Other Attractions
Fishing Village of Anse La Ray
Visit the traditional
fishing village of Anse La Ray (Onse la-Rae), where you can explore the waterfront with
its quaint wooden houses, colorful fishing boats and perhaps see
bread-making in a traditional bakery. Walk around Anse La Ray (Beach of the
Ray) waterfront to view the hand-crafted fishing canoes painted in bright
primary colors and the various fishing nets and traps used in these waters.
In town, stroll past traditional Caribbean homes with lawns outlined in
conch shells, past the large Roman Catholic church, and make a stop in the
authentic Creole bakery for a treat. Head inland to visit a beautiful
waterfall set in enchanting tropical tranquility
DES CARTIES RAINFOREST
Experience a botanical paradise. Explore St. Lucia’s
most hidden lush rainforest and the possibility of seeing the rare St. Lucia
Parrot (Jacquot).
Trek
through the ultimate rainforest and view the wonderful verdant forest,
discover many of St. Lucia’s endemic wildlife as you walk this two
kilometers trail. It takes one and a half hours from Castries to get to this
reserve. This is a full day tour.
BALENBOUCHE ESTATE
Balenbouche Estate is a working plantation and guesthouse set in a
fascinating natural and historical landscape. The estate's rich history is
felt in every corner of the property, from ancient Amerindian
artifacts to the remains of an impressive 18th century sugar mill. The
grounds provide a mix of natural vegetation and botanical gardens, shaded by
ancient banyan, flamboyant and mango trees. Visitors can explore the site on
their own via several trails leading to the Balenbouche river and beaches,
or go on a guided tour usually conducted by a family member. Everyone who
has been to Balenbouche agrees that it is a place of exceptional
authenticity, tranquility and beauty.
THE
ENBAS SAUT FALLS TRAIL
The hilly terrain of Piton Canarie, Piton Troumasse and Mount Gimie stands
predominant not too far from the trail. Enbas Saut when translated to
English means "below the falls." Thus the trail is most famous for its two
cascading waterfalls and pools at the head of the Troumasse river. The trek
is rated moderate to strenuous.
ANSE CHASTANET OR ANSE COCHON
Enbas Saut Waterfall Anse Chastanet for snorkeling
Those interested in snorkeling should head to Anse Chastanet (pronounced: Onse Chast Knee) or Anse Cochon to explore spectacular reefs, colorful marine life and -- at Anse Cochon -- an old sunken ship.
CASTRIES HERITAGE WALK
The historic buildings of Castries come alive as well-informed tour guides
take you on a walk through the architectural history of this old colonial
island city, while--at the same time, you witness the spirit and life of the
modern Caribbean. Much of the town itself is very modern, as it had to
be rebuilt after two fires. The oldest remaining part is the "Hill of Good
Luck," or the Morne Fortune Historic area, which offers the best views.
You'll also find the 18th century, historic military buildings of Fort
Charlotte here. Also worth a look, is the Cathedral of the Immaculate
Conception, and Columbus Square, in the centre of town, with its lovely 19th
century buildings. Castries also has a picturesque harbour area.
BARRE
DE L’ISLE TRAIL
Barre de L’isle Forest Reserve gets its name from the fact that it is a
ridge that divides the Eastern and Western halves of St. Lucia. It takes
approximately one hour to walk this one mile trail and another hour to climb
Mt. La Combe ridge.
The Barre de L’isle trail provides panoramic views of
certain parts of the island from four lookout points along the trail.
Observe the mystic view of the ragged Mount Gimie and the blue green
mountain rainforest from a distance. One can see Cul-de-Sac valley and the
Caribbean Sea from a vantage point, and a commanding view of the community
of Aux Leon, viewing the expansive Mabouya Valley and Fond d’Or beach on the
Atlantic coast.
RAIN FOREST SKY RIDES
At the Highest point, guests will be treated to breathtaking views of the
Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean sea.
The Rain Forest Sky Rides' gondolas safely glide through and over the
treetops, where knotted, twisting woody vines wind to the tops of old-growth
rainforest trees. Rain Forest Sky Rides offers a 75-minute tour on an aerial
tram that climbs to 2,000 feet above sea level. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10
am-2 pm, Sunday 10 am-3 pm. US$72 adults, US$62 children ages 3-12. Rodney
Heights, Gros Islet, St. Lucia. Phone:458-5151/Toll-free:866-759-8726.
http://www.rainforestaerialtrams.com.
