Author: Lady Chin
Site: https://travelwithladychin.com
7 Best Tours to Immerse Yourself
When you think of Saint Lucia, what comes to mind? I think of the famous Pitons, stunning volcanic beaches, unbelievable diving sites, and romantic getaways.
However, there’s more to the island than its sights and attractions. You can feel the island’s rich history and vibrant culture from the moment you arrive.
Part of travelling is connecting with people and learning about cultural traditions. It allows for deeper and more meaningful connections.
If you’re looking for activities to immerse yourself in the culture, this post is for you. I am sharing the seven best cultural activities and tours to soak up the island’s well-preserved culture and heritage.
7 Best tours to immerse yourself in the Saint Lucian Culture
1. Go to the Gros Islet Street Party
Don’t miss the livest street party on the island! Gros Islet, a cute fisherman village in the northern part of the island, attracts locals and visitors alike every Friday night.
Here, you will find vendors selling delicious seafood and grilled meats.
To wash down all that goodness, be sure to sample a Piton (the local beer) or treat yourself to a yummy rum cocktail or four!
What I loved the most was the local DJs playing the hottest Caribbean tunes and Afrobeats. The good vibes were felt all around, and I danced until the wee hours of the morning with new friends I made at the party!
If you’re staying on the island on a Friday night and looking to mingle with locals and experience a less touristy activity, be sure to book and reserve your private transportation to the best street party on the island.
I guarantee you’ll have a blast! Alternatively, I recommend arriving early if you have your own car, as finding parking can be tricky!
2. Enjoy the food and rum tour
If you’re looking for an activity to try the local cuisine and sample different types of rum and other homemade beverages on the island, then look no further!
This 4-6 hour tasting tour is hands down one of the best ways to immerse yourself within the culture.
During the tour, you’ll get to try green fig and salt fish (St. Lucia’s national dish), breadfruit, cassava bread, hot bakes, homemade cocoa tea, and all the spiced rums your heart desires!
The tour also includes the unique chance of sightseeing and visiting towns and villages around the island. Food, drinks, views, and unforgettable memories?! I can’t think of a better way to spend the day!
If you’re staying in the northern part of the island, you want to take advantage of this tour! Complimentary hotel or resort pick-ups are available.
Tours begin at $205 pp.
Insider Tip: Tours are not available on Sundays.
3. Experience St Lucia Carnival
If you’ve ever experienced a Caribbean carnival, then you already know the St. Lucia carnival is not to be missed! Every July, this two-day parade attracts people far and wide to celebrate the island’s mixed Catholic, Caribbean, and African heritage.
Here you will witness the happiest people dancing in elaborate costumes covered in feathers, sequins, beads, and more.
You can hear the sounds of drums, calypso, soca, and reggae throughout the island. Most fetes (parties) are in Castries and other areas in the north.
If you’re looking for a non-stop party, delicious food, incredible music, and all the rum you can drink, take the chance to join in or be a spectator. Either way, you’re guaranteed to have ah time!!
For more details about Saint Lucia Carnival and how to play mas, check out Carnivaland, your one-stop shop for everything carnival.
4. Visit the Anse La Raye Friday Fish Fry
The Friday fish fry in Anse La Raye, a small fishing town just south of Marigot Bay, is a favorite among the locals and visitors alike! Here you can enjoy freshly caught seafood such as lobster and red snapper grilling on open coal pits Lucian-style.
The quiet village comes to life with the sounds of soca and reggae music and the tantalizing smells of mouthwatering food.
Have dinner at the fish fry, and then head to the Gros Islet street party!
Insider Tip: You can only book this tour once on the island, so make sure to ask your hotel concierge for more details.
5. Stop By The Arts & Heritage Festival
If you plan to visit the island in October, join the festivities during Creole Heritage Month.
The month-long festival celebrates and proudly boasts the diversity and richness of Saint Lucia’s cultural, ethnic, and artistic heritage. All throughout the island, you will witness musical and theatrical performances, seminars, street parties, art festivals, and cultural practices.
The last weekend of the month, Creole Day (Jounen Kweyol), is celebrated throughout the island.
On the last Sunday of the month, Lucian’s prepare the tastiest native foods and desserts Lucian style. I can’t think of a better and more authentic way to connect with the locals!
6. Saint Lucia Cultural Therapy Experience
Are you looking for a cultural tour and the chance to venture to less touristy parts of the island? The Saint Lucia cultural therapy experience is the best opportunity to discover hidden villages within the mountainous terrain.
During the tour, you will visit Babonneau, a small town in the north located in the Castries Quarters.
This area is known for its lush rainforests. Here you will experience the unique chance to learn new cultural dances, play traditional drums, partake in painting lessons with a local artist, and, my personal favorite, try the food!
This tour is undoubtedly off the beaten track, but if you want to connect with the people, and have a genuine interest in learning about their local cultures and traditions, then this tour is for you!
Tours are from $79.00.
7. Don’t miss the rum-tasting tour
This popular rum tasting tour, also known as “The Rythm and Rum,” is located in the Roseau Valley with panoramic views of historic Morne Fortune on the island’s west coast.
The guided tour is held at the St. Lucia Distillers, and here, you’ll spend an hour with your rum ambassador learning about rum and liquor production and its connection to the island.
At the end of the tour, you can taste a variety of rums and rum-based creams and liqueurs! This tour is perfect for rum lovers and those interested in discovering the story of sugarcane and rum production in the Caribbean.
On your way out, remember to grab your favorite rum or cream liquor you sampled and take it home as a souvenir.
Insider tip: A hotel or Airbnb pick-up is available if you’re staying in the Castries area.
Tours are $65pp.
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