Zip Lining in the St. Lucia Rainforest
Aerial Adventure Tours, Challenge Courses in Caribbean Rainforest
Sep 21, 2009
Zip lining originated in the rainforests of Central and South America not as a recreational activity, but as a way for biologists to study the ecosystem of the forest canopy. But in the last decade or so, zip lining has become a popular adventure travel activity in destinations ranging from Alaska to the Caribbean. Zip lining commonly makes it to the top of "What to do in St. Lucia" lists in guidebooks, and St. Lucia zip lining was also featured in the National Geographic book Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips.
St. Lucia, with its lush rainforest interior, has two zip line tour operators, each of which offers aerial courses and other activities far beyond simply strapping on a harness and sliding from tree-to-tree. In both cases, visitors can see the forest canopy and vegetation. Birds are sometimes spotted, including, very occasionally, the endemic St. Lucia parrot. But those whose hearts are set on seeing the distinctive blue-headed national symbol should know that sightings are rare, and much more likely on a rainforest walk at dawn than on a busy zip line tour.
Palm Services Treetop Canopy Tour and Adventure Course
Palm Treetop Canopy Tours offers a range of activities, including a traditional zip line and a full-fledged aerial adventure course, as well as cycling, hiking, and kayaking excursions. Palm also offers a "kiddie challenge" course complete with mini-zip lines for children, making this a good family travel adventure destination.
This operation is located in the south-center of the island, and is probably the more convenient option for visitors staying on the south side of the island (if, that is, “more convenient" can be said to describe a half an hour or so of driving through the middle of a mountainous rainforest on curvy narrow roads). However, as it's centrally located, it's also close enough to Castries (the capital) to also serve the many St. Lucia all-inclusive hotels that are located on the north side of the island. Palm also does trips for cruise ship shore excursions.
Rainforest Aerial Trams Offers Zip Line Rides, Tram Rides, Bird Watching
As its name suggests, Rainforest Aerial Trams offers a twist on the typical zip line: a 75-minute aerial tram ride through the rainforest (not unlike a ski-lift gondola, except it's open-air). The tram takes visitors to the beginning of Rainforest Aerial Tram's zip lining course. (Be forewarned; there is actually a bit of strenuous, if short, hiking, involved in getting to the start of the zip line.)
Rainforest Aerial also offers bird watching hikes in the rainforest, and expert guides who describe the plants, animals, and ecological issues of the rainforest. Rainforest Aerial Trams is closer to Castries and the busy hotels on the north side of the island. It is also often used for cruise ship shore excursions
St. Lucia Zip Lining Basics
Adventure tours and packages can be booked directly with the zip line operators, or through St. Lucia hotels, and should be reserved in advance.
For those who haven't done it before, zip lining can be a little intimidating at first. Zip lining skills are not difficult, but be sure to listen to any safety instructions. The rider wears a climbing harness system, two caribiners ("lifelines"), one of which is always attached to a fixed cable, and a pulley, which is affixed to the zip line itself. Most zip lines start with the rider sitting on a wooden platform, getting in position, and then gently pushing off. The rider's dominant hand is used for braking, by reaching behind and pulling down on the zip line. Beyond that, a zip line ride in St. Lucia is mostly a matter of flying through the trees and taking in the extraordinary rainforest scenery.
Wear comfortable, but not overly loose clothing, closed shoes (no flip flops – one of them may end up 100 feet down on the forest floor!), and tie back long hair. Rain gear is a good idea, since the zip line operations are in a rainforest. (At the very least bring something to protect cameras and cell phones).
For more on adventure travel in St. Lucia, check out the articles on adventure tours in the rainforest and mountains.
 |
 |
