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The Caribbean island of St. Lucia is often compared to Paradise, and for good reasons! From beautiful, pristine beaches to lush, tropical wilderness, to stunning volcanic peaks, it surely leaves a long-lasting impression. Indeed, there is a lot to see and do in St. Lucia, but the most famous feature of the island are the Piton Mountains. These two volcanic plugs are depicted on the Lucian flag, and are designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. They are the symbol of St. Lucia, and a must-see for every visitor’s bucket list. The nearby village of Soufriere also has a lot to offer, specifically when it comes to authentic dining options and scenic boat rides.
Our family first visited the island in March of 2017, and all of us were so taken by its beauty that we decided to return the following year. We were fortunate to spend several days in the Soufriere region near the Piton Mountains, and had a chance to explore it much more than we did during our first visit. Admittedly, we didn’t always do so in the most well-planned out manner, but we had plenty of fun, and really got to know the area. Using our own experience, here is how I would have planned to spend a day (or two) in the Soufriere/Piton region had I known better!
One or Two Amazing Days in Soufriere
Since we decided to opt for renting a car in St. Lucia, this itinerary would be most helpful to visitors who choose to drive themselves. Speaking of driving, St. Lucia can be a bit crazy, but if you are cautious, you shouldn’t have too much trouble. Check out the post on Driving in St. Lucia (coming soon) to get tips and suggestions based on our own experience! Also, keep in mind that the following is an itinerary for one very packed day, but if you have more time to spend in the area, by all means, break it up. This way, you will be able to spend more time at each attraction, and enjoy some additional activities along the way.
TIP: If you plan on driving yourself, go to Google Maps and download an offline map of St. Lucia before heading out on the road. This way, you won’t have to worry about international data charges while navigating.
Tet Paul Nature Trail, the Greatest Piton Views
Start your day bright and early with a good breakfast at your resort, then head towards Tet Paul Nature Trail. You shouldn’t have trouble finding it on Google Maps, so just follow the driving directions there.
This short trail is an absolute must for everyone visiting St. Lucia since it offers some of the very best views of the Piton Mountains. It is a fairly easy walk along an unpaved path, which features sections of primitive stairs, and a few rocks. It took around 30-45 minutes, and that was at a fairly leisurely pace with plenty of stops for photos. I actually hiked it twice in my flip flops, and had no trouble at all.
Near the beginning of Tet Paul Trail
Best Time to Visit
The trail opens at 8:00 am, and closes at 5:00 pm, but I think it is best to visit earlier in the day. The morning sunlight illuminates the Piton Mountains beautifully, and you will be able to get some great photos. In the afternoon, it can be quite challenging to snap a good picture of Gros Piton since it stands right in front of the sun. You can see this in the photo below, and I did give it my best effort!
View of Gros Piton from Tet Paul Nature Trail. This picture was taken in the afternoon. As you can see, the lighting can be very tricky during this time.
The Trail
After you park in the small area near the start of the trail, walk on the path to the office near the entrance, and pay the fee. The last time we were there (March of 2018), it cost $10 USD per person. You will get a guide to take you around and tell you about the plants that grow there, and point out all the amazing views.
View from the trail. Off to the left is Mt. Gimie, the highest peak in St. Lucia, and to the right is the Caribbean Sea
My personal favorite features on the trail were the view of Mt. Gimie, the highest peak in St. Lucia, the pineapple plants that grow along the way, and of course, the breathtaking panoramas of the Piton Mountains.
The path near the pineapple plants on Tet Paul Nature Trail
A baby pineapple plant near the trail
A teenager pineapple plant near the trail
…And more pineapples growing along the Tet Paul Nature Trail
Stairway to Heaven
Without question, the most incredible point of the entire trail is the view of Petit Piton. It comes after climbing some easy stairs, and a sign that reads “Stairway to Heaven”. You will have a hard time believing your eyes when you see what Mother Nature has created here…I know I did!
Walking on the “Stairway to Heaven” on Tet Paul Nature Trail
Here is the most amazing view you will see, Petit Piton and the Caribbean Sea
The entire hike should take you about 30 minutes to complete at a good but relaxed pace, unless you are like me, and want to sit and stare at Petit Piton for hours. After you are done, don’t forget to tip your guide, and as you pull out of the parking area, watch out for the local doggies that may be resting nearby. They are very sweet, and sometimes even come along for the hike!
A small house near the end of the trail
A local dog resting in the parking area near Tet Paul Nature Trail…He actually came along on our hike
The kids saying goodbye to the sweet doggie that accompanied us on our hike
Sulphur Springs and a Drive-In Volcano
Make your way to Sulphur Springs, the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano. This attraction is just a little further down the main road, so you should get there fairly quickly. Watch for the sign, and make a sharp right turn onto a smaller road. Then, park your car and purchase tickets. You may want to not only see the volcano, but also take a mud bath in the sulphur springs. The local people claim it will make you look 10 to 15 years younger! Sadly, we did not soak in this miracle mixture, so our wrinkles are still with us! If you have an extra day to spend near Soufriere, however, definitely take advantage of this experience! Once you have your tickets, drive through the barrier, continue down the road, and prepare to experience the strongest rotten-egg smell you can imagine!
