Martinique Hiking – Discover the Tallest Waterfall of L’Ile aux Fleurs!
The first thing I wanted to do after arriving in Martinique was to get out for a nice casual hike. It’s a great way to unwind and introduce oneself to what the French Caribbean island, known as the “Island of Flowers” has to offer. The Cascade de la Riviere Couleuvre, AKA the Couleuvre River Waterfall trail was close to where we were staying just north of Saint-Pierre, and as it turned out, was great choice for a warm welcome to Martinique!
The trailhead is literally located at “the end of the road” on the northwest side of the island. The northbound D10 road ends after a wild series of twisty-turny, up-and-down sections of pavement at a small parking lot capable of holding maybe 10-15 cars. The morning we went for our hike, there were dozens of cars parked at the end of the D10, overflowing all along the sides of the road. As we were to find out, this is very characteristic of most ‘attractions’ in Martinique. Just beyond the parking lot, there is a small but clear post marking the start of the trail, along with an alternate route that leads to the beach, which I hear can be good for snorkeling on a calm day.
I knew instantly that this was going to be an awesome trail, as we were immediately surrounded by tropical rainforest plants and trees. We passed some huge trees along the trail and quickly saw tons of interesting fern-like vegetation growing on everything. Of course what really stood out were the massive vines everywhere, climbing like serpents from the ground up into the tree tops and back down again. Some of the vines seem to twist around themselves forming what appear to be large tree branches. Along with the large trunks of tropical trees there were some massive stands of bamboo that made quite an impression on us. That said, we had to keep our eye on the trail, specifically on the frequent river, or more accurately, creek crossings.
The trail took us on a constant but fairly gradual incline on the way to the falls, snaking back and forth across the Couleuvre River. Honestly, I lost track, but we must have crisscrossed the shallow creek close to ten times in each direction. The river crossings were easy to manage at the time of our hike – We didn’t even get our feet wet as we gingerly stepped across rocks that seemed conveniently spaced across the water. The stream was moving fairly fast though and I can imagine that the crossings can become much more challenging during the rainy season, or even after a big downpour perhaps. What I don’t understand is how the fish got into this shallow stream of water… Curious for sure.
The dense jungle foliage prevented much sun from penetrating the ground, so there are plenty of moss-covered rocks along the river banks and plenty of fallen logs topped with clumps of little mushrooms and other assorted fungi. I noticed some peculiar tiny white mushrooms and some more familiar-looking brown mushrooms on our walk… and Ya, it was hot and humid for us as well, although to be fair, we had just arrived from a cold part of North America, so hiking through a rainforest was a bit of a shock to our system. A welcome change, but a shock nonetheless.
While there were several people on the trail, something else that we are not used to experiencing on our Caribbean hikes prior to this trip, it was by no means congested. We still felt like we were enjoying time (nearly) alone in nature.
While we had plenty to appreciate on the journey, I did get excited as I started to hear the faint but distinct sound of a waterfall in the distance. Eventually, I caught a glimpse of some falling water through a break in the foliage. After a few short minutes of hiking, or rather climbing over a couple of boulders and scaling some steep ground, there it was – the star attraction of the hike! A thin and long stream of water appears from nowhere in the sky… then plunges about 100 feet (30m) down a near-vertical black rock cliff face surrounded by well-nourished curtains of greenery!
The trail to Martinique’s tallest waterfall is about a mile (1.6km) long or 2 miles (>3km) return. Hiking the sloped trail results in an energetic and warming walk to the beautiful falls, and a relaxing stroll with momentum on your side on the way back. Taking a leisurely, exploring pace it took us just under an hour to reach the waterfall, and about half that time to return to the parking lot. That said, the duration really depends on how nimble you are in crossing the river, and how well your cardio handles the constant gentle incline which amounts to close to an 820-foot (250m) vertical rise in just over a mile (1.6km) of ground covered.
Overall, an excellent start to our Martinique adventures – We couldn’t have asked for anything better!
For a more ‘technical’ Trail Report as well as much more information on Martinique Hiking, please reference the following links (to pages on our website):
Now’s the time for a great winter escape – Here’s our top picks…
As cold weather drags on in many parts of the world, a Caribbean vacation might be just what the doctor ordered for curing the winter blues. Just imagine the sand beneath your feet and a cold rum beverage in your hand. Better yet, how about slipping into the warm clear Caribbean Sea for some snorkelling or perhaps getting on the trail in a lush green rainforest. Of course, a game of golf or a day fishing would also be great right about now! If you’re looking to enjoy a warm-weather vacation in the near future, here are our thoughts on the best Caribbean destinations to visit in the next couple of months.
The good news is that it finally appears that Covid-19 is on the decline (I hope I didn’t just jinx it). Regardless, based on readily available data, it might be safer to spend time on certain Caribbean islands than it is to ‘go out’ in most American, Canadian, UK or European towns or cities. For this article, we looked at the Caribbean Islands that appear to have the fewest number of covid cases (per capita) combined with above-average vaccination rates. We also considered each island’s current covid related entry requirements to ensure a good balance of safety and convenience.
