Caribbean Rainforest Adventures in St. Lucia
Caribbean Island Has Waterfalls, Botanical Garden, Miniature Zoo
Sep 20, 2009
St Lucia is a small island country with big geographic diversity. Best known, of course, are the reefs and beaches, fringed by St. Lucia's attendant golf courses, seaside villas, and all-inclusive hotels. But although ocean-side resort hotel development has been aggressive in the last decade, much of St. Lucia remains pristine, particularly in the south, and in the interior. In addition to the stunning volcanic geography that creates unique opportunities for adventure travel in St. Lucia's mountains, there is also a lush rainforest interior, which takes up most of the island's 620 square kilometers.
The rainforest adventure tours described below are available through adventure tour packages at major hotels, as cruise ship shore excursions, or through independent bookings.
Hiking the Waterfalls, St. Lucia Botanical Gardens, Mini Zoo
Adventure travel tours in St. Lucia include opportunities to hike in rainforest reserves throughout the island. The Forestry Department maintains trails in the reserves. Nature trails are generally short, well marked trails between a half mile and 2.5 miles in length. Hiking trails are longer (between 5 and 10 miles) and more rugged. Rainforest hikers should be in good physical shape, and should expect to hike no faster than 1.5 to 2 miles an hour because of the sometimes tricky and slippery terrain. Among the most popular day-hikes are trips to one or more of the island's many waterfalls; the hikes can take a few minutes or can be longer and more difficult. One of the most popular is the 50-foot Toraille Falls, near Soufriere.
Smack in the middle of the island (but more easily accessible from Castries, in the north) is the 1.75 mile Millet Trail (figure an hour to hike it), which winds through the Millet Bird Sanctuary. Birdwatchers might spot some of the sanctuary's 20 species of birds, including five endemic species that are found nowhere else in the world: the St. Lucia black finch, St. Lucia oriole, St. Lucia pewee, the St. Lucia warbler, and, most dramatically, the St. Lucia parrot. Visitors intent on seeing St. Lucia's national bird should start early; sightings are more common in the wee hours of morning.
Lovers of waterfalls will want to stop in at the St. Lucia Botanical Garden, also known as the Diamond Botanical Garden, because of its eponymous waterfall. (Bring a bathing suit). Trails wind through planting of hundreds of native herbs, fruits, trees, and flowers. There is also a small gift shop and restaurant. The garden is located near Soufriere.
Near Union, in the north of the island, the Forestry Department maintains a "Mini Zoo" that features some of the island's endemic species, including the St, Lucia parrot, which is a striking a blue-headed parrot locally called the "jaquot." Other residents include the St. Lucia iguana, which grows up to six feet in length, and the St. Lucia boa constrictor, one of the island's four endemic species of snake, which can grow up to 14 feet in length.
St. Lucia Rainforest Practicalities for Adventure Travel Tours
It sounds obvious, but bring weather protection. That includes protection for any electronics such as cell phones or cameras. Note that standard cases generally are not waterproof; the low-tech alternative of a zip-lock bag can be a life-saver for gadgets. A light (but fully waterproof and breathable) rain jacket is advised for hiking in the rainforest, where it can rain at any time.
For those who feel more comfortable with a guide, tour companies offer guided treks at various levels, ranging from short waterfall ambles walks to rigorous hikes that involve crossing swinging bridges and navigating slippery trails and dense vegetation. Guides are knowledgeable about local vegetation and herbs, and the opportunity to talk to them one-on-one about the landscape adds immensely to the hiking experience.
Most of St. Lucia's larger hotels and all-inclusive resorts can book adventure activities and guides throughout the island. Do ask about travel times to the various trailheads and attractions, which are usually longer than one might guess from looking at a map. (It turns out that there is no such thing as a linear mile on a windy mountain road.).
Visitors renting cars should also pay attention to travel times and distances. Those who aren't familiar with mountain driving and unlit curving roads will want to be sure they've finished their trips by nightfall.
For more on adventure travel tours and recommendations for families and groups, see Adventure Travel Resources.
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