Stop by the Interpretation Center
Keep driving past another barrier, until you get to the Interpretation Center. There, you will see a short movie about the region, and the history of how it formed. Afterwards, you can look through the exhibits. One of the most fascinating things we discovered here was a model of the Soufriere area of St. Lucia with the Piton Mountains on one side. The model showed how deep the mountains go under the Caribbean Sea, and it was absolutely mind blowing.
Volcano Viewpoint
After you have gained all of this new knowledge, and you feel ready to keep exploring, drive back to the volcano area, and park. At this point, a local guide will take you up the stairs to an overlook of all the active, thermal pools in what looks like a large crater.
Women bathing in the mineral springs found on the way up to the viewpoint of the volcano. This is not the sulfur mud bath, just another, less messy option.
The view of the caldera, the drive in volcano at Sulfur Springs in St. Lucia
We learned that this type of collapsed volcano is called “caldera.” One of the most famous examples of such a caldera is Yellowstone National Park in the USA. In all honesty, if you have ever been to Yellowstone, you may not be overly impressed by the bubbling pools at Sulphur Springs. However, we still enjoyed talking to the local people, and learning about the history of the region. Next time, we will go straight for the mud baths, and see if we can turn back the clock!
The UNESCO World Heritage Sign
After you are done exploring the volcano at Sulphur Springs, continue driving on the main road towards the town of Soufriere. You may not be surprised to find out that “soufriere” in the local patois language means “sulphur.” Luckily, the town itself is far enough from the Sulphur Springs area that there is no rotten-egg smell there!
The UNESCO World Heritage sign with Petit Piton in the background
As you get closer to Soufriere, keep your eyes open for the UNESCO World Heritage sign. It will be on your left, near the main road. Make a quick stop here, and take some photos with the sign and Petit Piton, which stands majestically in the background. It is a beautiful view, and a fun, touristy thing to do. Be careful when you pull over, especially if you have a low car as it can easily bottom out here!
Lunch at Fedo’s in Soufriere
When you finish taking pictures with the UNESCO sign, head to Fedo’s Restaurant in Soufriere. Once you get to the town, drive slowly and stay alert as the streets are narrow, and have some really wicked ditches on both sides.
Entering the town of Soufriere in St. Lucia
Driving on the streets of Soufriere…Watch out for the ditches on the side!
Fedo’s Restaurant in Soufriere
Follow the Google directions, and try your best to avoid the potholes that you are sure to encounter. When you finally arrive at Fedo’s, park on the street, and get ready to enjoy some absolutely fabulous local food! The restaurant is not fancy in any way, but offers an authentic atmosphere, which is actually very pleasant. The best thing of course is the food!
The delicious creole chicken with Caribbean vegetables…This was my favorite!
Homemade Caribbean hot pepper sauce, placed on each table.
Our most favorite items on the menu were the creole chicken with Caribbean root vegetables, and the curry chicken with the same type of veggies. If for some reason you are not feeling up to trying the local specialties, there are sandwiches and hamburgers on the menu. Our kids ordered those, and they were also very tasty.
Angie inside Fedo’s Restaurant…She was definitely pleased with her meal!
View of Soufriere near Fedo’s Restaurant
Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths
After you are done with lunch at Fedo’s, get back to the car, and drive a short distance to the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. It should take you less than 10 minutes to get there. Park near the entrance, pay the fee, and take a pleasant stroll on the short, easy trail. Here, you will see a variety of beautiful tropical plants and flowers, while walking off all the calories.
The kids posing silly on a little bridge along the trail in the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
One of the interesting flowers in the botanical gardens called Lobster Claw
As you continue to follow the main trail, you will come to the hot mineral baths. If you decide you want to soak, be sure to pay when you first enter the gardens. We didn’t have time to take advantage of them since we still had other things to see, but they sure looked relaxing.
Mineral baths near the main trail in the Botanical Gardens in Soufriere
Keep walking on the trail, passing around the pools, and make your way to Diamond Falls. We found it to be a beautiful waterfall, and really enjoyed spending a little time there, listening to the crashing water.
Diamond Falls in the Botanical Gardens
When done, continue on the path, and loop back around. We really enjoyed the lush, tropical vegetation all around, and the unique and brightly-colored flowers. Some of my personal favorites were the Lobster Claws and the Wax Rose.
One of my other favorite flowers in the Botanical Gardens, a Wax Rose
…And the Bird of Paradise flower
Angie and Dani resting in the Botanical Gardens after walking the trail.
