SHORE EXCURSIONS

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.

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.

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. Hike along a nature trail that will present spectacular views of the island’s signature Pitons and then 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 even more 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 can swim in the refreshing pool at the bottom of the Toraille waterfall and then dine on Creole cuisine at the Old Sugar Mill Restaurant.

Travel through St. Lucia's countryside and the communities of Babonneau, Fond Assau and Chassin. Upon arrival at the Rain Forest Sky Rides Eco Park you'll gear up as your naturalist tour guide gives a safety introduction and then accompanies a group of no more than eight persons to the training cable for a trial run. After successfully completing the training cable, board the Aerial Tram which will transfer you through the wonders of the rainforest to the top station where you disembark. Continue on a trail descending through the thicket of the rainforest and after a hike of approximately 15 minutes you reach the first sky canopy platform.

The first zip cable is only the beginning of an exhilarating experience. In all, you'll glide along eight zip cables. Fly among the high rainforest trees and enjoy great views of the north of the island, Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. After this exhilarating experience, board the aerial tram and relax in the comfort of your gondola while you enjoy fantastic views and the nature around you.

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

The Rainforest Sky Ride in St. Lucia provides you with a bird's eye view of a truly mature oceanic rainforest. Nurtured by warm, gentle rains and rich volcanic soils, St. Lucia's forests have achieved a state of ancient majesty. Gondolas safely glide you through and over the tree tops, where knotted and twisting woody vines wind to the tops of old growth rainforest trees. Dense thickets of surreal vegetation merge with cascades of flowers. Lavender stars, orange bursts, yellow berries and white lace thrive on the branches of fragrant flowering trees.

Giant 'Chatannier,' magnolia, and gommier trees tower over the landscape and provide food and shelter for St. Lucia's endemic and endangered parrot. Experience St. Lucia's forest and witness this ancient celebration of color and life. At the end of your Tram Ride, there is an optional walk through the beautiful Hummingbird Garden.

Your bus will pass through the bustling city of Castries which consists of the colorful marketplace and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, with its magnificent paintings by a famous local artist - Dunstan St. Omer. A panoramic view of the island can be seen from Morne Fortune before traveling through the lush Cul de Sac and Roseau banana plantations on to picturesque Marigot Bay of movie fame. Continuing your scenic drive along a winding road on the edge of a rainforest with an abundance of tropical flowers and trees, you’ll reach the town of Soufriere. Here, the dramatic Pitons, rising more than 2,500 feet/760 meters, tower over the entire area.

You’ll enjoy a short, guided visit of the Sulphur Springs, the Caribbean's only “drive-in volcano” so called as you can drive right into the crater. Next, you’ll visit the Maranatha Garden or Prayer Park, where an array of exotic and brightly colored flowers, fruit trees and colorful birds mingle. This is a perfect setting for garden lovers and for taking pictures. Enjoy a refreshing drink at the Beacon viewpoint and hilltop restaurant, situated on three naturally ventilated balconies. From here, you can admire stunning views of the Pitons, the Caribbean Sea, and the Soufriere Valley before returning to Castries harbor. Local snacks are available for purchase at the restaurant.

Leaving the Castries harbor in a fully-equipped Bertram Boat, you'll cruise three to four miles off the west coast of St. Lucia from the north to the south of the island. Although the tour is a fishing expedition, there are over 40 different species of whales and dolphins here, and the sighting of one of these species is a possibility. Nevertheless, the main thing on your mind is a catch, and the variety of fish in these waters include marlin, sailfish, king fish, mackerel, jack fish, yellow fin tuna, dorado, wahoo and barracuda.

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.

You will be greeted by our fun & friendly Segway guide who will whisk you away on a scenic drive to Rodney Bay, a century’s old pirate-haven on the north of the island. After a quick orientation and safety briefing, head off on your state-of-the-art off-road Segway for an unforgettable ride along a 2- mile nature trail up the iconic Mount Pimard. Ride along the lush trail of this 78-acre nature reserve scattered with ruins of ages past. Make your way back down the mountain to re-join your tour bus and see the sights up close. The very best of northern sightseeing awaits as your experienced guide points out prominent landmarks and shares local folklore and interesting stories along the way. Next it’s time for a beach break on the white sands of the famous Reduit Beach. Here you can lounge in the sunshine or go snorkeling with vibrant marine life, share a picture online using the free Wi-Fi and sample delicious seasonal local fruits. After a blissful St. Lucian day, it’s time to board the tour bus and return to port with unforgettable memories of your time on this magical island known as “The Helen of the West”.

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.