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st. lucia
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| Hiking
in St. Lucia |
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| Exploring
the island of St. Lucia on foot is a healthy way to relax
and appreciate the island in all its natural wonder. A
variety of trails leads hikers through the rainforest,
to the peaks of St. Lucia’s mountains, through old
plantation grounds, along beaches, to Cactus Valley, around
Pigeon Island and more. Hikers will see spectacular waterfalls,
indigenous flora and fauna and local birds like the Amazona
Versicolor, also known as Jacquot or the St. Lucian parrot. |
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| Petit
Piton and Gros Piton, two volcanic cones rising 2,460
feet and 2,629 feet respectively from the ocean, have
become the symbols of St. Lucia. Formed from lava and
rock, they are now covered in green vegetation. Hiking
is only recommended on Gros Piton, which offers a steep-but-safe
trail to the top. Petit Piton hiking is more strenuous
with rock climbing and needed safety equipment. |
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| Deep
in St. Lucia’s mountainous interior, almost 1,800
feet above sea level, lies 19,000 acres of rainforest
and 29 miles of trails appealing to all levels of hikers.
The rainforest is located in the center of the island
and can be entered through various points on the east
and west sides of the island. |
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Diving
and Snorkeling |
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| St.
Lucia offers excellent diving and snorkeling adventures.
Located at the tip of an underwater volcano, the island
provides both beginner and experienced divers the opportunity
to enjoy the stunning variety of coral, sponge and marine
life. |
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| Spectacular
reefs have developed around a number of sunken ships,
which are home to large gorgonians, black coral trees,
gigantic barrel sponges, purple vase sponges and black
lace corals. Divers will be rewarded with a dazzling cross
section of Caribbean marine life such as turtles, nurse
sharks, seahorses, angelfish, golden spotted eels and
“The Thing.” According to those who have seen
it, “The Thing” is said to be St. Lucia’s
own “Loch Ness Monster on Vacation.” It is
seen regularly (but only at night) during dives at Anse
Chastanet reef. |
| Biking
in St. Lucia |
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| More
than just an outlet for exercise, the trails offer a window
into history. Guests pedal by 18th century French-Colonial
ruins of a sugar mill, an old church, a three-million-gallon
fresh water reservoir and more. There are thousands of
fruit trees including mango, coconut, banana, guava, cocoa
and citrus, not to mention wild orchids, birds and an
old-fashioned river swimming hole. |
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| Look
into “The St. Lucia Mountain Bike Tour” and
“Barefoot Holidays” for biking and hiking
tours that are suitable for all fitness levels. |
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Windsurfing |
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| The
waves at Cas en Bas and Vieux Fort will challenge advanced
and intermediate windsurfers, while beginners will find
the calmer waters of the west coast perfect for developing
their skills. |
| Deep-Sea
Fishing |
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| Described
as “an angler’s dream come true,” the
waters around St. Lucia are home to several species of
big game fish. The legendary white marlin dwells off the
coast of St. Lucia, where deep-sea fishing is a popular
recreation activity. Depending on the time of year, anglers
will land a variety of fish, including mackerel, king
mackerel, white marlin, barracuda, kingfish and sailfish. |
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St.
Lucia also offers world-class spas and abundant natural
resources.
Gone are the days when sitting on the beach with a good
read was all one needed for a restful and relaxing vacation.
For many travelers, spa treatments have become a requisite
vacation component for achieving total wellness and
staying healthy – mentally, physically and emotionally.
Genuine harmony and balance can best be achieved at
a destination that nurtures rejuvenation – a tropical
island like St. Lucia.
In
addition to some of the Caribbean’s top-rated
spas, St. Lucia provides an abundance of natural resources
and holistic attractions, which perfectly complement
spa treatments and therapies. Indigenous banana leaf,
volcanic minerals, papaya and rainforest plants are
often incorporated into treatments, while the island’s
natural waterfalls, mineral baths and sulfur springs
are said to have healing qualities.
Come
and experience diverse natural attractions, including
one of the world’s few drive-in volcanoes and
sulfur springs, a tropical rainforest, many natural
waterfalls and the dramatic Piton mountains. They will
be treasured memories.
For
more information, call (888) 4-STLUCIA, or visit www.stlucia.org,
the official site of the St. Lucia Tourist Board.
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One
of the Windward Islands of the West Indies’ Lesser
Antilles, St. Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is halfway
down the eastern Caribbean archipelago. The “Helen
of the West Indies,” St. Lucia is known for its natural
beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature
Piton Mountains, a tropical rainforest and one of the world’s
few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include
the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, a variety
of Heritage Tourism sites, quaint fishing villages along
the coastline, and the annual St. Lucia Jazz Festival in
May. St. Lucia’s wide range of accommodations includes
world-class, five star resorts; all-inclusive resorts; intimate
inns; and value-oriented properties.
St.
Lucia is called the Emerald Isle for its majestic mountains,
lush rainforest and secluded waterfalls and is quickly becoming
one of the leading soft adventure destinations in the Caribbean.
From energetic travelers who can’t sit still on the
beach to adventurers aspiring to climb the Caribbean’s
highest peaks, active visitors are drawn to St. Lucia’s
rugged terrain, protected dive sites and scenic trails.
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