La Soufriere Volcano

OVERVIEW

Behold the awe-inspiring natural beauty of St. Lucia’s western shore while exploring a dormant volcanic crater and meandering through a tranquil botanical wonderland. You will first enjoy panoramic views of Castries and the surrounding tropical landscape from atop the Morne Fortune lookout. Another stop for photos will be made from a vantage point high above Marigot Bay, which forested hills shelter on three sides. As you approach the village of Soufriere, you will gaze out over the Pitons, two soaring spires that UNESCO deemed worthy of a World Heritage site designation. You will also travel through Sulphur Springs Park, a geothermal field within the collapsed crater of a volcano that last erupted in 1776. It is an incredibly eerie and dramatic setting of oozing mud baths and billowing steam. In contrast, the draw of Maranatha Gardens is its serenity. The guide will describe some of the more exotic flora within this paradisical prayer sanctuary.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the geothermal area that is said to be the “world’s only drive-in volcano.”
• Meander through a botanic garden so peaceful that it is considered a prayer sanctuary.
• Behold the Pitons, two volcanic spires that together are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Pause at lookouts and enjoy sweeping views of Castries and Marigot Bay.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.