If you’re planning a Caribbean vacation, you might wonder whether to choose St. Lucia or St. Thomas.
Both islands are known for their natural beauty, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality.
However, some differences between the two might make one more appealing than the other depending on your preferences.
St. Lucia is a relatively new destination for Caribbean travelers, but it has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful islands in the region.
Its lush rainforests, towering mountains, and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for nature lovers.
On the other hand, St. Thomas is a more established destination with a wider range of attractions and activities.
Its beaches are among the best in the Caribbean, and it’s known for its duty-free shopping and lively nightlife.
When it comes to choosing between St. Lucia and St. Thomas, there are a few factors to consider.
Beach lovers may prefer St. Thomas, which has more beaches and a wider range of water sports and activities.
Those interested in nature and outdoor adventures may prefer St. Lucia, which has more hiking trails, waterfalls, and other natural attractions.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a Caribbean vacation.
Key Takeaways
- St. Lucia and St. Thomas are both beautiful Caribbean islands with unique attractions and activities.
- St. Lucia is ideal for nature lovers, while St. Thomas is great for beachgoers and shoppers.
- Your choice will depend on your preferences and what you’re looking for in a Caribbean vacation.
St. Lucia Overview
St. Lucia is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a Caribbean vacation that combines stunning natural beauty with a vibrant culture.
This island nation is in the eastern Caribbean and is known for its towering mountains, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches.
One of the most iconic features of St. Lucia is the Piton Mountains, which rise majestically from the sea and dominate the island’s skyline.
These two volcanic peaks are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see for any visitor to St. Lucia.
In addition to its mountains, St. Lucia is also home to several other natural wonders, including the Sulphur Springs.
This geothermal area is located in the island’s heart and is known for its bubbling mud pools and hot springs.
Tourism is a major industry in St. Lucia, and the island welcomes millions yearly tourists.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island.
St. Lucia has many accommodations to suit every budget, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses.
Prices can vary depending on the time of year, with peak season (December to April) being the most expensive.
Overall, St. Lucia is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for an unforgettable Caribbean vacation.
With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, it’s easy to see why so many tourists visit this gem of the eastern Caribbean islands.
St. Thomas Overview
If you’re planning a Caribbean vacation, St. Thomas is a popular destination that offers a unique blend of American and Caribbean cultures.
As an official US territory, you can expect a level of familiarity and convenience that you may not find on other islands in the region.
St. Thomas is a paradise for tourists with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery.
The island is home to Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the US Virgin Islands and a bustling tourism hub.
The city is known for its duty-free shopping, historic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife, making it a must-visit destination for many travelers.
St. Thomas is a small island, measuring just 32 square miles, but it packs a lot of attractions into its compact size.
From beach hopping and snorkeling to hiking and sightseeing, there’s something for everyone in this tropical paradise.
One of the biggest draws of St. Thomas is its accessibility.
The island has two airports, making it easy to get to from many major cities in the US and beyond.
Additionally, since it’s a US territory, US citizens don’t need a passport to travel there, which can save time and money.
Tourism is a major industry in St. Thomas, and the island welcomes millions of visitors annually.
In fact, according to the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, the territory welcomed over 2.8 million visitors in 2019, with St. Thomas being the most visited island.
Overall, St. Thomas is a great choice for a Caribbean vacation if you’re looking for a mix of American and Caribbean culture, convenient travel, and plenty of things to see and do.
Beaches and Natural Scenery
St. Lucia
Regarding natural scenery and beautiful beaches, both St. Lucia and St. Thomas have plenty to offer.
St. Lucia is known for its lush rainforests, towering mountains, and stunning Pitons.
These twin peaks rise dramatically from the sea and are a must-see for any visitor to the island.
Gros Piton and Petit Piton are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and can be hiked for breathtaking views of the island.
In addition to the Pitons, St. Lucia has many beautiful beaches to explore.
