Rodney Bay
Go to Rodney Bay for a long sandy beach, a marina with restaurants and a walk to Fort Rodney on Pigeon Island.
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Rodney Bay is a bay and resort area on the northwest coast of St Lucia, close to the town of Gros Islet. The bay has a long sandy beach, a marina with boats and restaurants, and a cluster of hotels, shops and bars along its shore. The area suits travelers who want a beach base with places to eat and shop within walking distance.
Pigeon Island National Landmark sits at the northern edge of the bay. It is connected to the mainland by a causeway, and the ruins of Fort Rodney overlook the coast. Gros Islet holds a Friday night street party with food stalls and music. The drier months from December to May are the usual choice for beach trips. Two to three days covers the beach, Pigeon Island and a day trip elsewhere on the island.
Rodney Bay in five
- Book a transfer from Hewanorra airportHewanorra International Airport (UVF) is in the south, about 1.5 hours' drive from Rodney Bay. George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) near Castries is closer, but it handles fewer international routes.Getting around
- Carry East Caribbean dollars for taxisThe currency is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD). Taxis are not metered, so agree the fare before you get in and confirm whether it is one way or per trip.Money and costs
- Set up an eSIM before you flyThe two mobile operators are Digicel and FLOW. An eSIM or local SIM set up before you land lets you message your driver or check a restaurant without searching for Wi-Fi.Phones and eSIM
- Read your insurance for car hire and watersportsCheck the car hire excess and whether watersports are covered. Some policies exclude jet skis, snorkel tours and similar activities, so ask before you buy.Travel insurance
- Pick a room near the beach or marinaReduit Beach, the marina and the lagoon are spread out. A room within walking distance of one of them saves taxi fares for dinner trips.Where to stay
Things to do in Rodney Bay
See all attractions in Rodney Bay
Need to know
- Currency
- East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check your passport before you book
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Service charge often added; tip only if none is on the bill
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, peak season
- FebruaryDry, breezy
- MarchDry, warm
- AprilDry, warm, quieter
- MayShowers, warming
- JuneHurricane season starts
- JulyHot, wet season
- AugustHurricane peak
- SeptemberHurricane peak
- OctoberWet, storm risk
- NovemberShowers easing
- DecemberDry season returns
Right now in Rodney Bay
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
27
- Feels like
- 30°
- Humidity
- 85%
- Wind
- 19 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 73%
Rodney Bay
01:44 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today30°26°73%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 73%.
- Wed30°26°37%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 37%.
- Thu31°26°57%Thursday: Cloudy. High 31°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 57%.
- Fri31°25°73%Friday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 73%.
- Sat32°25°39%Saturday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Sun32°25°40%Sunday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 40%.
Updated 10:33 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 2.7 XCD
Rates from Nov 3, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Pigeon Islandabout 10 min by carA national landmark with old fort ruins and a hilltop walk over the bay.
- Castriesabout 20 min by carThe capital, with a central market and the cathedral; go in the morning.
- Soufrière and the Pitonsabout 1 to 1.5 hours by carTwin volcanic peaks above the south coast; the road is winding, so allow a full day.
Before you go to Rodney Bay
Rules for Rodney Bay, checked
- Check entry rules for your passport with the St Lucia government before you book, since some nationalities need a visa.
- Traffic drives on the left. Check the rental firm's licence and insurance terms before you collect a car.
- Taxis are not metered. Agree the fare before you get in, and confirm whether it is one way or per trip.
- Service charges are often added to restaurant bills. Check the bill before you add a tip.
Plan around Rodney Bay
Beach, marina and lagoon areas, with price notes for each.
Read the guideSt Lucia travel guideBeaches, the north coast and the drive south from Rodney Bay.
Read the guideMoney and costsCash for taxis and small shops, and where cards work.
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules and the documents to carry on arrival.
Read the guideGetting aroundTaxis, rental cars and airport transfers from Hewanorra.
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData options to set up before you fly.
Read the guideRodney Bay FAQ
How many days do you need in Rodney Bay?
Two to three days cover the beaches, the marina and a Friday night in Gros Islet. Add a day for Pigeon Island and a drive south to Soufrière.
Is Rodney Bay worth visiting?
Yes, for a beach stay with restaurants and a marina close by. It is a resort area rather than an old town, so go for beaches and food, not historic streets.
Where should I stay in Rodney Bay?
Near Reduit Beach or the marina for restaurants and walking. Book early for the dry season, from about December to May.
Do I need a car in Rodney Bay?
Not always. Taxis are easy to find around the marina, but they are not metered, and a car lets you reach Pigeon Island, Castries and the south at your own pace.
When is hurricane season in St Lucia?
The season runs from June to November, with the busiest months from August to October. Check the St Lucia meteorological office before you book rooms that cannot be refunded.
Can you visit Rodney Bay as a day trip from Soufrière?
Possible but tiring. The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way, so stay at least one night in Soufrière to see the Pitons without rushing.