St Lucia Yacht Charter Guide: From the Pitons to Paradise Bays

St Lucia is impressive from the moment you arrive, with dramatic twin peaks and beaches bordered by thick rainforest. Located in the Windward Islands within the Eastern Caribbean, between Martinique and St Vincent, St Lucia offers the perfect yacht charter vacation, combining its natural beauty with Caribbean charm and luxurious experiences. 

Whether hiking the rainforest trails around the UNESCO World Heritage Pitons, anchoring in the serene embrace of Marigot Bay, or experiencing Rodney Bay’s bustling energy, your yacht charter itinerary effortlessly merges adventure with leisure. Expect underwater adventures, hikes ashore, volcanic experiences, and simply enjoying the island’s dramatic backdrop from the yacht’s deck. 

Fly into the international airport in the south of the island, then travel to your departure marina at either Rodney Bay or Marigot Bay to start your charter. Dedicate a full week to exploring St Lucia, or incorporate it into a longer Windward Islands itinerary alongside destinations like St Vincent & the Grenadines, Martinique, or Grenada.

When To Visit: Seasons & Celebrations

Similar to much of the Caribbean, St Lucia boasts warm tropical weather year-round, but the peak chartering season is between mid-December and April, coinciding with warm sunny days and calmer seas. The Christmas and New Year holiday period is typically high in demand, so booking early for this period is recommended. 

The shoulder season between May and June offers a quieter experience, as it avoids the hurricane season that begins at the end of June, when the highest risk of storms occurs. Year-round, St Lucia also hosts a range of festivals and events. 

Throughout the peak Caribbean charter season, you can opt to get involved with the Jazz & Arts festival in late April and St Lucia’s patriotic national day in December. There are also plenty of street and famous fish fries throughout the season to get involved in. 

Where To Anchor: Marinas & Moorings  

The Hewanorra International Airport, located at the southern tip of the island, welcomes several international flights and connections around the world for those joining a yacht charter here. 

As you head north, you can join a yacht charter in either Rodney Bay, located in the northwest, or Marigot Bay on the west coast. An onward transfer to both destinations with high-end marina facilities can facilitate this. 

On the northwest coast, Rodney Bay is St Lucia’s central yachting hub with full-service facilities and a lively social scene. It’s a convenient beginning point for charters, and just north is Pigeon Island National Park, with calm anchorages and excursions ashore. 

A short cruise south is Marigot Bay, a natural harbour long known as one of the most beautiful anchorages in the Caribbean. Historically, a safe hurricane hideout, today it is lined with a luxury resort and world-class facilities. The bay is ideal for paddleboarding, swimming, or simply enjoying the scenery. 

Moving away from the yachting facilities, St Lucia has a whole host of anchorages perfect for yachts to experience. For one of the most dramatic backdrops on anchor, head to the UNESCO-listed Pitons, where yachts can anchor in Soufriere Bay, between the peaks. Close by are the twin bays of Anse Chastanet and Anse Mamin, ideal for underwater exploration within the unspoiled reefs. On the southern tip, Vieux Fort offers another anchorage option and is a perfect gateway for yachts continuing the itinerary onward to St Vincent and the Grenadines. 

Where To Go: Suggested Itinerary Highlights 

Each anchorage offers a combination of activities and scenery, and a week’s charter provides a balance of relaxation onboard and exploration ashore. Beginning the charter in the north, explore Pigeon Island National Park through its hiking trails to the ruins of the 18th-century Fort Rodney, once used by the British Navy, with views over Rodney Bay.

Just south of Rodney Bay is the island’s vibrant capital, Castries. Head ashore and discover the colourful market for local fruit and handmade crafts. A short cruise onwards to Marigot Bay allows you to spend the day enjoying relaxation and watersports in this calm bay. While ashore, you can explore the forested rainforest-clad hills.

No St Lucia charter itinerary is complete without a visit to the famous Pitons. Anchoring in Soufriere Bay is the ideal spot for exploring ashore, and in the next bay along is Sugar Beach, a picturesque anchorage with front-row views of the Pitons.

What To Do: Under & Above Water

Anchored in various spots along St Lucia’s coast are prime opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving, and other watersports to enjoy from the yacht. At Soufriere Marine Reserve, the clear waters are full of protected reefs home to tropical fish, coral, and the occasional sea turtle. For shallower options, Anse Chastanet and Anse Mamin boast calm waters perfect for exploring marine life. Other watersports options around the island can include kayaking and paddleboarding the bays, fishing, and more. 

Above water, St Lucia’s lush tropical rainforest welcomes many adventures. For those seeking active experiences, consider hiking the many trails. For gentle trails, enjoy the volcanic scenery while hiking the Tet Paul Nature Trail. The historic area of Pigeon Island features several moderate trails, including those around Fort Rodney, offering coastal views. Those looking to head out on a more strenuous hike should take the Gros Piton trail to the summit or the Petit Piton for an even more challenging trail, recommended with a local guide. At the foot of the Pitons, you can also stroll around the Diamond Falls Botanical Garden, enjoying the natural beauty and opportunities to spot a variety of tropical plants, birds, and butterflies. 

For a taste of local life, take a guided tour of a cocoa plantation or time your yacht charter with one of St Lucia’s lively street parties or festivals. Those interested in history will enjoy Pigeon Island, where colonial ruins, museums, and viewing points give you a glimpse into the island’s past. 

Full of world-class resorts, St Lucia has plenty of opportunities to enjoy a wellness experience while on a yacht charter. At Jade Mountain Resort, in its Kai En Ciel spa, you can opt for one of the many treatments or Ayurvedic and holistic services. While Hotel Chocolat offers chocolate-themed treatments, and the Viceroy Sugar Beach Resort invites guests to relax in its calming Rainforest Spa. If you’d prefer a completely natural spa treatment, visit the world’s only drive-in volcano and mud baths at Sulphur Springs for a therapeutic and unique experience. 

Where To Eat: Flavors of St Lucia 

A must-do on every St Lucia yacht charter itinerary should include the famous Friday night street party in Gros Islet. A lively and authentic dinner here includes indulging in freshly grilled lobster, fish, and local specialities from the stalls, washing it down with rum punch, and enjoying the local vibes and music. 

While at the marina in Rodney Bay, there is a range of waterfront eateries and bars to sample, offering everything from casual Caribbean menus to more international fare. Some of the best fine dining available on the island can be found in the luxury resorts. Located in the cocoa groves of the Rabot Estate is the Hotel Chocolat, a perfect option for chocolate lovers. Book a table at the hotel’s restaurant, Boucan, where you can dine on a menu inspired by cocoa with added views of the Pitons. 

Located close by is the Ladera Resort, where you can experience farm-to-table Caribbean cuisine with a contemporary twist at its Dasheene restaurant. Not only is it a great spot to taste the island’s flavours, but the open-air dining alongside its incredible views of the Pitons adds to its allure.

Back down at sea level, and for beachfront dining, the Viceroy Sugar Beach Resort, located between the Pitons, has a range of dining options, from which you can enjoy a leisurely barefoot lunch at Bonte Restaurant, or dinner in its signature Saltwood restaurant.