Our top three destinations listed below are really too close to rank/order, and similarly comparing the last two on our list resulted in a tie. You’ll find some of our top picks, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis and Grenada only allow fully vaccinated tourists to visit, while other islands we’re recommending, Jamaica and Saint Lucia are allowing unvaccinated tourists to now visit without quarantine requirements. The British Virgin Islands also made our list with a slightly more complicated set of rules and requirements than the others. All of our recommended destinations still require a negative covid test result prior to travelling to the island.
We hope you enjoy our assessments below, which also include a few ideas for fun and exciting things to do on each island. We’re hoping that will help you decide which Caribbean Island destination works best for you.
Antigua & Barbuda
With one of the lowest covid case counts and highest vaccination rates in the Caribbean, the beautiful islands of Antigua & Barbuda are one of our highest recommended destinations.
Adults 18 and over must be fully vaccinated to visit Antigua & Barbuda. A negative RT PCR test result must be obtained within four days of travelling to the islands. Rapid Antigen tests will also be accepted, however these visitors may be required to take an RT PCR test upon arrival (at their own expense). Upon arrival, travellers will need to complete a health declaration form and undergo a brief health screening. If everything checks out ok, you’re good to go!
Once on the islands, you must stay in an official Antigua & Barbuda BioSafe/Certified accommodation, and you’ll need to wear a mask in public places while adhering to social distance protocols. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Antigua & Barbuda’s Travel Advisory webpage.
Now comes the fun part – What to do once you’re there… The islands are famous for their excellent cuisine and amazing white (along with a few pink) sandy beaches – Apparently, there’s a different beach for each day of the year in Antigua & Barbuda. For spectacular views, Shirley Heights is a must-see, as is Nelson’s Dockyard – A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unique adventurous activities can be found at Antigua’s Stingray City as well as in Barbuda’s caves. Antigua and Barbuda are home to wonderful mangroves and coral reefs, making the islands ideal for kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. Of course, there are plenty of sailing and boating excursions available for a true Antigua & Barbuda experience. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to know that Antigua offers some pretty amazing hiking trails and golf as well!
For more ideas and details for things to do in Antigua and Barbuda, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you make the most of your vacation, check out our Antigua & Barbuda Vacation Ideas webpage.
For our personal reviews of some fun and adventurous activities in Antigua & Barbuda, check out our Excursions/Blog Posts page.
Jamaica
Few covid cases are being reported right now in Jamaica and although the island’s overall vaccination rate appears low, people working in the tourism industry are mostly vaccinated and following strict protocols to keep everyone safe. For these and financial (great package deal) reasons, this is where we’re heading to this month!
Regardless of your vaccination status, Jamaica is welcoming all travellers, as long as you have a negative Antigen or PCR test result conducted within 3 days of travel (applies to everyone 12 and over). For faster processing on arrival, visitors are encouraged to submit their Immigration/Customs C5 card online prior to departing. If the card is not submitted online, travellers may complete the paper form while on the plane. Once on the islands, visitors must observe all applicable protocols, including the wearing of a mask and maintaining social distance in public spaces. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Jamaica Cares webpage.
As for what to do once you’re on the island, you’re in for a treat! Historically known as the “land of wood and water”, Jamaica is probably best known for its Reggae music & culture, white sand beaches, as well as its amazing rum and coffee. That said, a Jamaican vacation offers one of the best opportunities to enjoy waterfalls, river rafting and golf in a tropical setting. The island is rich with a beautiful and diverse landscape that includes the iconic Blue Mountain range, home to Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, great for hiking and coffee excursions. Jamaica offers good snorkelling and fishing too, while inland adventures include some serious MTB and caving excursions.
For more ideas and details for things to do in Jamaica, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you make the most of your stay, check out our Jamaica Vacation Ideas page.
For our personal reviews of some fun and adventurous activities in Jamaica, check out our Excursions/Blog Posts page (just scroll down to the Jamaica section).
St. Kitts & Nevis
With one of the lowest covid case counts and highest vaccination rates in the Caribbean, the “Sister Islands” of St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) is also one of our top recommendations.
All visitors must be fully vaccinated (applies to everyone 18 and over) to visit St. Kitts and Nevis. Travelers must submit an RT-PCR or NAAT negative test result, taken within 3 days of your arrival, along with an Immigration/Customs form along with supporting documentation online, no later than 24 hours prior to travel.
Once on the islands, you must stay in an official SKN Certified accommodation and you’ll need to wear a mask, practice proper hand sanitizing, as well as physical distancing. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official St. Kitts & Nevis St. Kitts & Nevis Travel Requirements page.
Having just returned from two weeks of bliss in St. Kitts & Nevis, I would suggest visiting the formidable Brimstone Fortress as well as nearby Romney Manor and the ruins of Wingfield Estate. While you’re in the area, a hike up Mount Liamuiga, one of the Caribbean’s tallest volcanos is a must-do for avid hikers. Nevis Peak also offers an incredibly unique hike, while other less strenuous hikes are also available on the islands. For some, the best way to explore St. Kitts is by taking their unique Scenic Railway tour around the island. You may also be pleasantly surprised at the snorkeling around St. Kitts as well as the rum on Nevis.
