The verdict on Marigot Bay
- Who it suitsTravellers who prize a serene, photogenic setting and a calm waterside lunch over a long stretch of sand to stretch out on.
- Best spotThe slim La Bas beach across the water, reached by the short ferry, with the calm bay in front and palms behind.
- One thing to knowThis is a scene and a swim rather than a big beach day, so set your expectations to a serene half day and a long lunch.
Published 9 February 2026. Last reviewed 9 May 2026
Marigot Bay is the place I send people who want to be charmed rather than to sunbathe. It is a deep, sheltered inlet on the west coast, a famous hurricane hole ringed by steep green hills and a forest of yacht masts, and it is fairly called one of the prettiest small bays in the Caribbean. The beach itself, a slim palm backed strip called La Bas, sits across the water and is reached by a short, cheap ferry that is half the pleasure of the visit.
The quiet luxury here is calm and the view. The water in the bay is glassy and protected, the swimming is gentle, and the scene from a waterside table, with yachts swinging at anchor and the hills falling to the water, is hard to beat for a long lunch. Doolittle's at the Marigot Beach Club and the colourful Roots Bar give you feet in the sand options on the La Bas side, and the whole thing has the feel of a film set, which it has occasionally been.
The honest catch is that the beach is small. If you arrive expecting a broad sweep of sand you will be underwhelmed, because the appeal here is the setting and the serenity, not the size of the shore. Treat it as a serene photogenic half day, take the ferry across, swim in the calm water and settle in for a waterside meal, and Marigot Bay rewards you handsomely.
Come to Marigot Bay for the scene, the calm swim and the lunch. For a fine dive cove just down the coast try Anse Cochon, for the easiest serviced beach day see Reduit Beach, and for the showpiece setting between the Pitons visit Sugar Beach. To book a waterside table or a daybed, use our St Lucia beach clubs directory, and for the full ranking see the best beaches in St Lucia.
Bars and clubs on Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is a small waterside beach ringed by bars and resorts rather than a strip of minimum spend clubs, and we never invent venues, prices or status. Menus and any minimum vary by venue and season, so anything we cannot confirm we list as to be confirmed. For the full picture, use the St Lucia beach clubs directory.
Photo: Aldric Edward via GoogleDoolittle's
The waterside indoor outdoor bar and restaurant at the Marigot Beach Club on the La Bas side, reached by the small ferry, with yacht views across the bay. Reserve ahead for dinner, with menus and any minimum confirmed with the venue.
Photo: Mark G via GoogleRoots Bar
A colourful wooden rum shack on the La Bas sand, with cold beers, a relaxed feel and feet in the sand seating. Walk in for an easy afternoon, with any food and minimum best confirmed with the venue.
Marigot Bay, St Lucia
Marigot Bay sits on the west coast roughly midway between Castries and Soufriere, about twenty to thirty minutes by car or taxi from the Rodney Bay area along the coast road. You arrive on the north side of the inlet, where the marina, shops and restaurants cluster, and from there the small ferry shuttles across to the La Bas beach in a couple of minutes.
The ferry is inexpensive and runs through the day, so the beach is easy to reach without a boat of your own. Bring sun cover, water and reef safe products, mind the boat traffic in the busy bay and treat the calm of the sheltered water as typical rather than guaranteed, as there is no reliable lifeguard.
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Marigot Bay FAQ
How do you get to the beach at Marigot Bay?
La Bas beach sits across the water on the south side of the bay and is reached by a short, inexpensive ferry from the north side, where the marina and restaurants are. The ferry runs through the day and the crossing takes only a couple of minutes.
Is Marigot Bay good for swimming?
Yes, for a gentle swim. The bay is a sheltered hurricane hole with very calm, protected water, so it is easy and pleasant, though there is boat traffic to mind. There is no permanent lifeguard, so swim within your depth and treat the calm as typical rather than guaranteed.
Is the beach at Marigot Bay big?
No. La Bas is a slim, palm backed strip rather than a broad sweep of sand. The appeal of Marigot Bay is the serene setting, the calm water and the waterside dining rather than the size of the beach, so set your expectations to a photogenic half day.
Where can you eat at Marigot Bay?
Waterside bars, restaurants and resorts ring the bay. On the La Bas beach side, Doolittle's at the Marigot Beach Club offers indoor outdoor dining with yacht views, and the colourful Roots Bar is the casual rum shack on the sand. Reserve ahead for busy evenings.
When is the best time to visit Marigot Bay?
The drier months from December to May bring the calmest, prettiest days, and a morning or a long lunch visit shows the bay at its best. The sheltered water stays pleasant across the year, and the ferry makes the beach easy to reach any day.