Did you know that Laborie, a charming fishing village on St. Lucia’s southwest coast, produces some of the Caribbean’s finest cocoa? This hidden gem remains one of the island’s best-kept secrets, where fewer than 10% of St. Lucia’s visitors venture despite its authentic charm and breathtaking scenery. Unlike the more commercialized northern regions, Laborie offers a genuine glimpse into local life, with fishermen bringing in their daily catch as they have for generations, and where you’re more likely to chat with locals than other tourists.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Laborie is located approximately 20 km (12.4 miles) from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), St. Lucia’s main gateway for international flights. The drive takes about 25-30 minutes along the coastal road, offering stunning ocean views along the way.

Most major airlines offer flights to St. Lucia from North America and Europe. After landing, you have several options to reach Laborie:

• Taxi service directly from the airport (approximately $30-40 USD)
• Rental car for more flexibility during your stay
• Private shuttle arranged through your accommodation
• Public bus service (infrequent but very affordable at about $2 USD)

Best Time to Visit Laborie

Laborie enjoys a tropical climate year-round, but timing your visit can significantly impact your experience:

February to April offers the perfect balance of sunny days, comfortable temperatures, and reasonable prices after the peak holiday season ends. This period also coincides with Laborie’s fishing tournaments and local cultural events.

Getting Around Locally

Laborie’s compact size makes it ideal for exploration on foot. The village center, beach, and most attractions are within a 15-20 minute walk of each other. For venturing further:

• Walking: The safest and most immersive way to experience Laborie’s charm
• Local Minibuses: Colorful and affordable (1-3 EC$) but with unpredictable schedules
• Taxis: Available but limited in number; arrange through your accommodation
• Rental Cars: Recommended if you plan to explore beyond Laborie (remember to drive on the left)

Where to Stay in Laborie

Laborie offers authentic accommodations that provide a genuine St. Lucian experience rather than the all-inclusive resorts found elsewhere on the island:

Dining & Local Cuisine

Laborie’s culinary scene revolves around fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and authentic Creole cooking techniques passed down through generations:

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Grilled Mahi-Mahi: Caught daily and served with green fig (banana) and dasheen (taro)
• Lambi (Conch): Prepared in a spicy Creole sauce
• Accra: Salted cod fritters, a popular appetizer
• Cocoa Tea: A traditional breakfast drink made with local cocoa

Top Dining Spots

For an authentic experience, visit the Laborie Fish Market early in the morning to see fishermen bringing in their catch and purchase the freshest seafood if you’re self-catering.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Laborie Village Tour

Start with a leisurely walk through Laborie’s charming streets, where colorful wooden houses and friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss the 19th-century Catholic church that stands as the village’s centerpiece.

Rudy John Beach Park

This golden-sand beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming and stunning views of the village. Unlike northern beaches, you’ll likely have plenty of space to yourself, especially on weekdays.

Cocoa Plantation Tours

Visit nearby cocoa plantations to learn about St. Lucia’s renowned chocolate production. See how cocoa is grown, harvested, and processed using traditional methods, with opportunities for chocolate tasting.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Laborie Heritage House

This small museum showcases Laborie’s history through photographs, artifacts, and oral histories. Local guides offer fascinating insights into the village’s evolution from plantation economy to fishing community.

Annual Festivals

• Laborie Freedom Fête (June): Commemorates emancipation with music, dance, and historical reenactments
• Fisherman’s Feast (June 29): Honors St. Peter with boat blessings, seafood feasts, and community celebrations
• La Rose Festival (August): Traditional flower festival with colorful costumes, singing competitions, and street parades

Artisan Workshops

Several local artisans open their workshops to visitors, offering demonstrations of traditional crafts like basket weaving, wood carving, and pottery. Many offer hands-on experiences where you can create your own souvenir.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Water Activities

Laborie Bay offers excellent conditions for various water sports:

• Snorkeling: Explore the reef just offshore with diverse marine life
• Kayaking: Rent kayaks to explore the coastline and hidden coves
• Fishing Trips: Join local fishermen for an authentic experience

Hiking Opportunities

The hills surrounding Laborie offer several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels:

• Morne Le Blanc: A moderate 2-hour hike with panoramic views of Laborie Bay
• Saltibus Waterfall Trail: A challenging hike rewarded with a refreshing swimming spot

Nearby Natural Attractions

Within a 30-minute drive from Laborie, you can visit these natural wonders:

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Safety Tips

• Laborie is generally very safe, but take standard precautions with valuables
• Inform someone of your plans when hiking or exploring remote areas
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment
• Drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water

Local Etiquette

• Greet locals with a friendly “good morning/afternoon/evening” before starting a conversation
• Ask permission before taking photos of people or private property
• Dress modestly when visiting churches or walking through the village
• Learn a few basic Kwéyòl (local Creole) phrases to delight the locals

Cultural Insights

Laborie maintains strong connections to its African and French colonial heritage. The community values its fishing traditions, religious observances (primarily Catholic), and musical culture. Visitors who show genuine interest in local customs are warmly welcomed.

Visitor Comments About Laborie

Practical Travel Tips

Money Matters

• The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is the local currency (approximately 2.7 EC$ = 1 USD)
• US dollars are widely accepted, but you’ll get better value using EC$
• There’s one ATM in Laborie village; withdraw cash before arriving if possible
• Most small establishments don’t accept credit cards

Communication

• English is the official language, though many locals also speak Kwéyòl (French Creole)
• Local SIM cards are available at the airport for affordable data
• WiFi is available at most accommodations but can be spotty

Packing Essentials

• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent
• Hiking shoes for nature trails
• Reusable water bottle
• Small waterproof bag for beach days

Cruise Options to St. Lucia

Several major cruise lines include St. Lucia in their Caribbean itineraries. While most dock in Castries (the capital) in the north, some smaller luxury cruises anchor near Soufrière, making a day trip to Laborie feasible. Consider booking a private tour from your cruise ship to experience Laborie’s authentic charm.

Embrace the Authentic Caribbean Spirit

Laborie represents St. Lucia at its most authentic—where daily life unfolds at a gentle pace, natural beauty remains unspoiled, and visitors are welcomed as friends rather than tourists. While the luxury resorts of the north offer polished experiences, Laborie provides something more valuable: genuine connections with a place and its people. Whether you’re watching the sunset paint the bay in golden hues, learning traditional fishing techniques from village elders, or simply savoring fresh-caught seafood with your feet in the sand, Laborie offers the kind of travel memories that last a lifetime. This hidden corner of St. Lucia isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that reminds us why we travel in the first place.