The Best Hiking in St Lucia
St. Lucia is more than just a tropical island where people can lounge on beaches and swim in turquoise waters. It’s also a hiker’s dream!
Hiking in St. Lucia in the Caribbean offers views of majestic mountains, striking volcanoes, and lush rainforests. Not only that, it has trails for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike.
So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, be sure to check out the best hikes in St. Lucia.
Explore the Best Hikes in St. Lucia
What makes St. Lucia truly unique is its diverse terrain. There’s a trail to match every skill level and interest.
If you’re hiking in St. Lucia, you can choose anything from a heart-pounding mountain climb to a peaceful stroll in the rain forest.
Below are our top recommended St. Lucia walks
A Must-Visit Nature Walk at Tet Paul Trail, St. Lucia
The Tet Paul Trail in St. Lucia is one of the most accessible and rewarding hiking spots. Located just south of Soufriere, Tet Paul offers incredible views of the Piton mountains and the Caribbean Sea!
The Tet Paul Trail only takes 45 minutes to finish, and you can easily get guided tours from knowledgeable locals.
Iconic Peaks at Piton Hike, St. Lucia
Piton Hike in St. Lucia is one of the most challenging climbs on the island, making it perfect for seasoned trekkers.
Hiking the St. Lucia pitons can take anywhere from three to six hours, depending on your capabilities. Yet, despite its difficulty, people flock to its trails to see the views from St. Lucia’s famous peaks and designated UN World Heritage site.
Discover St. Lucia’s Walking Trails
Aside from the mountainous hiking trails in St. Lucia, you’ll also find plenty of beautiful flat terrain. St. Lucia’s walking trails are best for those who want a more relaxed experience.
Scenic Routes for All Levels in St. Lucia
Below are some of the easiest St. Lucia nature trails that are suitable for all levels.
- Signal Hill Fort Rodney Loop: This trail, starting at Gros Islet Town, has the most accessible paths. It’s great for when you have kids with you.
- Vigie Beach Loop: A trail you can easily get to with public transport; the Vigie Beach Loop takes you around a small park at the harbor.
- Signal Hill Loop from Gros Islet Town: This trail includes a crossing via ferry and takes nearly two hours to complete.
Biodiversity in St. Lucia Nature Trails
Hiking in St. Lucia is a special experience because of its rich biodiversity. Expect to see tropical birds, huge butterflies, and even wild orchids and herbs.
Look out for the island’s national bird, the St. Lucia Amazon parrot. It’s a species endemic to St. Lucia!
Rainforest and Waterfall Adventures
Don’t miss out on a rainforest hike in St. Lucia for a truly memorable experience.
Rainforest hikes give you the chance to cool off from the heat with natural pools and waterfalls. There’s just something magical about St. Lucia’s canopy walks.
Rainforest Hike St. Lucia
Here are the best rainforest adventures around St. Lucia.
- Edmund Forest Reserve: Edmund Forest Reserve is a protected area with rich biodiversity. Its Millet Trail will give you great views of the Roseau Freshwater Reservoir and neighboring mountains.
- Piton Flore Trail: The Piton Flore Trail is the best option for seeing St. Lucia’s wildlife. It takes you deep into the rainforest where you may see mongooses, hummingbirds, and huge boa constrictors!
St. Lucia Waterfall Hike
For those who prefer a St. Lucia waterfall hike, we recommend these places.
- En Bas Saut Trail: This is a winding trail that will take you to several scenic waterfalls around St. Lucia. You’ll get a chance to see forest crabs and an array of spectacular forest plants.
- Toraille Waterfall: A popular waterfall in St. Lucia, Toraille is a well-organized tourist spot with a refreshing pool.
- Sapphire Falls: Located right next to the Sulphur Springs volcano, this warm waterfall is a short 30 minute hike. It is set in a charming garden with warm pool to soak in.
Mountain and Volcano Hikes
St. Lucia is a popular destination for its sulfur springs and volcanic area. You’ll get a firsthand view of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and untouched terrain. It makes for a one-of-a-kind experience in the Caribbean.
St. Lucia Volcano Hike
Here’s where to go for the best St. Lucia volcano hike!
- The Sulphur Springs: The Sulphur Springs are a series of volcanic pools of mud fed by a lava field. Lower down, concrete pools have been created for bathing; the best time to go soak in the pools is between 5 and 9 pm when the temperature outside has cooled and there are fewer visitors at the park.