Sugar Beach is a popular spot with its white sand and stunning views of the Pitons.
Anse Chastanet Beach is another favorite, with its clear waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Marigot Bay is a picturesque spot with calm waters and a charming marina.
St. Thomas, on the other hand, is known for its beautiful white sand beaches
Sapphire Beach is popular with its crystal-clear waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Coki Beach is another favorite with its lively atmosphere and great beachside restaurants.
Magen’s Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island, known for its long stretch of white sand and calm waters.
Both St. Lucia and St. Thomas have plenty of natural scenery to explore.
St. Lucia’s lush rainforests are home to various flora and fauna, including the St. Lucia parrot, which is the island’s national bird.
St. Thomas has several parks and nature reserves, including the Virgin Islands National Park, which covers over 60% of the island of St. John.
Regarding prices, beach access is generally free on both islands, although some beaches may charge for parking or beach chairs.
Hiking trails and nature reserves may have a small entrance fee.
Whether you’re looking for stunning natural scenery or beautiful beaches, both St. Lucia and St. Thomas have plenty to offer.
Attractions and Activities
St. Lucia and St. Thomas have numerous attractions and activities to offer visitors.
Whether you’re looking to relax on a beach, explore nature, or get your adrenaline pumping, there’s something for everyone.
One of the most popular activities in St. Lucia is hiking the Pitons.
These twin peaks are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer stunning island views.
The Gros Piton is 2462 feet, while the Petit Piton is 2619 feet.
Another great hiking spot is the Tet Paul Nature Trail, which offers a shorter, easier hike with breathtaking island views.
If you want a more adventurous activity, try ziplining through the rainforest.
Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park in St. Lucia offers a thrilling zipline tour through the lush jungle canopy.
Coral World Ocean Park in St. Thomas is a must-visit attraction for those interested in marine life.
The park offers a variety of interactive experiences, such as swimming with sea lions or feeding stingrays.
Snorkeling and kayaking are also popular activities in St. Thomas, with crystal clear waters and abundant marine life.
If you’re traveling with children, Splash Island Water Park in St. Lucia is a great place to cool off and have fun.
The park features numerous water slides, obstacle courses, and other water-based activities.
Nature lovers will also enjoy visiting Pigeon Island National Park in St. Lucia.
The park is home to numerous hiking trails, historic ruins, and beautiful beaches.
Drake’s Seat in St. Thomas is another popular spot for nature lovers, offering panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean.
No matter your interests, St. Lucia and St. Thomas have plenty of attractions and activities to keep you entertained.
Accommodation and Dining
Regarding accommodation in St. Lucia, there are plenty of options to choose from.
From luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, the island has something for everyone.
Some of the most popular hotels in St. Lucia include Jade Mountain and Hotel Chocolat.
Jade Mountain is a luxury resort that boasts stunning views of the Pitons and offers guests a unique experience with its open-air rooms.
Hotel Chocolat, on the other hand, is a boutique hotel perfect for those looking for a more intimate and personalized experience.
St. Lucia is also known for its diverse cuisine, blending African, French, and Caribbean flavors.
There are plenty of restaurants on the island that offer local cuisine as well as international options.
Some of the best restaurants in St. Lucia include:
The Coal Pot is a popular seafood restaurant that has been around for over 30 years and is known for its fresh and delicious seafood.
The Cliff at Cap Maison is a fine dining restaurant that offers stunning ocean views and serves various international dishes.
The Naked Fisherman is a beachfront restaurant perfect for a casual lunch or dinner and known for its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere.
In addition to restaurants, St. Lucia also has a vibrant bar scene.
There are plenty of bars on the island that offer a variety of drinks, from local rum to international cocktails.
Some of the best bars in St. Lucia include:
The Rum Cave is a popular spot for rum lovers and offers many local and international rums.
The Lime is a beach bar perfect for a casual drink and offers stunning ocean views.
