Caribbean islands' 2000 Ecotourism Award St Lucia was the proud recipient of the Caribbean islands' 2000 Ecotourism Award for its Heritage Tourism Programme.
So, whatever your mood, St Lucia can offer you a tour which will enchant you. Wherever you go, colours will mesmerise you. Vistas will astound you. And the tropical air will caress you. You'll find all your senses working overtime on St Lucia.
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| St Lucia Island adventure |
All-Terrain Vehicle Riding
ATV's are available at many of the local car rental agencies and are a great way to get off the beaten track and explore the jungles and mountains of Saint Lucia.
Biking
If ATV's are two much power for you or if you just want to explore the countryside at a more leisurely pace. There are tours for every level of biker and it's a popular, inexpensive, and enjoyable way to spend the day.
Camping
Anse La Liberte is the recently opened camping area on Saint Lucia
Hiking
Want to slow down even more? Then take a hike through the enchanting rain forests of Saint Lucia. It's a relaxing and healthful way to take in the sights of rain forest waterfalls, old plantations, Petit Piton, and the wonderful views from some of Saint Lucia's beaches.
Hiking Trails
Eastern Nature Trail: This is a wonderful introduction to Saint Lucia's rugged Atlantic coast. The trail is approximentally 3 1/2 miles long and gives you the chance to see many of the birds that make St. Lucia their home, as well as migratory birds just there visiting (like you).
Forestiere Tropical Forest Trail: An exhilerating rainforest hike which takes you through the rural community of Forestiere allowing you to see first hand typical St. Lucian rural lifestyle.
Rainforest Hikes: Your guide for this hike comes from the St. Lucian Forest and Lands Department. The hike last 3 1/2 hours and you are introduced to many of the smaller plant species in the tropical rainforest including orchids and bromliads.
Horseback Riding
Horseback is another way to get active and to take a leisurely look at the wonders Saint Lucia has to offer. Trail rides include trek's through the dark and mysterious rainforest as well as countryside rides and beach rides which includes time for a beach picnic and swimming in the warm Caribbean waters.
Whale & Turtle watching
Humpbacks, pilot whales, sperm whales, and spinning and spotted dolphins; St Lucia is one of the top whale watching sites in the West Indies with over 20 species regularly spotted throughout the year. 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.
Tropical Islands Rainforest
St Lucia's mountainous, tropical island interior contains nearly 19,000 acres of rainforest which have taken centuries to develop into the refuge that it is today. In the local craft markets you will find baskets woven from climbing foot palms and aralie (a hanging root) as well as beautiful necklaces made from colourful seeds from the forest’s canopy. The most enduring symbol of the rainforest is St Lucia's National bird, the Amazona Versicolor or Jacquot as it is affectionately known.
This parrot is a beautiful bird which was close to extinction at one time and whose raucous cries can be heard throughout the rainforest. The rainforest is respected as a habitat for rare birds and plants, a world where lushness is overpowering, where elusive parrots squawk overhead, orchids scent the air, hummingbird buzz near brilliant heliconia and climbing palms encircle tall trees like lovers in a parting embrace.
Tropical Island Rainforest Walks
Barre De L’isle Trail (Non-Strenuous) It takes approximately one hour to walk this one-mile trail and another hour to climb Mr. La Combe ridge. The Barre de L’isle trail provides panoramic views from four lookout points along the trail.
Des Cartiers Rainforest (Strenuous) This is St Lucia’s most hidden lush rainforest. The trail is approximentaly 2 km long and takes about 1 1/2 hours to walk.
Edmund Forest Reserve (Strenuous) The hike last 3 1/2 hours and you are introduced to many of the smaller plant species in the tropical rainforest including orchids, mushrooms and bromliads.
Enbas Saut (Moderate to Strenuous) This trail is within the 19,000 acres of Central Rainforest Reserve; and at the foot of the highest mountain peak in St Lucia. It is a 4km cut trail that is both remote and wondefully scenic. Enbas Saut means "below the falls" and the trail is so named for its two cascading waterfalls.
It is an offence under the Forest Soil and Water Conservation Ordinance Act to attempt to access trails without the express permission from the Forest and Lands Department.
For more information on Rainforest Walks on Saint Lucia call the Forest & Lands Department on 758 450 2231/2078. Alternatively, your tour representative may be able to book the tour on your behalf.
