There’s no question that a vacation on one of the beautiful Caribbean islands is what many folks dream of for a winter/spring getaway. Who wouldn’t love the chance to escape the cold, ice, and snow, and enjoy some time enjoying the sun, sand, and surf?
One of the most-visited islands of the Caribbean is St. Lucia, and today we are going to explore what makes this island paradise just so special.
The Pitons – One of the most majestic landmarks of St. Lucia, the twin peaks of the Pitons – Gros Piton and Petit Piton as they are known – can be found in two different areas on the island, near the towns of Soufriere and Choiseul. A World Heritage Site, the Pitons are popular with visitors looking for a unique and memorable climbing experience. While guided tours are available to the top of Gros Piton, Petit Piton is a steeper and more challenging climb, so has much less hiking traffic to the top.
Gorgeous Beaches – Though Saint Lucia is a volcanic island, this nation boasts some of the most beautiful white/golden sand beaches in the Caribbean. In fact, the beaches at Anse Chastanet, Marigot Bay Beach and Rodney Bay are among the most stunning in the world.
Lush Rainforests – Saint Lucia has thousands of acres of rainforest waiting to be explored. This makes it a great choice for travelers who want to experience some truly unique hiking expeditions. Over 70% of the island consists of rainforest, which is remarkable considering that some areas on the island are far more developed than many of the smaller islands of the region.
Exotic Birdwatching – Interestingly, Saint Lucia is a bird-watchers paradise, with a multitude of bird species that can be found on the island, including six unique species such as the Saint Lucia Parrot (also known as the Amazona Versicolor), the Saint Lucia Oriole, and the Saint Lucia Pewee. All in all, there are 180 types of birds on the island, and the best places to bird watch or find out more about the different species are the Millet Bird Sanctuary, the Vieux Fort Wetlands, and the Des Cartiers Rainforest Trail.
Amazing Scuba Diving and Snorkeling – Scuba diving and snorkeling are great reasons to vacation in the Caribbean, and Saint Lucia is one of the best islands to do both because of the vibrant reefs that can be found in waters around the island. Some of the most popular places to dive are the Piton Wall, Anse Cochon, Coral Gardens, and Anse Chastanet, to name a few. Those planning on snorkeling or scuba diving in Saint Lucia, needn’t worry too much about bringing gear, as rentals are available on the island. Sightings when snorkeling in Saint Lucia include turtles, rays, wrecks, and more. Pro tip: Stay at any of the three all-inclusive Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia, where PADI certified guests scuba dive for free (max. two tanks per guest a day). This includes professional equipment and staff! Not yet PADI certified? You can get your certification at your Sandals resort at additional cost.
I don’t know about you, but planning a visit to St. Lucia sounds like the perfect destination to escape to next winter and spring!
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