The Pink Plantation House is a historic plantation house that has been converted into a bar and restaurant known for its beautiful gardens and delicious cocktails.
Overall, St. Lucia has plenty to offer regarding accommodation and dining.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel or a casual beachfront restaurant, the island has something for everyone.
So, pack your bags and get ready to indulge in the flavors and experiences St. Lucia offers!
Shopping and Nightlife
Both St. Lucia and St. Thomas have a lot to offer regarding shopping and nightlife.
However, the experience you get in each place will be quite different.
Shopping
St. Thomas is known for its duty-free shopping, which is a major draw for many visitors.
You can find everything from high-end jewelry to designer clothing and accessories.
The main shopping area is in Charlotte Amalie, where you will find various stores, including luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Remember to present a valid passport or other government-issued ID when making purchases.
St. Lucia, on the other hand, is more focused on local crafts and souvenirs.
You can find handmade jewelry, pottery, and other items at the local markets and shops.
The Castries Market is a great place to start, where you can find fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts.
You can also find local arts and crafts at the Rodney Bay Village, which is a popular shopping area.
Nightlife
St. Lucia has a more laid-back nightlife scene compared to St. Thomas.
You can find a few bars and nightclubs in the main tourist areas, such as Rodney Bay and Soufriere.
However, the focus is more on live music and entertainment.
You can enjoy local bands and performers at various venues throughout the island.
St. Thomas, on the other hand, has a more vibrant nightlife scene.
The Havensight and Frenchtown areas are popular for their bars and nightclubs.
You can find everything from sports bars to dance clubs; many places offer live music and entertainment.
Remember that the legal drinking age in the US Virgin Islands is 18 years old.
Overall, both St. Lucia and St. Thomas offer unique shopping and nightlife experiences.
St. Thomas may be the better option if you are looking for duty-free shopping and a vibrant nightlife scene.
However, if you are interested in local crafts and a more laid-back entertainment scene, St. Lucia is the place to be.
Travel Information
When planning a trip to St. Lucia or St. Thomas, it’s important to have some basic travel information.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Transportation
Both islands have airports that are served by major airlines.
If you’re coming from the United States, you can fly directly to St. Thomas from several cities on the East Coast.
St. Lucia is also well-connected to the United States, with direct flights from cities like Miami, New York, and Atlanta.
Once you arrive on the island, you can rent a car, taxi, or public transportation.
St. Thomas has a fairly extensive public transportation system, with buses and safari taxis that run along set routes.
St. Lucia’s public transportation system is less developed, but you can still get around by bus or taxi.
Ferry Services
If you plan to visit other Caribbean islands, you can take a ferry from St. Thomas or St. Lucia.
St. Thomas has ferry services to nearby islands like St. John and the British Virgin Islands, while St. Lucia has ferry services to Martinique and Guadeloupe.
Weather
Both St. Lucia and St. Thomas have a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round.
However, the rainy season in St. Lucia runs from June to November, while St. Thomas runs from September to November.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly.
Currency
The currency in St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, while in St. Thomas, the US dollar is used.
However, both islands are quite tourist-friendly, and most businesses will accept US dollars.
Passport
If you’re a US citizen, you don’t need a passport to travel to St. Lucia or St. Thomas.
However, having a valid passport when traveling internationally is always a good idea.
Safety
Both St. Lucia and St. Thomas are relatively safe for tourists, but taking basic precautions like not carrying large amounts of cash and being aware of your surroundings is always a good idea.
Distance
St. Lucia and St. Thomas are both located in the Caribbean, but they’re quite far apart.
The distance between the two islands is about 400 miles, so visiting both on the same trip is impractical.
Plane
The easiest way to get to St. Lucia or St. Thomas is by plane.
There are direct flights from major cities in the United States, as well as other Caribbean islands.
St. Lucia vs St. Thomas
If you’re trying to decide between St. Lucia and St. Thomas for your next vacation, there are a few key differences to consider.