- St. Lucia Volcano: You can also do a guided tour of the volcano. Here, you’ll be taken on a short walk and learn about St. Lucia’s geological history.
St. Lucia Mountain Hike
For mountain climbers, a St. Lucia mountain hike takes you through the island’s central highlands.
- Mt. Pimard: The Mt. Pimard Hike in St. Lucia is an easy climb that’s best for families. Start at Pebble Beach and hike one mile uphill to the best vantage point for sunsets on the island.
- Mt. Gimmie: Mt. Gimmie is the highest peak in St. Lucia. it is a challenging 6-9 hour hike through thick vegetation and must be done with an experienced guide.
Guided Tours and Maps for Hikers
What’s great about St. Lucia is the abundance of hiking guides. Local tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the island, and it is highly recommended that you go with a guide.
St. Lucia Hiking Tours
You can book affordable guided tours to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Saint Lucia hiking tours cost anywhere from $10 to $150, depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing.
If you want to plan ahead, you may find a private tour in advance with an expert through Viator. An excellent local company for hiking and bird watching is St Lucia Wildlife Ambassadors.
Aside from this, it’s best to ask your hotel for recommendations. Sometimes you can get a guide on the spot once you arrive at your chosen hiking trail. This option tends to be cheaper, but be sure to research prices before the trip!
St. Lucia Hiking Trails Map
Although most of St. Lucia’s hiking trails require a local guide, you’ll find a few self-guided hiking options. These St. Lucia hiking trails can be done without a guide.
- Tet Paul Nature Trail: Tet Paul Nature Trail offers easy hiking on St. Lucia. It does have local guides, but you can opt to solo the walk.
- Vieux Fort Lighthouse Trail: Vieux Fort has an excellent mix of nature and local life. You can have a picnic as you admire the crystal-clear water behind the picturesque lighthouse.
Best Hikes in St. Lucia
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, St. Lucia has a trail for you to explore.
So, are you ready to discover secret waterfalls and coastal rides with panoramic views? We got you. Here are some of the best hikes in St. Lucia!
Best Hikes St. Lucia for Every Hiker
Don’t miss out on these places around St. Lucia.
- Pigeon Island: Pigeon Island in St. Lucia used to be a strategic outpost in the British and French wars. Because of this, Pigeon Island houses military forts scattered throughout a 44-acre national park.
- Petit Piton Trail: The Petit Piton Trail is a difficult climb that takes three to four hours. However, it has the best views from the summit.
- Belle Vue: Another difficult trek, Belle Vue takes you to a waterfall oasis amidst a wildlife sanctuary.
Hiking in St. Lucia Pitons
The Pitons are a popular hiking destination in St. Lucia, and for good reason. It offers visitors an opportunity to see virgin growth and a number of endemic species.
Wear hiking boots, and bring plenty of water!
The Gros Piton Tour guide Association organizes hikes starting at 7 am, and the cost is US$ 55 per person. A guide is required.
Walking Holidays and Leisure Walks
Did you know that some people come to St. Lucia specifically for walking holidays?
At St. Lucia, you can meander through colonial ruins, rainforests, and coastal paths. There’s no shortage of places where you can take leisurely walks.
St. Lucia Walking Holidays
St. Lucia walking holidays are tailor-made trips for small groups that involve long, relaxing hikes. You’ll be in the company of a local guide who will take you to the island’s popular landmarks. Moreover, you can tell the guide which activities you’d like to do.
To avoid muddy paths, our tip is to book your walking holiday during St. Lucia’s dry season, from December to April!
Short and Scenic Strolls in St. Lucia
Do you only have a few hours to explore St. Lucia? That’s okay! The island has plenty of short and scenic strolls that’ll still give you an experience unlike any other.
A few of the shortest hikes around St. Lucia include Tet Paul Nature Trail, Sapphire Waterfall, Morne Coubaril, and Fond Doux Estate Trails. Although brief, these places will have every visitor’s jaws on the floor!
Final Thoughts
Whether your goal is to reach the highest peaks or you simply want to spend a relaxing afternoon in the rainforest, St. Lucia has a place for you. This tiny island in the Caribbean is a hiker’s paradise filled with lush greenery and exotic wildlife.
You can choose from one of the many waterfalls, volcanoes, or mountain treks. Afterwards, you can have a relaxing hot bath at New Jerusalem hot Springs, or a mud bath at the Sulfur Springs volcano in Soufriere.
We promise you’ll have a memorable experience at St. Lucia!