Caribbean travel is part of my professional world, and I initially discovered Saint Lucia as a member of the island’s UK PR team, via press trips, production trips and hotel site inspections. I wasn’t prepared for just how much I’d fall in love with the island in its own right – beyond the needs of my job, as a real holiday destination, somewhere I wanted to visit under my own steam.
Saint Lucia was named after a woman – Saint Lucy of Syracuse – and I think the island represents that perfectly. She’s peaceful with a lively edge, ruggedly beautiful with areas of picture perfection and, most importantly to me, she has an adventurous heart. Saint Lucia can be a week of rest and relaxation if that’s what you need – the island is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. But, if you’d like a little more action – and for me the Gros Piton was a challenge I wanted to take on – Saint Lucia will deliver an adventurous side that’s perhaps unexpected for a Caribbean island.
Over multiple trips I’ve made a point of leaving the sun lounger and trying the island’s more active side properly. Here’s what I believe is actually worth your time…
Zip lining and the aerial tram, Babonneau Rainforest
Babonneau Rainforest is a fab starting point if you want to explore the rainforest, not just drive-past. The tour combines multiple zip lines with an aerial tram and a walking element, and it’s a genuinely great few hours. I’ve done this on several occasions and every time I’ve walked away with a greater understanding of the rainforest – no two visits are the same. The guides are impressive, ever ready to impart their knowledge, answer your questions and just bring some Saint Lucia fun to the activity. You’ll learn about the flora and fauna as you go, including which plants have medicinal uses, and it’s a good spot for hummingbird sightings too. These tiny birds make quite the sight and they are totally mesmerising to watch.
The zip lining itself is lots of fun and a great option for every family member – kids and big kids (parents!) alike. We spent well over an hour zipping tree to tree before jumping on the aerial tram for a different perspective and pace entirely. Taking you up into the canopy, you get up close and personal with the greenery and its inhabitants.
Segway touring Rodney Bay
This was my first time on a Segway, and after a slightly rocky start at the orientation session, I was off. The route weaves through the Mount Pimard nature trail just outside Rodney Bay, taking in the old military ruins scattered through the reserve, before eventually reaching Reduit Beach – Saint Lucia’s best stretch of sand and a perfect rest stop to dip our toes in the ocean.
Along the way there are stops that take in the surroundings, usually paired with a rum punch or a plate of freshly prepared fruit – mango or watermelon, all cut on the spot. It’s a genuinely fun, slightly different way to cover ground you wouldn’t otherwise see on foot or by car.
Gros Piton hike
If you’re looking for a challenge, then this one truly tests you. Gros Piton is an intermediate hike, not a casual walk, and you need a local guide to support the journey. It’s a several-hour round trip and it’s the perfect way to explore this certified UNESCO World Heritage site. Rising 2,619 feet above sea level, the Gros Piton trail takes you through both rainforest and volcanic terrain before a genuinely tough final stretch of steep climbing before you reach the top.
My day was cloudy, so I didn’t get the clear views out to Martinique and St Vincent that are possible from the summit – but reaching the top was still a real sense of achievement, and the panoramic views over the south coast are some of the best in the Caribbean regardless of the wider visibility. Petit Piton, for context, is the steeper of the two and offers a more technical climb. It’s far less commonly attempted by visitors but for those that are experienced, it makes for a great day and a big achievement.
Horse riding
I’m mentioning this one here as it’s great for families and offers the chance for little explorers to get in on the action too. The ride does also offer the chance to explore parts of the island you couldn’t get to by car. The horses are calm and well trained, so even if you lack the skill of real horse riding, you’ll be safe and secure with these friendly animals. The ride takes in sections of rainforest as you head to a secluded beach for the horses, and their riders, to take a dip. There is something really lovely about riding through the surf – the horses love the waves and, if you’re confident enough, you can canter along the shoreline at what felt like quite a speed.
Is any of this too much for a relaxed Caribbean holiday?
No way! Saint Lucia does a great job of offering the best of both worlds – you can spend a week doing nothing but sun loungers and rum punch. Plenty of visitors do and it’s a great island for it. But, if you want to actually earn the view, or see a side of Saint Lucia most people never do, these activity options are strong choices to build into your stay.
None of them require super serious fitness, though Gros Piton does ask for some genuine effort if you choose to take on the challenge – and it’s worth being really honest with yourself about your level of fitness before signing up. Another top tip, bear the heat in mind for this one too, you’ll want an early start to avoid the worst of it.
Keep planning your trip:
- Saint Lucia Travel Guide: The Pitons, Soufrière, and Where to Stay
- Saint Lucia Twin-Centre Experience: The Lively North and the Lush Green South During a 7-Night Stay
- Harbor Club Curio Collection by Hilton, Saint Lucia: A Marina-Side Stay in Rodney Bay
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