I’m currently traveling! Follow Miles For Family on Facebook or Instagram to see photos. My replies to comments and emails may be delayed.
Halfway through my Southern Caribbean cruise last month, we stopped at St. Lucia. This was the island I was most looking forward to seeing since some people call it the Hawaii of the Caribbean due to its landscape. My sister and I booked a West Coast Catamaran excursion through Royal Caribbean.
Pigeon Island National Park
After we disembarked our cruise ship, we boarded this catamaran and sailed to Pigeon Island National Park.
We only had a little over an hour at this stop, but we could have used more. Pigeon Island has trails, beaches and ruins. My sister and I decided to take this steep trail to a lookout tower.
We were rewarded with this gorgeous view of St. Lucia:
Before our catamaran picked us up for the next part of our trip, we had a small amount of time to explore the lower parts of Pigeon Island:
Beach Stop
After we left Pigeon Island, the boat crew served us lunch while we headed over to a swim stop.
Our boat anchored as close to the beach as possible, and we descended a ladder to get into the water. Another beautiful beach!
The Pitons
After the swim stop, we sailed to the Pitons. These dormant volcanic plugs have become the monuments of St. Lucia. The catamaran gave us plenty of time to snap photos from different sides of the boat.
Marigot Bay
On the way back to the ship, we enjoyed more beautiful scenery.
Our final stop was a cruise around Marigot Bay. This cute spot was the filming location of the original Dr. Doolittle film from 1967.
St. Lucia vs. Hawaii
I’ve been to Hawaii 3 times and have visited Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island. While St. Lucia is a gorgeous island, it is in no way a substitute for Hawaii. Hawaii is just so much grander and bigger than life. Plus, it has its own unique vibe. My advice: Visit both! But if you can only visit one, go the distance and visit Hawaii.
However, for a cruise port stop, St. Lucia is lovely. I’d gladly return on a future cruise trip.
How does my family travel so much? We use miles and points from credit card bonuses. See my Travel Hacking 101 post as well as current credit card offers here.
“St. Lucia is a truly breathtaking destination that captures the essence of tropical paradise. The island’s stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush green mountains create a picturesque backdrop for unforgettable experiences. From exploring the iconic Piton Mountains to indulging in the vibrant local culture and cuisine, St. Lucia offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The warm and welcoming locals add an extra layer of charm to this Caribbean gem. Whether you’re snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs, unwinding at luxurious resorts, or immersing yourself in the vibrant rhythms of the local music, St. Lucia promises an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I can’t wait to visit this enchanting island again and discover even more of its natural beauty and hidden treasures.”