Saint Lucia

• Where is Pigeon Island National Park located?
  • Pigeon Island National Park is located in Rodney Bay, a few miles from Calabash Cove.
• What is the history of Pigeon Island?
  • This lovely 40-acre islet and reserve was once a separate island, but was connected in the 1970s to the mainland by a narrow sandy causeway.
• What is the geological origin of Pigeon Island?
  • Pigeon Island is the result of a long dormant volcano. It is cooled by pleasant northeast trade winds.
• What is the terrain and climate like?
  • The islet is fairly mountainous and receives quite a lot of rain, giving the slopes of the hills a lush cloak of vegetation.
• What is the highest point on Pigeon Island?
  • The highest hill is Signal Hill, at 359 feet.
• How can visitors explore Fort Rodney?
  • A roughly 20-minute hike through the vegetation and up the second highest hill on the islet will take visitors to the remains of Fort Rodney.
• What remains of Fort Rodney?
  • Most of the fort has been destroyed by hurricanes, but there are still some original old cannons.
• What can visitors expect from the view?
  • The view is spectacular and well worth the climb.
• What are the coastal features of Pigeon Island?
  • The rocky coastline of the islet is full of small coves and has two lovely beaches.
• Are there dining options on Pigeon Island?
  • Bring a picnic or check out the Jambe de Bois restaurant overlooking the clear blue waters.

• What is the Soufrière Volcano?
  • St. Lucia’s dormant Soufrière Volcano is an impressive attraction that you can drive straight into.
• What is the volcano popularly known as?
  • The volcano is a popular tourist attraction known as Sulphur Springs.
• What can visitors expect when driving through the crater?
  • As you drive through the crater, you will be assaulted by a strong smell of rotten eggs, a sign of sulfur in the water and boiling mud.
• When was the last eruption?
  • The last Sulphur Springs Drive-In Volcano eruption happened in the 18th century.
• Is the volcano still active?
  • It is considered dormant, but it does not look dormant as you can walk very close to the crater and watch the steam rising from the Earth.
• What natural features can be found below the crater?
  • A little below the crater, the stream that runs out feeds mud baths and hot springs that are full of minerals.
• What are the benefits of the hot springs and mud baths?
  • The hot springs and mud baths are considered therapeutic due to their high mineral content.

• Where are the Diamond Botanical Gardens located?
  • Diamond Botanical Gardens are located in a deep gorge at the foothills of the Pitons on the west coast of St. Lucia, near the town of Soufrière.
• What is special about the Diamond Botanical Gardens?
  • It is the oldest botanical garden on St. Lucia and considered one of the most beautiful spots on the island.
• Who owns the Diamond Botanical Gardens?
  • The gardens are part of the 2,000-acre Soufrière estate, a grant by French King Louis XIV to the Devaux family, who still own it today.
• What can visitors see in the gardens?
  • The lush tropical gardens are filled with massive ancient trees, towering vines, and blooming bushes.
• What is the Diamond Waterfall?
  • A narrow path leads to the natural gorge, where water bubbles from a sulfur spring and forms the beautiful Diamond Waterfall.
• What other attractions are nearby?
  • The path continues to the dormant Soufrière Volcano, also called Sulphur Springs, which feeds thermal baths that have been around since 1784.
• Are there historical structures within the gardens?
  • Along the way, visitors can see an old mill and a waterwheel, built in 1765.
• What is the contact information for the Diamond Botanical Gardens?
  • Soufrière Estate, St. Lucia, Phone: 758-459-7565

• What is Splash Island Water Park?
  • Splash Island Water Park is a popular family amusement park located on Reduit Beach on St. Lucia’s northwestern coast.
• What makes Splash Island Water Park unique?
  • It is the first Caribbean open-water sports park, offering a range of inflatable obstacle courses.
• What activities are available for young guests?
  • Young guests can enjoy a climbing wall, trampoline, swing monkey bars, double rocker, slide, rocker flip, hurdles, and a court for water volleyball.
• Are there any age or height requirements?
  • Guests have to be at least 6 years old and a minimum of 3.5 feet tall, and must wear life vests regardless of how well they swim.
• Is the park safe?
  • While all activities are considered safe, there are well-trained life guards on duty.
• When was Splash Island Water Park opened?
  • The water park was opened in 2015 and is located close to the Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa.
• What is the contact information for Splash Island Water Park?
  • Reduit Beach Ave, St. Lucia, Phone: 758-457-8532

Romantic Activities and Attractions:

• Where is the Tet Paul Nature Trail located?
  • Located in the southwestern part of St. Lucia, about a 10-minute drive or a 40-minute walk from the town of Soufrière, the Tet Paul Nature Trail is a beautiful way to discover the natural wonders of this lovely island.
• How long does the hike take?
  • The hike itself takes about 40 minutes and is considered easy to moderately strenuous.
• What can hikers expect to see?
  • The trail runs through magnificent nature and passes by working farmlands, with views of Gros Piton and Jalousie Bay that take your breath away.
• Is there a challenging part of the trail?
  • To really enjoy the view, you will have to climb a set of steep stairs, but it really is worth it.
• Are the hikes guided?
  • The hikes are guided, and your guide will use the opportunity to share stories about the island culture, history, and exotic plants you will be passing by.

