Often we look to find a low cost holiday and wonder is this the cheapest price? As you can see on the image above "Rentals" - An alternative to the conventional hotels where home and property owners rent out their accommodation to DIY holiday goers at much discounted rates compared to the big hotel chains!
Hold up chuck! Before you let that dog find you a super duper low cost holiday we want to tell you some things you might not know about St Lucia, you may even decide to go there on your next vacation!
Barre De L’isle Trail (Non-Strenuous)
Barre De L’isle Trail is a one mile trail. It will take about an hour to walk and then a further hour to climb up Mr.La Combe ridge. There are four points along the walk where panoramic views can be enjoyed. The ragged Mount Gimie can be seen as well as Cul de Sac Valley, the green mountain forest, the Caribbean Sea and also the Aux Leon community. On the Atlantic Coast you will experience views of Fond d’Or beach and the vast Mabouya Valley.
Enbas Saut (Moderate to Strenuous)
Enbas Saut is a trail within the Central Rainforest Reserve. It is at the base of the highest mountain in Saint Lucia ( Mount Gimie) and is about 6 miles east of Soufriere. This is a 4kilometre cut trail and is remote, but so beautifully scenic. It has an interesting mixture of Cloud Forest, Rainforest, Elfin Woodlands and wildlife. Not far from the trail is the hilly terrain of Piton Troumassee, Piton Canarie and Mount Gimie. At the head of the Troumassee River are the two famous cascading waterfalls and pools.
Edmund Forest Reserve (Strenuous)
This trail will take about three and half hours and takes you right through the heart of a tropical island into Edmund Forest Reserve – you will experience here some of nature’s most pristine opportunities. Plants such as orchids, bromeliads lianas, mushrooms and many more can be seen attached to their hosts, sitting on branches, on the spongy forest floor or on the sides of the trail itself. As you continue westwards you with enjoy a breath-taking view of St Lucia’s highest peak – Mount Gimie.
Zip lining
If you would like to see the rainforest from a completely different angle, Zip lining is a must especially if you are seeking adventure. Overcome your fear of heights by zip lining; it is a sure-fire way to get the adrenaline pumping and at the same time having an unforgettable experience. There are a number of tour operators who carry out a choice of zip lining tours and this experience is definitely for anyone who loves to have fun and at the same time enjoys natural beauty. You can witness the beauty and excitement of the rainforest on a unique combination tour! Starting out with a guided aerial tour over the rainforest's canopy in gondolas, which can each hold 8 people, and with an experienced guide you'll have the chance to enjoy a tour with only a small group, in the heart of the tropical rainforest. With various interconnecting zip lines, you'll have the opportunity to fly through the rainforest from platform to platform, experiencing the thrill of gliding high through the tree canopy looking down at the rainforest below whilst at the same time enjoying breath-taking views. Zip lining is an exciting, yet safe adventure not to be missed! - Highly recommended.
St Lucia Volcano
You will be getting really close to nature if you try the unique tour of The St Lucia Volcano – also known as St Lucia Sulphur Springs. Believed to be the only drive-in volcano in the world, it is not actually possible to drive into the volcano, but you will probably get closer than you ever thought you could! Busses park only 2 hundred yards away from the volcano and a guide will lead you up to the edge of the caldera. There was last a minor eruption in the late 1700s, but the Hydrogen Sulphide (rotten eggs) smell still seeps from within the caldera. Although boiling mud, water and steam emerge from the crater, the volcano is claimed to be dormant! – Don’t forget your camera.
St Lucia Whale Watching and Dolphin Spotting Tour!
Whales and dolphins can regularly be spotted in St Lucia’s azure waters. There are many Dolphin and Whale watching tours off St. Lucia’s North Island coastline, where you can take photographs and learn about these magnificent marine mammals. These magnificent mammals occur commonly and in quite large numbers in Soufriere Bay, on the southwest coast as well as off northwest St. Lucia, from the island to the waters between St Lucia and Martinique – here Sperm Whales and fals Killer Whales are regularly seen. From January to April, occasionally, Bridye’s Whales and humpback whales are seen. On these excursions it is not uncommon to see Pilot Whales, travelling in pods of up to 100, spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins – a fantastic experience and wonderful memory. Enjoy also, St Lucia’s tropical fishing villages and deserted coves along the coastline – make sure you bring your sunscreen!
St Lucia’s Beaches
Hiring a car is recommended as there are so many beautiful and secluded beaches just waiting to be discovered. There are strands of black volcanic sand as well as long stretches of white sandy beaches bordered with palm trees and towering mountains. All beaches here are public and form part of the “Queen’s Chain”. The Northwest Coast is a great place to find some of the best beaches.
Marigo Bay: An ultimate Caribbean secluded bay and it’s bordered on three sides by steep lush hills, this bay is the perfect Caribbean locale. Marigo Bay has been the site of many battles between British Navies and the French and as a result is a historic landmark. Here there is anchorage for yachts on deserted beaches. These bright blue waters and green palms offer unique serenity and an ideal place to relax.
