ST. LUCIA , “HELEN OF THE WEST INDIES”
BY CLAY LARROY
We lead
such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different activities
that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do not have time
to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did today. Family
vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in
a stress free relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build
memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be a most
rewarding experience especially in the Caribbean. When you are
ready to plan a vacation contact me!
Things to see and do in St Lucia
Anse Chastanet
Go snorkelling and scuba-diving on St Lucia's natural and
artificial coral. It is not uncommon to see turtles, nurse sharks and seahorse
whilst swimming in the clear blue waters. Popular diving sites include Anse
Chastanet, Anse Le Raye, Coral Gardens at the base of the Gros Piton, Fairy
Land at the base of Anse Chastanet and Lesleen M Shipwreck.
Anse
de Sable
Get active at the sandy beach of Anse de Sable which offers ideal
windsurfing conditions for both novices and experts. The waves at Cas en Bas
and Vieux Fort are a challenge even for the most experienced. Island guests can
enjoy waterskiing and parasailing above Rodney Bay.
Canopy
tour
Soar above the rainforest on a canopy tour. Adrenaline lovers can
fly along a series of ziplines from 30 to 150m (100 to 500ft) in length
connecting nine platforms 9 to 15m (30 to 50ft) above the ground.
Castries
Explore Castries, a city located in one of the most beautiful
spots in the Caribbean. Surrounded by hills, its large harbor at the head of a
wide bay is a constant hive of activity. Head for the spacious Derek Walcott
Square which features a 19th-century Catholic cathedral, standing in the shade
of a 400-year-old samaan tree. There is also a colorful, bustling market.
Choiseul
Visit the picturesque little
villages of Choiseul and Laborie, which are surrounded by splendid vegetation.
The Morne Coubaril Estate (www.stluciaziplining.com)
is also worth a visit with cocoa, manioc and sugar cane plantations to visit,
plus there are ziplining activities for the more adventurous.
Diamond Waterfalls
Marvel at the Diamond Waterfalls in the Diamond Botanical Gardens
and Sulphur Springs - St Lucia's 'drive-in volcano'.
Go
sailing
Hotels offer hobbycats, dinghies and small speedboats by the hour
or half-day. From Marigot Bay and Rodney Bay, the more experienced sailor can
hire a variety of craft. Tour operators can also arrange for stays to be
coupled with a 'free floating' holiday on board a chartered yacht visiting the
neighboring islands.
Gros
Islet
Check out the weekly Friday street party at Gros Islet, on the
northwest coast of the island, stages a street party every Friday. Nearby
Pigeon Island National Landmark has a small museum telling the history of the
island. It was from here that Admiral Rodney set sail in 1782 and destroyed the
French fleet in the Battle of the Saintes, one of the most decisive engagements
in European history.
Marigot
Bay
Head to the top of Marigot
Bay, a secluded, palm-fringed paradise. From here you can visit the Cul de Sac
- an area famous for its three large banana plantations where the original Dr Dolittle was filmed.
Morne
Fortune
Walk up
Morne Fortune, where visitors have the chance to see the fortification which
defends Castries. It also provides a magnificent panorama of the city and the
surrounding area.
Plantation
tour
Travel
back in time on a plantation tour. Fond d'Or Nature Historic Park covers the
Amerindian settlements and historic buildings of the sugar age and the tropical
forest surrounding it.
Rainforests
and mountains
Explore
the island's rainforest, mountain and plantation walks. Local guides are
available to help climbers tackle the Pitons. The main areas designated for
birdwatching are the Bois d'Orange Swamp, Boriel's Pond and the Piton Flore
Reserve.
Soufrière
Take a
trip to Soufrière, the second-largest settlement on the
island. This deep-water port stands at the foot of two extinct volcanoes known
as the Pitons. Rising to 798m (2,619ft) above sea level, these are probably St
Lucia's most famous landmarks. The town itself is typically West Indian, a
cluster of brightly painted arcaded buildings set against the jungle vista.
Turtle
and whale watching
Head out
to sea on a turtle and whale watching trip - a great experience for all animal
lovers. St Lucia is said to be one of the best places in the world to see
whales - 20 species can be seen off the coast, including sperm whales, pilot
whales and humpbacks.
REFERENCE SITE
“Don’t grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach.”
– Michelle Held
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