St. Lucia's Nature Sites

The soil of St. Lucia is rich, and so is the diversity of wildlife that inhabits the island.  Visitors who take the time to go exploring outdoors will find many natural sites of interest, as well as the opportunity to view first hand the animals that call the island their home. 

National Parks and Reserves

The first of St. Lucia's national parks, Pigeon Island National Historic Park, can be reached by traveling across the causeway to Pigeon Island.  The island is 44 acres of land  that features an interpretation center, two beaches, hotel, and restaurant. 

Grande Anse, off the northeast coast of St. Lucia, is a small, protected cove.  There are many species of birds who inhabit the island, and several endangered species, including the leatherback sea turtle and loggerhead that nest here.

Midway up the Eastern coast of St. Lucia is a cluster of rocks called the Fregate Islands.  These rocks are the home to hundreds of Fregate birds between the months of May and July. 

Another set of islands, these off the southernmost tip of St. Lucia, is home to quite an array of wildlife.  The Maria Islands house lizards, snakes, birds, butterflies, and cactus.  There are more than 120 species of plants and animals on the islands.

Right smack in the middle of St. Lucia, the Barre de l'Isle Forest Reserve divides the east and west halves of the island in half.  A trail leading up Mt. La Combe Ridge is surrounded by forested lands.  In order to access the trail here, you must have permission from the St. Lucia Forest and Lands Department.

Edmund Forest Reserve is, at 19,000 acres, a sprawling tropical forest reserve.  A number of rare birds make their home within the reserve, as do plenty of land animals. 

Mountains

The most famous, and obvious, natural landmark in St. Lucia are the Pitons.  The mountains stand tall at around 2,000 feet. 

The Pitons may be the most recognizable mountains in St. Lucia, but they are not the tallest.  That accolade goes to Mt. Gimie, which reaches 3,117 feet above sea level.  Visitors can arrange guided tours up the mountain. 

Gardens

One of the most talked about sites in St. Lucia is Diamond Estate.  The grounds are filled with glorious natural attractions, including a botanical garden, a waterfall, and boiling mineral springs.  The estate is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mamiku Gardens is a French inspired garden in the village of Dennery.  On site there are beautiful gardens, trails, and historic ruins. 

Trails

There are a number of trails that snake their way through the wilds of St. Lucia.  For guided tours, contact the St. Lucia National Trust or the Forestry Department.

• Barre de L'isle Rain Forest Trail
• Fregate Island Nature Trail
• Morne Le Blanc Trail
• Union Nature Trail

Other Natural Attractions

St. Lucia is home to the world's only drive-in volcano.  The volcano itself is dormant, but the bubbling sulphur springs within the volcano draw tourists in in droves. 

From the rocks that make up Fregate Islands to the top of Mt. Gimie, and everything in between, there is much to be discovered by visitors in St. Lucia.