Why Tourists Are Flocking To This Beautiful & Tiny Caribbean Island Right Now

White-sand beaches, turquoise seas and epic resorts: there’s many different reasons why people love vacationing in the Caribbean.

You’ve heard extensively of Cozumel and its luxury hotels, Punta Cana with the lively beach bars, and even Jamaica, highly sought-after for its carnival, but there’s a lesser-known island that rarely gets mentioned—though it’s taking the region by storm now.

Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Saint Lucia is rapidly growing as an adventure destination, luring hundreds of thousands of travelers with its pristine coastline and majestic nature:

Why Saint Lucia Is Breaking Tourism Records In 2025

As reported by the St. Lucia Times, Saint Lucia has seen a noticeable increase in foreign arrivals since the COVID years, having surpassed pre-pandemic figures by 14%.

In 2024, it hosted 435,959 guests, which may not seem like a lot given Cancun’s multi-million figures, but this is, once again, a tiny landmass in the middle of the ocean around 179,000 call home.

With airlift this year up by 4%, and connectivity with the U.S. being bosted—we’re expecting 12,000 more seats flying to Saint Lucia this winter—those numbers will surely rise further, and we can’t say we’re surprised:

An island-nation roughly 27 miles long, and 14 miles across at its widest point, Saint Lucia may be one of the smallest sovereign states in the Caribbean, but that doesn’t mean it has a shortage of natural wonders.

From the iconic Piton Mountains, a duo of volcanic peaks rising high above the tropical landscape, down to the white-sand beaches along the northeast coast, and every lush jungle reserve in between, it’s paradise on earth for vacationers—and adventurers—alike.

Unruffled Sands For Miles

The biggest appeal of the Caribbean for most Americans, which by the way, remain Saint Lucia’s most important source market, is the postcard beaches. If you’re flying all this way for sun-soaked shores and teal seas, well, you’re in luck:

Though not exactly bathed by the Caribbean, as it sits on the Atlantic-facing northeast coast, Cas-en-Bas is one of the most beautiful coastal stretches on the island: picture powdered-sugar white sands, palm trees, and horseback riding with a volcanic peak for backdrop.

Over on the east coast, Reduit Beach is probably Saint Lucia’s most iconic beach: near the popular resort area of Rodney Bay, it features an ample selection of beachfront bars and eateries, and the sands here are a lovely light-golden.

Meanwhile, the aptly-named Sugar Beach (near Soufrière), is a stretch of fine white sand located right at the foot of the towering Pitons. It also hosts the landmark Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, known for its ‘rainforest’ spa and bungalow-style stays.

Any Adventurers Out There?

Other than just beaches, Saint Lucia is a world-class adventure destination—it’s dominated by a pair of sister volcanos, after all.

The Pitons (particularly Gros Piton, the tallest peak) are a popular hiking area, and they both offer breathtaking views of Saint Lucia’s mountain-traversed landscape. If you’re attempting a climb, however, we’d encourage you to use a guide to maximize safety.

On the edge of Soufrière, you can drive up to the edge of a volcanic crater and swim in natural mineral and mud baths, known for their healing properties. Pro tip? If you’re going in the mud, pick out an old swimwear you won’t mind discarding afterward.

A true wonder of nature, the Diamond Falls in the vicinity of Soufrière is yet another must-see for outdoorsy folks: originating from mineral-rich volcanic springs, the water shows streaks of yellow, green, blue, and occasionally, even purple as it drops into the basin below.

Finally, there’s Pigeon Island National Park, up the northwest coast, near Gros Islet. Featuring peaceful beaches with hardly any crowds, scenic walking trails, and even colonial-era fortifications, it is one of Saint Lucia’s top highlights.

If you’re heading to Saint Lucia this winter, make sure you use our TOP 1-Minute Trip Check to verify you’re not leaving any essential items behind—and that your documentation is in order.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.