Both islands offer beautiful beaches, attractions, restaurants, hotels, shopping, and nightlife, but some differences might make one island a better fit for you than the other.
Beaches
St. Thomas has more beaches than St. Lucia, but St. Lucia’s beaches are known for their natural beauty and seclusion.
Some of the most popular beaches in St. Lucia include Anse Chastanet, Sugar Beach, and Reduit Beach.
St. Thomas has a wider variety of beaches, from busy and crowded beaches like Magens Bay to secluded beaches like Secret Harbour.
Attractions
St. Lucia is known for its natural attractions, including the Pitons, Sulphur Springs, and Diamond Falls.
St. Thomas has its own attractions, including the Coral World Ocean Park and the historic Fort Christian.
Both islands offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, and other outdoor activities.
Restaurants
Both St. Lucia and St. Thomas have a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, ranging from casual beachside eateries to upscale fine dining establishments.
St. Lucia is known for its local cuisine, including green fig and saltfish, callaloo soup, and grilled seafood.
St. Thomas has a more international dining scene, with options ranging from Italian to Japanese.
Hotels
Both St. Lucia and St. Thomas have a range of hotels and resorts, from budget-friendly options to luxury properties.
St. Lucia is known for its eco-friendly resorts and boutique hotels, while St. Thomas has a wider variety of all-inclusive resorts.
Shopping
St. Thomas is known for its duty-free shopping, with plenty of stores selling jewelry, watches, and other luxury items.
St. Lucia has its shopping scene, with local markets selling handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Nightlife
Both St. Lucia and St. Thomas have a range of bars and nightclubs to choose from, but St. Thomas has a more vibrant nightlife scene.
St. Thomas is known for its beach bars, where you can enjoy a drink while watching the sunset.
Transportation
Both islands have public transportation options, but St. Thomas has a more developed public transportation system.
Taxis are also readily available on both islands.
Weather
Both St. Lucia and St. Thomas have a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round.
St. Lucia can be slightly cooler and rainier than St. Thomas, especially in the mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular resorts in St. Thomas?
St. Thomas has various popular resorts catering to different budgets and preferences.
Some of the most popular resorts in St. Thomas include the Ritz-Carlton, Marriott Frenchman’s Cove, and Bolongo Bay Beach Resort.
These resorts offer a variety of amenities, including pools, spas, restaurants, and water sports.
What are the best all-inclusive resorts in St. Lucia?
St. Lucia has several all-inclusive resorts offering various amenities and activities.
Some of the best all-inclusive resorts in St. Lucia include Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Jade Mountain Resort, and Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa.
These resorts offer all-inclusive packages that include meals, drinks, and activities.
Is St. Lucia a safe place to visit?
St. Lucia is generally a safe place to visit, but like any destination, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety.
You should stay in well-lit areas, avoid walking alone at night, and secure your valuables.
It’s also a good idea to research the areas you plan to visit and be aware of any potential safety concerns.
What are some things to do in St. Thomas?
St. Thomas offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors.
Some of the most popular things to do in St. Thomas include visiting the historic Fort Christian, exploring the Coral World Ocean Park, and taking a scenic drive around the island.
St. Thomas is also known for its beautiful beaches, which offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Which is better for a vacation, St. Thomas or St. John?
Both St. Thomas and St. John have their own unique attractions and charm, so the choice ultimately depends on your preferences.
St. Thomas is more developed and offers a wider range of activities and amenities, while St. John is known for its natural beauty and more laid-back atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a more bustling vacation with plenty of activities, St. Thomas may be the better choice.
However, St. John may be the better option if you’re looking for a more relaxed and secluded vacation.
Is St. Lucia worth visiting?
St. Lucia is a beautiful and unique destination that is definitely worth visiting.
The island offers stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Pitons and lush rainforests.
St. Lucia has a rich history and culture, with plenty of opportunities to explore local cuisine, music, and art.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, St. Lucia has something to offer every traveler.
