Both St Lucia and Antigua are located in the Caribbean Sea but St Lucia is slightly larger and therefore takes more time to travel around. However, the beaches are Antigua are plenty and come with white sand but some of the beaches in St Lucia are black because of the volcanism nearby. You get to experience more activities in St Lucia and it is also relatively more affordable. But Antigua offers a more vibrant nightlife.
To get a more detailed idea of St Lucia vs. Antigua, let’s get started.
St Lucia vs. Antigua: Quick Comparison
Let’s make a quick comparison between St Lucia and Antigua.
| Factors | St Lucia | Antigua |
| Overall Vibe | Volcanic and more greenery | Typical Caribbean with beaches |
| Transportation | Taxi, Car rental | Taxi, Car rental |
| Accommodation | Hotels for different budget | Hotels for different budget |
| Beaches | 20 beaches some of them with black sand | 365 beaches all of them with white sand [Both Antigua and Barbuda] |
| Activities | Snorkeling, Scuba Diving | Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Swimming with Stingray |
| Excursion | Beaches, Rainforest, Hiking | Beaches, Rainforest |
| Food | West African, French, Indian, and British influence | West African and British influence |
| Pricing [per person per day] | $212 | $353 |
St Lucia vs. Antigua: Detailed Comparison
Now, let’s dive into the detailed comparison between St Lucia and Antigua.
Overall Vibe
Antigua offers the typical Caribbean vibe with its options for beaches whereas St Lucia is more lush and offers a typical green volcanic island experience.
Both St Lucia and Antigua are located in the Caribbean Sea and only about 3 and a half hours of flight time away from Florida.
Antigua is part of the twin islands Antigua and Barbuda and is the southern island. Whereas St Lucia is just a single major island nation.
Although both the island nations are exciting places for their beaches, culture, and food options, there is one distinction between the two.
Antigua’s topography is mostly flat and therefore comes with the typical Caribbean landscape of being arid with a coastal area.
On the contrary, St Lucia is distinctive because of the volcanic presence on the island and the surrounding dense rainforest and waterfalls.
Transportation
In Saint Lucia, the island’s larger size can lead to longer travel times, especially on the winding roads of the mountainous south. The journey from Gros Islet in the north to Vieux Fort in the south takes approximately 1.5 hours.
In contrast, Antigua’s smaller size ensures that no destination is more than 45 minutes away. Taxis double as tour guides and are a convenient option.
Car rentals are available but require an Antiguan driving permit whereas in St Lucia you will get a temporary driving license from the rental agency.
Accommodation
St Lucia has more hotels for you to stay in than Antigua. However, both of the countries offer plenty of options to choose from.
The table below shows some of the great options for you to try between St Lucia and Antigua. Here the distinction is based on whether you are traveling alone or with a group, and your budget.
| Traveler Type | St Lucia | Antigua |
| Solo Traveler, Couple in Budget | Zamaca Bed and Breakfast | Tropical Garden Cottage |
| Family in Budget | Tet Rouge Resort, The Landings | Siboney Beach Club, The Verandah |
| Travelers looking for luxury | Cap Maison Resort and Spa, Anse Chastanet | Carlisle Bay, Jumby Bay |
Keep in mind that this is not an exclusive list, there are obviously more places to stay. But make sure to make a decision based on your choices.
Bonus: For a complete Caribbean vacation, find out which one is better between Riu Tropical Bay and Riu Negril.
Beaches
Antigua due to its geography comes with more beaches and has white sandy beaches. St Lucia has fewer beaches, and although it has white sandy beaches, due to the nearby volcanism it also has black sand beaches.
Antigua boasts powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters across its public beaches. Dickenson Bay is a prime choice with water sports and nearby amenities. Fort James Beach offers tranquility and natural beauty.
Pigeon Point Beach, located in English Harbour, is secluded and ideal for snorkeling. Ffryes Beach, while quieter, has rougher waters.
Saint Lucia’s beaches, though fewer than Antigua, feature stunning landscapes. Reduit Beach, in the north, is popular and well-maintained, with spectacular sunsets. Anse Chastanet in Soufriere offers serenity and scuba diving opportunities with views of the Pitons.
Anse des Pitons boasts a remarkable coral reef, calm waters, and stunning Piton views. Pigeon Island Beach near the Pigeon Island National Park is excellent for snorkeling and hiking.
Activities
Both St Lucia and Antigua offer options for you to do snorkeling and scuba diving. However, in Antigua, you get the unique experience of swimming with the stingrays, which is not something available in St Lucia.
Antigua is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Snorkeling and scuba diving reveal stunning coral reefs, with notable sites like Deep Bay, Galleon Beach, Cades Reef, and Prickly Pear Island.
Whereas, in St Lucia snorkeling and scuba diving in the island’s clear waters are popular, with top spots like Anse Chastanet, Rodney Bay, Anse Des Pitons, and Pigeon Island.
Bonus: Find out what to choose between Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta.
Excursion
Antigua offers diverse attractions beyond its beautiful beaches. Historic Nelson’s Dockyard immerses visitors in its maritime heritage. Devil’s Bridge, a natural wonder, boasts stunning rock formations.
As a thrill-seeker, you can zip-line through the Antiguan Rainforest. The island is renowned for allowing kids to swim with stingrays, a unique Caribbean experience.
St. Lucia, a paradise for adventurers, features mountainous landscapes and hiking trails, including the iconic Piton Mountains.
if you are a waterfall enthusiast, visit Toraille Waterfall, Diamond Falls, and Piton Falls. Don’t miss the ‘drive-in volcano’ experience.
Apart from that, you can learn about the chocolate manufacturing process and sample them at Morne Coubrail and Fond Doux Plantations.
Food
While both islands offer fine dining, St. Lucia boasts a more varied restaurant scene and high-end options, thanks to its lush rainforest producing fresh produce.
Antigua’s dining scene is a fusion of international flavors, reflecting its history of British colonialism. Restaurants serve Indian curries, Chinese dumplings, and traditional Antiguan dishes like conch and Johnny cakes. Seafood, including lobster, is popular.
St. Lucia offers a blend of African, French, and Indian spices with British influence. Seafood, particularly lobster, is a highlight. Try unique dishes like baked plantains, green figs, saltfish, or breadfruit.
Nightlife
Antigua features laidback clubs, open-air beachside bars, and late-night restaurants, with spots like Cloggy’s and Mainbrace Pub in English Harbour.
Saint Lucia’s nightlife is varied, from street parties in Gros Islet to outdoor clubs in Rodney Bay. Verve in Rodney Bay is a popular outdoor club. Whether it’s dancing, live music, or karaoke, Saint Lucia has a vibrant nightlife scene.
Pricing
St Lucia is relatively budget-friendly compared to Antigua. Both St Lucia and Antigua use the East Caribbean Dollar, but you can also use US Dollars in both countries.
The average daily cost for a person living in Antigua is $353 and in St Lucia, it is $212, which is significantly less. This can also be observed if you travel in pairs or a large group. So, St Lucia is more budget-friendly than Antigua.
Which One to Choose Between St Lucia and Antigua?
Between St Lucia and Antigua, if you want to get that Caribbean experience while being able to easily travel around the island then Antigua is a great place to try.
However, if you want to venture out of the beach activities and go hiking or immerse in activities like enjoying the waterfalls or singing karaoke at night, and witness the mix of French and Caribbean culture then St Lucia is the place to go.
Conclusion
In conclusion, St Lucia and Antigua are great spots to spend that Caribbean vacation. However, make sure to evaluate whether you are looking for a Caribbean beach-type experience or a unique lush greenery experience.
