Two common Caribbean islands are St. Lucia and St. Martin (or Sint Maarten). With gorgeous resorts, stunning seashores, and nice meals, these locations each have a lot to supply.
In case you’re attempting to determine between St. Lucia and St. Martin, this text will evaluate the 2 so you possibly can determine which is finest for you.
St. Lucia vs. St. Martin: Our Fast Take
The most effective island will depend on your pursuits and the kind of journey you need. We personally desire St. Martin for its nighttime enjoyable and vigorous ambiance, and St. Lucia for the breathtaking views and pure sights.
St. Lucia vs. St. Martin: Did You Know?
- It’s doable to take a plantation tour in St. Lucia the place you possibly can create your personal chocolate bar!
- Regardless of being break up into two, there isn’t a bodily border between the Dutch and French sides of St. Martin.
- St. Lucia’s possession was handed seven instances between France and Nice Britain within the 1800s, ultimately falling to the British. St Lucia gained independence in 1979 and have become a member of the Commonwealth.
St. Lucia Overview
St. Lucia is famed as being one of the stunning locations within the Caribbean. With lush mountainous landscapes, pristine seashores, and tons of issues to see and do, many individuals select to go to this vacation spot time and time once more.
This island could also be small, however it boasts some really breathtaking white sand seashores reminiscent of Grande Anse Seaside, Anse Chastanet, and Sugar Seaside. Snorkeling and scuba diving may be very common right here. The stunning panorama contains the well-known Piton Mountains and La Soufriere Volcano. There’s additionally an incredible collection of hidden gems to find right here, reminiscent of Sault Waterfall and the Tet Paul Scenic Nature Path.
Though it’s common with hikers and divers, St. Lucia can also be successful with these searching for a relaxed and laid-back trip. There are many resorts that includes gorgeous views, luxurious infinity swimming pools, tropical gardens, and enjoyable hammocks to lie in, making this island a paradise and common honeymoon spot.
The delicacies in St. Lucia is a mix of French, Creole, and West Indian flavors. Remember to attempt some common dishes reminiscent of inexperienced fig and saltfish and rooster roti. And naturally, drink numerous the native rum! The meals and music are each enormous components of the tradition right here, so make sure you attempt some conventional cooking and head to a competition for those who can.
St. Martin Overview
Many individuals think about St. Martin / St. Maarten to be one other laid-back and tranquil Caribbean escape, however there’s much more to it. Whereas there are nonetheless luxurious resorts, stunning seashores, and scenic views to admire, there’s a lot extra on provide at this really distinctive vacation spot.
This dual-governed island affords two distinct sides and cultures which you can get pleasure from multi functional trip. That’s a uncommon discover on an island with a lot magnificence. It’s a well-liked spot with those that wish to dine effectively, occasion exhausting, go seaside hopping, and store until they drop in a collection of duty-free shops.
The north aspect of St. Martin is managed by the French authorities, in order you possibly can anticipate it’s the a part of the island the place yow will discover the most effective eating places and nice occasion seashores. St. Maarten, then again, is common for its casinos, bars, and nightclubs, and is a territory of the Netherlands Antilles.
Whereas identified for its vigorous ambiance, this distinctive vacation spot continues to be a laid-back and stress-free setting, making it an incredible spot for a trip. You’ll be stunned to see how simply you possibly can go between either side of the island, with many vacationers crossing the border between the 2 sides a number of instances a day.
St. Lucia vs. St. Martin: Finest Time to Go to
Irrespective of once you’re hoping to go to, you’ll be happy to know that each St. Lucia and St. Martin provide heat climate all 12 months spherical. The common temperature in St. Lucia ranges from 72 F to 87 F whereas the typical temperature in St. Maarten ranges from 74 F to 89 F.
That stated, you’ll wish to attempt to keep away from touring in the course of the moist seasons, which fall between June and December in St. Lucia and July to November in St. Martin.
In fact, the excessive season falls on the peak of the Caribbean summer season in each locations, that are usually among the cooler months again dwelling. To get the most effective offers, go to simply earlier than or simply after the moist season. When you could danger just a little rainfall, touring presently can deliver the value of your journey down considerably, and in addition assist you to keep away from giant crowds of vacationers.
St. Lucia vs. St. Martin: Climate
In the case of evaluating the climate in these two islands, it’s protected to say that situations in each St. Lucia and St. Martin are fairly related. In reality, the climate is so related that it’s barely a deciding issue.
Each have preferrred climate for having fun with a wide range of enjoyable outside actions, reminiscent of swimming, sunbathing, climbing, and watersports.
