Land Activities Water Activities

In addition to the wide variety of opportunities to hike, birdwatch, and tour St. Lucia’s outstanding natural attractions, the island is replete with a full range of recreational facilities. Visitors may enjoy the leisurely pleasures of touring the island by horse, chartering a yacht for an evening sail or day cruise, or relax with a round of golf amid St. Lucia’s entrancing natural beauty. For those who enjoy the thrill of more vigorous pursuits, there are plenty of places to windsurf, dive, water-ski, or play tennis or squash. There are also a number of activities more closely related to the traditional life of St. Lucia, including deep-sea fishing, weekly “jump-ups” at Gros Islet, and visits to the weekly market at Castries.

Land Activities

Not interested in lazing on the beach all day long day after day? St. Lucia is the right choice for your vacation. Organizations like the St. Lucia National Trust and the Department of Forestry offer a number of nature trails some more strenuous than others. In the mountainous rainforests of St. Lucia there are approximately 30 species of birds. You may be lucky to spot the rare and beautiful parrot, Jacquot.

Camping

St. Lucia recently opened its first campsite, Anse La Liberte for those really attuned to nature.

Hiking

Exploring the beauty of Saint Lucia’s majestic rain forest is a great way to relax and appreciate the island. A variety of natural trails lead hikers through the rain forest, to the top of Saint Lucia’s mountains, through old plantation grounds, along beaches, to Cactus Valley, to Pigeon Island and more. As visitors hike, they will see spectacular rain forest waterfalls, flora and local birds like the Saint Lucia Parrot, the Saint Lucia Oriole and the Saint Lucia Black Finch. Comfortable shoes are a must.

Hiking Trails

Eastern Nature Trail: This invigorating exploration along St Lucia’s Atlantic coastline – Start with the leisurely and exciting 3½ mile trek along the rugged and beautiful East Coast of St Lucia. Along the trail you should see several species of birds, three of which and endemic to St Lucia, as well as migratory birds, which include the magnificent Fregate bird and the Red Bill tropicbirds. After the hike, drive to Latille where one can indulge in a twenty-foot waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation and additional pools downstream. To book contact Heritage Tours.

Forestiere Tropical Forest Trail: This tour takes you into the heart of the St Lucian countryside to a typical rural community of Forestiere. An exhilarating hike takes you through dense tropical rainforest, whilst the fascinating flora and fauna is pointed out to you by a well informed guide.

Rainforest Hikes: Explore the Rainforest Reserve with a guide from the Forest and Lands Department on a 3½ hour trek. Visitors trek past indigenous tree species and along paths lined with tinier plants, bromliads, orchids and mushrooms. Throughout the tour, beautiful birds including the indigenous St Lucia Parrot (Amazona Versicolor) can be seen. Emerging from the dark shade of the forest into the open, a magnificent view of Mount Gimie, St Lucia’s highest peak. For more information contact Forest & Lands Department.

Contact the Forest & Lands Department at (758) 450-2231 for more information on exploring one of the following Nature Trails:
Barre de L’isle Rain Forest Trail
Union Nature Trail
Naturalist Tour
Fregate Island Nature Trail
Morne le Blanc-Laborie

Helicopter Tours

There are few more exciting ways to view the splendid beauty of the island than by helicopter. Visitors can embark upon flights that loop around the northern and southern portions of the island, offering aerial panoramas that include the steaming cauldron of Soufriere and the emerald carpet of the National Rain Forest.

Golf

St. Lucia has two golf courses, the Sandals La Toc and the Cap Estate public course, which is run by the Cap Estate Golf Club. The club offers a nine-hole course, which can also be played as 18. The clubhouse has a fully-stocked bar and pro shop. Temporary memberships, lessons from the resident pro, and golfing equipment are available.

Tennis

Tennis courts are available at most major hotels. The St. Lucia Racquet Club at Club St. Lucia has nine lighted courts. The St. Lucian Hotel has two courts, which are available to the public at reasonable rates. Lessons can be arranged.

Squash

Squash courts are located near the Cap Estate Golf Club, the St. Lucia Yacht Club, and at the St. Lucia Racquet Club.

Horseback Riding

The ambiance of Saint Lucia can be captured through a number of horseback riding excursions. The International Riding Stables offers an assortment of trail rides, including a ride winding through the countryside along the beach, with time for swimming and a beach picnic at Cas en Bas. Trim’s Riding Stables offer a variety of treks including a carriage tour to Pigeon Point and Fort Rodney.

Trek the lush trails of St Lucia, canter along almost deserted beaches on horseback and revel in pure serenity. Cantering a horse along a stretch of beach on the Atlantic coastline with the tropical wind whipping your face and eager mount springing forth uncoaxed. Touring St Lucia on horseback will enable you to truly take in the sights and feel part of the surrounding giving you a chance to take in more of the interesting aspects of the country.

For information on horse riding contact: 408 247 7782

International Riding Stables: a fantastic tour offered by these stables is their beach picnic at Cas en Bas. This is not only a super ride but extra time is allowed for swimming of more riding along the beach. For more information contact Floria on Tele: 408 247 7782

Trims National Riding: Offers 1-2 hour riding sessions four times a day. From 08.30am – 04.00pm. One hour will take you down a trail to the Atlantic Sea and Beach. The two hour ride will take you to the Atlantic Sea and beach then cross over the Caribbean Sea to Gros Islet Village. For further information telephone: 408 247 7782

Morne Coubaril: Unleash your curiosity by visiting a family plantation, which is full of activities, one of which includes horseriding. Discover the traditional ways of processing cocoa, copra and Manioc. Walk through a mixture of tropical flowers. For more information: 408 247 7782

All-Terrain Vehicle Riding

See the wild side of St Lucia on an All Terrain Vehicle. Experience the thrill of riding an ATV through St Lucia’s lush countryside…over mountains…through banana plantations… and lots more!

