ESCURSIONI A TERRA

Enjoy a fun cruise along St. Lucia’s coastline to experience the magnificent Pitons. As your catamaran sails out of Castries harbor, you’ll cruise along the west coast, passing the picturesque peninsulas of Vigie and La Toc. Sit out on deck to enjoy the sun and beautiful views – there’s also a cockpit onboard for those that may prefer shade. Take in the lush vegetation of the coastline and the small villages of Anse la Raye and Canaries. Continue to Soufriere Bay where you’ll see the Petit and Gros Pitons rising majestically 2,600 feet out of the sea. Enjoy great photo opportunities, capturing this wonder of nature as the catamaran circles the bay.

Continue your cruise along the coast to the scenic bay of Anse Cochon where an assortment of dry snacks will be served along with refreshing beverages before taking a relaxing swim in the lovely waters of the Caribbean Sea. Cruise to the idyllic Marigot Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful bays, famous for many battles between the English and the French. Enjoy Caribbean music as you cruise back to the pier.

Enjoy a 90-minute drive along the island’s gorgeous western coastline offering views of the hilly ranchland and postcard-like vistas of mountains, ocean, and quaint fishing villages. Reap the benefits of soaking in a volcanic mud pool at Sulphur Springs Park, the largest geothermal area in the Lesser Antilles. As you enter what is billed as “the world’s only drive-in volcano,” you will pass bubbling hot springs and steam rising from vents in the earth’s surface known as fumaroles. It will be quite the experience, especially as you ease into a warm volcanic mud bath with minerals said to soothe the skin, detoxify the body and reduce inflammation from conditions such as arthritis. One attribute is undeniable—you can’t help but be completely relaxed while soaking in the warm sulphur-infused mud. The mud will be made available to apply. It is no wonder that the pools are one of the most popular attractions in St. Lucia. To round out your day, you will pause at an old sugar mill and linger over a sumptuous lunch.

OVERVIEW

Hike along a nature trail that will present spectacular views of the island’s signature Pitons and take a dip in the cool waters at the base of a waterfall. This adventure is all about the great outdoors and panoramic views, starting with the sights from atop Morne Fortune. From this former military outpost, you will gaze out over Castries and the turquoise seas beyond. The scenery will be equally memorable as you follow the Tet Paul Nature Trail. It will present close-up views of St. Lucia’s most iconic natural attraction – the Pitons, twin volcanic spires that soar high above the sea. They are so spectacular, along with the flora and fauna that thrive around their bases, that UNESCO deemed the surrounding area a World Heritage site. Following the hike, you will can swim in the refreshing pool at the bottom of the Toraille waterfall and then dine at a restaurant in the hills nearby.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike a nature trail that affords remarkably close views of the famed Pitons.
• Revel in the serenity of Toraille waterfall and swim in the pool at its bottom, if you wish.
• Pause atop the former military post Morne Fortune and take in the views of Castries.
• Enjoy lunch at a restaurant with spectacular views of the slopes below.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen. Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Cruise along the island’s gorgeous western shore in a speedboat for an indulgent adventure that includes swimming, snorkeling and luxuriating in a mud bath. As you race down the coast, you will pass jungle-like forests, beautiful beach-rimmed coves and the iconic Pitons, twin volcanic spires that are so geologically and biologically significant that UNESCO declared them to be a World Heritage site. After disembarking in Soufriere in the shadow of the Pitons, you will travel through the world’s only “drive-in volcano,” an eerie landscape of bubbling sulfur springs that the geothermal activity below causes. You will then ease into a mineral-rich mud bath with therapeutic benefits that supposedly range from reducing inflammation to detoxifying the body. Then it’s back to the sea in the speedboat, which will bring you to the magnificent beach Anse Chastanet. Feel free to take a refreshing swim and behold the marine wonderland beneath the surface by snorkeling.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Race along the naturally beautiful western coast of St. Lucia in a speedboat.
• See the towering Pitons, twin volcanic spires that are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Relax in a mineral-rich mud bath that may have therapeutic benefits.
• Swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters off Anse Chastanet beach.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, hat, and sunscreen
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes

Enjoy a scenic tour of the island by land and sea including views of The Pitons – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Savor a typical Creole lunch at the enchanting Morne Coubaril Estate before boarding your catamaran to cruise along the island’s west coast and stop for a swim.

Depart the pier by bus for a scenic drive to the Marigot Bay viewpoint continuing through the fishing village of Anse la Raye, with a brief stop at Horizons offering views of the island's west coastline and lush tropical landscape. Guests may have the opportunity of seeing how some of the local snacks such a Accras and Bakes are prepared and to purchase them. Continue through the town of Soufriere where the magnificent Pitons are not to be missed. Drive to Toraille Waterfall and take a cool dip in this cascading 50 foot waterfall. Take a short drive to Morne Coubaril Estate, a 17th century plantation. Upon arrival take a guided tour and then enjoy a Creole buffet lunch in a rustic restaurant. Continue to the Soufriere docks and board your catamaran for a cruise along the rugged west coast. Spend time swimming in one of the bays. Cruise through Marigot Bay before returning to your ship.

Explore St. Lucia’s amazing underwater world as you snorkel at one of best locations on the island. Float along on the ocean's surface as you discover coral reefs teaming with multi colored fish feeding on plants and algae. You may also see crustaceans as they tread along white soft corals, sea fans and sponges fluttering in the current. Your certified crew will brief you on snorkeling techniques, ocean safety and equipment use. Snorkel equipment such as masks, fins, snorkels and certified snorkel guides are provided. Guests must know how to swim.

