Saint Lucia Carnival is hands-down one of my favorite Caribbean Carnival events. If you’re dreaming of vibrant costumes, Pulsating Dennery and Bouyon music, and the electric atmosphere of one of the Caribbean’s most exciting festivals, it’s time to plan your journey to Saint Lucia Carnival 2025! Drawing from my past experiences and insights, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your carnival adventure.
When is Saint Lucia Carnival 2025?
Saint Lucia Carnival 2025 will officially run from July 1 to July 23, with the grand culmination taking place during the Parade of the Bands on Monday, July 21, and Tuesday, July 22. These are the main days you don’t want to miss, as the streets come alive with revelers showcasing breathtaking costumes and infectious energy.
Traveling to Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia has two main airports:
Hewanorra International Airport (UVF): Located in the south, about a 90-minute drive to the northern carnival hotspots like Rodney Bay and Gros Islet.
George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU): Conveniently located closer to Castries, making it ideal for those staying in the carnival hub areas. However flights into this airport are typically more expensive than UVF.
Book your flights early to lock in affordable rates. Use your travel rewards to maximize savings—trust me, every dollar counts when it comes to splurging on costumes and fetes!
Where to Stay for Carnival
For convenience, choose accommodations near Rodney Bay or Gros Islet. These areas put you at the center of all the action, with easy access to fetes and the parade routes. In previous years, I’ve recommended:
- Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia, Autograph Collection (All Inclusive)
- The Soco House
- Bay Gardens Marina Haven
- Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa
- The Harbor Club
There are options for every budget, from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses. Book early, as accommodations fill up quickly during carnival season.
Culture and Tourism
Experiencing the island and its culture is an absolute must. There is so much more to this island than Saint Lucia Carnival! I will be in SLU for more than a week and have a few experiences on my list. Here is a list of things to do while on the island:
- Hiking the pitons
- Marigot Bay
- Snorkeling in Anse Chastanet
- Tet Paul Nature Trail
- Sulphur Springs (Soufrière)
- Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens (Waterfalls and Mineral Baths)
- Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park
- Pigeon Island National Park
Joining a Mas Band
The heart of Saint Lucia Carnival is the Parade of the Bands, where masqueraders in dazzling costumes dance through the streets to soca music. To participate, you’ll need to register with a carnival band. Based on past experiences, bands include:
- Just 4 Fun Carnival
- XUVO Carnival
- Fuzion Mas
- Legends Carnival
- Taboo Carnival
- Looshan Revelers
- Phoenix Carnival
- Insommeil Carnival
Costumes range from $700 to $1,400, depending on the section and inclusions. Register early, as the best sections sell out fast. Costume packages often include drinks, food, and security on the road.
Partying for Saint Lucia Carnival
Saint Lucia Carnival is more than just the parade—it’s the fetes that build anticipation for the big day. From beach parties to all-inclusive fetes, the vibe is unmatched. In past years, the most talked-about events included:
- Brazen
- Sa Ka Fete
- Mess
- Remedy
- Indulgence
- Soak’t
** Based off my personal experiences and feedback from others, I do NOT recommend any parties by Golden Events **
Plan your fete schedule early to secure tickets, as popular events sell out fast.
Safety Information
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It is a free service that allows US citizens and nationals to register their overseas travel with the nearest US Embassy.
The benefits of enrolling in STEP include:
Receiving important safety information about your area of travel.
- Establishing a means for the US Embassy to contact you in an emergency back home.
- Help the US Embassy contact you in a natural disaster or civil unrest.
Authorized Taxis in Saint Lucia have light blue license plates with a “TX” prefix.
Important Numbers:
- Fire and Ambulance: 911
- Police (Emergencies): 999
- Castries Police: +1 (758) 456 3871
- Gros Islet Police: +1 758-456-3830
- Marigot Bay Police: +1(758) 456 389
- Rodney Bay Police: +1 (758) 456 3832
- Soufrière Police: +1(758) 456 3627
Many hotels have a doctor on call. In-house visits are $15 USD.
Hospitals/Clinics
- Victoria Hospital: +1 758-452-2421/7059
- St. Jude’s Hospital Vieux Fort:+1 758-454-6041
- Soufriere +1 758-459-7258/5001
- Dennery +1 758-453-3310
- Tapion Hospital +1 758-459-2000
- OKEU Hospital: +1 758-458-6500
- Gros Islet Polyclinic: +1 758-450-9661
There is no US Embassy in Saint Lucia, which is problematic if you lose your passport. You will need to first file a police report before contacting the Consulate General of Saint Lucia in New York.
For a health packing list and recommended vaccines before traveling to St. Lucia, click here.
Randoms, but Important!
Currency in Saint Lucia: XCD (Eastern Caribbean Dollar). As of April 28th, 1 XCD =.37 USD. Saint Lucia accepts USD, and currency exchange booths are available at airports. Some hotels and resorts also do currency exchange.
Electricity:Most visitors will need a converter/transformer. St. Lucia
uses 240 Volts and 50 Cycles of AC. You can find budget converters on Amazon here.
Communications: Digicel and FLOW
VAT: 10% on hotel and restaurant bills
Tipping: Customary 10-12%
Customs Regulations: Don’t try to bring weed or leave with it. Leave your camp print anything at home.
Duty-Free Shopping: Pointe Seraphine, La Place, Carenage, Departure Lounge
of UVF and Shopping Malls.
See you in Saint Lucia!
Saint Lucia is one of my favorite Island Countries to Visit, and one of my favorite carnival events! I hope to see you there!
