This incredible island is home to the only drive-in volcano in the world! Otherworldly mountains, rain forests, and natural hot springs make this destination an absolute must for your next cruise itinerary or Caribbean getaway.
I’ve been lucky to visit this island twice now, however, I wound up doing almost the same thing the second time around as I really hyped up the sulfur mud baths to my boyfriend who went on to tell me we had to go to them and that it was a non-negotiable. Guess that’s on me.
You really don’t have to book an excursion on this island as there are taxis outside the port, which is quite small, you can hire for the whole day for about $100-$150. Entrances and food costs are also quite low for most attractions, so you should be in good shape! Just bring enough cash. They will accept USD, but the official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar.
Port Day Itinerary
Morning
After having breakfast onboard, make your way to the gangway to start your day! Saint Lucia has two cruise ports: Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage. I’ve only ever been to Pointe Seraphine, so unfortunately I can’t recommend anything for the other port.
There are a few shops you can check out, but if you want to get your day started right away, to leave port, once in the main shopping area, turn right and walk to the end near Pink Papaya. To the left is Diamonds International, walk through to get to the excursion pick up. Once here, exit the port to find local taxis you can hire for the day!
I would recommend asking to be taken to at least the following spots:
Sulphur Springs and Volcano
Toraille Waterfall
Soufriere View Point
Marigot Bay
It takes about an hour and half to get to Soufriere from Castries. Saint Lucia is quite mountainous and the roads have been undergoing construction for quite some time. So please note this into your travel plans!
The locals definitely know best, but I would start with the view point, then the volcano, sulfur springs, waterfall, lunch, and finally Marigot Bay.
Afternoon
View Point
Once you’ve reached Soufriere head to the view point where you can see the Piton which are a beautiful pair of mountains! It’s a great spot for photos, and it’s common for tourists to take pictures pointing down on the top. There are also vendors you can get souvenirs from if you choose, however, they do all appear to be cash only. Also, there are vendors who fold plants into shapes that they will try to hand to you and ask for a tip. Be careful of this if you don’t want to give them any money.
There’s also a bathroom here, but it cost $1 USD to use.
Volcano
This is right by the sulfur springs, as it’s the run-off from it which heats them. You’re able to walk around and see boiling sulfur in the ground, which is very cool! Do be careful, though. There is an additional small fee to see this, which can be paid by the springs.
Sulphur Springs
Believe it or not, it doesn’t reek of rotten eggs! These natural sulfur springs are dark pools heated from the volcano, which is just up the road. It costs $10 USD to enter, and you will want a dark-colored bathing suit (sulfur can potentially stain lighter colors) and a towel. Prior to getting in the baths, you cover yourself in a light colored mud, allow it to dry, and then draw on yourself or your travel partner with the black mud.
Feel free to take photos! You then get into one of the four baths with the hottest at the top to enjoy the heat, soak in the benefits, and wash off the mud. Once done, they do have showers and changing rooms. I’d recommend leaving your suit on if your next stop is the falls.
This is a really fun and therapeutic experience! There are vendors around as well if you’d like to shop. I also saw a cat and a chicken walking around!
Toraille Waterfall
About a ten-minute drive from the sulfur springs is this incredible waterfall! There is a $3 USD entry fee and the water is a little chilly. If you decide to go under the actual waterfall, it is quite forceful, but not unbearable as long as you don’t have any issues with your head or neck. The ground in the water also can be rocky and uneven, so wear water shoes if needed. Most people go in barefooted.
When you’re done, they do have changing rooms.
Marigot Bay
About 15 minutes from Castries on your way back to the port, this is a great place to stop! The views are beautiful and if you look down, you might notice it looks a lot like a scene from the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie! *hint* It is, they filmed some of the movie there!
Mid-Afternoon
At this point you should be back near the port! You can spend your final time walking around downtown Castries or picking up any final trinkets. I’m a big fan of magnets, hot sauce, chocolate, or jewelry!
Board the Ship
Head back on board so you don’t miss the gangway going up! I always aim for 30 minutes beforehand to be safe.
Need data on the islands?
Unfortunately your Wi-Fi package doesn’t carry over ashore, so if you need data for navigation or in case of an emergency I recommend Holafly’s global sim card! They do have one that also covers just the Caribbean but make sure to price compare so you get the best deal for your sailing!
Originally Published December 29, 2024
