St. Lucia Carnival
July 17th to July 23rd, 2025.
St. Lucia Carnival is one of the top annual party events in the Caribbean. Each year in July, the island of St Lucia turns into a massive celebration filled with elaborate costumes, intoxicating rhythms, parades, pure Caribbean energy, and more. The festivities begin in the days leading up to the main event (street parade), with a wide variety of parties and celebrations taking place across the entire island.
Tour outline
- Day 1: Arrival St. Lucia – Fete #1: Escape All-Inclusive
- Day 2: Fete #2: Breakfast at Dawn (BAD) – Fete #3 Sa Ka Fete – Gros Islet Street Party
- Day 3: Fete #4: Mess Fete (J’ouvert) – Fete #5 Soca Raff Up
- Day 4: Land and Sea Tour – Fete #6: Brazen
- Day 5: Carnival Street Parade Day 1 (Full Costume)
- Day 6: Carnival Street Parade Day 2 (Tuesday Wear)
- Day 7: Departure
What’s included
- Accommodation in double rooms
- Arrival and departure airport transfers from both airports
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary inclusive of entrance fees
- Fete (party) tickets
- Group transportation to and from all the activities on the itinerary
- Backline carnival costume
- Costume pickup
- Costume photography
- Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
- Max 20 travellers per group
- One farewell group lunch or dinner
Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren’t included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you’d prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
St. Lucia Carnival (Lucian Mas) group itinerary
DAY 1: JULY 17
Arrive in St. Lucia – Meet and Greet – Escape All Inclusive
- Arrive in St. Lucia and transfer to your chosen accommodation
- Meet your fellow Soca Islanders who will be partying with you for the next seven days
- Attend your first fete – Escape – a food and drink inclusive party
DAY 2: JULY 18
Breakfast at Dawn – Sa Ka Fete – Gros Islet Street Party
- Start your day with the delightful Breakfast at Dawn (BAD) event, where you can enjoy an inclusive selection of delicious food and drinks
- Later, immerse yourself in the flavors of St. Lucia with the Sa Ka Fete experience, another food-inclusive treat
- Cap off your day with the vibrant and lively Gros Islet Street Party, a must-do activity that brings the local culture to life
DAY 3: JULY 19
Mess Fete – Soca Raff Up
- Today, our adventure begins at 4 AM with the vibrant J’ouvert event, Mess Fete
- After immersing yourself in the festivities, return to the hotel to unwind
- Later, we’ll set sail for the lively Soca Raff Up boat event
- Once we dock, the evening is yours to explore and enjoy at your leisure.
DAY 4: JULY 20
Land and Sea Tour – Brazen Cooler Fete
- Start your adventure with a scenic drive through the vibrant capital city, Castries. From there, journey through the charming fishing villages of Anse La Raye and Canaries
- Next, head to Soufriere, the island’s second-largest town, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim in the refreshing Toraille Waterfall, visit the Sulphur Springs, and dip a rejuvenating thermal mineral water and volcanic mud bath
- After returning from this rejuvenating excursion, get ready for the final fete on our itinerary – Brazen. This cooler fete invites you to bring your own drinks and enjoy a memorable evening of celebration
DAY 5: JULY 21
St. Lucia Carnival Street Parade Day One
- Experience the vibrant streets of Castries, the capital city of St. Lucia, as we unveil our elaborate and intricately designed costumes adorned with feathers, beads, sequins, and a kaleidoscope of colors. Today, the city comes alive with exuberance, creativity, and cultural pride, marking the exciting start of the Carnival Street Celebrations
DAY 6: JULY 22
St. Lucia Carnival Street Parade Day Two
- Today we also party through the vibrant streets of Castries, the capital city of St. Lucia. This time however, we parade in our Tuesday Wear. Some bands provide Tuesday wear
DAY 7: JULY 23
Good-bye St. Lucia
- Depending on your departure time, you might have a few hours for some last-minute shopping or a refreshing dip in the sea
- Take a moment to bid farewell to this beautiful island and to your new friends
St. Lucia Carnival payment plan
Final Payment due on or before May 15, 2025
Soca Islands provides you with the most flexible payment plan making it super easy and affordable to book your St. Lucia Carnival experience by providing two payment options.
