Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia - Things to Do in Marigot Bay

Things to Do in Marigot Bay

Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia - Complete Travel Guide

Marigot Bay is one of Saint Lucia's most picturesque and sought-after destinations, nestled on the island's western coast about 4 miles south of Castries. This stunning natural harbor is surrounded by lush tropical hills and swaying palm trees, creating a postcard-perfect setting that has served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films including 'Doctor Dolittle' and 'Water.' The bay's crystal-clear turquoise waters and protected cove make it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and various water activities. The area seamlessly blends natural beauty with upscale amenities, featuring luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and a full-service marina that attracts sailing enthusiasts from around the world. Despite its small size, Marigot Bay offers a perfect microcosm of Caribbean paradise, with opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. The bay's unique geography creates a sense of intimacy and exclusivity, while still providing easy access to other Saint Lucian attractions and the capital city of Castries.

Top Things to Do in Marigot Bay

Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling

Explore the pristine waters around Marigot Bay aboard a luxury catamaran, with stops at secluded beaches and prime snorkeling spots. These tours typically include equipment, refreshments, and opportunities to swim in crystal-clear Caribbean waters while spotting colorful tropical fish and coral formations.

Booking Tip: Book tours 2-3 days in advance, especially during peak season (December-April). Full-day tours cost $80-120 per person and typically include lunch and drinks. Look for operators with small group sizes (under 20 people) for a more personalized experience.

Kayaking Through Mangrove Channels

Paddle through the serene mangrove forests that border Marigot Bay, discovering hidden waterways and observing diverse bird species and marine life. This eco-friendly activity offers a peaceful way to explore the bay's natural ecosystem while learning about the important role mangroves play in coastal protection.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (8-10 AM) offer the best wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures. Rentals cost $25-35 per person for 2 hours, while guided tours are $45-65. Choose operators that provide life jackets and waterproof bags for belongings.

Sunset Dining and Bay Views

Experience world-class Caribbean cuisine while watching spectacular sunsets over Marigot Bay from waterfront restaurants and bars. The bay's western orientation provides perfect sunset viewing, and many establishments offer special sunset menus featuring fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.

Booking Tip: Make dinner reservations by 3 PM for sunset seating, especially at popular spots like The Hurricane Hole. Expect to pay $35-75 per person for dinner. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure the best sunset viewing spots at bars.

Deep Sea Sport Fishing

Charter a fishing boat from Marigot Bay's marina for an exciting day of deep-sea fishing in the Caribbean waters. The area is known for excellent catches including mahi-mahi, wahoo, marlin, and tuna, with experienced local captains who know the best fishing spots.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters (4 hours) cost $400-600 for up to 6 people, while full-day trips are $800-1200. Book at least a week in advance during peak season. Look for boats with modern safety equipment and experienced crews with good local reviews.

Rainforest Hiking and Zip-lining

Venture into Saint Lucia's lush interior for guided rainforest hikes and thrilling zip-line adventures through the canopy. These excursions offer opportunities to spot exotic birds, learn about tropical flora, and experience the island's biodiversity while enjoying adrenaline-pumping activities.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost $65-95 per person and last 3-4 hours including transportation from Marigot Bay. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring insect repellent. Book with operators that have certified guides and well-maintained equipment with safety certifications.

Getting There

Marigot Bay is easily accessible from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) via a scenic 1.5-hour drive along the island's western coast, or a 20-minute drive from the smaller George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) in Castries. Most visitors arrange airport transfers through their hotels or book private taxi services, which cost approximately $80-100 from Hewanorra and $25-35 from Castries. Rental cars are available but not necessary given the bay's compact size and the availability of water taxis and local transportation. Many luxury resorts also offer helicopter transfers for a spectacular aerial approach to this stunning destination.

Getting Around

Getting around Marigot Bay is delightfully simple due to its compact size and unique geography. The iconic water taxi service operates continuously throughout the day, ferrying visitors between the marina, resorts, restaurants, and beaches for just a few dollars per trip. Walking is pleasant and feasible for most destinations within the bay area, with well-maintained paths and boardwalks connecting major attractions. For exploring beyond the immediate bay area, local taxis are readily available, and many hotels provide shuttle services to nearby attractions and Castries. The bay's pedestrian-friendly layout and efficient water taxi system eliminate the need for rental cars for most visitors.

Where to Stay

Marigot Bay Resort & Marina
Capella Marigot Bay
Discovery at Marigot Bay
Villa rentals on hillsides
Boutique guesthouses near marina
Luxury overwater bungalows

Food & Dining

Marigot Bay's dining scene punches well above its weight, offering everything from casual beachside grills to sophisticated fine dining establishments. The Hurricane Hole restaurant provides upscale Caribbean fusion cuisine with stunning bay views, while Doolittle's Restaurant offers a more casual atmosphere with fresh seafood and tropical cocktails. The marina area features several waterfront bars and eateries perfect for lunch or sunset drinks, including Chateau Mygo and The Rainforest Hideaway. Many restaurants specialize in fresh-caught fish, locally grown produce, and creative takes on traditional Caribbean dishes, with most establishments offering both indoor and outdoor seating to take advantage of the spectacular natural setting.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Saint Lucia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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The Coal Pot Restaurant

4.5 /5
(583 reviews) 3

Naked Fisherman Restaurant

4.5 /5
(573 reviews) 3

Big Chef Steakhouse

4.6 /5
(532 reviews) 3

KeyLargo Italian

4.6 /5
(428 reviews) 2
bar meal_delivery meal_takeaway

Treetop Restaurant & Bar

4.8 /5
(282 reviews)

Jacques Waterfront Dining

4.5 /5
(283 reviews)
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Marigot Bay is during the dry season from December to April, when rainfall is minimal and trade winds provide comfortable temperatures averaging 75-85°F. This period offers the most reliable weather for water activities and outdoor dining, though it's also the busiest and most expensive time. The shoulder seasons of May-June and November can provide excellent value with fewer crowds and still favorable weather conditions. While the wet season (July-October) brings higher humidity and occasional tropical storms, it also offers the lowest prices and lush, green landscapes, with many rainy periods being brief afternoon showers that don't significantly impact activities.

Insider Tips

Book the water taxi for a sunset cruise around the bay - it's an inexpensive way to see Marigot Bay from the water and costs only a few dollars per person
Visit the Marigot Bay Beach Club during weekday afternoons for the best chance of securing prime beachfront seating and avoiding cruise ship crowds
Take advantage of happy hour specials at marina bars between 4-6 PM, when many establishments offer half-price cocktails and appetizers with sunset views

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