Famed for its sun-kissed shores and the extraordinarily verdant landscapes, Saint Lucia impresses even more with its towering Pitons, the twin mountains that dominate the island, and the endless list with things ready to please all of your senses, including, of course, your sight. With so much to explore and see, Saint Lucia is, indeed, a welcoming land with amazing surprises to fulfil your heart’s deepest and biggest wishes when vacationing on a Caribbean island.
The Piton Mountains
Imposing is a word that could not even get close to how the twin volcanic cones seem. Rising from the Caribbean Sea, they are perhaps the most recognisable feature not only of Saint Lucia, but the entire West Indies. This natural wonder has also been declared a World Heritage Site and captivates visitors with a lush forest that is home to a profound number of rare plant species. The highest of the two peaks is Gros Piton (798 metres or 2,619 feet), offering incredible hiking adventures and stunning views of the island and the sea. The shorter, yet much steeper, Petit Piton (743 metres of 2,438 feet) is a climber’s challenge and offers a much more demanding hike, while also rewarding with spectacular vistas of Piton Bay and the coastline.
Tip: A boat tour on Piton Bay is an excellent way to view both mountains!
The Sulphur Springs
Soufrière wears two hats – it is both a scenic town in Saint Lucia and the place where one can drive to the only drive-in volcano in the entire Caribbean. With the stunning Piton Mountains as its backdrop, it is home to an exciting geothermal zone (active) called Sulphur Springs, which will allow you to get as close as you wish to the bubbling mud pool and the crevices on the ground that eject sulphurous steam. Like with the exploration of the Pitons, we suggest opting for a guided tour to the Sulphur Springs to learn exciting things, such as how volcanic actions have led to the formation of the Caribbean basin. Although the springs are not suitable for any kind of dipping due to their high temperatures, you can certainly enjoy a mud bath and rejuvenate yourself at the mud pools nearby.
Tet Paul Nature Trail
Nature lovers, history buffs, and trekking enthusiasts will probably love this trail. It is a 45-minute walk (again, kindly consider a guided tour to avoid getting lost), well-fitting beginners and rookie hikers alike, which will immerse you in fantastic terrains, and, at the same time, spoil you with panoramas of the Pitons, Jalousie Bay, and the islands of Saint Vincent and Martinique, right next door. And, as you walk the trail, you will feel more in line with how the first Saint Lucia settlers used to live (aka Amerindian people) as your guide explains more about the local history and gives information about things like the medicinal properties of the island’s exotic plants, among others.
Pigeon Island
It is a national landmark with a rich historical background and significance that connects with the mainland with a causeway. During the 16th century, the French pirates (the first European settlers of Saint Lucia) made Pigeon Island their watchtower as they were looking out for Spanish ships to pillage. But, that’s not what made Pigeon Island a popular local attraction. It seems to owe its growing popularity to a British garrison, namely Fort Rodley. To visit the fort (mainly the remains of the stone barracks and the bunkers), you simply take the walking trail on the site. There is even a small military museum to visit if you like. Or you could head to the two sugary shores on the southern coastline, which are regarded as among the finest in Saint Lucia.
Saint Lucia From Up Above
Of the things, one would expect the least to find in Saint Lucia is a cable car! However, it offers a unique and certainly thrilling way to get a close-up view of the rich natural habitat featuring canopy trees. The aerial tram uses 16 open-air gondolas that sit passengers comfortably and take them all the way to the high forest’s ecological park. Within the tramway, you will also find nature interpreters (usually assigned a few passengers each) who will identify the many birds (by either their plumage or calls), while pointing out the gaudy heliconia, giant ferns, and other native plants for you.
Bonus activity: You may also get a complete image of Saint Lucia’s natural beauties from many metres up in the sky via a helicopter tour, whose duration is up to you. In this case, expect a fascinating commentary from the pilot, who will be pointing out details like important historical facts, as well as premier island features, such as the offshore reefs, waterfalls, and villages.
The Botanical Gardens
When it was first established in the 18th century, the Soufriere Estate on the southwest side of Saint Lucia was home to around 2,000 acres of lush tropical forest and also represented a royal grant from Louis XIV of France to the Devaux clan. Today, although significantly smaller in size, it still amazes visitors just the same with the beautiful, huge orchids, the green ferns, the fiery red hibiscus, and the winding alleys that take you deep into the heart of figs, jasmine, and bamboo-covered areas. And, while on the site, do consider paying a visit to the roaring Diamond Falls and the hot pools of the spa area.
Other Things to See in Saint Lucia
- What locals eat and drink via a culinary tour that will introduce you to cocoa plantations, chocolate-making, “tree-to-bar” experiences, chocolate-tasting adventures, a visit to the Saint Lucia Rum Distillery, and more.
- The majesty of the aquatic world in Saint Lucia with scuba diving and snorkelling ventures at Anse Chastanet, Anse Cochon, and the Soufriere Marine Reserve, and be surrounded by all sorts of sea life, from leatherback turtles to eagle rays.
- Marigot Village on the western edge of Saint Lucia (between Canaries and Castries) for its elegant accommodation and fine dining opportunities.
- Rodney Bay Village with an 800-acre, man-made lagoon adorning a crescent-shaped bay, which is also an elite yachting marine. You will even find many resorts, great dining venues, and a lively, yet sophisticated, nightlife (the island’s only casino is right here).