MOULE a CHIQUE LIGHTHOUSE
Vieux Fort, at
the southernmost point of St. Lucia, is one of the island's oldest
settlements and the site of
its newest airport, Hewanorra. The airport's name, by the way, was an Indian
name for the island. It means "land where the iguana is found." In
Vieux Fort, an industrial center, you'll find a hodgepodge of French
colonial architecture and modern concrete block houses. The main attractions
here are the beaches, miles of white sand and palm trees.
The lighthouse at Moule a Chique is 730 ft above sea
level and looks across the water to St. Vincent, just 21 miles away. From
this vantage point you can see where the Caribbean's distinct blue-green
waters mix with the darker-hued currents of the Atlantic.
MORNE COUBARIL ESTATE
This working estate, growing cocoa,
coconuts and manioc, is open to tourists who want to see traditional
agriculture methods or ride horses around the 250 acre property.
Guides show how coconuts are opened, roasted and
sent off to be made into margarine, soaps, oil and animal feed. Cocoa is
fermented, dried on racks in the sun, oiled, polished by a man dancing on
them, crushed and then formed into chocolate sticks. Manioc roots are
grated, squeezed of excess water, dried over a fire and turned into farina
and tapioca pudding also called kassava.
The estate also serves local cuisine at its
600-seat restaurant, The Pitt, for which reservations are required before 9
a.m.
While the concession of this tract of land
was made in 1713 by Louis XIV of France, it wasn't until 1742 that the owner
started working the estate. Though the original grant was subsequently split
among heirs, this plantation remained in the same family until 1960. In
about 1762, the owner as head of the local militia, built a fort on this
land overlooking Soufrière bay to protect this village. A cannon still
remains on this estate.
Over the years, crops switched to whatever was
economical at the time: cotton, coffee, sugar cane, though cocoa has been
grown from start to present.
SOUFRIERE
The area in and around the 18th-century city of Soufriere is one of the loveliest parts of the island. Located in the shadow of the Pitons, Soufriere was once the capital of St. Lucia back when it was a French colony, and today its colorful buildings with gingerbread trim still hold plenty of historic charm. This is home to the Soufriere Drive-In Volcano, where you can get up close and personal with a collection of multicolored sulfur pools -- an extraordinary sight, but be prepared for the stench!
Description: Mount Soufriere is billed as "the world's only drive-in volcano." Still technically considered an active volcano, it actually emits gases rather than ash and lava. Guests can drive up to the volcano's crater, then walk among bubbling sulphur pools.
Volcano
DIAMOND BOTANICAL GARDENS AND WATERFALL
A more fragrant option near Soufriere is the Diamond Botanical Gardens & Waterfall, where you can stroll through acres of lush flowering plants and trees and even go swimming in one of the mineral baths near Diamond Waterfall. Originally built by King Louis XVI of France, the estate is now owned by the descendents of its 18th-century owners. Bushes and shrubs bursting with brilliant flowers grow beneath towering trees and line pathways that lead to a natural gorge.
A peaceful walk through the beautiful Diamond Botanical Garden
Its bountiful fruits, vegetables are displayed and a wide assortment of flowers, plants and trees are everywhere
Water bubbling to the surface from
underground sulfur springs streams downhill in rivulets to become Diamond
Waterfall, deep within the botanical gardens. Through the centuries, the
rocks over which the cascade spills have become encrusted with minerals and
tinted yellow, green, and purple. Adjacent to the falls, curative mineral
baths are fed by the underground springs. For a small fee you can slip into
your swimsuit and bathe for 30 minutes in one of the outside pools; a
private bath costs slightly more. Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
Sundays and holidays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Our guide, Solonge Garden path in the Botanical Garden and forest
Deep within the botanical gardens is the Diamond Waterfall. Over the centuries, the rocks over which the sulphur water cascade have become encrusted with minerals and tinted yellow, green, and purple.
Songe explains how spices are obtained from the fruits.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
It is not possible to see the entire island in one day because of the very narrow and curvy roads and slow driving conditions, so you will have to make a choice as to what you want to see. The volcano, waterfall, and botanical gardens (all typical tour stops) are featured on most of the tours. Since they are all on the south end of the island, you will spend a lot of time driving to and from them; an important reason to choose a good tour guide.
