ST LUCIA: HELEN OF THE WEST

The island of Saint Lucia entices visitors with geothermal activity,

stunning mountain views, lush rainforests, volcanic sand beaches, and

multi-hued coral reefs. It's a Caribbean island nation with a diverse

assortment of attractions, including the spectacular Pitons and a dormant

volcano that you can drive through. Healing sulphur springs, beautiful

sandy beaches, and deep rainforests with pathways leading tourists

through a rich forest of native plants and trees full of fauna and birds are

all available. The majority of the resorts are in the north, but you won't

truly know St. Lucia unless you've visited Soufrière, the original French

colonial capital, and seen the fascinating "drive-in volcano" meandered

through the brilliant botanical gardens, visited a historic plantation or two,

and seen the iconic Pitons from every angle. Swimming, sailing, dancing,

dining, hiking, biking, horseback riding, diving, snorkelling... are just a

few of the activities available in St. Lucia. The list is as long as your

personal passions.

1. Sail Along the Waterfront

The best method to go from the north to Soufrière, St. Lucia's amazing

natural features, is by boat. Catamaran trips to Soufrière Bay depart from

Rodney Bay Marina and Capella Marina in Marigot Bay.

The sailing trip includes stops at a drive-in volcano, a botanical park, and a

historic plantation for lunch. The Pitons are never far away. On the way back,

there's a snorkelling break and a brief cruise via Marigot Bay. 's a

"must-see" attraction.

2. National Park of Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island National Historic Park is a few kilometres from Calabash

Cove in Rodney Bay. This magnificent 40-acre islet and reserve was

previously a distinct island, but a small sandy causeway joined it to the

mainland in the 1970s.

Pigeon Island is the product of a dormant volcano that has been inactive

for a long time. It is cooled by nice northeast trade

breezes, is hilly, and receives a lot of rain, resulting in rich flora on the

hills' slopes.

3. Climb to the top of a Piton

The Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are one of St. Lucia's most

famous landmarks. The view from the summit of Gros Piton (2,619 feet)

is incredible, and the journey there is half the enjoyment.

It takes around two hours on average to reach the peak, which is more of a

trek than a "climb" You'll need Forestry Department approval and a guide to safely

navigate the trail while discussing some local history, geology, and plants.

4. Get a Boat Charter

Is sailing in the Caribbean on your bucket list? Beautiful skies, blue ocean,

sunlight, mild wind... The island's yachting hubs are Rodney Bay and

Marigot Bay. You may rent a sailboat (catamaran or monohull) or a

powerboat (monohull or catamaran) by the day, week, or month, with or

without a crew. Cruise along St. Lucia's beautiful coast and into its

enticing beaches and coves, or sail one-way or round-trip via the

surrounding Grenadines and on to Grenada.

5. Sulphur Springs Drive-In Volcano

The dormant Soufrière Volcano in St. Lucia is a stunning site that you can

drive right into. Sulphur Springs, a major tourist destination, is located on

the volcano. The stench of rotten eggs will hit you as you drive past the

crater, indicating the presence of sulphur in the water and boiling mud.

The last eruption occurred in the 18th century, and the volcano is now

deemed dormant, however, it does not appear to be dormant until you

approach very near to the crater and observe the steam rising from the

Earth.