Famed for its sun-kissed shores and the extraordinarily verdant landscapes, Saint Lucia impresses even more with its towering Pitons, the twin mountains that dominate the island, and the endless list with things ready to please all of your senses, including, of course, your sight. With so much to explore and see, Saint Lucia is, indeed, a welcoming land with amazing surprises to fulfil your heart’s deepest and biggest wishes when vacationing on a Caribbean island.
The Piton Mountains
Imposing is a word that could not even get close to how the twin volcanic cones seem. Rising from the Caribbean Sea, they are perhaps the most recognisable feature not only of Saint Lucia, but the entire West Indies. This natural wonder has also been declared a World Heritage Site and captivates visitors with a lush forest that is home to a profound number of rare plant species. The highest of the two peaks is Gros Piton (798 metres or 2,619 feet), offering incredible hiking adventures and stunning views of the island and the sea. The shorter, yet much steeper, Petit Piton (743 metres of 2,438 feet) is a climber’s challenge and offers a much more demanding hike, while also rewarding with spectacular vistas of Piton Bay and the coastline.
Tip: A boat tour on Piton Bay is an excellent way to view both mountains!
The Sulphur Springs
Soufrière wears two hats – it is both a scenic town in Saint Lucia and the place where one can drive to the only drive-in volcano in the entire Caribbean. With the stunning Piton Mountains as its backdrop, it is home to an exciting geothermal zone (active) called Sulphur Springs, which will allow you to get as close as you wish to the bubbling mud pool and the crevices on the ground that eject sulphurous steam. Like with the exploration of the Pitons, we suggest opting for a guided tour to the Sulphur Springs to learn exciting things, such as how volcanic actions have led to the formation of the Caribbean basin. Although the springs are not suitable for any kind of dipping due to their high temperatures, you can certainly enjoy a mud bath and rejuvenate yourself at the mud pools nearby.
Tet Paul Nature Trail
Nature lovers, history buffs, and trekking enthusiasts will probably love this trail. It is a 45-minute walk (again, kindly consider a guided tour to avoid getting lost), well-fitting beginners and rookie hikers alike, which will immerse you in fantastic terrains, and, at the same time, spoil you with panoramas of the Pitons, Jalousie Bay, and the islands of Saint Vincent and Martinique, right next door. And, as you walk the trail, you will feel more in line with how the first Saint Lucia settlers used to live (aka Amerindian people) as your guide explains more about the local history and gives information about things like the medicinal properties of the island’s exotic plants, among others.
Pigeon Island
It is a national landmark with a rich historical background and significance that connects with the mainland with a causeway. During the 16th century, the French pirates (the first European settlers of Saint Lucia) made Pigeon Island their watchtower as they were looking out for Spanish ships to pillage. But, that’s not what made Pigeon Island a popular local attraction. It seems to owe its growing popularity to a British garrison, namely Fort Rodley. To visit the fort (mainly the remains of the stone barracks and the bunkers), you simply take the walking trail on the site. There is even a small military museum to visit if you like. Or you could head to the two sugary shores on the southern coastline, which are regarded as among the finest in Saint Lucia.
Saint Lucia From Up Above
Of the things, one would expect the least to find in Saint Lucia is a cable car! However, it offers a unique and certainly thrilling way to get a close-up view of the rich natural habitat featuring canopy trees. The aerial tram uses 16 open-air gondolas that sit passengers comfortably and take them all the way to the high forest’s ecological park. Within the tramway, you will also find nature interpreters (usually assigned a few passengers each) who will identify the many birds (by either their plumage or calls), while pointing out the gaudy heliconia, giant ferns, and other native plants for you.
Bonus activity: You may also get a complete image of Saint Lucia’s natural beauties from many metres up in the sky via a helicopter tour, whose duration is up to you. In this case, expect a fascinating commentary from the pilot, who will be pointing out details like important historical facts, as well as premier island features, such as the offshore reefs, waterfalls, and villages.
The Botanical Gardens
When it was first established in the 18th century, the Soufriere Estate on the southwest side of Saint Lucia was home to around 2,000 acres of lush tropical forest and also represented a royal grant from Louis XIV of France to the Devaux clan. Today, although significantly smaller in size, it still amazes visitors just the same with the beautiful, huge orchids, the green ferns, the fiery red hibiscus, and the winding alleys that take you deep into the heart of figs, jasmine, and bamboo-covered areas. And, while on the site, do consider paying a visit to the roaring Diamond Falls and the hot pools of the spa area.
Other Things to See in Saint Lucia
- What locals eat and drink via a culinary tour that will introduce you to cocoa plantations, chocolate-making, “tree-to-bar” experiences, chocolate-tasting adventures, a visit to the Saint Lucia Rum Distillery, and more.
- The majesty of the aquatic world in Saint Lucia with scuba diving and snorkelling ventures at Anse Chastanet, Anse Cochon, and the Soufriere Marine Reserve, and be surrounded by all sorts of sea life, from leatherback turtles to eagle rays.
- Marigot Village on the western edge of Saint Lucia (between Canaries and Castries) for its elegant accommodation and fine dining opportunities.
- Rodney Bay Village with an 800-acre, man-made lagoon adorning a crescent-shaped bay, which is also an elite yachting marine. You will even find many resorts, great dining venues, and a lively, yet sophisticated, nightlife (the island’s only casino is right here).