Welcome to St Lucia
St. Lucia is a small island in the Lesser Antilles, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and it is exactly as beautiful as one would expect the so-called Helen of the West Indies to be. The twin Volcanic Pitons preside over the island, two volcanic plugs looming over the shoreline on the southern end. Many cruise ships on the Caribbean circuit stop at Castries, the capital, but other popular destinations inspire longer stays: Rodney Bay, Soufrière, and Marigot Bay. Tours around the island show off St. Lucia’s claim to fame of having the world’s only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs, while the Diamond Falls and Botanical Garden showcase pristine waterfalls and lush vegetation. Adventurous travelers can follow their guide on a hike up the Tet Paul Nature Trail to the top of the Pitons for unbeatable views of the surrounding landscape, rent an ATV or dune buggy for some off-roading, or horseback ride down the beach. The island’s unusual rainforest aerial tram allows visitors to glide easily through the forest canopy without the adrenaline-pumping aspects of ziplining, and a catamaran cruise around Marigot Bay with some snorkeling and sunning on the sailboat’s deck will fit the bill for travelers who want a milder adventure. A day trip to Pigeon Island National Park also lets travelers spend a day checking out the ruins of military buildings, beaches, and an interpretive center dedicated to St. Lucia’s West Indian heritage.