Travel Diaries: St Lucia
Autumn is well and truly here to stay, so I want to bring a bit of sunshine back to your day with a little trip to the beautiful island of St Lucia. I am certainly reminiscing about holidays past and looking forward to the day I can experience new, amazing places once again. But for now, kick back with a cuppa and read on!
Image via Charlotte Bird
My visit to this stunning island began with a guided tour led by a lady with a beaming smile and a fabulous rhythm as she moved to Caribbean music blasting from the speakers (the atmosphere was infectious, even at 9am)! Taking in the lush vegetation of rainforests hugging the sides of the narrow, winding roads, we made our way to a viewpoint showing a postcard-worthy view of the Pitons.
These striking twin peaks are volcanic plugs, formed when magma cools and solidifies in the vent before it reaches the surface, with subsequent erosion forming these impressive structures. Gros Piton, the larger of the two peaks, is a popular climbing experience for the adventurous traveller, so make sure you book a guide if you fancy giving it a go.
Dominating the shoreline, the Pitons hint at the island’s extensive geological history, now evidenced by smoking fumaroles and hot springs near the town of Soufrière. The constantly changing wind direction meant the gases were unavoidable, making my eyes sting, accompanied by the distinctive smell of sulfur in the air – but as a geologist, I loved it!
Image via Charlotte Bird
Taking a more sedate turn after walking around the geothermal activity, I strolled through the nearby rainforest, towering vegetation impressive as ever. The volcanic soils are nutrient rich, and combined with the climate, create a fertile environment for a plethora of fauna and flora.
Amongst the dense undergrowth, glimpses of St Lucia’s wildlife (including some endemic species) could be seen, such as the Green Iguana, Red-rumped Agouti, Boa Constrictors and the Saint Lucia Parrot. However, my favourite always has to be the magnificent hummingbird (can you spot it?)!
Image via Charlotte Bird
Admiring the beauty of trailing vines adorning a waterfall, I paddled in the plunge pool to cool off from the intense heat and humidity before the next part of the tour – the Caribbean’s infamous cacao plantations.
Ripened cacao pods are harvested from trees with a machete and split to separate out the cacao beans. Beans are fermented and dried, transitioning from the fresh white of an opened pod to the distinctive dark brown, before being aged to ready them for the chocolate-making process. Tales of the traditional cacao-rina dance (a barefoot dance on top of the beans to polish them), were accompanied by the obligatory tasting of a bitter cacao bean.
Image via Charlotte Bird
The day still wasn’t done! It was time for the final part of the adventure around St Lucia – a boat ride. Caribbean music once again kept us all in high spirits as we took in the gorgeous coastline, with unbelievably clear, blue water. Pulling into a cove, I dived off the edge of the boat and into the water, snorkel mask at the ready to experience the coral reef in all its beauty.
Brain corals, enormous blue fish and tiny, silvery shoals were just some of the marine life I was able to enjoy, keeping a careful distance from the corals to protect them from damage. Time stands still in this underwater haven as you watch fish nibbling on the coral – simply amazing!
After such a magnificent visit to this beautiful island, one final, magical moment was in store - a stunning rainbow before we eventually sailed away in the sunset, many a fond memory made.
Image via Charlotte Bird
We hope you have enjoyed this insight into St Lucia and the awesome experiences it offers. Hopefully, you will have an opportunity for some exploration of your own in the future.
Bon voyage!
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Written by Charlotte Bird
