St Lucia Itineraries: Day Charters and Multi-Day Routes
St Lucia’s compact west coast and sheltered anchorages make it ideal for both day charters and multi-day voyages. The major destinations – Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, Anse Cochon and the Pitons at Soufrière – are spaced just 7–15 nautical miles apart, meaning daily passages rarely exceed two hours at cruising speed. Below are three distinctive day-charter routes and two multi-day itineraries that cover different ground and can be combined into a comprehensive 7-day voyage.
Day Charters
Rodney Bay to Pigeon Island and North Coast
A gentle half-day or full-day charter ideal for families and history enthusiasts. Depart Rodney Bay Marina and cruise 2 nautical miles north-west to Pigeon Island National Landmark. Anchor in the sheltered bay and dinghy ashore to explore the 44-acre park – hike to Fort Rodney and Signal Peak for panoramic views across to Martinique, swim from the two sheltered beaches and visit the small museum documenting Admiral Rodney’s 1782 victory over the French fleet. Return to Rodney Bay for lunch at the marina, or continue along the north coast to Cas en Bas beach on the windward side for a more adventurous afternoon. If your charter falls on a Friday, time your return to coincide with the Gros Islet street party.
Marigot Bay to the Pitons via Anse Cochon
The quintessential St Lucia day charter. Depart Marigot Bay and cruise 7 nautical miles south to Anse Cochon for a mid-morning snorkel on the southern reef – a peaceful, less-visited bay with SMMA mooring buoys and clear water over coral gardens. Continue 8 nautical miles south to Soufrière, securing an SMMA mooring beneath the Pitons. The afternoon is yours: tender ashore for the Sulphur Springs mud bath experience and Diamond Falls botanical gardens, or snorkel the reef at Anse Chastanet. Alternatively, motor a short distance to Jalousie Bay (Sugar Beach) for swimming and paddleboarding directly between the Pitons. Return to Marigot Bay in the late afternoon, with the sunset painting the west coast gold behind you.
Soufrière Coastal Exploration
For guests already based at Soufrière or arriving from the south, this route explores the finest anchorages in the Pitons region. Begin at the Soufrière SMMA mooring and cruise south to Jalousie Bay (Sugar Beach) for a morning swim between the Pitons in the Anse des Pitons Marine Reserve. Snorkel the reef – soft corals, parrotfish and trumpet fish in crystal-clear water – then motor north to Anse Chastanet for a guided dive or shore snorkel on the famous reef with its 150+ fish species. Lunch on the aft deck in view of the Pitons. In the afternoon, continue north to Anse Cochon for a quieter anchorage, or head to Anse Mamin – a secluded bay accessible only by water, with a jungle trail leading to old plantation ruins. Return to Soufrière for a sunset dinner overlooking the harbour.
Multi-Day Itineraries
3-Day Route: North Coast and Marigot Bay Discovery
This 3-day itinerary explores St Lucia’s northern and central west coast, covering approximately 35 nautical miles at a leisurely pace.
Day 1: Rodney Bay to Pigeon Island to Marigot Bay
Depart Rodney Bay Marina in the morning and cruise north to Pigeon Island for a 2–3 hour exploration of Fort Rodney, Signal Peak and the swimming beaches. Mid-morning, sail south along the lush west coast – 12 nautical miles of green volcanic hillsides dropping to the sea – to Marigot Bay. Secure a mooring buoy in the inner harbour and spend the afternoon swimming, paddleboarding and exploring this cinematic natural harbour. Lunch at Doolittle’s restaurant overlooking the bay, or have your chef prepare a Creole-inspired spread on the aft deck. Overnight on the mooring in Marigot Bay, with the palm-fringed hillsides silent around you.
Day 2: Marigot Bay to Soufrière and the Pitons
Depart Marigot Bay with full fuel and water, cruising 10 nautical miles south to Soufrière. The Pitons gradually emerge from the haze as you approach – a reveal that never loses its drama. Secure an SMMA mooring buoy and obtain your Coral Conservation Permit from the rangers on VHF 16. Tender ashore for the Sulphur Springs mud bath experience and a visit to Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, or hike the short trail to Toraille Waterfall for a swim beneath the 20-metre cascade. In the afternoon, snorkel at Superman’s Flight or the reef at Anse Chastanet. Return to the Soufrière mooring for an overnight stay – sunset from the aft deck, with the Pitons silhouetted against an orange sky, is a defining Caribbean moment.
Day 3: Return to Rodney Bay via West Coast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast beneath the Pitons, then cruise 15 nautical miles north along the west coast back to Rodney Bay. Stop at Marigot Bay for a final coffee and a photograph, or detour to Anse la Raye – a small fishing village known for its Friday night fish fry. Arrive at Rodney Bay Marina by early afternoon for disembarkation, or extend the day with a final swim at Pigeon Island beach before heading ashore.
4-Day Route: Pitons, Marine Reserves and South-Coast Immersion
This 4-day itinerary explores St Lucia’s southern coast in depth – the Pitons, the marine reserves and the volcanic interior – covering approximately 50 nautical miles.
Day 1: Rodney Bay to Marigot Bay (Settling In)
A relaxed opening day. Depart Rodney Bay Marina and cruise 12 nautical miles south to Marigot Bay. Secure a mooring buoy early for the best position in the inner harbour. Spend the full day settling into the yacht and exploring the bay – swimming, paddleboarding, and a leisurely lunch ashore or on deck. Provision fresh supplies from the marina if needed. Dinner ashore at one of Marigot Bay’s waterfront restaurants, or enjoy your chef’s first evening menu. Overnight on the mooring.
Day 2: Marigot Bay to Soufrière (Pitons and Volcano)
Cruise south to Soufrière (10 nautical miles, 1.5–2 hours), watching the Pitons materialise through the morning haze. Secure your SMMA mooring and head ashore for the Sulphur Springs volcanic mud bath – a surreal, uniquely St Lucian experience. Continue to Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, then return to the yacht for a snorkel session at Superman’s Flight or the nearby coral gardens. Overnight at the Soufrière mooring, with the Pitons lit by moonlight.
Day 3: Soufrière to Anse Cochon to Jalousie Bay (Sugar Beach)
Spend the morning exploring Jalousie Bay (Sugar Beach) – swimming and snorkelling in the Anse des Pitons Marine Reserve directly between the two Pitons. Kayak, paddleboard or simply float in water so clear it barely seems real. After lunch, cruise north 10 nautical miles to Anse Cochon for a quieter afternoon anchorage. Snorkel the southern reef, visit Ti Kaye Resort for a hilltop sundowner, and overnight on the SMMA mooring buoy. The contrast between the dramatic Pitons and this tranquil, intimate bay is part of St Lucia’s magic.
Day 4: Anse Cochon to Rodney Bay via West Coast
Depart Anse Cochon in the morning and cruise north along the west coast (18 nautical miles, 2.5–3 hours). Stop briefly at Marigot Bay for final photographs and provisions, then continue to Rodney Bay Marina. Arrive by early afternoon for disembarkation. If your charter falls on a Friday, extend the final evening with the legendary Gros Islet street party – barbeque, soca music and dancing in the streets just a short dinghy ride from the marina.
Guests seeking a comprehensive 7-day St Lucia experience can combine the 3-day north-coast discovery with the 4-day Pitons immersion, covering every major anchorage, both marinas, the volcanic interior and the finest marine reserves on the island without repeating a single stop. For a grander Windward Islands itinerary, add the 40-nautical-mile passage south to St Vincent and the Grenadines for a 10-day voyage that takes in some of the most varied and beautiful cruising in the Caribbean.
