MummyTravels’ guide to St Lucia with kids

It’s easy to dismiss the Caribbean as simply that picture postcard cliché of palm-fringed white sand beaches (not that there’s anything wrong with those). But having visited a few islands, that couldn’t be further from the truth, especially if you’re visiting St Lucia with kids.

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With a long history of making chocolate, adrenaline activities in the rainforest, gorgeous fishing villages and markets along with watersports and a ‘drive-in volcano’ in the Soufriere hills, there’s a huge amount to discover.

Something it does share with the other Caribbean islands is a love of kids, so I’ve never felt less than welcome anywhere with Minnie. After visiting St Lucia with a toddler, here is my family guide to the island – my top tips for visiting with children..

St Lucia with kids: Getting there/around

British Airways and Virgin both fly direct from the UK to St Lucia, taking around eight and a half hours. Hewanorra airport is in the far south of the island but at 27 miles long, it shouldn’t take much more than an hour to reach any part of the island.

You’ll need a car or an organised tour to get around and it’s worth remembering that if you’re heading into the hills, it’ll take a lot longer than the mileage suggests thanks to steep and twisty roads – with the most amazing views as compensation. Also perfect for lulling babies and toddlers to sleep…

Check out these posts for more tips on flying with a baby as well as ways to beat jetlag.

Where to stay in St Lucia with kids

Since Minnie came along, I’ve discovered the benefits of a family-friendly all-inclusive resort – St James Club Morgan Bay is part of the Elite Islands group, set in the north of the island and the perfect place to start exploring in a bit of luxury in St Lucia with a baby or toddler.

If you want to explore further, especially in the hills of Soufriere, you can’t beat staying on a cacao plantation – Fond Doux has colonial heritage and makes a great low-key place to relax.

Check out i-escape kids for some more suggestions – one of my best websites for apartments and hotels – or more ideas for family resorts in St Lucia here.

Things to do in St Lucia with kids

Head in to the rainforest to explore the nature – we took in the views from the Sky Tram before going zipwiring at Babonneau, both of which are unexpectedly child-friendly (depending on the age of your kids!)

Don’t miss the world’s only drive-in volcano – aka the Soufriere sulphur springs, up in the hills. There’s thermal pools to bathe in and otherworldly steam rising from cracks in the ground.

Browse or shop at Castries market – the ideal spot for souvenirs, spices and soaking up the atmosphere, in St Lucia’s capital.

St Lucia’s chocolate heritage stretches back centuries, if you’re looking for an excuse to have a taste (or several) of chocolate – the bean to bar at Boucan by Hotel Chocolat takes you right from the trees where the cacao pod grows to a chance to create your own, while several places have chocolate-inspired menus and even spa treatments.

View the Pitons – the two peaks are icons of St Lucia, and there are various walks you can take to get great views as well as more strenuous options if you’d like to trek the Pitons themselves. We stuck to walking the Tet Paul trail – it’s gentle enough to be one of my top things to do in St Lucia with toddlers (even if you need to use a carrier!)

Where to eat in St Lucia for kids

The hotels and resorts I visited – St James Club Morgan Bay, Fond Doux and Boucan by Hotel Chocolat – all had fantastic restaurants on site, so if you’re travelling with younger kids or a baby, that’s a great option (and no-one bats an eyelid at a sleeping small person in a buggy if you don’t have/want babysitting).

But for some great Creole food, including fantastic fish and an unbeatable view out over the Caribbean, La Petit Peak in Soufriere tops my list.

St Lucia: Plan your visit

Check out the St Lucia tourist board site for more tips on everything from accommodation to activities.

And if you fancy discovering more of the chocolate-themed experiences around the island (and why wouldn’t you), there are some more details on events too, especially during Chocolate Heritage month.

Lonely Planet also has a guide to the Caribbean Islands – also available as digital chapters. Or try Fodor’s In Focus Guide to Barbados and St Lucia.

For more Caribbean inspiration, as well as my guide to St Lucia with kids, check out my reasons to visit Antigua with kids

PIN FOR LATER: GUIDE TO ST LUCIA WITH KIDS

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