Deciding between St Lucia and St Kitts for a vacation?
You’ve come to the right place, as I’ve visited St Lucia and gained insights from a local of St Kitts to help put together this guide!
Put briefly, St Lucia is the ideal destination for you if you’re looking to hike mountains, snorkel, visit scenic waterfalls, and go on a chocolate tour.
St Kitts is the best destination for you if you’re looking to visit historical landmarks, ride a scenic train ride through the island, and go on a rum-tasting tour.
But that’s just scratching the surface. This article will cover the key differences in activities, beaches, restaurants, cost, and much more.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about St Lucia and St Kitts.
St Lucia vs St Kitts
St Lucia Overview
Located northeast of the islands of St Vincent, St Lucia is a popular vacation island in the Caribbean.
St Lucia’s diverse landscape consists of volcanoes, towering mountains, lush rainforests, and tropical beaches.
Whether you’re looking to hike to the top of a mountain or ride a gondola through the rainforest, St Lucia has something for everyone.
The largest city in St Lucia is Castries, and it has botanical gardens, cathedrals, bird sanctuaries, and more.
One of the most spectacular attractions in St Lucia are the Piton Mountains.
The Piton Mountains were formed 200,000 to 300,000 years ago from magma cooling within a now longer active volcano. As soon as you arrive in St Lucia, you’ll get striking views of these mountains.
Another natural attraction in St Lucia that stands out is the Soufriere Volcano (Sulphur Springs), the world’s only drive-in volcano.
This volcano national park has hot springs, waterfalls, and mineral mud baths where tourists are allowed to take a dip in.
St Lucia has an abundance of tourist activities throughout the island. From chocolate tours to rainforest tram rides, there’s no shortage of things to do while in St Lucia.
Additionally, St Lucia has many incredible beaches for snorkeling, swimming, and water sports. You’ll get scenic views of the Piton Mountains and rainforests from the beaches.
When it comes to nightlife, St Lucia has plenty of bars, and clubs to enjoy a night out. Every Friday, the Gros Islet Street Party is held which features local art, live music, and local food.
Things To Do In St Lucia
From visiting the Soufriere volcano to going on a boat tour in Piton Bay, you won’t struggle finding things to do in St Lucia.
Some places you won’t want to miss in St Lucia are Soufriere Volcano, Pigeon Island, Piton Mountains, hotel Chocolate, and Anse Chastanet Beach.
One must-do activity in St Lucia is visiting hotel Chocolat for a guided tour of a cacao plantation. You’ll get to learn how chocolate’s made from cacao beans to bars, and taste freshly made chocolate.
Head to Sulphur Springs National Park to explore a volcano, take a dip in a mud bath, and wash off under a waterfall.
The entry fee to the park is $11 USD for adults and $5 USD for kids. They offer guided tours of the volcano, and you can pay an additional fee to use the mineral mud baths.
As you drive around St Lucia, you’ll get to stop by many scenic waterfalls.
For those looking to hike, the Piton Mountains, Stairway to Heaven, and Pigeon Island are some of the best spots in St Lucia.
If you’re an advanced hiker, the Gros Piton Mountain hike is a vigorous 3.2 mile hike that’ll give you unbeatable views of the island. The hike requires a guide and it costs $50 USD.
The Stairway to Heaven hike (Tet Paul Nature Trail) is an easier 0.6 mile hike led by locals that gives incredible panoramic views of the island as well.
The Pigeon Island National Park is another place you won’t want to miss visiting in St Lucia.
You’ll get to explore 18th century forts, birdwatch, and get scenic views of the bay from the top of Signal Hill.
Head to St Lucia’s Rainforest to spot wildlife, go ziplining, or take the Rainforest Aerial Tram.
The Rainforest Aerial Tram ride is a thrilling tram ride through the rainforest with scenic views of St Lucia’s mountains.
If you want to snorkel on vacation, stop by Aste Chastanet beach. This beach has abundant coral reefs with parrot fish, sea turtles, and tons of impressive marine life.
Stop by Sugar Beach, Marigot Bay, or Reduit Beach to swim or relax at some of the most picturesque beaches in St Lucia.
As the sun sets, head to Rodney Bay village. Rodney Bay has beach bars, restaurants, sunset cruises, and the popular Gros Islet Street Party.
Here are some places you won’t want to miss visiting in St Lucia.
- The Piton Mountains
- Sulphur Springs
- Hotel Chocolat
- Tet Paul Nature Trail
- Anse Chastanet Beach
- Pigeon Island National Park
- Helicopter Tours
St Lucia vs St Kitts
St Kitts Overview
Located 200 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, St Kitts is another popular vacation island.