Choc Bay: A wonderful stretch of sandy coastline where majestic palms provide a welcome source of shade. This is an excellent spot, near to Castries, where all the major hotels are nearby. The sea here is calm and great for swimming, which is why many families with children are attracted. Just off shore there are fantastic views of Little Rat Island.
South Coast
Anse de Sables: This is an easy to reach beach which is beautiful, but windy. It is 2 Kilometres of soft white sandy beach which looks out over Maria Islands. This beach is a popular place for kite boarding and wind surfing as there are steady cross shore winds from the left as well as a reef-enclosed bay on the leeward side - also highly recommended for sun-worshippers.
Anse Des Pitons: This beach is to be found on Jalousie Bay. A crescent shaped beach which used to be a black sand beach until it was covered over with powdery white sands. This is a stunning beach at the foot of The Pitons. If you are prepared to go off the beaten track, you should try getting away from it all and consider the path to Anse des Pitons.
Scuba Diving
It should be no surprise to find there are many diving schools and centres in Saint Lucia. All levels of diving experience is catered for and trips, tuition, guides and equipment for snorkelling or scuba can be arranged through you hotel or agent. Saint Lucia is an absolute diving paradise with its steep coastlines and beautiful reefs. Both beginners and experienced divers can enjoy the variety of coral, sponge and marine life at the tip of an underwater volcano! There are a number of sunken ships where artificial reefs have developed. There are many spectacular diving sites ranging from easy to challenging. For example at the base of Gros Piton, the Coral Gardens rise from a depth of 15 to 50 feet and then on the point of Anse Chastenet, a platform slopes gradually from 40 to 60 feet. The reef falls to an amazing 140ft in a superb coral chain – an awe inspiring dive day or night. In shallow areas you can find peacock flounders, octopus, turtles and needle fish and as you drop down deeper over the coral you will find moray eels, parrot fish, puffers, lobsters and even sea horses – a truly remarkable experience!
Mamiku Gardens
This is the place where visitors can find that quiet corner to get away from other tourists; it is the largest garden in St Lucia. Try taking a drive along the rugged, scenic eastern coast with its fantastic vies of the Atlantic Ocean and you will eventually arrive at Mamiku Gardens. The gardens are set in twelve acres of woodlands – a floral paradise and a haven for birds. A commercial plantation here produces tropical flowers, bananas and other fruit; with the recently added Botanical Gardens which are now opened to the general public. There are a series of different gardens to be viewed as you criss cross the trails. Visit “Grandfather’s Garden” that has a range of plants and herbs with medical properties. See the stunning orchids which grow out of moss-covered tree stumps. Strategically placed benches provide rest and relaxation as you view these well-manicured gardens. This tranquil garden is inviting, yet does hide a dark past; it was once the location for a battle between France and Britain.
Barre De L’isle Trail is a one mile trail. It will take about an hour to walk and then a further hour to climb up Mr.La Combe ridge. There are four points along the walk where panoramic views can be enjoyed. The ragged Mount Gimie can be seen as well as Cul de Sac Valley, the green mountain forest, the Caribbean Sea and also the Aux Leon community. On the Atlantic Coast you will experience views of Fond d’Or beach and the vast Mabouya Valley.
Enbas Saut (Moderate to Strenuous)
Enbas Saut is a trail within the Central Rainforest Reserve. It is at the base of the highest mountain in Saint Lucia ( Mount Gimie) and is about 6 miles east of Soufriere. This is a 4kilometre cut trail and is remote, but so beautifully scenic. It has an interesting mixture of Cloud Forest, Rainforest, Elfin Woodlands and wildlife. Not far from the trail is the hilly terrain of Piton Troumassee, Piton Canarie and Mount Gimie. At the head of the Troumassee River are the two famous cascading waterfalls and pools.
Edmund Forest Reserve (Strenuous)
This trail will take about three and half hours and takes you right through the heart of a tropical island into Edmund Forest Reserve – you will experience here some of nature’s most pristine opportunities. Plants such as orchids, bromeliads lianas, mushrooms and many more can be seen attached to their hosts, sitting on branches, on the spongy forest floor or on the sides of the trail itself. As you continue westwards you with enjoy a breath-taking view of St Lucia’s highest peak – Mount Gimie.
Zip lining
If you would like to see the rainforest from a completely different angle, Zip lining is a must especially if you are seeking adventure. Overcome your fear of heights by zip lining; it is a sure-fire way to get the adrenaline pumping and at the same time having an unforgettable experience. There are a number of tour operators who carry out a choice of zip lining tours and this experience is definitely for anyone who loves to have fun and at the same time enjoys natural beauty. You can witness the beauty and excitement of the rainforest on a unique combination tour! Starting out with a guided aerial tour over the rainforest's canopy in gondolas, which can each hold 8 people, and with an experienced guide you'll have the chance to enjoy a tour with only a small group, in the heart of the tropical rainforest. With various interconnecting zip lines, you'll have the opportunity to fly through the rainforest from platform to platform, experiencing the thrill of gliding high through the tree canopy looking down at the rainforest below whilst at the same time enjoying breath-taking views. Zip lining is an exciting, yet safe adventure not to be missed! - Highly recommended.
