best things to do in soufriere st lucia, tet paul trail

Best things to do in Soufriere St Lucia

Soufriere St Lucia is only a 30 minute drive from Balenbouche Estate. It was once the capital of the island under French colonial rule. Today, it is a popular tourist destination offering many saint lucia best places. Here are some of the best things to do in Soufriere St Lucia:

The area is known for its waterfalls and hot springs, including the famous sulphur springs volcano. Soufriere also offers the best st lucia snorkeling beaches and diving. There are several hiking trails near the coast and the interior. Those who are up for a challenge can hike the Gros Piton and Petit Piton (5 hours round trip, steep climb). In and around Soufriere, there are some high end, award winning resorts and restaurants.

New Jerusalem Hot Springs

These secluded hot and cold baths (clear water) are located along the Fond St. Jaques road near Soufriere st lucia. The springs are actually fed by the volcano higher up. Coming from the south, about 10 minutes before Soufriere and 2 minutes before Fond Doux Estate and the Tet Paul Trail, turn right just after the Myers bridge (look out for the greenhouses/plant nursery). After Toraille waterfall, look for a sign on the road. The entrance to New Jerusalem is on your left. Park on the road and  follow the trail until you get to the river. Go through a small gate and cross the river. This warm spring is usually not crowded and really enjoyable!

Sulphur Springs Volcano

You can either do the guided tour of the famous “drive-in” volcano, or just enjoy the hot springs and healing black mud. The latest dated magmatic eruptions in the Qualibou volcano took place about 20,000 years ago. The only known Holocene eruptive activity was a minor phreatic eruption in the Sulfur Springs geothermal area in 1766 that ejected a thin ash layer over a wide area. Today, the volcano is no longer a threat, as it is constantly blowing off steam from its bubbling black pools of water. When I was a kid, we roamed the volcano and boiled eggs in the pools 😉 Now it is fenced off, for good reason.

The best time to do the mud bath is in the evening. The attraction is staffed and open late and there are lights, restrooms, and changing rooms. There are now 4 different pools to relax in, and there are buckets of black and white mud to lather up with. After a long soak in the hot water, you will feel very relaxed and your skin will feel like a baby’s.

Piton Waterfall, Soufriere

This warm spring is located on the way to the Sugar Beach resort at the base of the St Lucia pitons. After a 15 minute trail, you can take a rejuvenating warm bath under the small falls in one of the constructed basins.

Toraille Waterfall & Gardens, Soufriere

Near the town of Soufriere st lucia, just a stone’s throw from the scenic road through the community of Fond St. Jaques, a breathtaking st lucia waterfall gushes 50 feet over a cliff side. This is by far the most powerful and biggest waterfall in the area. If you can bear it, you can stand under the falls and get a deep tissue massage. Changing rooms are provided.

St Lucia Waterfalls: Superman and Sapphire

The Sapphire waterfall and hot springs is, in our opinion, one of the best things to do in Soufriere st lucia. The entrance to both trails is located along the main road right where you turn to go to the sulphur springs volcano. However, the attractions are owned by different people. During the tourist season, a guide typically awaits you near the entrance. At superman falls a 45 minute moderate hike ends in a 50 ft tall warm sulphuros waterfall. Sapphire falls, owned by Jahrod and his brother, is similar in length and difficulty, but here you can relax in a warm pool set inside a beautiful clearing next to the waterfall.

Diamond Falls Botanical Garden

This well-known tourist attraction offers an extensive botanical garden whose signature attraction is a sulphurous waterfall. The restored Mineral Baths were originally built in 1784 just before the French revolution with funds from King Louis XVI. You can’t bathe under this st lucia waterfall, but there are adjoining baths which you can use for an additional fee.

The Tet Paul Nature Trail is definitely one of the best things to do in Soufriere St Lucia!

Tet Paul is a moderate 45 minute trail which starts in a small community near the pitons, and takes you through an organic garden located at high altitudes. Most days you have an excellent view of the entire southern half of the island, and close ups of the St Lucia Pitons. The entrance is right by Fond Doux Estate, just follow the signs and continue up the mountain to the very end of the road.

Edmund Forest Reserve

(moderate to challenging) 4 WHEEL DRIVE REQUIRED
This 3½-hour hike will take you through the heart of the island into Edmund Forest Reserve on the west side of the island. Magnificent views of Mt Gimie, St Lucia’s highest peak.

Enbas Saut

(moderate to challenging) 4 WHEEL DRIVE REQUIRED
The Enbas Saut Falls trail is a remote 4km cut st lucia hinking trail six miles East of Soufriere at the foot of Mount Gimie, offering a combination of Rainforest, Cloud Forest, Elfin Woodlands and wildlife. The trail is famous for its two cascading waterfalls and pools at the head of the Troumasse River.

Climbing the Pitons is of course one of the best things to do in Soufriere St Lucia!

Gros Piton

(2,619 ft. / 800 m)  (challenging)
The Gros Piton trail is one of Saint Lucia’s premier attractions, managed by the Gros Piton Tour Guide Association. This st lucia pitons hiking trail begins at the Interpretation Centre situated in the small community of Fond Gens Libre at the base of the Gros Piton. The climb to the top and back takes about 4 hours. After the halfway point the path gets steeper and more strenuous. At the top, the views overlook Petit Piton, and the South of St Lucia.

Petit Piton

(2460 ft. / 750 m) (challenging)
The climb up and down the Petit Piton takes about 2 hours each way, but is steep all the way. In some areas, you have to use a rope to haul yourself up. The view overlooks Soufriere and the Gros Piton. Tour guides are available at the st lucia pitons Waterfall found at the base of the Petit Piton, or you can book a tour online.

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(Tropical Traveler)

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