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Activities
Soufriere - This small town was
once the capital of St. Lucia when it was under French rule. It is
typical of the fishing villages along the St. Lucian coast.
Soufriere is a five minute drive along the hillside or a twenty
minute walk from the Tree House. Available in town are banks (ATM),
bakeries, grocery stores, a fish market, resturants and many shops
for buying souvenirs. The town of Soufriere dates back to the 18th
century and offers plenty of activities. It is one of the most
visited towns on the island as many natural places of interest are
located here. These include the Botanical Gardens, Diamond Mineral
Falls, Morne Coubaril Estate, Sulphur Springs and the Drive-in
volcano. There are also many adventure tours available including
private taxi, helicopter, boat and island tours. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soufri%C3%A8re,_Saint_Lucia
Anse Chastanet Beach is a black
sand beach with crystal clear water. It is a ten minute walk or
three minute drive from The Tree House and is St. Lucia's top dive
center. Boasting views to 100 feet, the swimming area is also
highly recommended for snorkeling. An underwater marine reserve is
maintained just off the beach and offers amazing views of colorful
fish and coral reefs, just 20-30 feet below the surface. Snorkel
and dive equipment rentals and dive trips are available to both
beginners and experts. Besides swimming and snorkeling, the beach
also offers sunbathing, kayaking, sailing, restrooms and spa
facilities. The resort offers weekly
passes that allow you to use their water sports, tiki huts and
lounge chairs. The beachfront restaurant and bar, which offers
lunch and dinner, is perfect if you are looking for that laid back
Caribbean vibe. Kayaking, mountain biking and hiking trails are
available at Anse Mamin Beach which is just a short walk to the
north along the beach. www.ansechastanet.com
Jalousie Beach is located at the
base of the Petit Piton and boasts this area's only white sand
beach. This beach also has an underwater marine reserve along the
base of the Petit Piton that is perfect for snorkelers. Snorkel
equipment and chair rentals are available for visitors as well
as an excellent dive shop for scuba diving. The beachfront
restaurant serves drinks, salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, etc.
Jalousie Beach is a twenty minute drive from the Tree House or a
fifteen minute boat ride from Anse Chastanet Beach. http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/sugarbeach/
Sulphur Springs and the Drive In
Volcano - This area is a collapsed caldera of an ancient old
volcano that stills releases steam and hot air from deep inside the
earth's crust. Considered to be the world's only drive in volcano,
this is a must see. The Sulphur Springs are next door and provide
an opportunity to experience the healing powers of a mineral
bath.
Diamond Mineral Falls and the Botanical
Gardens are great for those interested in plants, flowers
and fauna. Taking a walk through trails of multi colored crotons,
lobster heliconas, ixoras, gingers and numerous varieties of palms
lead you to the black warm water mineral falls. Bring your swimsuit
and you can relax in the warm and cold tubs. http://diamondstlucia.com/
The Petit and Gros Pitons are the
signature symbols of St. Lucia. You can climb the Gros
Piton by way of a guided hike that takes about two -
three hours. Once at the top, the breathtaking views and
sense of accomplishment will make the hike well worth
it. Plan on leaving early in the morning and returning mid
afternoon. The Petit Piton does not have any maintained trails, is
for experienced climbers only and a guide is recommended. You must
be in good physical condition to attempt these climbs.
The St. Lucia National Rain Forest
is the best place for hiking, bird watching and viewing of numerous
plants species such as exotic ferns, bromeliads and wild orchids.
The full rain forest hike is a good two hours, but at the halfway
point you are rewarded with a cooling waterfall that beckons you
for a refreshing dip. The drive to the rain forest from the Tree
House is about thirty minutes and is an experience not to be
missed. It takes you through small mountain villages where you see
the REAL St. Lucia.
Marigot Bay, the site of the
original 1969 Dr. Doolittle movie, is on the west coast of St.
Lucia approx. thirty minutes north of Soufriere. A boat ride
provides the most scenic trip as you pass small coastal fishing
villages and several snorkeling spots. Marigot Bay has a small
beach and is one of the island's most beautiful locations with
several restaurants for lunch or dinner.
Castries, the capitol of St.
Lucia, is also the island's largest city. It is a town with lots of
history including a century old marketplace, a historic English
fort and a large bay that serves as port of call for several cruise
lines. There are lots of shops at Point Seraphine and the
marketplace offers a variety of goods including spices, fruits,
hand woven items and wood carvings.
Dive and explore the underwater world in St. Lucia.
Daily Dive and Snorkel Trips are offered for both beginners and
Certified Divers. Dive walls, wrecks and a variety of fabulous
reefs in the pristine waters of the St. Lucian Marine Reserves. An
abundance of life awaits you and our unbeatable service you will
never forget. Check out http://www.aadivers.net or
http://www.scubastlucia.com/.
The Rain Forest Sky Ride is a
great way to spend an afternoon. Take an aerial tram ride up to the
top of the rain forest and enjoy a course of ten ziplines. http://www.rainforestadventure.com/
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