For more ideas and details for things to do in the Sister Islands, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you make the most of your vacation, check out our St. Kitts & Nevis Vacation Ideas page.
For our personal reviews of some fun and adventurous activities in St. Kitts & Nevis, check out our Excursions/Blog Posts page (just scroll down to the St. Kitts & Nevis section).
Saint Lucia
Although the island’s overall vaccination rate is fairly low, covid case counts are on the decline and nearing their all-time low in Saint Lucia, so it’s a good time to visit.
Prior to departing for Saint Lucia, all adult travelers will need to obtain Travel Authorization, providing proof of a negative PCR test taken within 5 days of travel (applies to everyone 5 and over). Once on the island, visitors must adhere to all covid protocols, including those related to wearing face masks in public, social distancing and observing high standards of hand hygiene. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Saint Lucia – Safe Harbour webpage.
As for what to do once you’re there, Saint Lucia offers vacationers a wide variety of relaxing and adventurous activities ranging from sampling, and making your own, chocolate to hiking one of the iconic Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lone distillery on the island may be a pleasant surprise to some, as it is home to some of the Caribbean’s best rums. Perhaps the mountainous green island is famous for its beautiful gardens, waterfalls and hot springs. That said, Saint Lucia is also a great adventure destination for snorkeling/diving, fishing, water sports and golf.
For a more detailed view of things to do in Saint Lucia, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you get the most out of your stay, check out our Saint Lucia Vacation Ideas page.
For our personal reviews of some fun and adventurous activities in Saint Lucia, check out our Excursions/Blog Posts page (just scroll down to the Saint Lucia section).
British Virgin Islands
With one of the highest vaccination rates in the Caribbean combined with declining covid case counts, the BVIs deserve a spot on our “top 5 Caribbean Islands to visit” list. While it’s convenient that entry requirements are somewhat less demanding for fully vaccinated tourists, overall guidelines and requirements are a bit confusing, so I hope I get this right.
Fully vaccinated travellers must show proof of vaccination, a negative PCR or Rapid Antigen test result (taken within 5 days of travel), along with proof of covid related Travel Insurance upon arriving in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). That said, if (Antigen?) test results are older than 48 hours, visitors may be asked to retest (Rapid Antigen) upon entry. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors need to obtain travel authorization online via the BVI Gateway Portal prior to departing for the BVIs. To be approved, visitors must provide proof of a certified RT-PCR negative test result (taken 3-5 days prior to arrival), along with evidence of Covid related Travel Insurance. Partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers will need to quarantine for 4 and 7 days respectively upon arrival, and will be allowed to roam the islands after receiving a negative RT-PCR test result at the end of the quarantine period.
All visitors are to adhere to COVID-19 protocols while travelling around the British Virgin Islands. These include relevant physical distancing, wearing masks and sanitization measures.
Now for the fun part – For a taste of what you can enjoy once you get there, consider this… There are plenty of white sandy beaches offering a number of swimming and watersports options. Perhaps the best kayaking and SUP (paddleboarding) in the BVIs can be found at Tortola, while kiteboarding and windsurfing might be best experienced on Virgin Gorda. Boat operators can get you fishing around the islands, and spectacular views can be found while hiking the BVI’s National Parks. For a journey back in time, visit the islands’ museums and ruins of forts and sugar mills. Of course, there’s always plenty of sailing and rum to enjoy in the BVIs!
Grenada
Covid case counts, which are much lower than other Caribbean Islands, are on the decline again in Grenada. Vaccination rates on the islands are on the rise, surpassing the levels of a couple of islands on this list above.
Adults 18 and over must be fully vaccinated to visit Grenada. A negative PCR test result must be obtained within 3 days of travelling to the islands. Alternatively, a negative Rapid Antigen test result must be obtained within 1 day of visiting Grenada. For faster processing on arrival, visitors are encouraged to submit their Travel Health Declaration form online prior to departing. If the form is not submitted online, you may complete the paper version while on the plane. Travellers will undergo health screening on arrival and once everything checks out ok, you’re good to go! Once you’re on the islands, visitors must wear a face mask (that covers his/her mouth, nose, and chin) in public places
As for what to do once you’re in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique… The Spice Islands may be one of the Caribbean’s ‘best-kept secrets’, offering unspoiled natural beauty and a wide variety of attractions and activities sure to please everyone. The tropical paradise has dozens of uncrowded beaches and several accessible waterfalls and sulfur/hot springs. Grenada is home to Grand Etang National Park, a wilderness attraction complete with a crater lake. While equally a ‘hiker’s paradise’ and a ‘diver’s wonderland’, a vacation on the tri-island nation is a great destination for travelers seeking action on both land and sea. The islands also offer plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, water sports, and more.
For more detailed ideas for things to do in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you get the most out of your stay, check out our Grenada Vacation Ideas page.
Now, for our disclaimer… Please note that this article was written on March 3th, 2022. Covid-19 information can change pretty quickly, so we recommend you check covid case counts on your island of choice, right before booking your trip.