St Lucia Volcano
You will be getting really close to nature if you try the unique tour of The St Lucia Volcano – also known as St Lucia Sulphur Springs. Believed to be the only drive-in volcano in the world, it is not actually possible to drive into the volcano, but you will probably get closer than you ever thought you could! Busses park only 2 hundred yards away from the volcano and a guide will lead you up to the edge of the caldera. There was last a minor eruption in the late 1700s, but the Hydrogen Sulphide (rotten eggs) smell still seeps from within the caldera. Although boiling mud, water and steam emerge from the crater, the volcano is claimed to be dormant! – Don’t forget your camera.
St Lucia Whale Watching and Dolphin Spotting Tour!
Whales and dolphins can regularly be spotted in St Lucia’s azure waters. There are many Dolphin and Whale watching tours off St. Lucia’s North Island coastline, where you can take photographs and learn about these magnificent marine mammals. These magnificent mammals occur commonly and in quite large numbers in Soufriere Bay, on the southwest coast as well as off northwest St. Lucia, from the island to the waters between St Lucia and Martinique – here Sperm Whales and fals Killer Whales are regularly seen. From January to April, occasionally, Bridye’s Whales and humpback whales are seen. On these excursions it is not uncommon to see Pilot Whales, travelling in pods of up to 100, spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins – a fantastic experience and wonderful memory. Enjoy also, St Lucia’s tropical fishing villages and deserted coves along the coastline – make sure you bring your sunscreen!
St Lucia’s Beaches
Hiring a car is recommended as there are so many beautiful and secluded beaches just waiting to be discovered. There are strands of black volcanic sand as well as long stretches of white sandy beaches bordered with palm trees and towering mountains. All beaches here are public and form part of the “Queen’s Chain”. The Northwest Coast is a great place to find some of the best beaches.
Marigo Bay: An ultimate Caribbean secluded bay and it’s bordered on three sides by steep lush hills, this bay is the perfect Caribbean locale. Marigo Bay has been the site of many battles between British Navies and the French and as a result is a historic landmark. Here there is anchorage for yachts on deserted beaches. These bright blue waters and green palms offer unique serenity and an ideal place to relax.
Choc Bay: A wonderful stretch of sandy coastline where majestic palms provide a welcome source of shade. This is an excellent spot, near to Castries, where all the major hotels are nearby. The sea here is calm and great for swimming, which is why many families with children are attracted. Just off shore there are fantastic views of Little Rat Island.
South Coast
Anse de Sables: This is an easy to reach beach which is beautiful, but windy. It is 2 Kilometres of soft white sandy beach which looks out over Maria Islands. This beach is a popular place for kite boarding and wind surfing as there are steady cross shore winds from the left as well as a reef-enclosed bay on the leeward side - also highly recommended for sun-worshippers.
Anse Des Pitons: This beach is to be found on Jalousie Bay. A crescent shaped beach which used to be a black sand beach until it was covered over with powdery white sands. This is a stunning beach at the foot of The Pitons. If you are prepared to go off the beaten track, you should try getting away from it all and consider the path to Anse des Pitons.
Scuba Diving
It should be no surprise to find there are many diving schools and centres in Saint Lucia. All levels of diving experience is catered for and trips, tuition, guides and equipment for snorkelling or scuba can be arranged through you hotel or agent. Saint Lucia is an absolute diving paradise with its steep coastlines and beautiful reefs. Both beginners and experienced divers can enjoy the variety of coral, sponge and marine life at the tip of an underwater volcano! There are a number of sunken ships where artificial reefs have developed. There are many spectacular diving sites ranging from easy to challenging. For example at the base of Gros Piton, the Coral Gardens rise from a depth of 15 to 50 feet and then on the point of Anse Chastenet, a platform slopes gradually from 40 to 60 feet. The reef falls to an amazing 140ft in a superb coral chain – an awe inspiring dive day or night. In shallow areas you can find peacock flounders, octopus, turtles and needle fish and as you drop down deeper over the coral you will find moray eels, parrot fish, puffers, lobsters and even sea horses – a truly remarkable experience!
Mamiku Gardens
This is the place where visitors can find that quiet corner to get away from other tourists; it is the largest garden in St Lucia. Try taking a drive along the rugged, scenic eastern coast with its fantastic vies of the Atlantic Ocean and you will eventually arrive at Mamiku Gardens. The gardens are set in twelve acres of woodlands – a floral paradise and a haven for birds. A commercial plantation here produces tropical flowers, bananas and other fruit; with the recently added Botanical Gardens which are now opened to the general public. There are a series of different gardens to be viewed as you criss cross the trails. Visit “Grandfather’s Garden” that has a range of plants and herbs with medical properties. See the stunning orchids which grow out of moss-covered tree stumps. Strategically placed benches provide rest and relaxation as you view these well-manicured gardens. This tranquil garden is inviting, yet does hide a dark past; it was once the location for a battle between France and Britain.