The tiny island of St Lucia has a big reputation for being a picture perfect beach resort. With white sands and crystal blue seas, it’s the kind of destination that you see in brochures, and that’s why it attracts thousands of tourists each year who are looking for the ultimate in relaxation.
St Lucia Activities
However, if you’re not the kind of person who wants to sit on the beach for their whole holiday, there are plenty of things to do in St Lucia, and here are some of the essentials that every adventurous holidaymaker should have on their itinerary.
The Pitons
Rising high above the island are two volcanic plugs known as the Pitons. These famous landmarks are popular with climbers, and those who venture up them are rewarded with some of the best views on the island. These places are best enjoyed with the help of a tour guide who can show you the best way to get up the trail, as well as helping keep you motivated during the five or so hour hike. Don’t forget to take the supplies you would usually need on a hiking trip, such as:
- Lots of water
- Snacks
- Comfortable shoes
- Padded or supportive insoles
- Plasters for blisters
- First aid kit
- Hat and sunscreen
Ideally, you should wear suitable hiking boots that support your ankle, saving yourself from injury. One thing you certainly shouldn’t forget is your camera, as you’ll always want a reminder of your once in a lifetime hike.
ATV Tour
Although going on a bus tour is fun, there’s a lot more fun to be had on the back of an all-terrain vehicle, also known as an ATV or quad bike. Zip around the areas that tourists don’t usually get to see, and enjoy the thrill of a lifetime. If you’ve chosen cheap St Lucia holidays, it’s easy to find tours to suit your budget, and they can last a whole day, taking you around the island, or just for a couple of hours.
Waterfalls
There are many famous waterfalls in St Lucia, and these are usually crowded with tourists and are difficult to enjoy if you’re seeking peace. Go off the beaten track, perhaps with a local tour guide, and you’ll find areas such as Dennery which has plenty of natural beauty to explore, without the crowds and noise. It can be nice to escape from the touristy areas once in a while, and by getting information from locals, it’s easy to find places that the guides don’t tell you about.
Zip-lining
If you want a truly thrilling experience, where you can enjoy some of the beauty of the area, then zip-lining is a popular activity in St Lucia and you’ll get one of the best views imaginable. You get the chance to climb the rainforest trees, seeing the area from a perspective that most tourists don’t get. These trips can often be combined with hiking or cycling in the rainforest, so you can enjoy this unique area from all sorts of perspectives.
Volcanos
St Lucia has a dramatic location, forged by volcanos, and this has left some very interesting spots for tourists to visit. One of them is the Sulphur Springs, a collapsed crater from a volcano that you can swim in. It’s a beautiful, natural site away from the resorts, and it makes for some breath-taking memories and photographs too. You can enjoy a relaxing, therapeutic mud bath, or simply enjoy the sight of the hot springs rising, this is the kind of day out where you can go at your own pace and decide what’s right for you.
It’s always a shame to tear yourself away from the golden shores of St Lucia, but with so much going on, how can you resist? There are many ways you can appreciate the natural beauty of this unique island, and some of them involve more adrenaline than others. However, there’s plenty of choice for those who don’t enjoy the more extreme sports, so there’s no need to worry about being short of things to do. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget your camera, as there are sure to be many sights you simply won’t want to forget.