Exploring St Lucia Beyond the Pitons: Local Food, Banana Plantations & Cruise Excursion Tips

In Part 1 of our St Lucia adventure, I shared our visit to Sugar Beach, the famous Pitons, the Sulphur Springs mud baths, and Toraille Waterfall.

But our Cosol Tours excursion included so much more than the major attractions. Along the way, we tasted local foods, visited banana plantations, saw incredible island scenery, and learned more about life in St Lucia.

This is what made the tour so special — it wasn't just about seeing beautiful places. It gave us a glimpse into the culture and everyday life of the island.

Tasting Local St Lucia Food

One of my favorite parts of traveling is trying foods that are unique to the destination, and St Lucia did not disappoint.

Breakfast was included with our tour, although by the time we arrived it was closer to lunchtime. We stopped at a local location where tables were set up with a variety of fruits and traditional island specialties.

This was my first time trying jackfruit. The flavor was delicious, although the texture was unlike any fruit I had eaten before.

Before heading back to the ship, we stopped again and were treated to freshly baked bread and cheese. It was simple, but it was one of the things I remember most from the day.

Throughout the excursion, we also had unlimited water, soft drinks, and rum punch — which was definitely appreciated after a full day of exploring.

Discovering St Lucia's Banana Plantations

One of the most interesting parts of driving around St Lucia was seeing the miles of banana plantations covering the hillsides.

Before this trip, I never really thought about how much work goes into growing bananas.

We learned that the bananas are covered with blue plastic bags as they grow. The bags help protect the fruit from insects, weather, and damage so that the bananas arrive looking their best for the market.

Seeing row after row of banana plants stretching across the landscape gave me a completely different appreciation for something I normally just pick up at the grocery store.

Around the Island: Hidden Views and Local Stops

One of the best parts of a guided tour is seeing places you might miss if you were exploring on your own.

During our drive, we stopped at several scenic viewpoints and roadside stands.

We visited a natural rock formation sometimes called the "Tunnel of Love," "Lady's Slipper," or "Lady's Shoe." This unique landmark was also featured in Pirates of the Caribbean.

We also stopped at a roadside stand where we tried banana ketchup. It tasted very similar to traditional ketchup with just a slight hint of banana.

Saying Goodbye to St Lucia

By the end of the day, we had experienced so much of what makes St Lucia special — beaches, mountains, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, food, and friendly people.

This was the first time I got to see a cashew tree and a cashew (seed) still on the apple.

We arrived back at the cruise port with only about 40 minutes to spare, so make sure you plan your time carefully if you are visiting St Lucia on a cruise.

This excursion gave us a chance to see far more of the island than we ever could have on our own. If you only have one day in St Lucia, a guided tour like Cosol Tours is an excellent way to experience the highlights.

St Lucia Travel Tips

Roads are winding:
The roads in St Lucia are very curvy, especially when traveling through the mountains. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring medication or other remedies.

Tip your guides:
Tourism is an important source of income for many people on the island. If your guide provides great service, consider showing your appreciation with a tip.

Beaches are public:
Many Caribbean beaches near resorts are still open to the public. Resorts may restrict access to chairs, restaurants, or amenities, but the shoreline itself may still be accessible.

Expect volcanic sand:
Not every beach in St Lucia has white sand. Because the island was formed by volcanic activity, many beaches have darker or mixed-colored sand. Sugar Beach is an exception because white sand was brought in.

Planning Your St Lucia Visit

Currency:
The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, although US dollars are widely accepted.

Language:
English is the official language, and a French-based Creole language (Kwéyòl) is also widely spoken.

Tour Company:
We booked our excursion with Cosol Tours. Prices and tour options change, so check their current information when planning your visit.