As a consequence of St. Martin being just a little extra developed than St. Lucia, the massive quantities of buildings and building right here can contribute to it feeling just a little hotter in built-up areas. Other than that although, the temperatures on the seashores and throughout the air-conditioned resorts are comparatively the identical.
St. Lucia vs St. Martin: Lodging
Each islands have all kinds of lodges and resorts obtainable. Since St. Martin is the bigger of the 2, there’s arguably extra alternative right here. That stated, in terms of which is finest for lodging, it actually comes all the way down to what sort of trip you’re trying to get pleasure from.
In case you’re searching for a relaxed and splendid expertise, then St. Lucia often is the better option. In case you’re searching for a extra fun-filled expertise with a resort that options vigorous bars and a fun-filled nightlife, then St. Martin often is the higher vacation spot.
St. Lucia vs. St. Martin: Issues to Do
Each St Lucia and St Martin are glorious decisions with loads of issues to do. Other than their shared draw of historical past, tradition, and seashores, although, these locations may be fairly totally different when it comes to what’s finest to see and do.
Finest Issues to Do in St. Lucia
There’s loads of alternative in St. Lucia, with many fascinating sights each pure and man-made.
One of the vital common sights in St. Lucia is the Sulphur Springs drive-in volcano. Right here you possibly can drive by the energetic volcano, tour Sulphur Springs Park, and even take a dip within the mud baths. Admission to the park is barely $11 USD (and $ 5 USD for those who deliver the little ones with you)! Admission to the mud baths is charged individually.
The Piton Mountains are one other must-see. One of many world’s largest volcano plugs, this UNESCO World Heritage Web site is nothing in need of spectacular. Admire these from afar, or, for those who’re an experienced hiker, you possibly can climb up the mountains with a information for under $50. It should be famous that this should not be tried by learners, as a consequence of how harmful it’s.
In case you’re simply beginning out along with your climbing although, don’t despair. A extra easy climbing route is the Tet Paul Nature Path, also called “The Stairway To Heaven.” That is solely a brief hike, round 45 minutes lengthy, and offers you with beautiful views of the Piton Mountains. For this path, you possibly can take a guided tour run by locals for under $10 USD, and study unique wildlife, medicinal vegetation, and cassava manufacturing in your journey.
One other nice hike is thru Pigeon Island Nationwide Park, the place you possibly can discover historical forts, spot stunning birds, and hike to the highest for spectacular views of the entire island.
In case you’re a lover of chocolate, make sure you head to Resort Chocolat, the place you possibly can take a guided tour of the cocoa plantations within the rainforest. Find out how cacao is cultivated, style freshly made chocolate, and produce dwelling some ripe cacao beans! On some excursions to Resort Chocolat, you possibly can even spend time creating your very personal bar of chocolate.
On the lookout for a extra relaxed strategy to discover the island? Hop on the Rainforest Aerial Tram, the place you possibly can trip in an open-air gondola by way of the attractive rainforests. Tickets are just a little dear, however this once-in-a-lifetime expertise makes all of it worthwhile. If cash isn’t an object although, it might even be value contemplating a helicopter trip over the rainforest.
There may be additionally a superb collection of seashores to loosen up on in St. Lucia. Remember to cease at Reduit Seaside, Sugar Seaside, or Anse Chastanet Seaside, all of that are among the most stunning seashores you’ll discover in St Lucia.
Anse Chastanet Seaside is a prime spot for snorkeling amongst coral reefs within the calm, clear waters. Sugar Seaside is nice for those who’re trying to catch a tan with a cocktail in hand. If you wish to catch a wave as an alternative, head all the way down to Reduit Seaside the place you possibly can seize some seafood and luxuriate in fun-filled watersports.
Finest Issues to Do in St. Martin
St Martin, or Sint Maarten, is understood for its gorgeous white sandy seashores and vigorous ambiance. It affords loads to see and do on each the French and Dutch sides.
Situated on the Dutch aspect of the island, Maho Seaside is likely one of the hottest seashores and is positioned proper on the finish of an airport runway, the place planes fly intently overhead. As it may be harmful to face straight on the sands when watching the planes, it’s typically a greater thought to move over to Sundown Seaside Bar and Grill the place you possibly can get pleasure from nice meals and drinks whereas watching the planes. Parking right here is free, and there are many different good bars and eating places to find within the space.
One other prime spot to go to on the Dutch aspect is Parrote Ville Fowl Park, a well-liked hen sanctuary boasting greater than 25 distinctive species of birds. It’s excellent for households and {couples} alike, as you’ll have an opportunity to feed and maintain the birds.
