Exploring Beyond the Shores: Unveiling the Hidden Wonders of Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia, an enchanting Caribbean island, offers a myriad of attractions and activities for cruisers beyond the bustling hub of Rodney Bay. With its iconic twin volcanic peaks, the Pitons, looming over the horizon, and the picturesque town of Soufrière nestled at their foot, Saint Lucia promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Beyond Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia is a treasure trove of top attractions that showcase the island's natural beauty, rich culture, and adventure opportunities. The town of Soufrière, home to the Pitons, offers guided tours of the drive-in volcano and therapeutic mud baths at Sulphur Springs. For those seeking a more active adventure, the Tet Paul Trail provides scenic hikes with breathtaking views of the Pitons, often combined with catamaran sailing and snorkeling excursions at Anse Cochon.
Land and Sea Combo Tours offer a unique blend of experiences, taking cruisers on jeep tours of banana plantations, waterfalls, and fishing villages, followed by a Creole buffet at Morne Coubaril Estate. Afterwards, a relaxing catamaran cruise along the coast with snorkeling stops provides the perfect conclusion.
Marine excursions abound in Saint Lucia, with options ranging from full-day catamaran cruises with snorkeling, sunset champagne sails, whale and dolphin watching, to private luxury catamaran experiences. Adrenaline junkies can also indulge in zip lining, deep-sea fishing, and horseback riding, blending nature with active pursuits.
Cultural and culinary experiences are plentiful in Saint Lucia. Food tours in Castries and Rodney Bay offer local rum tastings and market explorations, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Lucian culture. For a fun group experience, booking a chocolate-making course at Cocoa Sainte Lucie in Canaries is highly recommended.
Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia's gateway to the Grenadines and a key base for crew changes and bareboat charters, is a busy economic hub. Over the last decade, it has developed significantly, with supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and mega villas springing up. The IGY Marina in Rodney Bay is a world-class facility, offering a boatyard and a 75t travel hoist for crews to re-provision or repair.
As sailors navigate south, Meixner recommends stops at Anse La Raye, Soufrière, and the village of Laborie. Pigeon Island national park, with its unpretentious Jambe de Bois restaurant, is a nearby option for a hike or lunch. For hiking enthusiasts, Meixner suggests exploring some of the gorges near the village of Choiseul with a local guide, or climbing Mount Pimard trail in Rodney Bay.
Vieux Fort, a popular stop the night before the passage south to St Vincent Channel, is convenient for crew changeovers. Less well-known by sailors, the Atlantic coast from Cas en Bas beach offers beaches and cliff walks, as well as opportunities for kite foiling and horse riding.
Saint Lucia is a popular destination for cruisers after transatlantic crossings, with regular direct flights to the US and the UK. However, the international airport, Hewanorra, is 90 minutes' drive from Rodney Bay. Kenny Abernathy, a sailmaker and rigger since the early days of chartering in Saint Lucia, is a trusted source for preparing for a tradewinds passage. For engine repairs, Egbert Charles at MarineTek and Jon White at Regis Electronics are the go-to men, while Island Water World is a chandlery with an impressive breadth of equipment and a network to source almost anything needed.
The weekly Friday night 'jump-up' at Gros Islet, known for its music and street food, is a must-visit. However, it's generally safe to go in a crowd and avoid staying late or walking home alone. During the hurricane-prone months between June and September, most cruisers leave the Caribbean or lay-up outside the usual hurricane belt at yards in Grenada or Trinidad.
Saint Lucia, with its diverse range of experiences from volcanic landscapes and natural hot springs to vibrant marine life and local culture, is rich in attractions beyond Rodney Bay itself. Spinnakers Beach Bar on Reduit Beach, a popular spot for lunch and swimming, offers views across the white sand bay, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the island's charm.
The town of Soufrière, home to the Pitons, offers guided tours of the drive-in volcano and therapeutic mud baths at Sulphur Springs, providing unique volcanic experiences for visitors. For those who appreciate a mix of land and sea adventures, Land and Sea Combo Tours offer jeep tours of banana plantations, waterfalls, and fishing villages, followed by a relaxing catamaran cruise along the coast with snorkeling stops.
Whether you're exploring the picturesque town of Soufrière or indulging in Cultural and culinary experiences in Castries and Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia promises an unforgettable travel lifestyle experience for all who visit.
