Best outdoor activities in St Lucia: Hikes, ziplining & diving

Looking for a beach break where you can experience thrilling outdoor adventures? St Lucia combines natural splendour, Caribbean charm, and idyllic resorts with adrenaline-pumping pursuits and wellness activities. This small, laid-back island consists of two distinct regions, offering visitors an impressive selection of white-sand beaches, dense jungles, and world-class diving.

St Lucia Beyond The Beaches

Beyond the white sandy beaches and upscale resorts, there are plenty of things to do in St. Lucia, with many thrilling activities, water sports, and diving spots to discover. 

Many adventures can be found throughout the island, from ziplining through the lush jungle to hiking to hidden waterfalls or climbing to the summit of dormant volcanic cones; Saint Lucia is the Caribbean island of adventure.

Scuba diving and snorkelling

Delve into St Lucia’s balmy waters to discover a world teeming with marine life, unique coral formations, and the eerie sunken shipwrecks which dot the seabed of St Lucia’s numerous dive sites. Thanks to low currents and crystal-clear waters, divers and snorkelers alike can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant underwater ecosystem, admiring the colourful coral reefs and the diverse marine life that inhabits them.

Ziplining Through the Rainforest

For thrill-seekers, ziplining through a lush rainforest is a popular activity in St Lucia that will get your heart pumping and make for some epic GoPro shots. Head to Rainforest Adventures in Castries – a 3,442-acre tropical forest in Babonneau, where you can traverse a rainforest reserve via a scenic aerial tram and exhilarating zip lines. Learn more about St Lucia’s plants and wildlife while you whizz through the tropical forest across multiple platforms and lines. 

Hiking The Pitons

Rising dramatically from the azure Caribbean Sea, the Pitons are the towering symbol of St Lucia. Located on the southwestern coast, these twin volcanic peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the rugged remnants of ancient lava flows and pyroclastic deposits. The hiking route to the summit of the Pitons is a challenging experience for adventurous visitors that will take you through verdant rainforests and winding trails, depending on which Piton you pick – Gros Piton or Petit Piton. 

Segway Tour

Why hike up St Lucia’s rugged trails when you can roll up them on a guided Segway tour? Lucian Style Experiences will teach you how to ride a Segway like a pro and navigate beaches and nature trails on two wheels in no time. If you’ve not ridden one before, a Segway uses sensors and gyroscopes to maintain balance, allowing the rider to move around smoothly and efficiently. Find your balance, glide up a rocky trail on Mount Pimard, and enjoy delicious views of St. Lucia’s dramatic West coastline. 

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is becoming popular in St Lucia, and it’s easy to see why when you get out on a board. SUP on clear Caribbean waters and explore secluded bays, vibrant reefs, and jungle-covered bluffs as you glide across the lapping waves. Most Paddleboarding takes place on the more sheltered beaches all along the western coast of Saint Lucia, where waters are calmer, and winds aren’t as fierce – meaning a safer experience for newbie paddlers. 

kitesurfing

St. Lucia’s southern coast, particularly Vieux Fort, has become a haven for kitesurfers. It’s not just about picture-perfect beaches and swaying palm trees; the powerful trade winds make this destination exceptional. These consistent winds, known as the “Christmas Winds,” create the ideal conditions for kitesurfing, with steady breezes ranging from 15 to 25 knots.

Jungle Biking

Whether you’re a biking novice or a seasoned pro, Bike St. Lucia’s exclusive 12 miles of private jungle trails at Anse Mamin are a mountain biking experience like no other. Praised as “unique in the world of mountain biking” by Bike magazine’s editor, Tom Bierl, these trails are designed for beginners and experts and are equipped with Cannondale suspension bikes. There is also a skills area where you can hone your techniques with an instructor before venturing into the lush wilderness.

HORSE RIDING ON THE BEACH

Whether you’re an equestrian or a first-time rider, horse riding on St Lucia’s beaches is an experience not to be missed. Knowledgeable guides accompany you, ensuring your safety and making this adventure suitable for riders of all levels. As you traverse the sandy shores, take in the picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea, swaying palm trees, and the lush landscapes that make St. Lucia a tropical paradise.

Yoga

Have a Yoga session at Uber-luxurious Jade Mountain Resort, located on a tropical 600-acre estate with suites, a spa, infinity pools, restaurants, and many activities. For pro and aspiring Yogis, complimentary wellness, meditation, and yoga activities are available here. Everything from Vinyasa Yoga, Sup Yoga, and couples’ yoga to private, paid sessions with an experienced yoga and meditation instructor. Most Yoga sessions occur on Jade Mountain’s Celestial Terrace, where you can admire panoramic ocean views as you move through asanas, control your breathing, and quiet your mind.