What I wish I knew before going to St Lucia?

Traveling around St. Lucia by yourself is generally safe. Public transportation, such as taxis and buses, is usually a risk-free option for travelers. But like many popular tourist destinations, crowded areas are prime spots for petty theft like pickpocketing and bag snatching.



Many travelers to St. Lucia wish they had known about the island's unique geographical challenges and cultural nuances before arrival. First, the roads are notoriously winding and steep; a journey from the airport in the south to the popular Rodney Bay in the north can take over 90 minutes and may induce motion sickness. Second, the island uses Type G British plugs (three-prong) and 240V electricity, necessitating an adapter for most North American electronics. Culturally, it is important to know that camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians, and beachwear is strictly for the beach—modest dress is expected when visiting towns or villages. Additionally, while the US dollar is widely accepted, carrying the local Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is better for small vendors and local buses. Lastly, the tropical sun and mosquitoes are intense, so reef-safe sunscreen and high-quality insect repellent are non-negotiable essentials for a comfortable stay.

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As a general rule, it is wise to abstain from strolling alone in unknown locations during the night and carrying a large amount of cash or expensive items. Crime rates are frequently high in tourist hotspots, particularly at late hours, so caution needs to be taken when traveling through such areas.

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The official hurricane season is July to November, and although the risk of hurricanes is very small, there are also tropical storms in the Caribbean region in this period. April and May are often great times to visit as prices are much lower than earlier in the year but the weather is still very similar.

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Saint Lucia is considered to be generally safe in most areas. Pickpockets, petty crimes, and purse snatchings often occurred in crowded areas and during key festivals and local events. Most forms of transportation are safe including the use of taxis and buses. The overall risk of muggings and burglaries is low as well.

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We love St. Lucia. It has literally everything you could possibly want from a vacation, including gorgeous beaches, great views, and friendly people. The island is 70% lush rainforest and mountains, so it will feel more like Hawaii than the Caribbean.

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Poorly managed tourism leads to deforestation and erosion; degradation and depletion of biological diversity; disruption of natural habitats; and over-consumption of resources like freshwater and energy. St. Lucia's hotel sector alone consumes 17 per cent of the island's energy resources.

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The mains water supply in St. Lucia is chlorinated and considered safe to drink, but may taste a little strange if you are not used to the chlorine. Ice served in drinks is usually made from tap water and is also considered safe to drink.

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Lucia, and crime is generally not a major cause for concern for tourists. The main concern for tourists is theft. Therefore, you should be cautious and avoid carrying valuables. Tourists should use common sense and travel in groups when they must leave their resort or other accommodations.

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It is absolutely safe to go off resort in St. Lucia. Just use common sense as you would at home: don't go into dark alleys late at night, etc. The Sandals bus only goes between the 3 resorts, to go to the town you will need a taxi (or a couple of miles walk, depending which Sandals).

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9 Best Towns and Resorts in St Lucia
  • Gros Islet.
  • Castries.
  • Marigot Bay.
  • Soufriere.
  • Cap Estate.
  • Vieux Fort.
  • Laborie.
  • Choiseul.


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Saint Lucia is Always evocative, she welcomes visitors with her soothing waves, warm beaches, and hospitable people.

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Tourism puts enormous stress on local land use, and can lead to soil erosion, increased pollution, natural habitat loss, and more pressure on endangered species. These effects can gradually destroy the environmental resources on which tourism itself depends.

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While the island's posh resorts and gourmet restaurants make it easy to be lured, St Lucia can be a budget traveler's dream. Explore cultural institutions, dive into local Creole cuisine, and enjoy lively street festivals – all without breaking the bank.

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St Lucia is neither a rich nor poor country. According to the World Economic Outlook Database created by the International Monetary Fund, Saint Lucia is a developing country.

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The people there are very friendly, just as friendly as Jamaicans. From what we've been told, St. Lucia is much safer for the traveler than Jamaica.

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