Could St. Lucia Be The Perfect Winter Vacation For You?

by Kristina Thiex

I don't know about you, but I've never been one who could just relax on a beach for days. It's just not my style. (Although I'd probably come back from vacation more rejuvenated, if I could) So I am always on the look out for destinations that offer more than just a pretty beach. I love interesting landscapes, culture/history, waterfalls, and animals. St. Lucia checked all of these boxes!

St. Lucia is a very safe, small island in the eastern Caribbean Sea, with friendly locals. During December through April it offers pleasant weather with temperatures averaging 72 - 83 degrees, and not much rainfall. The official language is English, but most St. Lucians also speak French Creole. This influence has created a very unique food scene. Flights from the US are available, a nonstop flight from Atlanta to St. Lucia is 4 hours, 40 minutes.

St. Lucia

Now lets talk about the beauty of this Caribbean paradise. St. Lucia is nicknamed, "Little Hawaii." The stars of the show are the twin volcanic mountain peaks, the Piton Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are tons of amazing beaches ranging from powdery white sand to black volcanic sand. The island is covered with palm trees and lush greenery. The interior is a rainforest. Plus, offshore there are coral reefs for scuba and snorkel exploration.

What Can You Do In St. Lucia?

I love that St. Lucia is a place for travelers who are seeking a relaxing vacation, but also offers many active adventures and cultural experiences.

  • Piton Mountains - this spectacular landmark on the island makes for a great photo opportunities. For hikers that are up for the challenge, guides will hike with you to the top for around $50. Imagine the views from the summit.
  • LaSoufriere Drive-In Volcano - this is the world's largest volcano that you can drive right into. You can soak in therapeutic mineral waters and coat yourself in mud from the mud bath at Sulphur Springs. The combination of minerals like magnesium and sulphur are said to help improve circulation and leaves your skin baby-smooth. Nearby, is 50-foot Toraille Waterfall which cascades over a cliff into a gem-colored pool, and is surrounded by rainforest. You do not have to be part of a tour group to have this experience, although there are plenty of tours offered. The walk-in price for adults is $10 and $5 for children 3-11 years old.
  • Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens - a six-acre award winning private park that includes the Botanical Gardens full of tropical plants & flowers, Diamond waterfall, mineral baths that you can soak in, a nature trail, Old Mill Restaurant, and the historic Soufriere Estate House. Entrance fee is $7, but visiting the on-site baths will cost an additional $6-$7.
  • Pigeon Island National Park - this 44-acre islet is joined to the mainland by a man made bridge. This island has historical significance that you can learn about in the museum. Pigeon Island was home to a 16th Century pirate, a strategic point for battles between the British and the French, and a whaling station that was shut down in 1952. There are military fort ruins to explore, hiking trails, green spaces, and beaches to enjoy. The entrance fee for adults is $10 and $3 or children 5-12 years old.
  • Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park - an 18th Century plantation where you can see the steps of making sugar cane syrup, producing cocoa, processing coconuts for food products, and get samples. There are many options for things to do here: Historical Estate Tour $11, Rum and Chocolate Tasting Tour $35, 3-in-1 Zipline, Rum and Chocolate Tasting Tour, & Buffet Lunch $110, Sapphire Falls & Hike $32, and Zipline Canopy Adventure $65
  • Lots of hiking trails
  • Visit a bat cave
  • Catamaran cruise
  • Walking tour of the capital city and a beautiful cathedral
  • Whale watching January - April
  • Nightlife
  • Scuba in Anse Chastenet Marine National Park
  • Horseback riding on the beach
  • Day trips to Martinique and Barbados
  • Deep Sea Fishing
  • Snorkeling, windsurfing, waterskiing, jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding

If you need assistance planning or booking a trip to St. Lucia or any other destination, contact me at: kristina@wanderfuladventurestravel.com

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