My Personal St. Lucia with Kids Travel Hot Tips

You’ll find all this sprinkled below, but I wanted to pull this to the top, because parents are busy and you need the tips at the top:

• Book well in advance for Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa: The kids and family side of the resort (Splash) books up almost a year in advance, especially in the most popular months of December - March.

Kids play on the beach, parents swing on a bed in your private cabana. Heaven.

• At least one day, you want to book a private cabana. Trust me. (I’ll explain below.)

• Bring sunscreen and hats. And extra sunscreen. And maybe a little more sunscreen.

• Don’t worry about packing much else besides at least two bathing suits and something suitable to wear to dinner.

• Bring a checked bag. It’s for the rum you’ll want to bring home, which can’t go in a carry-on if you have a layover flying home.

• This is the perfect spot for a multi-generational trip. If you can, bring grandparents and have them stay with the kids in Splash while parents book at least a few nights for themselves to stay at Serenity, the couples-only luxury suite resort on the property.

Kite surf on Coconut Bay Beach Resort's mile of private beach. Photo courtesy of the resort

Where Is St. Lucia and Why Visit With Kids?

St. Lucia is in the Caribbean, between Martinique and St. Vincent. The island is independently governed, which means you’ll need a passport and to go through customs when visiting. There’s one international airport on the island, with direct flights from the US leaving from Charlotte, Miami, and Philadelphia. 

Why visit St. Lucia with kids? Each of the Caribbean islands has a reputation of sorts, and St. Lucia’s rep is as the ultimate honeymoon destination. While that’s true, it’s also a perfect blend of beaches, waterfall, water sports, volcano, mud bath, chocolate and banana growing areas, and the incredibly family-friendly resort of Coconut Bay. It’s off the beaten path, and gives you everything everyone in your family is looking for in one spot.

Is St. Lucia Safe for Families?

Yes! St. Lucia is a very safe spot for family vacations. I don’t know that I’d recommend renting an Airbnb or car (for one thing, they drive on the left side of the road!), but staying at a resort is completely safe. I also wouldn’t walk through Castries by myself at night, but St. Lucia resorts are safe, and off-resort excursions about the island are quite safe as well. (Again, I’d stick to the resort-offered tours when traveling with kids.)

Two quick tips: stick to bottled water, and bring bug spray. Mosquitoes love me, and I actually wasn’t bothered at all, but I was assured that when the bugs are biting, you’ll really be happy to have bug spray with you.

Sunsets are spectacular on the island of St. Lucia. 

What Time Is It in St. Lucia and When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Here’s another reason that St. Lucia is a great family vacation destination: the perfect time of year to visit coincides with most kids' school vacation breaks. The best time to visit, weather-wise, is December to March, which lines up with most holiday, winter, and spring breaks! 

September and October are hurricane season, and summer can be wet and humid.

St. Lucia does not observe Daylight Savings Time, so half the year it is on the same time as the East Coast, and half the year it is an hour ahead!

The Sulphur Springs mud baths on the side of the volcano are a can't-miss activity. So unique!

12 Must-See/Must-Do Attractions in St. Lucia With Kids

Please note that many of these activities are best enjoyed on a tour that combines several of these outings in a half-day or full-day excursion. I highly recommend working with the concierge at the St. Lucia resort or hotel you stay at to arrange your tours.

1. Sulphur Springs Volcano and Mud Baths

The smell in the air is sulfur, which locals swear gives them fabulous, unlined skin. Parents enjoy the aesthetic properties of the warm volcanic mud baths, while kids will delight in getting messy, painting their bodies with the light mud, and then making decorations with the darker mud. Bring towels!

Ever wanted to swim under a waterfall in a rainforest? Check that off your bucket list on St. Lucia.

2. Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens

Cool off when you splash around under the waterfall and then stroll lush garden paths.

3. Tet Paul Nature Trail

This short and easy-for-kids hike has incredible Piton views.

A gorgeous view of the Pitons from a boat that will take you snorkeling in Turtle Reef.

4. See the Pitons

The twin peaks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most famous sites on the island. Hiking the Petit Piton is impossible, as it requires actual rock climbing. Hiking the Gros Piton is doable, but not with kids: it requires a local guide and a 6-ish hour hike. The best way to get a view of both mountains is from the water, so be sure to snap some pictures while out on the sea. 

5. Drive-in Volcano Tour

First off, how can you miss it? It’s the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano. Kids are fascinated by the bubbling pools and steaming vents. This is pretty much the same tour/location as the mud baths, so it’s a two-fer.

6. Turtle Watching Cruise

You can go whale or dolphin watching anywhere, but St. Lucia is home to three species of endangered sea turtles, and you can spot them from boats, on the beaches, or when snorkeling. If you’re on the island outside of nesting season (March-November), your best bet to see them is from a boat or while snorkeling.

