Caribbean Adventures in St. Lucia Mountains
St. Lucia Adventures Include Drive-in Volcano and St. Lucia Pitons
Sep 19, 2009
St Lucia is an island that seems to have been created for an adventure travel vacation. Like many Caribbean islands, it was volcanically formed and is vertiginous to the point that most houses seem to have front and back entrances at completely different levels.
Mountains define this landscape: The roads are hair-pin curvy, and visitors can expect that a distance that, on a map, looks like it should take five minutes to drive may actually take an hour or more. St. Lucia has its share of typical adventure tours and packages such as ATV-ing, bicycling, and horseback riding. But it also has some signature mountain landscapes that offer unique adventure travel opportunities.
The mountain adventures described below are all available through adventure tour packages at major hotels, as cruise ship shore excursions, or through independent bookings.
St. Lucia's Drive-in Volcano
Perhaps St. Lucia's most unique adventure travel offering is its "drive-in volcano." At La Soufriere Volcano (also called the Sulfur Springs Volcano for reasons that are evident upon arrival) visitors can actually drive into the caldera of the volcano, which last erupted in about 1766. The simmering, steaming fumaroles and sulfurous vents give an indication that this volcano is still "potentially active" (the classification given by the Seismic Research Unit of the University of the West Indies).
Interestingly, the caldera itself is believed to be somehow connected to the Ocean, because the amount of seismic activity increases with the full moon and the attendant high tides. Tourists can rest assured that seismic activity is closely monitored. So, rather than worry about it, many simply choose to enjoy it by bathing in the hot springs and mud baths, locally believed to have healthful effects for a variety of skin ailments and aches.
Climbing the St. Lucia Pitons
Another highlight in St, Lucia is the mountain duo called the Pitons, two steep-sided peaks that are St, Lucia's most famous picture-postcard image. These precipitous mountains rise sharply above Soufriere. Looking up from the base, it's impossible to believe that they actually can be climbed by anyone other than a mountain goat. But visitors who hire a guide may find out otherwise, if they are fit enough to follow the twisting, turning, acrophobia-inducing path to the summits. Surprisingly, Petit Piton, the smaller of the two, is a more difficult climb, requiring more exposure and rock scrambling, than the higher Gros Piton.
Trekkers will want to bring lots of water, and protection against sun and mosquitoes. Start early to avoid (as much as possible) climbing in the full tropical heat of the day. For either peak, figure a whole day for this adventure.
Visitors who aren't inclined to climb can still enjoy the Pitons from L:a Soufriere, from a sunset sailboat cruise, or from the many fine viewpoints along the island roads.
St. Lucia Accommodations and Travel Practicalities
St. Lucia has two airports. George FL Charles Airport (SLU), near Castries (in the north), and Hewanorra International (UVF), near Vieux Fort (in the south). SLU handles inter-island flights, including flights from Puerto Rico. UVF handles larger jets, including direct flights from London and New York.
Island hoppers planning flights to other Caribbean islands might want to choose accommodations on the north side of the island; this is also the busier side of the island, where many of the big St. Lucia all-inclusive hotels, exclusive hotels, and villas are located. The south side is a bit more laid back, and appeals to adventure travelers, with more of the villas St. Lucia is famous for and plenty of adventure activities, especially near Soufriere. There are also plenty of accommodations a few minutes away from Hewanorra Airport in Vieux Fort, including the all-inclusive Coconut Bay. The resort has separate adult and family wings, and an activities desk which books the island's various adventure travel packages.
For more on adventure travel tours and recommendations for families and groups, see Adventure Travel Resources.
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