FYI (Full Disclosure): We are not being compensated in any way by the islands listed above. These islands were chosen as our top destinations based on the criteria outlined. Some information for this article was derived from the following sources: worldometers.com; and covidvax.live
We hope you liked our assessment and it has motivated you to enjoy some quality time in the Caribbean!
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6 Things to do in St. Lucia – A Top Caribbean Destination for Adventure
Saint Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s ‘Windward’ islands. Found near the southern end of the Caribbean islands chain, St. Lucia is just south of Martinique with Barbados to its east. Saint Lucia is a mountainous island covered in green rain-forest and home to the iconic Gros and Petit Pitons (mountains), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A very popular Caribbean vacation destination traditionally focused on romantic getaways, there are plenty of adventurous things to do in St. Lucia. Our favourite active vacation activities include:
Saint Lucia Hiking on a Diverse Assortment of Trails
There are a variety of trails on the island, offering something for everyone – From short nature walks to intermediate hikes along with a couple of challenging hikes. While no hiking trip to Saint Lucia is complete without climbing the majestic Gros Piton, the island has about half a dozen mountains above 1,500 feet (500m) tall, the tallest being Mount Gimie at just over 3,000 feet (950m). You should know that a Saint Lucia Forestry Department day-pass, along with a local guide, is officially required to hike on the island.
The best hiking trails in the south end of St. Lucia include:
Mount/Morne Gimie Trail in the Edmund Forest Reserve – Plan a full day for this fairly challenging hike covering 5-6 miles (8-10km) of occasionally extreme up and down terrain, as well as a waterfall. This diverse trail will reward you with amazing views along the way, including a really unique perspective of the island from the top
While we’re talking about it… The Edmund Forest Reserve is the final destination for a couple of ‘cross-country’ trails of note. The Des Cartiers to Edmund Trail is an approximately 5 mile (8km) long easy-to-intermediate level hike, while the Barre D’Isle to Edmund Trail is a more challenging 10 mile (16km) hike venturing across a nice ridge requiring 4-6 hours to complete.
Gros Piton Trail – This challenging hike consists of a pretty much constant climb to get to the top. While less than 3 miles (4.4km) round trip, it can take anywhere from 3-6 hours to complete. Once you catch your breath, amazing Caribbean sea views await.
Enbas Saut Falls Trail – This is an intermediate level hike with lots of rustic wooden/natural stairs to first descend, then climb on the return journey. Depending on your starting point, the hike can cover over 5 miles (9km), requiring 3-4 hours to get to and from the fun and amazing cascading waterfalls.
The best hikes in the north part of Saint Lucia include the Intermediate level Piton Flore Trail and the interesting Barre D’Isle Ridge / Mount La Combe Area Trails. On the east side of island, the Eastern Nature Trail is a fairly easy, but somewhat long trail that takes you along the remote eastern coastline of St. Lucia.
One of the funnest things to do in Saint Lucia, find more information about the trails on the island, including hiking guides who will help you get the most out of your day, click on St. Lucia Hiking
St. Lucia Snorkeling – With or without a Boat!
One of the better islands in the Caribbean for snorkeling, Saint Lucia offers half a dozen locations along the west coast of the island to explore clear blue waters full of diverse coral and colourful fish. Slip into the warm Caribbean sea and snorkel right off the beach – A unique underwater world you just can’t experience on land. One of the most enjoyable things to do in Saint Lucia, the best snorkeling sites in Saint Lucia include:
Saline Point – This small bay has a sand bottom and is protected from the wind. A reef runs parallel to the beach where plenty of fish can be seen.
Smugglers’ Cove – This large protected bay features underwater ridges which are home to a variety of crustaceans and fish. A great place for beginners…
Anse Cochon – Another large bay well protected from the wind and waves. This spot has a nice reef for exploring coral boulders along with fish, turtles, eels and more. A great location for beginners as well as more experienced snorkelers looking for underwater photography and night dives.
Anse Chastanet – This shallow reef is teeming with a rich diversity of marine life including fish and turtles. This is one of the best snorkeling sites and a favourite spot for underwater photography on the island.
Coral Gardens / Gros Piton – The island’s longest and one of it’s most popular reefs. There’s plenty of coral to explore along with a variety of fish and eels.
For those who want longer and deeper underwater exploring time, but don’t have scuba diving experience, Snuba (Mask and mouthpiece with air-tube) and Sea Trek (Full face ‘helmet’ with air-tube) tours are available.
For more information on visiting the island’s underwater world, check out our St. Lucia Snorkeling page
Golf in a Warm Tropical Setting in Saint Lucia
Looking for one of the more relaxing things to do in Saint Lucia? There are two golf courses on the island, an 18 hole / par 71 and a 9 hole / par 33. The St. Lucia Golf Club is an 18-hole course that plays to 6,685 yards with great views of the island and the Caribbean Sea. Close to the capital Castries, the Sandals Regency La Toc resort has a 9-hole course that plays to 3,141 yards.
