to stay there, as dropping anchor is forbidden.
Petit Piton and Gros Piton (Big Peak) are part of the Pitons Management Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its dramatic landscape and ecological significance. The Pitons are symbols of Saint Lucian identity, and their preservation is of high importance.
Indeed, the surrounding Pitons Management Area covers around 7,190 acres of land and marine ecosystems, including lush rainforests, coral reefs, and volcanic hot springs. The area is a biodiversity hotspot with many endemic and rare species of plants, birds, reptiles, and marine life.
Not only do the Pitons offer mesmerizing views from afar, but you can also see them from up close by hiking there! Although Petit Piton is smaller than Gros Piton, hiking there is more challenging. This is due to its rugged and nearly vertical terrain. There are no established trails, so climbers require ropes and advanced climbing skills to reach the top.
For an easier yet still challenging climb, you should go to Gros Piton! Once you have reached the top, you will be rewarded with picturesque and panoramic views of the island and the Caribbean Sea. This is the perfect way to end this journey of sailing in Saint Lucia!
And just like that, our itinerary of the best stopovers in Saint Lucia has come to an end. The Octopus enjoyed sailing in Saint Lucia, and we hope you love it too!
Do not hesitate to post your photos of your trip on the Navily App, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook – we love sharing your breathtaking pics!
If you would like to see more regions in the Caribbean, you can also read our articles on the best stopovers in Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada.
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