St Lucia: Private Boat Charter to Soufriere & Pitons with Snorkeling

Summary

Private speedboat ride along St Lucia’s west coast to Soufriere

You’ll cruise St Lucia’s west coast by private speedboat with a local guide, stopping for snorkeling near the Pitons and exploring Soufriere’s famous mud baths. Expect laughs with your crew, cold rum punch on deck, and moments where you’ll want to pause just to take it all in.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water to look that blue — almost fake, honestly. We met Captain Marvin down at Rodney Bay Marina (he had this easy grin, like he’s seen every type of tourist), and after a quick run-through we climbed into the “Israel King III.” The boat felt sturdy but not fancy, which I liked. As soon as we pulled away, the breeze hit — salty and warm — and you could smell grilled fish drifting from some dockside shack. I tried to ask about it but the engine was too loud; Marvin just shrugged and shouted something about lunch later in Soufriere.

The coastline unspooled slowly — fishing villages with kids waving from battered piers, then suddenly those Pitons just rising up out of nowhere. I’d seen photos but they’re stranger in person, like two green teeth biting into the sky. Our guide pointed out Gros Piton and told us how locals hike it (I’m not sure I’d make it halfway). When we stopped near Anse Chastanet Beach for snorkeling, the water was cooler than I thought, all shimmery with little silver fish darting around my ankles. My mask kept fogging up but nobody seemed to care — even Marvin laughed when I surfaced sputtering.

After that we docked in Soufriere and hopped into a van for the mud baths at Sulphur Springs Park. The smell hit first — rotten eggs times ten — but everyone just started joking about it. Smearing that grey mud on my arms felt weirdly good, kind of gritty and smooth at once. There were families from Canada next to us taking selfies with muddy faces; one kid slipped and got a cheer from everyone. Back on board later, someone passed around rum punch (stronger than expected) while we dried off in the sun.

I still think about that view leaving Soufriere — afternoon light making everything gold behind us, sea spray on my skin, feeling both tired and sort of wide awake at once. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Castries or Rodney Bay to Soufriere by private boat… well, don’t overthink it. Just go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — St Lucia boat tour to Soufriere

• Pick up from port or hotel dock
• Cruise down west coast of St Lucia
• Pass local fishing villages
• View Gros Piton from the water
• Optional visit to Sulphur Springs and Piton Waterfall
• Snorkel and swim near the Pitons
• Relax at Anse Chastanet Beach and Reef
• Visit one of the most beautiful Caribbean bays
• Return cruise to starting point

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this St Lucia boat tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if your hotel has a dock; otherwise pickup is from Rodney Bay Marina or Castries port.

Can I snorkel during the private boat charter?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided and there are stops for snorkeling near Anse Chastanet Beach and other sites by the Pitons.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts from Castries cruise ship port, Rodney Bay Marina, or selected hotels with docks.

How many people fit on each boat?

Each speedboat can take up to 10 people per charter.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No set lunch is included; however there are opportunities for food stops in Soufriere.

Are alcoholic drinks provided?

Yes, rum punch and beer are included onboard during your tour.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

Yes, cruise ship passengers can book; provide ship details when booking for pickup coordination.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near departure points.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or marina pickup (if your accommodation has a dock), bottled water and soda onboard, cold rum punch or beer served by your local crew, use of snorkeling gear at several beach stops near the Pitons and Anse Chastanet Reef, plus drop-off back at your starting point after sunset if you want to linger a bit longer on deck before heading home.