During two decades of exploring the Caribbean, I’ve found St. Lucia’s safari offerings surprisingly robust. Three tours stand out: For wildlife enthusiasts, the Private Premium Whale and Dolphin Safari delivers consistently with its impressive 85% sighting success rate. Nature lovers will appreciate the Triple Adventure Jeep Safari, which combines rugged exploration with stunning waterfall visits. The Full Day Cape Vidal tour earns my vote for best overall experience, masterfully blending wildlife viewing with snorkeling opportunities.
What makes these tours special is their no-nonsense approach to authentic island exploration. Skip the tourist traps – you’ll find the real St. Lucia on these carefully selected excursions.
Let’s look at the finest safari experiences St. Lucia has to offer.
Good To Know
- The Private Premium Whale and Dolphin Safari offers an 85% sighting rate for whales and dolphins, with convenient pier pick-up and drop-off.
- The Triple Adventure – Jeep Safari provides an exhilarating half-day excursion along St. Lucia’s east coast, featuring rainforest exploration, ziplining, and waterfall hiking.
- The Full Day Cape Vidal, iSimangaliso Wetland Safari is a highly-rated tour with a 100% recommendation rate, offering wildlife viewing and snorkeling experiences.
- The Full-Day Family Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park Safari Experience is a family-friendly safari with a full-day tour, child-friendly lunch, and a 5-star rating.
- The Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Night Drive Safari is an evening exploration of the wetland park, operated by Heritage Tours & Safaris and priced from €40.41 per person.
Private Premium Whale and Dolphin Safari St Lucia
Hackshaws Boats’ Private Premium Whale and Dolphin Safari in St. Lucia offers an exceptional wildlife watching experience.
With an impressive 85% sighting rate, passengers can expect to spot sperm, pilot, and humpback whales, as well as dolphins, during the cruise.
The tour includes convenient pier pick-up and drop-off, complimentary refreshments, and a professional guide.
Catering to a maximum of 14 travelers, the experience ensures a personalized and comfortable outing.
Importantly, Hackshaws Boats prioritizes passenger health and safety, regularly sanitizing the boat and equipment.
While some customers noted minor issues, the majority praised the crew’s efforts and the overall quality of the tour.
Read our full review: Private Premium Whale and Dolphin Safari St Lucia Review
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Triple Adventure – Jeep Safari
The Triple Adventure – Jeep Safari offers adventurous travelers an exhilarating half-day excursion along St. Lucia’s east coast.
Highlights include exploring rainforests, ziplining through the Treetop Adventure Park, and hiking to the Errard Waterfall for a refreshing swim.
Guests can expect a moderately challenging physical experience, with a minimum age of 8 and weight limit of 250 lbs.
The tour includes complimentary beverages, live commentary, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 17 reviewers, this tour is a must-do for those seeking an adrenaline-packed adventure in St. Lucia.
Free cancellation and rescheduling are available up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Triple Adventure – Jeep Safari Review
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Full Day Cape Vidal, Isimangaliso Wetland Safari
Embarking on the Full Day Cape Vidal, iSimangaliso Wetland Safari offers travelers an immersive journey into South Africa’s captivating wilderness.
This highly-rated tour, recommended by 100% of past participants, promises an unforgettable adventure. Guests will explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, spotting diverse wildlife like chameleons, elephants, hyenas, leopards, and zebras.
The experience also includes snorkeling in an area teeming with over 50 species of fish and an authentic African “braai” (barbecue) lunch.
With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour and convenient hotel pickups, this safari delivers an intimate and personalized experience.
Priced from $76.85 per person, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee and flexible cancellation policy, making it an attractive option for nature enthusiasts.
Read our full review: Full Day Cape Vidal, Isimangaliso Wetland Safari Review
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Full-Day Family Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park Safari Experience
This family-friendly safari experience in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park offers travelers an up-close encounter with South Africa’s diverse wildlife.
Priced from $92.51 per person, the full-day tour includes breakfast, snacks, and a child-friendly lunch.
Pickup is available from accommodation in St Lucia or Mtubatuba, with an alternative meeting point at the Nyalazi Gate.
The private tour lasts the entire day, with a 6 AM start time. Guests can enjoy a children’s activity pack and private transportation throughout the experience.
With a 5-star rating from all 7 reviews, this safari is a top choice for families looking to explore Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.
Read our full review: Full-Day Family Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park Safari Experience Review
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Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Night Drive Safari
At 8:00 PM, travelers embark on an immersive night drive safari through the diverse landscapes of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
The tour, operated by Heritage Tours & Safaris, provides a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Priced from €40.41 per person, the safari accommodates up to 27 guests and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While the experience has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with 93% of travelers recommending it, one visitor expressed disappointment about the tour’s direction and wildlife variety.
The night drive safari offers a captivating adventure for those seeking to explore South Africa’s natural wonders after dark.
Read our full review: Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Night Drive Safari Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on a Safari in St Lucia?
The best time of year to go on a safari in St Lucia is typically during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During this period, wildlife sightings are more frequent and the weather is generally more pleasant.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Safari Tours?
Most safari tours in St. Lucia don’t have age restrictions, but it’s best to check with the tour operator. They can advise on the suitability of the experience for children and provide any necessary safety information.
What Kind of Wildlife Can I Expect to See on the Safaris?
Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife on St. Lucia’s safari tours, including monkeys, birds, lizards, and occasionally snakes. The specific animals spotted may vary depending on the tour route and time of day.
Do the Safari Tours Provide Any Equipment or Gear for the Participants?
Most safari tours provide participants with essential gear like binoculars, rain ponchos, and water bottles to enhance the wildlife viewing experience. This equipment helps ensure guests are well-prepared and comfortable throughout the safari.
Are There Any Safety Precautions That I Should Be Aware of Before the Safari?
Before the safari, participants should be aware of safety precautions like wearing comfortable shoes, applying sunscreen, and following the guide’s instructions. The tour company will provide necessary safety gear and equipment to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
The Sum Up
St Lucia offers a variety of safari tours that cater to different interests. From whale and dolphin safaris to jeep adventures and wetland park excursions, visitors can explore the island’s diverse wildlife and natural landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a private premium experience or a family-friendly outing, there’s a safari tour in St Lucia that’s sure to pique your curiosity and create lasting memories.