It’s known for it’s pristine white sand beaches, lush rainforests, volcano, and rich history.
One of the most fascinating natural attractions in St Kitts is Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano that reaches nearly 4,000 feet.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can go on a 6 mile hike through dense rainforests to see this large volcano.
Some of the most popular activities to do while in St Kitts are visiting historical sites, exploring the rainforests, catamaran cruises, and rum-tasting tours.
Compared to St Lucia, St Kitts has more historical buildings and interesting sites to visit.
The Brimstone Hill Fortress, Wingfield Plantation, Independence Square, and the National Museum are just a few of the many sites you can visit to learn about the island’s rich history.
Similar to St Lucia, St Kitts has a wide array of beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular beaches are Frigate Bay, South Friar’s Bay, and Cockleshell Beach.
These beaches are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and watersports. Frigate Bay is a hotspot for nightlife, with plenty of beach bars and nightclubs.
South Friar’s Bay is one of the best spots for snorkeling. Cockleshell Beach has water sports, restaurants, and the popular Reggae Beach Bar and Grill.
When it comes to nightlife, the strip in Frigate Bay is lined with clubs, and beach bars with live music.
Overall, St Kitts is a beautiful tropical island with breathtaking natural attractions, interesting historical sites, and a lively nightlife.
Things To Do In St Kitts
Whether you’re looking to trek through the rainforest or go on scenic train tour, St Kitts has something for you. Similar to St Lucia, St Kitts has lush rainforests that are perfect for hiking.
A must-see place while visiting St Kitts is the Mt. Liamuiga volcano. This is a 6 hour hike through dense rainforests that gives spectacular views of St Barths and Nevis from the top.
If you’re a history buff, stop by the Brimstone Hill Fortress to explore a 17th century British Fortress. This fortress is on top of a limestone mountain and has incredible views of the ocean.
If you enjoy rum, head to the Old Road Rum Distillery to try rum from the oldest rum distillery in the Caribbean. This rum distillery has been open since 1681, and they offer rum-tasting tours till this day.
Another incredible place to stop by are the Black Rocks, volcanic rocks formed by the Mount Liamuiga volcano that are nestled over the ocean.
Beyond natural attractions, St Kitts has various museums and historical sites worth stopping by. Head to Old Town Road to visit the Romney Manor and the Wingfield Estate Sugar Plantation.
The Romney Manor is an 18th century mansion onced owned by the great, great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson. The Wingfield Estate Sugar Plantation are the ruins of a sugarcane plantation from 1625.
At the Wingfield Estate Sugar Plantation, take the Sky Safari Zipline or Rainforest Trek to explore the dense rainforests of St Kitts.
If you want to see all of St. Kitts natural beauty, hop aboard the Scenic Railway for a 3 hour ride on a train built in 1912.
This train ride passes by the old sugar estate, volcano, and has stunning views of the coastline and nearby islands.
And if you’re looking to simply relax on the beach, head to Frigate Bay, South Friar’s Bay, or Cockleshell Beach. These beaches have lounge chairs, watersports, and plenty of beach bars to try out.
Here are places you won’t want to miss visiting in St Kitts.
- Brimstone Hill Fortress
- St. Kitts Scenic Railway
- Sky Safari Zipline
- Romney Manor
- Mt. Liamuiga Volcano
- Frigate Bay
- Wingfield Estate Sugar Plantation
- South Friar’s Bay
- Cockleshell Beach
St Lucia vs St Kitts
Which island is better for vacation?
St Lucia and St Kitts are both great vacation islands with rainforests, volcanoes, and tropical beaches.
St Lucia is the best destination if hiking, visiting waterfalls, and snorkeling is high on your list of things to do on vacation.
St Kitts is the best destination for you if you prefer exploring historical landmarks, going on catamaran cruises, and relaxing at a beach bar.
St Lucia has more notable natural attractions, such as the Piton Mountains, Soufriere Volcano, and Rabot Estate cocoa plantation.
On the other hand, St Kitts has more historical landmarks, like the Romney Manor, Wingfield Estate Sugar Plantation, and Old Town Road Rum Distillery.
That being said, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, hiking, and snorkeling in either place.
Ultimately, the best island will depend on where you stay and the activities you choose.
Is St Lucia or St Kitts better for a honeymoon?
St Lucia is the best island for a honeymoon because it has more notable resorts and fine-dining restaurants.