Don’t miss this colorful Trolley Train ride that will take you on a short but interesting tour of the Capital of St Lucia and an excellent beach-photo-stop.

We will start by traveling through the bustling streets of the capital. Enroute you will pass government buildings, a local craft market, colorful streets and alleys on the way to the Cathedral. We will make a short photo stop inside of this impressive church. Dated 1897, it is the largest of its kind in the Caribbean.

Back on the train the guide will keep you informed of points of interests as the train slowly makes its way through the main city highlights en route to the beach. At the beach enjoy a complimentary rum or fruit punch while enjoying a photo stop at this picture perfect white sand beach. Put your feet in the water while feeling the refreshing breeze of the Caribbean seas.

After ascending Morne Fortune, with its dramatic views, you’ll embark on a scenic drive along the winding west coast road to Soufriere, home of the Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll visit the historical Diamond Estate with its Botanical Gardens, waterfall and mineral baths. Enjoy a guided tour of the gardens, an oasis of flowers, fruit trees and foliage along concrete walkways and a well-maintained gravel path over relatively even ground with a few steps leading to the mineral baths and the spectacular sight of Diamond Falls.

Although one cannot bathe under the waterfalls, the amazing colors of the mineral stained rock face make an excellent photograph. You will have the option of a therapeutic bath in mineral pools fed by hot springs and built in 1784 for the troops of King Louis XVI of France. A refreshing drink is served at a hill top restaurant, which affords panoramic views of the town of Soufriere, the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. Local snacks are available for purchase. On your way back to Castries, you will stop for photos at the quaint fishing village of Anse la Raye.

Board an air-conditioned bus for a short drive to Rodney Bay - known as the island's most popular tourist area. Pigeon Island Beach is one of St. Lucia's popular beaches with golden sand. At the beach, your guide gives a brief orientation of the beach facilities. Relax in a complimentary beach chair in a specially designated area and enjoy three hours of fun in the sun. There are several beach bars to purchase drinks and snacks. Umbrellas are available at an additional charge.

OVERVIEW

Behold the awe-inspiring natural beauty of St. Lucia’s western shore while exploring a dormant volcanic crater and meandering through a tranquil botanical wonderland. You will first enjoy panoramic views of Castries and the surrounding tropical landscape from atop the Morne Fortune lookout. Another stop for photos will be made from a vantage point high above Marigot Bay, which forested hills shelter on three sides. As you approach the village of Soufriere, you will gaze out over the Pitons, two soaring spires that UNESCO deemed worthy of a World Heritage site designation. You will also travel through Sulphur Springs Park, a geothermal field within the collapsed crater of a volcano that last erupted in 1776. It is an incredibly eerie and dramatic setting of oozing mud baths and billowing steam. In contrast, the draw of Maranatha Gardens is its serenity. The guide will describe some of the more exotic flora within this paradisical prayer sanctuary.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the geothermal area that is said to be the “world’s only drive-in volcano.”
• Meander through a botanic garden so peaceful that it is considered a prayer sanctuary.
• Behold the Pitons, two volcanic spires that together are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Pause at lookouts and enjoy sweeping views of Castries and Marigot Bay.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Take an entertaining ride through the countryside in a vintage, open-air bus that will bring you to the beach for even more fun. It’s all about having a good time on this carefree jaunt around St. Lucia. The bus is brightly colored, Caribbean music will be playing in the background and the drinks will be flowing freely. Along the way, you will see some of the signature attractions in the northern part of the island, including horseshoe-shaped Rodney Bay. In the town of Gros Islet, you will pause at the St. Joseph the Worker Church, a Catholic landmark erected to honor where the first priests settled in St. Lucia in 1749. The fun really crescendos at a nearby beach, where you can spend free time doing whatever you please. You might swim in the crystal-clear waters, stretch out on the sand, bask in the sun, and beachcomb along the shore.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride around the northern reaches of St. Lucia in a brightly colored vintage bus.
• Enjoy complimentary drinks and Caribbean music, as the guide points out the scenic attractions.
• Spend free time at a popular beach, swimming, relaxing and doing whatever else you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, brings towels and biodegradable sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the charm and beauty of St. Lucia on this scenic island tour showcasing colonial estates, fishing villages, and breathtaking viewpoints. Begin with a drive through Castries to Howelton Estate House for a guided tour, shopping, and a live batik demonstration. Continue past the Governor General’s residence to the Morne Complex and Inniskilling Monument, honoring the regiment that captured the Morne in 1796. Travel through lush valleys lined with banana plantations before arriving at Anse La Raye, where you’ll stroll the fishing village and waterfront. Capture postcard-perfect photos at the Marigot Bay viewpoint, then conclude at the colonial-style home of St. Mark’s, where you’ll enjoy refreshments and sweeping views of Castries harbor and the Caribbean Sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Howelton Estate House for a guided tour, batik demonstration, and shopping.
• See the Inniskilling Monument and learn its historical significance.
• Stroll through the traditional fishing village of Anse La Raye.
• Capture spectacular photos at the Marigot Bay viewpoint.
• Tour the colonial-style home of St. Mark’s and enjoy refreshments with stunning views.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing.
• Bring a camera to capture St. Lucia’s scenic beauty.
• Some walking is required over uneven surfaces.