St. Lucia: Rum Distillery Tour with Tastings & Marigot Bay

Summary

Rum tasting at St. Lucia Distillers plus Castries Market views

You’ll feel the pulse of St. Lucia as you wander Castries Market’s lively stalls, gaze out from Morne Fortune, and taste your way through over 25 rums at St. Lucia Distillers with a local guide. Expect laughter over new flavors, stories behind each bottle, and slow drives past banana fields — all wrapped up in a day that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect from a rum tasting in St. Lucia — I just knew I wanted to see how it all worked, not just sip the end result. Our driver, Marcus, picked us up near Roseau with this easy smile and a playlist of old soca songs humming low in the background. The roads wound past banana fields so green they almost looked fake, and we slowed down by the Castries Market where women in bright headscarves waved bunches of spices at passing cars. I caught a whiff of nutmeg through the window — or maybe cinnamon? Hard to tell but it made me hungry for something sweet.

Morne Fortune was our first real stop — Marcus pointed out the Governor General’s house (it’s got this old colonial look, kind of stately but not showy), and you get these wild views over the harbor that don’t really fit into a photo. After that came Marigot Bay, which is one of those places you’ve seen on postcards but feels different when you’re actually there — quieter than I thought, with boats bobbing around and the air smelling faintly salty and green at the same time.

The main event was St. Lucia Distillers. Our guide inside was named Liann; she walked us through these big old machines that still smell like sugarcane syrup if you get close enough. She explained every step — honestly, I never realized how much goes into making rum before it hits your glass. The tasting part was… well, let’s just say there are more than 25 kinds and some are way stronger than others (I tried a coconut cream one that tasted like dessert). Liann laughed when I tried to pronounce “Chairman’s Reserve” with my mouth half-full — probably deserved it.

On the way back we passed more banana plantations and Marcus handed out cold Piton beers (only if you’re legal age). The sun was starting to dip behind the hills by then and everything felt slower somehow. I still think about that coconut cream rum sometimes — might have to go back for another bottle someday.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — St. Lucia rum tour and sightseeing

• Drive from Roseau to Castries Market
• Explore Castries Farmers Market
• View Castries harbor and Governor's residence
• Stop for photos at Marigot Bay
• Guided tour of St. Lucia Rum Distillery
• Taste various rums and rum creams
• Return to Roseau

Top questions

How long does the St. Lucia rum distillery tour take?

The tour is a day trip including stops at Castries Market, Morne Fortune, Marigot Bay, and St. Lucia Distillers; exact duration may vary but plan for several hours.

Is transportation included in the rum tasting tour?

Yes, private transportation with air-conditioning is included in your booking.

Can I buy rum at St. Lucia Distillers during the tour?

Yes, after your guided tasting you’ll have an opportunity to purchase your favorite rums directly from the distillery.

Are there any age restrictions for sampling rum?

You must be 18 years or older to participate in rum tastings or receive Piton beer during the tour.

Does this day trip include lunch?

No lunch is included; however bottled water is provided during your excursion.

What else do we see besides the distillery?

You’ll also visit Castries Market for local crafts and spices, enjoy panoramic views from Morne Fortune, and stop at Marigot Bay for photos.

Is this tour suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health; infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transport from Roseau or nearby hotels, entry fees for the full guided tour at St. Lucia Distillers with plenty of tastings (over 25 rums if you dare), bottled water throughout your trip, plus a cold Piton beer if you're over 18 before heading back past banana plantations toward home.