• Where is Mount Edmund Forest Reserve located?
  • Mount Edmund Forest Reserve is located high up on the island uplands, near the Enbas Saut Waterfalls Trail.
• Are the hikes guided?
  • The hikes through the reserve are guided by rangers from the Forest and Lands Department, who are in charge of its maintenance and can point out the exotic plants you see or birds that you hear, such as the Saint Lucia parrot.
• How long is the hike?
  • The hike, which is about 7 miles long and takes about 3 hours each way, will take you through the Quilesse Forest Reserve, ending at the Des Cartiers Rain Forest Trail.
• What kind of scenery can hikers expect?
  • The trail is surrounded by a tunnel of huge trees, and you will be passing through verdant valleys and towering waterfalls.
• What types of plants grow in the forest?
  • The tropical forest is rich in orchids, bromeliads, and ferns.
• What is the terrain like?
  • The path feels spongy and soft, full of decades’ worth of decomposing wet leaves.
• Are there flowers along the trail?
  • There are hanging vines everywhere with colorful beautiful blooms.
• What is the best way to experience the forest?
  • Take your time and enjoy the rainforest in all its glory.

• Where are the Maria Islands located?
  • Located just off Saint Lucia’s east coast, about half a mile from Pointe Sable, the two beautiful Maria Islands are the jewels among the country’s magnificent natural treasures.
• What makes the Maria Islands special?
  • With more than 80 species of plants and five endemic reptiles that do not exist anywhere else, the islands have been declared a nature reserve.
• Why are the islands important for birdlife?
  • This lush environment is a major nesting ground for the migratory birds coming from Africa every year.
• Are the islands always open to visitors?
  • During their visit, the islands are closed to visitors to give the birds and their babies some peace and quiet. But the rest of the time, the islands are a wonderful place to spend a day.
• What activities can visitors enjoy on the Maria Islands?
  • People who like going off the beaten tourist path can enjoy the Maria Islands’ beautiful sandy beaches, hiking through the jungle, and observing wildlife.
• What is the Maria Island Nature Reserve Trail?
  • The Maria Island Nature Reserve trail ends at the observation spot, which offers magnificent views of the Pointe Sable area, the town of Vieux Fort, and the Pitons.
• How can visitors reach the Maria Islands?
  • The only way to reach the Marias is by a fishing boat.

If you are traveling with kids:

• Where are Mamiku Gardens located?
  • Located on the Atlantic side of St. Lucia, near Mon Repos along the Micoud Highway, are 12 acres of the lush green Mamiku Gardens .
• What historical site is found within Mamiku Gardens?
  • On the hilltop in the heart of the gardens are the ruins of the historic Micoud estate.
• What can visitors see in the Mystic Garden?
  • Stroll through the narrow paved path and you will come across the Mystic Garden, with species of laurels and a riot of colors from the many species of orchids from all over the world.
• What is special about the Secret Garden?
  • A set of stone steps, in the deep shade thrown by tall trees, will take you to the Secret Garden, with its magnificent display of colors, fragrances, and blooms.
• What kind of wildlife can visitors expect?
  • Birds and butterflies are flying everywhere, adding to the magical atmosphere of the gardens.
• What historical events took place on this estate?
  • It is hard to believe that the estate on which the gardens grow was the site of some fierce battles between the French and the British, and was at some point burnt by the slaves.

• Where is Enbas Saut located?
  • About 6 miles east of Soufrière, at the foothills of the island’s highest mountain, Mount Gimie, is Enbas Saut, a magnificent 19,000-acre Central Rainforest Reserve.
• What is the hiking trail like?
  • There is a well-maintained 2.5-kilometer hiking trail going through the lush rainforest, which is wild, remote, and incredibly scenic.
• What types of forest does the trail pass through?
  • The trail runs through a mix of dense rainforest, cloud forest, and elfin woodlands, full of vibrant wildlife.
• What birds can be seen in the area?
  • The most common birds you will see, or most likely hear, in the area are the St. Lucian parrot, the blue-hooded euphonia, the St. Lucia black finch, and the mountain whistler.
• What are the main scenic views along the trail?
  • The view in the clearings is dominated by looming Piton Canarie, Piton Troumassee, and Mount Gimie.
• What does Enbas Saut mean?
  • Enbas Saut means "below the falls," and you will understand why when you come to the two spectacular cascading waterfalls that end in deep pools at the Troumassee River.
• How does the trail lead to the waterfall?
  • The trail alternates with a series of wooden steps that go down the cliff before arriving at the base of the waterfall.
• Can visitors swim in the waterfall pool?
  • The cool and refreshing pool is a popular swimming place.
• How long does the hike take?
  • The hike takes about 1 hour one way.

• Why is St. Lucia a great destination for bird watchers?
  • If you are a bird watcher, coming to St. Lucia is your unique opportunity to see some birds that do not live anywhere else.
• Where is the Millet Bird Sanctuary located?
  • Head to the Millet Bird Sanctuary , in the Millet Forest Reserve at the heart of the island, where more than 30 species of birds live in a magnificent, ancient primary forest.
• What endemic bird species can be found at the Millet Bird Sanctuary?
  • There are five endemic species, namely warblers, blackbirds, orioles, and flycatchers, as well as the St. Lucia parrot.
• What is the trail like?
  • The forest trail is fairly well maintained and climbs to 300 meters above sea level, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
• How long is the Millet Bird Sanctuary trail?
  • The trail is 2.8 kilometers long and it takes about 2 hours to finish.
• What amenities are available along the trail?
  • Along the trail, you will see observation towers and many bird feeders.
• What facilities are available at the trailhead?
  • At the trailhead, you will find a nice, welcoming reception area and restrooms.
• Who manages the Millet Bird Sanctuary?
  • The facilities were developed by the Ministry of Forestry of St. Lucia, and their staff offer guided hikes.
• What is the contact information for the Millet Bird Sanctuary?
  • Millet, St. Lucia, Phone: 758-450-2231