This is how chocolate bars start their lives. It's slimy, and it tastes like citrus!

7. Chocolate Tour

Did you know that unripe cocoa pods are filled with slimy seeds that taste more like citrus than chocolate? From sucking seeds, to tasting cocoa nibs, to making their own chocolate, kids get a sweet, hands-on look at St. Lucia’s cocoa heritage. Fun fact: This isn’t just a tourist industry. St. Lucia supplies 25% of the cocoa that Hershey’s uses annually.

Sugar Beach has the white sand beaches you dream about when you dream of the Caribbean.

8. Sugar Beach

With its calm, clear water and stunning Piton backdrop, this beach is perfect for easy family swimming and postcard-worthy pictures. You can also snorkel here in a protected area. Hot tip: The majority of Sugar Beach is taken up by private cabanas and lounge chairs at the Viceroy Hotel. All St. Lucia beaches are public, but access here is restricted to a tiny dock and beach area. The best way to visit the beach, if you’re not staying at Sugar Beach Resort, is to take a snorkeling tour, where you can dock here, snorkel, walk the beach, and hop back on your boat for restrooms, water, and snacks. Speaking of which…

9. Snorkeling and Catamaran Cruises

Shallow reefs and smooth sailing mean even younger kids can peek at fish and turtles and the Pitons while parents enjoy the views and a rum cocktail. Snorkeling gear is provided for anyone who wants to go, while others can remain on the boat. Catamarans are perfect for kids who get motion sick or scared, as they’re pretty calm even in slightly choppy water.

10. Ziplining and Rainforest Aerial Tram

If you like a thrill, you can zipline. If you don’t like the swoop in your stomach, choose the aerial tram. Either way, you can soar above the rainforest with gorgeous views.

Go for a horseback ride on the beach or mountains; it's another bucket list item!

11. Horseback Riding on the Beach

If you have kids who like horses, this is a bucket list item. Locals ride without a saddle, but for vacationers, they’ll saddle the horses and lead you through the island and onto the beach for a ride you’ll never forget. Sandy Hoofs St. Lucia is where you want to book your tour.

12. Beach Sports

You can paddleboard or kayak anywhere, but if you stay at Coconut Bay, anyone with any skill level can take a lesson and practice right in front of your resort. (Kids eight and up can take a “taster” lesson on the beach, and anyone 16 and up can take lessons with Certified Instructors.)

Kids can go down the water slides while parents float along the lazy river at Coconut Bay Beach Resort.

Why the Only Resort/Hotel I’m Recommending for Families is Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

Why Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

There are actually several kid-friendly resorts on St. Lucia, but when I travel with kids, I’m looking for places that not only allow kids, but are built for kids. I also like it to be easy, if I’m taking a relaxing, island vacation. Finally, I need it to feel like a treat, but not be so expensive that I’m stressing about how much we’re spending. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa checked all those boxes for me.

The swim up bar has an adult menu and a kids' mocktail menu, which kids absolutely delight in.

Two Resorts in One (Actually, Three)

The resort has a family wing (Splash)  and an adult wing (Harmony), and then all the amenities are in the middle. There are a couple of adult-only pools and restaurants, but everyone can use the Kidz Club, water slides, entertainment (the fire dancers and live music are amazing!), lazy river, and swim-up bar (mocktails for the kids!). 

The Best Multi-Generational Trip, Ever

Didn’t I say three resorts? The third is called Serenity, and it’s a luxury couples-only resort on property. There are private cabins for couples; each has its own concierge/butler and plunge pool. If possible, I would highly recommend taking a trip here with grandparents - let the grandparents and kids stay at Splash for some intense together time. Parents can then slip away to Serenity to sleep in and relax. You can all spend all your time, activities, and meals together at the Splash/Harmony side of the resort, but indulge in some adult-only time in style.

Speaking of Activities

Book your activities as soon as you arrive. I recommend starting with the Land and Sea Tour, to get an overview of the island and experience the volcano, mud baths, waterfall, catamaran, and snorkeling in one day. 

Then, book a beach cabana for the day after your tour, so you can relax. Before coming here, I thought private cabanas were a waste of money. That is definitely not the case here! These are basically private houses on the beach, and they come with butler service for snacks and drinks (they’ll leave you with a cooler of your favorites) as well as an outdoor shower to rinse off and a hanging bed to relax on in the shade. 

Also, as soon as you arrive, make note of any activities your family doesn’t want to miss. My favorite was a tie between the Bubble Party in the kid pool and the Rubber Duck Race on the Lazy River. And definitely don’t skip the Caribbean Music theme night.

The Kidz Club has its own splash pad, playground, rock climbing wall, and more.

The Kidz Club at Coconut Bay

The kids' club here is amazing, and allows kids of any and all ages. Yes, you read that right. Not potty trained? Not a problem. Got a baby? The staff is fully trained in care for kids of all ages, including certifications in CPR, First Aid, Childhood Education, Special Needs, and Inclusivity. 