Saint Lucia Diving – Explore a Unique Underwater World
One of the better islands in the Caribbean for scuba diving, Saint Lucia offers a variety of dive sites along the western coast of the island. There are close to two dozen dive sites with reefs, wrecks and walls to explore. If you’ve always wanted to try scuba diving, Saint Lucia is a great place to get started – there is a dive school on the island and a number of hotels on the island offer diving PADI certification as well. Some of the best dive sites off Saint Lucia’s coast include:
Smugglers’ Cove – This large bay is well protected from the wind and with a maximum depth around 40 feet (12m), this a great place for beginners. Underwater ridges are home to a variety of crustaceans and tropical fish.
Pigeon Island / Pigeon Point – This popular dive site includes a mixed terrain of sand, coral and boulders with a depth varying from 15 to 60 feet (5m – 18m). A variety of tropical fish, along with rays, barracuda, eels, lobster and even seahorse can be found here. A good dive site for underwater photography and night dives.
Bone Yard – A World War II era wreck can be found in about 40 feet (12m) of water. A variety of marine life, including tropical fish and lobster live in the area.
Anse La Raye Wall – This fairly deep dive site features volcanic boulders and a coral wall with a depth varying from 60 to 110 feet (18m – 34m). The wall is home to a variety of marine life, including corals and tropical fish, along with rays. A good site for wall diving and drift dives.
Lesleen M Wreck – A cargo vessel was sunk here for an artificial reef in about 65 feet (20m) of water on a sandy bottom. A variety of marine life, including reef fish, eels and lobster can be found here. This a good dive site for beginners.
Daini Koyomaru Wreck – A dredger sits on its side a mile offshore, making an artificial reef in about 244 feet (75m) of water. A variety of marine life, including tropical fish and barracuda call this place home. This deep dive site is for advanced divers only.
Fairyland – This deep dive site features boulders and coral walls with a depth varying from 40 to 200 feet (12m – 61m). A variety of corals and sponges are the main attraction, although turtles can be found here as well. This a good site for drift diving.
Superman’s Flight – In the shadow of the Petit Piton, this deep wall dive can take you to a depth of 1500 feet (460m). An assortment of corals, gorgonians and sponges, along with tropical fish and turtles can be found here. A good dive site for drift diving and deep diving.
For more detailed info on dive sites, boat operators and how you can enjoy one of the more adventurous things to do in Saint Lucia, click on our St. Lucia Diving page
Saint Lucia Cycling and Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in St. Lucia is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while gazing across jaw-dropping views of the mountainous island and Caribbean sea. There’s different terrain and trail styles to explore on St. Lucia, including some man-made courses and several nature trails that lead to waterfalls – It doesn’t get much better than this! Some local resorts also offer Mountain Biking lessons on trails made specifically for different experience levels.
You can take a leisurely Fat Bike tour around a town, through the rain-forest, or even on a beach! Other MTB tours take you on rain-forest trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls, where you can relax and soak-in the beauty of your natural surroundings. Talking about nature… There’s even an organized tour in one of the island’s protected coastal areas.
Of course, you can also find cycling tours and bicycle rentals for taking on St. Lucia’s mountainous roads.
For more information on one of the funnest things to do in Saint Lucia, including tour operators and bike rental shops who will get you outfitted, check out our St. Lucia Cycling & Biking page
Saint Lucia Kayaking – Enjoy the Island From the Tops of the Waves
There’s nothing like exploring St. Lucia’s waterways and shorelines by kayak. Floating around on your single or tandem kayak, you can see the island from a unique perspective and it’s the perfect speed for sightseeing. Kayaking is something that can be enjoyed by anyone, enabling the whole family to get up close and personal with nature. You can find active or relaxing routes for vigorous or gentle paddling, it’s up to you.
There’s a number of kayak tours available in the Marigot Bay area, either along the coastline, or up a river to explore the island’s interior. Some kayak tours include short town visits with a locally prepared lunch, while others combine a relaxing fishing or bird watching experience. Kayaking is also available in the Soufriere area, below the towering Pitons, bringing new meaning to the peaks that are measured in ‘above sea level’. For a unique nature experience, kayaking is also available in the remote Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area. For the avid paddler, there are even multi-day kayak packages available ensuring an amazing and rewarding vacation experience!
For more information about one of the more adventurous things to do in Saint Lucia, including tour operators who will get you on the water, click on our St. Lucia Water Sports page
Have Fun!
ACT Staff
If you’re looking for more of a relaxing vacation, take a look at our St. Lucia Attractions blog
For an overview of the beautiful island of St. Lucia, click on our St. Lucia Vacations page
Things to Do in Saint Lucia – Get Muddy, Explore Nature & Relax on a Sunset Sail
You’ll find Saint Lucia in the southern Caribbean, just south of Martinique, with Barbados to its east. St. Lucia is a mountainous island covered in lush green rain-forest and is home to the distinctive and easily recognizable Pitons (mountains), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A very popular Caribbean vacation destination known for romantic getaways, there’s also plenty of things to do in Saint Lucia for active travelers – If you know where to look…. You can enjoy time outdoors with a walk through a botanical gardens or on a nature trail. Thrill seekers can zip-line through the rain-forest or motor through the jungle on an ATV or Dune Buggy.