From infinity pools overlooking the Piton Mountains at Sugar Beach to resort lodges in the mountains, St Lucia is the clear winner over St Kitts.
However, each island has you can sunset cruises, horseback riding, spas, and more romantic activities.
St Lucia vs St Kitts
Which island is best for a family vacation?
St Kitts and St Lucia both have an abundance of kid-friendly tourist activities.
In St Kitts, you can visit historical landmarks, ride the Scenic Railway, and swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery.
In St Lucia, you can go on a chocolate tour, ride the Rainforest Aerial Tram Ride, and stop by Splash Island Water Park for the day.
Nonetheless, both have plenty of family-friendly beaches and natural attractions to explore.
Beaches
Both St Lucia and St Kitts have beautiful Caribbean beaches with white sand and turquoise blue waters.
One of the most picturesque beaches in St Lucia is Sugar Beach, which has upscale resorts and restaurants.
Reduit Beach is another popular beach, with watersport rentals, lounge chair rentals, food vendors, beach bars, and restaurants.
The best spot for snorkeling is Anse Chastanet Beach, which has abundant coral reefs, sea turtles, and plenty of colorful fish.
St Kitts has everything from soft white sand beaches to black sand beaches with strong waves.
Frigate Bay is one of the most popular beaches in St Kitts capital where most of the resorts and restaurants are located.
Cockleshell Bay is another pristine beach that has beach chairs, umbrellas, and some of the best bars in St Kitts.
Similar to St Lucia, St Kitts has excellent beaches for snorkeling. South Friars Bay has squids, sea urchins, and lots of colorful fish.
Climate
St Lucia and Anguilla both have warm tropical climates with comfortable weather year round.
The average temperature in St Kitts ranges from 72 F to 88 F throughout the year. Similarly, St Lucia’s average temperature ranges from 73 F to 87 F.
Currency
The official currency of St. Lucia and St Kitts is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). However, both places accept US Dollars.
Keep in mind that you’ll receive EC$ in change if you pay in US Dollars or other currency.
You can exchange your currency to EC$ at the ATM and most accommodations once you arrive in either place.
Languages
The official language in St Lucia and St Kitts is English. However, the majority of locals speak St Lucian Creole (French Creole) and Saint Kitts Creole (Leeward Caribbean Dollar) as well.
Cuisine
There’s no shortage of delicious Caribbean and fresh seafood in St Lucia and St Kitts.
St Lucia’s cuisine is diverse and influenced by African, Creole, French, and Indian cuisine. Similarly, St Kitts cuisine is influenced by Europe, Africa, and Indian cuisine.
Some popular dishes you won’t want to miss trying in St Lucia are green figs and saltfish, creole bread, and black pudding.
In St Kitts, you won’t want to miss trying salt fish, johnnycakes, and coconut dumplings.
Cost to Travel
St Lucia is generally cheaper to travel to than St Kitts in terms of accommodations, transportation, and food.
The average daily cost to travel to St Lucia is $211 per day, whereas the average daily cost to travel to St Kitts is $310 per day.
But, there are ways to save money if traveling to St Kitts. Taxis can be relatively expensive in St Kitts, so renting a car or using public transportation is the best option.
Additionally, traveling during the low season (January) will help you cut costs on flights.
Nightlife
St Lucia and St Kitts both have lively beach bars and nightclubs.
A hotspot for nightlife in St Lucia is Rodney Bay Village, which has the Gros Islet Street Party every Friday night. You’ll get to enjoy local street food, purchase local art, and dance to live music.
St Kitts has several beach bars with live music. The Strip on Frigate Bay is a hotspot for nightlife, with beach bars, microbreweries, nightclubs, and more.
Some of the most popular spots are the Reggae Beach Bar, Old Road Rum Distillery, and Shipwreck Beach Bar.
Safety
St. Lucia and St Kitts are some of the safest islands in the Caribbean to visit.
As with any other destination, always be aware of your surroundings, secure your belongings, and avoid walking alone at night.
When is the best time to visit each island?
The best time to visit St Lucia is from February through May whereas the best time to visit St Kitts is December to May.
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FAQ
How far is St Kitts from St Lucia
St Kitts is around 230 miles (370 km) from St Lucia.
How do you get to St Kitts from St Lucia?
You’ll need to take a connecting flight to get to St Kitts from St Lucia so there are no direct flights.
Airlines that fly from St Lucia to St Kitts include Caribbean Airlines, Silver Airways, American, and Air Canada.