Best for First-Timers:
Take an island highlights tour. Likely stops include the Soufriere
Drive-In Volcano and Diamond Botanical Gardens & Waterfall, with pauses for
photos at Morne Fortune and Marigot Bay.
Best for Photographers:
Take a catamaran cruise to Soufriere. You'll get plenty of Kodak moments as
you sail along St. Lucia's lush green coastline down to the dramatic twin
Pitons. The sail might be combined with a bus trip to Soufriere's drive-in
volcano, or a swimming stop in Marigot Bay.
Best for Nature Adventurers:
Take a guided walk through the rain forest to one of St. Lucia's
many waterfalls. Pack sturdy shoes that you won't mind getting wet, as you
may have a chance for a quick, cool swim.
ALERT!!!
Driving on your own on the island is treacherous. There are no speed limits or straight roads. The locals drive on the left side and very fast. More challenges; the roads are very twisty, windy, with many blind curves and steep drop-offs.
Be aware of pick pockets and theft. On any beach keep an eye on our things while you swim. There are a lot of local vendors walking up and down the beach trying to sell you trinkets. It’s a poor island so theft happens if the opportunity arises. Tip: The cruise ships always provide you beach towels for beach excursions. Try to look for similar ship towels on the beach and ask fellow cruisers to keep an eye out for your belongings as you swim. Hopefully, you have a bathing suit with zippered pockets. A good zip-lock will keep your drivers license, credit card, sail and sign card and cash safe in the bag zipped in the bathing suit.
When snorkeling at Anse Chasnet marine park or at any beach, be aware of occasional encounters with riptides and jellyfish. Be prepared: take the proper first aid remedies with you, and know how to swim against the riptides.
RECOMMENDATION: Check before you go for an up-dated report on crime in the area! The following link will take you to the U.S. Department of State Travel site so you can check out any destination country that you are traveling to. Click on the government site below:
On the left side of the site click on: Travel Warnings
Next, click on Country specific Information scroll to you destination country via alphabetical letters and check on the Crime site.
CAVEATS and WARNINGS
Crime, including robbery does occur and is rising in St. Lucia. Violent crime is often connected to narcotics trafficking. Petty crime also occurs, with tourists being targeted often. Please know that no one is going to protect you-- except yourself. So please be vigilant and make common-sense decisions to make your trip safer by following the guidelines below:
1. Both men and women: use a fanny pack that you can strap around your middle--(pouch on your stomach)...and your shirt, blouse, or jacket pulled over the strap in the back. Keep only your money and plastic, a cell phone, camera (if you carry one) and sunglasses and in it. Women: maybe add a tube of lipstick. That's it! If someone assaults you--give them the fanny pack.
2. Leave your birth certificates, passports any other important papers (or extra money) in the safe in your cabin.
3. Avoid isolated places: beaches, streets, and inactive areas. Especially, late at night but also during the day. Be wary of any characters looking to "help" you.
4. Always travel in numbers--even in broad daylight! A couple is not safe as there have been many masked robberies on buses, taxis and the like where all the passengers have been robbed by knife and gunpoint. Resorts that visitors have stayed at have even been broken into while they slept!
5. If you rent a car be aware that you are very much a potential victim. Read the blogs about rental cars and trunks being jimmied open. You are responsible for the damage. Read carefully your rental car contract. Some say to remove all valuables and leave the car unlocked. This might be wise, if you have to pay for damaged autos. Also, if you rent a car make sure you get a car without an "R" on the rental plates. This gives you away as a tourist.
6 Always drive with your windows up!
7. Do NOT wear jewelry or expensive watches where they can be noticed--and you can be followed!
8. Do not leave your drink unattended in bar or restaurant. (Date-rape drugs are prevalent in all of the islands)
I hope that this web-tour of St. Lucia was able to provide you with a sneak peak of all the wonderful things you can expect to experience when you visit. Hopefully, it will help you decide on an itinerary for your particular day ashore.
Please feel free to send me feedback (click here) to this site --or the rest of my sites, i.e.; things I should change; things I should add. I certainly would appreciate your input and suggestions. Thanks! Sunny
BE VIGILANT AND SAFE TO ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL VACATION IN ST. LUCIA. IT IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL ISLAND..
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