St. Lucia · With kids
WITH KIDS
Short distances on the map, long ones on the road — take the boat south instead.
Reduit Beach
The north's main beach: calm, shelving gently, with loungers, kayaks and food a few steps back. Sheltered from the Atlantic swell. Any age.
Pigeon Island
A causeway-linked headland with two small beaches, ruined barracks and a short scramble up to a fort. Small entry fee. Ages 5 and up.
Sulphur Springs, Soufrière
A drive-in volcanic crater with steaming vents and warm mud baths that children will happily ruin their swimwear in. It smells. Ages 5 and up.
Boat south to the Pitons
Day boats from Rodney Bay reach Soufrière and the snorkelling at Anse Chastanet in about ninety minutes — calmer than the road. Ages 6 and up.
The road is the problem
Crossing the island takes about two hours of switchbacks and reliably makes children sick. Water taxis are quicker; supermarkets in Rodney Bay stock what you need.