Biking

Biking has also become popular way to enjoy the island, and there are some excellent biking tours for beginners and the more experienced off road riders. There’s lots to see on 2 wheels in St. Lucia. For the adventurer, head into Soufrière for an ocean-side trail ride at Anse Chastanet. With a beautiful view of the world-famous Gros Piton and Petit Piton mountains, this is one ride you can’t find anywhere but St. Lucia.

Fitness Centers

There are several well-equipped gyms, most with aerobics classes. Body Inc., located at the Gablewoods Mall , offers weight training, step and regular aerobics, and a cardio center. The staff includes world-renowned body builders Rick Wayne and Mae Sabbagh. Gonard La Borde’s Gym on Hospital Road has modern Weider equipment. Caribbean Fitness Expression in Vide Boutielle, Castries , offers jazzercise, step, stretch and tone sessions, a large weight room and restaurant. Some of the major hotels also have well-equipped gyms.

WATER ACTIVITIES

Holidays on St Lucia can be exciting. There are plenty of challenges for sporting visitors, whether it be on land or in the water!

With the sparkling Caribbean Sea on one side and the mysterious depths of the Atlantic Ocean on the other, sailors and fishermen will fall in love with St Lucia. Not only is it possible to charter any form of sea-going vessel anywhere on the island, but St Lucia also offers opportunities for some of the best deep sea fishing in the world. Described as “an angler’s dream come true”, it is home to several species of big game fish, and you may even catch a trophy white marlin as your prize!

Imagine the crystal clear, warm waters. Picture the fine white sand beaches, lined with gently swaying palms. Where better to go windsurfing, sailing, para-sailing or water-skiing than St Lucia?

Watersports are a way of life on this island, where a coastline of rain-forested mountains is frequently interrupted by natural harbors and bays. The island boasts some of the best underwater dive sites in the Caribbean. Many hotels offer scuba diving facilities and snorkeling equipment, as do a number of independent dive centers. Saint Lucia has also become one of the region’s main centers for yacht charters, with operations at the Rodney Bay Marina and at Marigot Harbor. Deep-sea fishing charters are also available for whole and half-day excursions.

Whale and Turtle Watching

St Lucia is recognised as one of the leading whale watching sites in the area. Over 20 species are regularly spotted throughout the year, including humpbacks, pilot whales, sperm whales and spinning and spotted dolphins.

Turtles are another fascinating thrill for nature-lovers. The abundance of these majestic reptiles on St Lucia is due to the protection provided by local environmental activists, who have ensured there is a permanent suspension on turtle hunting.

Windsurfing

Most hotels offer instructors and first-class equipment for Windsurfing. The most popular spots for intermediate and advanced windsurfers are at Cas en Bas and Vieux Fort. Beginners will find the calmer waters off the west coast more manageable.

Sailing

Yachts can be chartered (bare-boat or skippered) through a number of charter operations housed in marinas at Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay . Both areas have safe anchorages, shower facilities, restaurants and bars, grocery stores, and yacht maintenance facilities. Day boat trips include stops at fishing villages and secret coves, and many of St. Lucia’s natural treasures. Sunset cruises along the northwest coast afford a breathtaking view as the sun dips over the horizon. Meals and beverages are usually included in the tours.

Scuba Diving/Snorkeling

St. Lucia’s warm clear waters and numerous spectacular reefs and marine life offer a perfect environment for both beginners and expert divers. Many hotels offer scuba diving facilities and snorkeling equipment and there are a number of independent dive centers offering short boat dives, night dives and a variety of scuba courses. The Anse Cochon and Anse Chastanet reefs and an old sunken ship are some of the underwater haunts waiting to be explored.

Waterskiing

Most of the major hotels offer water-skiing, with lessons available for beginners and intermediate skiers.

Deep Sea Fishing

With the sparkling Caribbean Sea on one side and the mysterious depths of the Atlantic Ocean on the other, sailors and fishermen will fall in love with St Lucia. Not only is it possible to charter any form of sea-going vessel anywhere on the island, but St. Lucia also offers opportunities for some of the best deep sea fishing in the world. Described as “an angler’s dream come true”, it is home to several species of big game fish, and you may even catch a trophy white marlin as your prize!

The legendary white marlin dwells off the coast of Saint Lucia, where deep sea fishing is a popular recreational activity. Numerous charter operations on the island offer whole and half-day fishing excursions on 30 foot boats with modern fishing equipment. Depending on the time of year, anglers will land a variety of fish, including mackerel, king mackerel, white marlin, barracuda, kingfish and sailfish.

Yachting

Yachting in St Lucia is an unforgettable experience. Imagine the crystal clear, warm waters. Picture the fine white sand beaches, lined with gently swaying palms. Where better to go sailing than St Lucia? With the sparkling Caribbean Sea on one side and the mysterious depths of the Atlantic Ocean on the other, sailors have been falling in love with St Lucia for centuries. Not only is it possible to charter any form of sea-going vessel anywhere on the island, but St Lucia also serves as a hub for some of the best yachting adventures in the world.

At Rodney Bay Marina and Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia’s two most popular marinas, yachts and sail boats can be chartered to navigate the West Indies through the beautiful Grenadine Islands. The marinas offer safe anchorage, shower facilities, restaurants, groceries and maintenance facilities.