Our personal favourites include:
Saint Lucia Nature – Explore and Enjoy!
Saint Lucia is a gorgeous island, full of nature’s wonders…
The Tet Paul Nature Trail is a “must do” on the island. The hour long guided tour can be enjoyed by folks of all ages and physical ability. You will be treated with amazing views of the Pitons, as well as the south coast of the island. Your guide will also share his knowledge of local plant life on display there.
For another quiet day in nature, journey to the remote east side of the island to experience Mamiku Botanical Gardens which offers a variety of forest and plantation tours that feature birds, humming birds and butterflies along with flowers and plant life, including medicinal herbs.
The Millet bird Sanctuary is located just outside of Roseau and provides birdwatchers with a 2-mile loop trail through a rich jungle environment that is home to 30 species of birds.
If you’re really serious about nature, take a scenic boat ride over to the Fregate Islands Nature Reserve, an important nesting site for the amazing Frigate bird, or to the Maria Islands Nature Reserve – Home to two endemic species found nowhere else in the world: the Kouwès grass snake and the Zandoli tè ground lizard.
For the more adventurous, take a trip to the Castries Waterworks Forest Reserve (Rainforest Adventures) for amazing views and a few thrills, from riding their aerial tram or zip-line. They also have rain-forest trails to explore. Enjoy some of the more fun and active things to do in Saint Lucia…
Of course, your trip to St. Lucia is not complete without seeing the multitude of things to do in Soufriere – The most popular attractions include the sulphur springs, therapeutic mud-baths and mineral water pools, along with enjoying a refreshing shower under one of the island’s many waterfalls.
Coined ‘the only drive-in volcano in the world’, Saint Lucia’s sulphur springs feature small boiling and steaming mud and water holes near the top of the volcano. Once you’ve seen (and smelled 😉 that area, it’s time to get more interactive – Take a warm mud bath, then rinse off in a nearby mountain fed stream of water – Choose from a number of waterfalls in the area including the Sapphire, Toraille and Latille waterfalls.
Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens provide a guided tour of their gardens and colourful waterfalls, along with an opportunity to relax in their Mineral Baths.
A number of Island Tours include a combination of the sulphur springs, Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Waterfalls along with other island attractions such as a banana plantation, an estate plantation, a beach stop and a local Lunch. Zip-lining, horseback riding and ATV tours are also available.
For more info on some of the more popular things to do in Saint Lucia, including tour operators who will help you get the most out of your day, check out our Things to do in Saint Lucia – Land Excursions page
Saint Lucia Sight-Seaing by Boat Tour 😉
For a unique perspective of St. Lucia, cruise down the west coast in a boat to check out Marigot Bay, the ‘tunnel of love’ and the majestic Pitons. You can take a speedboat, a cruiser, or sailboat, both catamarans and mono-hull yachts are available. You can even journey by glass bottom boat or pirate galleon.
It’s an amazing sight when cruising alongside dolphins and whales – Yes that’s a thing. You can also relax and feel the caribbean sea breeze in your face when you it’s sail under the power of the wind – What a great feeling!
Of course it wouldn’t be St. Lucia without a romantic sunset cruise.
For a change of view, you can reach the Soufriere attractions via the water, and boat tours usually include a beach BBQ or Plantation lunch. You can also find party boats and pirate themed tours for the kid in all of us 🙂
Wander around historic Fort Rodney & Signal Peak in beautiful Pigeon Island National Park, and recall how this strategically important island changed hands between the French and the English more than a dozen times over a three hundred year span.
Located on the north-west tip of Saint Lucia, near Gros Islet, remains of the old stone fort are perched on a peak that juts out into the ocean. Feel the warm breeze while you take in spectacular panoramic views of the island and Caribbean sea. When you’re ready, travel to nearby Rodney bay where you’ll enjoy having lunch at a restaurant on Reduit Beach. Great relaxing things to do in Saint Lucia for sure…
Located in the west coast town of Roseau, 20 minutes from the capital Castries, you can find the island’s only official rum producer. Perhaps not that well-known, St. Lucia Distillers produce some of the best rum in the Caribbean, winning dozens of awards from various spirits competitions around the world. They produce over ten different rums, including varieties of white, flavoured, spiced and aged spirits, as well as rum based liqueurs/cremes. Their aged and spiced rums are excellent, including some great premium sipping rums. You can visit the St. Lucia Distillers retail store front, which includes a rum sampling room and they offer factory tours as well. Its worth the trip to Roseau to check out these fine Saint Lucian rums.
For more information, including tour operators who can get you there and back safely, click on our St. Lucia Rum page
Enjoy Saint Lucia’s SOLEIL Summer Festival
There’s a number of festivals on the island, pretty much year round. There’s culinary events during the Food & Rum Festival, the St. Lucia ‘Carnival’ and plenty of outstanding music festivals. St. Lucia’s Jazz Festival culminates with a concert on majestic Pigeon Island, while the Roots and Soul Festival features reggae, conscious hip-hop, Afro-punk and R&B music. You can also experience Saint Lucia’s rich cultural, ethnic and artistic heritage during the island’s Arts and Heritage Festival. Oh, did I mention… St. Lucia celebrates Chocolate Heritage Month every August, with a number of local events, including chocolate based meals and beverages – Yum!