In case you’re an energetic nature lover, there’s some good climbing on St. Martin as effectively. The Loterie Farm in Philipsburg is a nature protect with climbing trails, ziplining, and cover excursions. Admission is barely $5 USD and the park is open between 9 am and 5 pm daily.
In case you’re a Star Wars fan, Phillipsburg can also be dwelling to the Yoda Man Film Exhibit Museum. which encompasses a hologram and DVD-narrated tour with “Star Wars” props and costumes. The venture of Nick Maley, the special-effects designer who created Yoda within the “Star Wars” motion pictures, this museum is a good attraction for those who’re a lover of sci-fi and particular results.
In the case of the French aspect of the island, there’s simply as a lot to see and do right here. Orient Bay Seaside is one seaside that really stands out. Stunning in its personal proper, this seaside additionally boasts watersport leases, a nudist seaside part, and a wide range of upscale eating places excellent for dinner overlooking the water at sundown.
In case you get pleasure from visiting native markets, Marigot Market within the capital of St. Martin is a good place to select up contemporary native vegetables and fruit, souvenirs, clothes, spices, and way more. This market is barely open within the mornings, and is closed on Sundays.
St. Lucia vs. St. Martin: Meals
In case you’re an enormous foodie, then there’s little question that delicacies could be a enormous deciding think about the place you select to go to. You’ll be happy to know that regardless of which island you select to go to, you’ll be joyful.
St. Lucia’s delicacies has a wide range of flavors taken from Creole, African, American, and Indian dishes, with one of the frequent dishes being inexperienced figs and saltfish, a dish constructed from seasoned cod with boiled unripe bananas. Different dishes you’ll wish to check out when visiting St. Lucia are St. Lucia Lambi, Fried Plantain, Accra, Callaloo Soup, and Breadfruit Pie. Remember to attempt a rum punch when you’re there, as rum is the spirit of St. Lucia.
St. Maarten’s delicacies can also be very various and takes loads of affect from Dutch, French, African, and Caribbean meals. One of the vital common dishes in St. Maarten is rooster lokri, a dish made from rice, rooster, greens, and tomato paste.
Some dishes you’ll wish to check out when visiting the St Martin aspect are Accra, Grouper Creole, Callaloo Soup, Lobster Thermidor, Escargots, Conch and Dumplings, and French Pastries. In the case of ingesting in St. Martin, make sure you attempt a guava berry rum, one of many island’s most spectacular drinks.
St. Lucia vs. St. Martin: Value
When evaluating the price of touring to each of those locations, St. Lucia usually comes out cheaper total. The common every day value in St Lucia is $211, whereas the typical every day value in St. Maarten is $210 to $375 per day.
That stated, both of those locations may be roughly costly, as finally it comes all the way down to your alternative of lodging, eating places, and what number of actions you’re eager to pay for.
St. Lucia vs. St. Martin Honeymoons
In case you’re planning a Caribbean honeymoon, then St. Lucia often is the better option for you. Whereas each islands have rather a lot to suggest them, St. Lucia has a extra romantic ambiance total.
Resort Chocolat is a good draw for lovers, as are the attractive white sand seashores and luxurious panorama St. Lucia has to supply. There are additionally luxurious adults-only resorts that are perfect for a dreamy honeymoon.
That’s to not say that St. Martin is a foul alternative for honeymoons, after all. In case you’re searching for one stuffed with enjoyable bar crawls, nights out on the on line casino, and a few scrumptious French meals, then St. Martin could also be a greater possibility for you.
St. Lucia vs St. Martin Household Holidays
St. Martin might be the most effective vacation spot to take the children to, as a consequence of all there’s to see and do, significantly for those who’re touring with older youngsters.
Nonetheless, in case your youngsters desire enjoyable on the seaside, doing watersports, and taking strolls round in nature, then St. Lucia is likely to be the higher alternative.
St. Lucia vs. St. Martin: The Verdict
These two islands are very related, so it may be a troublesome option to make. Nonetheless, there are some variations in tradition and panorama that may be deciding elements by which vacation spot to decide on in your subsequent Caribbean getaway.
St. Lucia is welcoming and laid-back, whereas St. Martin is fun-filled and energetic. St. Lucia affords extra outside actions, whereas St. Martin has a extra vibrant nightlife.
In case you’re nonetheless struggling to decide on between St. Lucia vs. St. Martin, we may help. Attain out to one among our trusted travel advisors, who may help you propose your dream getaway.