They’re also trained by local conservationists, and take kids on outings to track turtles during turtle season. You can drop kids off at the Kidz Club from 9am-5pm or just for an hour. There are night activities at the club, so you can have a date night. This is all included.

Bring Home a Puppy

In addition to all that the resort and Kidz Club have to offer kids, there’s something special here that I’ve never seen at any other resort. There are a lot of stray dogs on the island, and not enough shelters. So, the resort partners with a shelter and houses the dogs on the property in the petting zoo (which also has sheep, chickens, donkeys, goats, and a horse). Kids can visit and play with puppies every day. In fact, if you fall in love with one of the dogs, the resort will help you arrange to adopt and bring the pup home with you! In fact, they’ve had hundreds of dogs adopted by US families and know how to work with customs.

You will be shocked by how often your family will have lunch at the Jerk Tree House. It's delicious.

The Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants at Coconut Bay

This is another instance where you should book as soon as you arrive. There are several options for dining on property, and the ones your kids will probably like best do not require reservations. However, parents will want to try at least a couple of the reservation-only spots, and they fill up fast. My recommendation is to take the whole family to Silk one night for Asian-influenced dishes, and then park the kids at the Kidz Club and have an adult-only dinner at The Great House. (This is one of the only things at the all-inclusive resort that isn’t included. But it’s well worth it!)

One cotton candy, made to order. Or would you prefer a custom-made ice cream sundae?

Your kids will be perfectly happy eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Coconut Walk Marketplace, which has made-to-order food stations and buffet options. There’s a table filled with kid-pleasers, as well as a fabulous dessert station that includes made-to-order ice cream sundaes or freshly made-for-you cotton candy. 

There’s also Flip Flops, which is right by the pool, and kids can order pizza, burgers, and sandwiches all day. There are serve-yourself drinks machines, pizza, and hot dogs all day. Also by the pool is the Jerk Tree House, which serves up Jerk chicken, pork, or fish with amazing sides for lunch. You’ll smell the meat grilling as you swim and work up an appetite.

There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options as well.

The picturesque town of Soufriere is a great jumping off point for lunch in the mountains and island explorations.

Practical Tips for Visiting St. Lucia With Kids

How to Get Around St. Lucia

There’s no need to rent a car; you can take your hotel/resort shuttle to and from the airport, and rely on the tour service for transportation around the island. There’s no real shopping center, cultural center, or nightlife on St. Lucia, so visiting the local towns and cities to explore isn’t really something you’d miss.

Local St. Lucia Foods to Try

Bananas, sugar cane, and chocolate are all grown on the island, and it’s very common to eat fish that was caught that morning. Mangos, cashews, almonds, and coconut grow wild all over the island. Green fig and Salt Cod is a national dish, and is often served with meals as a salad. (Fun fact: green fig is not a fig, but is a green banana, which is not sweet and is treated as a vegetable and not a fruit.) And possum stew is a local delicacy (don’t worry, you won’t be served it at any restaurants) that can only be served during Creole Days!

Balancing Resort Time with Off-Property Exploring

This is up to your family, and how you like to vacation! Our family isn’t big on just lying on the beach all day, so for us, a perfect mix is one day on the beach or by the pool and the next day exploring the island. Here's our ideal family itinerary:

Day 1 — Explore the resort, pools, beaches, etc.

Day 2 — Land and Sea all-day tour, where you get a great sampling of all the island has to offer.

Day 3 — Rent a private cabana and try some water sports.

Day 4 — Ziplining and aerial trams in the morning, chocolate tour in the afternoon.

Day 5 — More relaxing at the resort.

Can't resist showing you the sunset view from my hotel room balcony the night we checked in. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting St. Lucia With Kids

Q: Where is St. Lucia located?
A: St. Lucia is a small island nation in the eastern Caribbean between Martinique and St. Vincent.

Q: Is St. Lucia safe for families?
A: Yes. St. Lucia is safe for families, especially at the all-inclusive resorts that make it easy for families.

Q: What time zone is St. Lucia in?
A: St. Lucia is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), the same as Eastern Time during daylight saving months.

Q: When is the best time to visit St. Lucia with kids?
A: December through March gets you the best weather! But if you want to see turtle nesting and get better deals, visit April through July.

Q: What are the top family-friendly resorts in St. Lucia?
A: Coconut Bay is my favorite, but  Windjammer Landing and Sugar Beach are also top-rated for families.

Q: What should I pack for a St. Lucia family vacation?
A: Lightweight clothing, swimsuits, water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and bug spray.

Q: Can families visit the Pitons or volcano safely?
A: Yes! Many tours are designed for families and include shorter hikes and scenic stops. The concierge or tour operator will steer you to family-friendly tour options if you tell them how old and active your kids are.

All photos, unless otherwise noted, are by the author.

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