Looking for a warm and sunny vacation this winter? Here’s our top picks…
Now that another winter has begun in many parts of the world, folks might be in need of a Caribbean vacation. Nothing beats the winter blues like feeling the sand beneath your feet, snorkelling in clear warm Caribbean waters or hiking through lush rainforest. If you’re thinking of heading south for a warm-weather vacation right now, here are our thoughts on the best Caribbean destinations to visit in the first few months of 2022.
Unfortunately, it’s deja-vu all over again – with yet another Covid-19 wave that looks to peak sometime in January. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t travel. Based on readily available data, it might actually be safer to spend some time on certain Caribbean islands than it is to ‘go out’ in most American, Canadian, UK or European towns or cities. For this article, we looked at the Caribbean Islands that appear to be managing to keep the number of covid cases to a minimum. We also considered each island’s current covid related entry requirements to ensure a good balance of safety and convenience.
Below, you’ll find our rationale for choosing our top Caribbean destinations for winter 2022, along with a few ideas of what you can do on the island – Then you can decide what destination works best for you. We also listed a few other islands that just missed the cut, in case you need more options. Due to the timing of this most recent covid wave, it may be best to plan for a mid-February departure when covid cases should be on the decline again. Ideally, it may also be best to vacation in a small-to-medium-sized accommodation and to stay away from densely populated areas on the island of your choice. We hope you enjoy our review!
Antigua & Barbuda
This latest covid wave doesn’t seem to have impacted Antigua & Barbuda much (yet?). As of the beginning of January, there are only a few active covid cases in Antigua & Barbuda. It’s also encouraging to know that well over half the local population is fully vaccinated. It’s reassuring to know that only fully vaccinated visitors can travel to the islands (Exception being children under 18 years old) as well.
Antigua and Barbuda is open to tourists who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Upon arrival, travellers will need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test taken within 4 days of travel, complete a health declaration form, and undergo a brief health screening. If everything checks out ok, you’re good to go!
Once on the islands, you must stay in an official Antigua & Barbuda Certified accommodation and you’ll need to wear a mask in public places – This includes on hotel grounds as well as when touring around the island. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Antigua & Barbuda Entry Requirements page.
Now comes the fun part – What to do once you’re there… Antigua is known as the sailing capital of the English Caribbean and you can experience that first hand at English Harbour – Home to historic Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The islands are also famous for their excellent cuisine and amazing beaches, apparently one for each day of the year. Antigua and Barbuda also have wonderful mangroves and coral reefs, making the islands ideal for kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. Of course there’s sailing and boating activities, as well as a variety of water sports. Unique experiences can be found at Antigua’s Stingray City as well as Barbuda’s caves. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to know that Antigua offers some pretty amazing hiking and golf as well!
For more ideas and details for things to do in Antigua and Barbuda, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you make the most of your vacation, check out our Antigua & Barbuda Vacation Ideas page.
Jamaica
Although this latest covid wave is just starting to be seen in Jamaica, as of the beginning of January, there are relatively few active covid cases per capita relative to other Caribbean Islands. Although the island’s overall vaccination rate is fairly low, people working in the tourism industry are supposed to be vaccinated and following strict protocols to keep everyone safe.
Jamaica is open to all tourists, however, visitors who are not fully vaccinated against Covid-19 must quarantine at their accommodation for 14 days immediately after arriving on the island. Prior to travelling to Jamaica, visitors must obtain JTB Travel Authorization, which includes providing results of a negative Covid-19 molecular test or Antigen test taken within 3 days of the travel date (Exception being children under 12 years old). Upon arrival, visitors will also undergo a brief health screening / risk assessment before being allowed to stay at an approved “resilient corridor” or Covid-19 compliant JTB licensed accommodation. FYI… JTB = Jamaican Tourism Board. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Jamaica Cares page.
As for what to do once you’re on the island, you’re in for a treat! Historically known as the “land of wood and water”, Jamaica is probably best known for its Reggae music & culture, white sand beaches, as well as its amazing rum and coffee. That said, a Jamaican vacation offers one of the best opportunities to enjoy waterfalls, river rafting and golf in a tropical setting. The island is rich with a beautiful and diverse landscape that includes the iconic Blue Mountain range, home to Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site great for hiking and coffee excursions. Just offshore, the island offers good snorkelling and fishing, while further inland the adventurous can experience some serious MTB and caving.
For more ideas and details for things to do in Jamaica, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you make the most of your vacation, check out our Jamaica Vacation Ideas page.
Grenada
Throughout December the tri-island nation was our destination of choice for winter travel, however, impacts from this latest covid wave can already be seen in the early days of 2022. While covid cases are now on the rise in Grenada, they are still much lower per capita than most other islands in the Caribbean. While only a third of the local population is fully vaccinated, it’s reassuring to know that only fully vaccinated visitors can travel to the islands (Exception being children under 12 years old).