- Option One: 15% deposit is due upon booking, followed by 35% of the total cost due 30 days after booking. The remaining 50% due 60 days before your trip.
- Option Two: 25% deposit is due upon booking, followed by regular monthly payments. The total cost must be paid in full 60 days before your trip.
For bookings made between 90 and 60 days before the start date of the experience, 50% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.
Bookings made between 60 days and 30 days before the start date of the experience, 100% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.
Accommodations
Here’s a glimpse of the hotels we selected for this adventure.
Harbor Club St Lucia, Curio Collection by Hilton
Located adjacent to the marina in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, The HarborClub is directly on the water and has views of the sea and the yachts in the marina. The HarborClub boasts four restaurants, four bars, a large multilevel freeform pool with hot tub, a spa, and a gym.
Beausejour Buena Vista Suites
This property is located off the main road, two minutes (by car) away from The HarborClub. This smoke-free apartment building features an outdoor pool, a kitchenette with a microwave, along with a safe and an iron/ironing board. Added amenities include free WiFi. The nearest food court is also two minutes away by car.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? (Plus airport code)
You can to fly into and out of either airports on the island – George F. L. Charles (SLU) or Hewanorra International Airport (UVF).
Will the itinerary change?
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome event)?
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry – no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.
Are tips included?
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
Do I need a visa?
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
- Up-to-date medical advice:
- US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
- Government travel advice:
- US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.
- Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
How much should I budget per day for extras?
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
St. Lucia travel information
Capital: Castries
Time Zone: GMT -04:00
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar, 1.00 USD = 2.60 XCD
Driving: On the left
Electricity: 110V and 220V
Equal parts beauty and mystique, Saint Lucia captivates anyone who sets foot on her coastline. Always evocative, she welcomes visitors with her soothing waves, warm beaches, and hospitable people. The only sovereign nation to be named for a woman, the island personifies adventure and inspiration. Her visitors invariably find themselves reluctant to leave and eager to return.
Saint Lucia is the quintessential island paradise. Imagine the majestic peaks of the Pitons reaching to the heavens, the splendor of lush rainforests, and the hypnotizing blue-green waters of the Caribbean breaking just off shore. The island’s landscape, people, customs, and cuisine intertwine to provide the perfect setting for the vacation of a lifetime.
Here, the unique confluence of Caribbean, African, English, and French cultures creates an exquisite blend of food, music, and traditions that will inspire and enchant you. “Ki bèl pèi!” is Kwéyòl for, “What a lovely country!” When you visit Saint Lucia, you’ll discover that it’s not just lovely, it’s truly magical. Discover her mystery and let Saint Lucia inspire you.
Saint Lucia’s history is as rich as it is vibrant. The island is a virtual gumbo of cultures, and her people have a deeply held sense of cultural identity that they vigorously celebrate to this day. Embark on a voyage to discover Saint Lucia’s story, from her pirate past to her colonial times to the colorful customs of her people.
How to get around in St. Lucia
One of the most popular ways to get around is via the island’s minivan-bus service. This is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike and provides an authentic island experience. A number of bus routes are available, generally operating from Castries to Gros Islet or Rodney Bay. You can catch one of the minivans at a marked bus stop or by flagging it down along the coastal road. Public transport is extremely affordable in Castries. You can also rent bikes, scooters and mopeds, for an exciting and flexible way to travel around the island.
Where to stay in St Lucia for Carnival
The city of Castries features a wide variety of accommodation options available for visitors ranging from hostels to hotels, Airbnbs, vacation rentals, villas, resorts and more. Some of the most popular accommodation options include Buena Vista Villas, Bay Garden Properties and Starfish Properties.
Things to do in Castries, St. Lucia
The Saint Lucia capital of Castries offers a range of things to see and do. The heart of the city is home to a bustling tourism scene, with cruise ships docking in the port each day. You can find a wide variety of shops, markets and malls in Castries. everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to spices, clothes, souvenirs, handmade crafts and more available.
The busiest day for the fruit and vegetable market is Saturday and locals come in from all over the island to set up small stalls. One of the most popular attractions in the city is the main church of Castries, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Don’t let the stone exterior fool you, the interior features stunning painted ceilings and bright panels along the walls. Located just outside, you can also find Derek Walcott Square, a popular public park featuring native trees, a bandstand and more.