Rodney Bay is the central hub of activity in the North of St Lucia. With its horseshoe shaped bay, fantastic beaches, lively nightlife, supermarkets, duty free shopping, banks, pharmacies, and everything you could possibly need, it’s not hard to understand why most visitors to Saint Lucia head to Rodney Bay.

No more than a five minute walk away from the house is Reduit Beach, which is more than a mile of golden sand with delightful views across the bay to Pigeon Island.  Reduit Beach is home to the famous Spinnakers Beach Bar and Restaurant.

If relaxing on the beach isn’t your thing and you prefer to be more active, you can try your hand at a wide range of watersports on offer –  including hiring kayaks, sailing, waterskiing and parasailing.  Or spend the afternoon at Splash Island Waterpark.

Splash Island Waterpark

Spinnakers Beach Bar

A visit to historic, National Trust managed, Pigeon Island is a must.  Although no longer an island as it is joined to the mainland by a causeway, Pigeon Island is a delight, very much favoured by families.

St Lucia changed hands between the French and the English 14 times and became an independent state of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1979.  This fantastic heritage is evident in the rich culture of St Lucia and you get a real sense of history when you visit Pigeon Island.  You can explore the disused barracks and a walk to the top of the fort on Pigeon Island will reward you with spectacular views over Rodney Bay, the East Coast and out to Martinique.

If that sounds too energetic, you could just spend the afternoon on one of the two sandy beaches and enjoy a meal or drink at Jambe de Bois, a charming restaurant which is on the water’s front.

Pigeon Island, St Lucia

Beach at Pigeon Island

If you want a beach that’s great for wind sports, take a drive to Cas en Bas beach on the North East coast.  This beach is protected by a reef and is a favourite for kite-surfers (there’s a kite surfing school on the beach).  On the Atlantic side, this coast is less protected than Reduit Beach, it is not a great beach for swimming.

Another beach well worth a  visit is Smuggler’s Beach at Cap Maison….but you will have to walk 91 steps down to the beach.

St Lucia is one of the most popular destinations in the Windward Islands for sailors and Rodney Bay Marina is the final landing for the 200 boat sailing regatta, the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers).  There’s a superb selection of waterfront bars and restaurants with a really relaxed vibe.  You’ll also find a bank, a small supermarket, boutique shop and an ice cream parlour.

From here you can arrange a sports fishing excursion, a day trip on a catamaran or enjoy an evening cruise.

Rodney Bay Marina

If golf is your sport, what more picturesque place to play than overlooking both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea?  St Lucia Golf Club, in Cap Estate, is perhaps the most challenging 18 hole golf course in the Caribbean.  Visitors are welcome.

If riding a horse on a beach in the Caribbean has been your dream, then a visit to Trims Riding Academy should be on your list of things to do.

The shops, bars and restaurants in Rodney Bay are just a five minute walk away. With such a massive range on offer including world class cuisine, superb local restaurants, an ice cream parlour, takeaways and budget eateries there is something to cater for every taste and occasion.  For some excellent local street food and superb party atmosphere, head to the weekly Friday night Jump Up in Gros Islet.

Rodney Bay has excellent supermarkets, duty free shopping and all the amenities and services you could need.