Grenada is open to tourists who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Upon arrival, travellers will need to undergo a brief health screening and present a completed Health Declaration Form along with providing proof of a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test, taken within 3 days of travel. Once you’re on the islands, a curfew is in effect between midnight and 4am and you must wear a mask in public places on hotel grounds as well as when touring around the island. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit Grenada’s official Pure Safe Travels page.
As for what to do once you’re there… here’s just a taste of what you can enjoy on the island affectionately known as the “Spice Island”, due to its abundance of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, ginger and vanilla. Grenada may be one of the Caribbean’s ‘best-kept secrets’, offering unspoiled natural beauty and a wide variety of attractions and activities sure to please everyone. The tropical paradise has dozens of uncrowded beaches and several accessible waterfalls and sulfur/hot springs. Grenada is home to Grand Etang National Park, a wilderness attraction complete with a crater lake. The islands also offer plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, water-sports, and more. While equally a ‘hiker’s paradise’ and a ‘diver’s wonderland’, a vacation on the tri-island nation is a great destination for travelers seeking action on both land and sea.
For more detailed ideas for things to do in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you get the most out of your stay, check out our Grenada Vacation Ideas page.
Anguilla
Having opened to tourists later than many Caribbean islands, Anguilla never really experienced previous covid waves and throughout December has seen a gradual decrease of covid case counts. It’s encouraging to know that well over half the local population is fully vaccinated. It’s also reassuring to know that only fully vaccinated visitors can travel to the island (Exception being children under 18 years old).
Anguilla is open to tourists who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Prior to travelling to Anguilla, visitors must obtain Entry Permission, which includes providing results of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken two to five days prior to arrival, or a Rapid Antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. You will also take a RT-PCR test upon arrival and need to quarantine for approximately 24 hours while waiting for your test results. Guests staying on the island for more than 8 days may be also tested on day 4 of their visit (at no additional cost). For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Anguilla Entry Requirements page.
Once you’re on the island, you can enjoy spending time at more than two dozen beautiful beaches, then savour the local cuisine and maybe even revel in the island’s live music scene. There’s a great golf course in Antigua, as well as plenty of opportunities for sea-faring cruises, including some dedicated to awesome fishing excursions. The more adventurous can challenge themselves with water-sports activities as well as hiking and cycling in some truly magnificent natural tropical settings.
For more information about fun and adventurous Caribbean destinations, check out our website, ActiveCaribbeanTravel
Saint Lucia
Unfortunately, covid cases are now on the rise again in St. Lucia, although relatively few per capita compared to most other islands. While just over a quarter of the local population is fully vaccinated, it’s reassuring to know that only fully vaccinated visitors are free to explore the island.
Prior to departing for Saint Lucia, travellers will need to obtain Travel Authorization, providing proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 5 days of travel (Exception being children under 18 years old). St. Lucia is open to all tourists, however, visitors who are not fully vaccinated against Covid-19 must quarantine at their accommodation for 14 days after arriving on the island. That said, unvaccinated guests are permitted to participate in some certified activities, tours and excursions. Children aged 5-17 years accompanying fully vaccinated parents are exempt from quarantine once they test negative upon arrival. Once on the island, visitors are requested to wear a mask in public places – This includes on hotel grounds as well as when touring around the island. For more details and specifics of covid related entry requirements and restrictions, please visit the official Saint Lucia – Safe Harbour page.
As for what to do once you’re there, Saint Lucia offers vacationers a wide variety of relaxing and adventurous activities ranging from sampling (and making your own) chocolate to hiking one of the iconic Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lone distillery on the island may be a pleasant surprise to some, as it is home to some of the Caribbean’s best rums. The mountainous green island is home to beautiful gardens, waterfalls and hot springs. Saint Lucia is also a great adventure destination for snorkeling/diving, fishing, water-sports and golf.
For a more detailed view of things to do in Saint Lucia, including contact info for local tour operators who can help you get the most out of your stay, check out our Saint Lucia Vacation Ideas page.
FYI – St. Kitts & Nevis, Barbados, and Dominica almost made our list, and they are quite likely to be near the top of our Top 5-10 list once we re-evaluate in February. St. Kitts & Nevis has a decent vaccination rate and have done a good job of containing covid cases, however they were slightly higher per capita at the beginning of January than the other islands that made our top 5 list. That said, this is where we are personally vacationing in January. Barbados has a decent vaccination rate but has had a slightly higher number of covid cases per capita than our top 5 for some time, although they don’t seem to be spiking in January (yet?). Dominica managed to contain covid cases to a minimum throughout December, however their early January numbers are just a bit to ‘spikey’ for comfort – perhaps they will get it quickly under control. All that said, these (and other) islands may be ideal for spring travel – Stay Tuned!
Now, for our disclaimer… Please note that this article was written on January 4th, 2022. Covid-19 information can change pretty quickly, so we recommend you check covid case counts on your island of choice, right before booking your trip.
FYI – Some information for this article was derived from the following sources: graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps; and worldometers.com.
We hope you liked our assessment and it has motivated you to enjoy some time in the Caribbean!
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