An interesting tree along the trail in the Botanical Gardens…It looks like it is about to start walking
Afternoon Boat Ride to Anse Chastanet
When you complete your tour of the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens, drive to the Soufriere Pier. Park on the side of the street while carefully watching the ditch, then walk to the waterfront.
The kiddos sitting on a bench near the Soufriere Pier
At this point, you should expect local boat drivers to start approaching you, and asking whether you would like a ride. Talk to them to see what they offer, and what kind of boat they have. Let them know you are possibly interested in going to nearby Anse Chastanet and Anse Mamin, and expect to haggle a little. Boat drivers may show you a list of prices for boat tours to various locations, but remember that nothing is set in stone.
Finding the Right Boat
From talking to people and shopping around a little bit, we found out that 80 USD was somewhat the standard running price from Soufriere to Anse Chastanet and back. We did manage to haggle the price down to $60 and took a boat ride with a man, who had a simple uncovered motorboat. If you would rather take a boat that has a cover, keep shopping around until you find the type of boat you like at the right price.
View of Petit Piton from the Soufriere Pier
Boat Ride Highlights
Once you make your decision, jump on board, and get ready to enjoy all the amazing views! Some of the highlights you should expect to see are the bat cave (more like a bat crack), as well as Anse Chastanet and nearby Anse Mamin. These are a couple of beautiful beaches that feature the natural black sand of St. Lucia, and offer some amazing snorkeling experiences. Anse Chastanet is situated right under the luxury resort Jade Mountain, used as one of the filming locations for the reality series “The Bachelor.” While it is possible to get off and look around these beaches, we enjoyed viewing them from the boat.
The Bat Cave near Soufriere, more like the Bat Crack 🙂
Angie and Dani really enjoying the boat ride
Anse Chastanet, a black sand beach right under Jade Mountain Resort
Nearby Anse Mamin, another black sand beach
Rock formations near Anse Mamin
The Best Part
As you can probably imagine, the view of the Piton mountains is the absolute best part of the entire boat ride. By going later in the day, you will have a chance to see the two iconic peaks beautifully illuminated by the rays of the afternoon sun. I admit, I took way too many pictures of the Pitons from the boat, because they were so extraordinary!
Turning back around, and heading towards the Pitons and Soufriere
The view of the Pitons was the best part of the boat ride
Our family photo with the iconic Piton Mountains
Dinner at Ladera Resort
By the time you are done with your boat ride, you’ll probably be thinking about dinner. One of our favorite dinner spots is the Dasheene Restaurant at Ladera Resort, and I highly recommend that you plan to go there at least once during your stay in St. Lucia. It is pricey, but the food and especially the view totally make it worth the cost. The restaurant is perched on a hill right behind Petit Piton, and offers some of the most breathtaking panoramas on the island. The menu has a variety of options, including some local specialties, and the service is wonderful. The entire staff is very friendly and welcoming, and everyone works hard to make your experience truly unforgettable.
The view from Dasheene Restaurant at Ladera Resort…Absolutely stunning!
The kids and Petit Piton in the background from Dasheene Restaurant at Ladera Resort
Our awesome waitress, the lovely Ms. Leah Popo, who made the whole experience that much more fun
Getting to the Restaurant
If you decide to give this a try, just type “Ladera Resort” in Google, and follow the directions. Once there, tell the guard at the gate that you are going to the restaurant, and then park. Don’t worry if you are not super dressed up! The dress code for the restaurant is elegant casual, and that can include a variety of looks. Frankly, nobody cares or judges.
TIP: Make a reservation for dinner at Dasheene Restaurant a day or two in advance just to be sure you get a table. To do that, call their number +1 758 459 6623, or contact them though e-mail or the Dasheene Restaurant Website. Be sure to get to the restaurant before sunset, and get ready with your camera because you will want to take a lot of pictures of the incredible view there!
Other Dining Options
If you don’t feel like spending the evening at Dasheene Restaurant, there are other good places to choose from that are open for dinner. A nearby restaurant that offers local specialties, and is well-liked by visitors is the Humming Bird Restaurant at the Hummingbird Beach Resort. Another good option is La Petit Peak Restaurant, located in town right near the Soufriere pier. It is not at all a fancy place, but serves delicious Caribbean food, and truly gives you a sense of the local vibe.
More Things to Do Near Soufriere
If you happen to have an extra day, and wish to explore the Soufriere area of St. Lucia a little more, here are a couple things to consider.
Visit Mourne Coubaril Estate, a Historical Adventure Park
This 18-th century estate is located near Sulphur Springs and the drive-in volcano. You can easily spend the good part of a day here, as they have many activities for visitors to enjoy. You can go zip lining, horseback riding, hiking, and get a buffet-style lunch with local creole specialties when you get hungry. Unfortunately, we didn’t find time to explore the estate, but we’ll check it out for sure on our next visit. Here is the Mourne Coubaril Website in case you want to find out more about this beautiful place.
Drive to the Piton Viewpoint North of Soufriere
One more spot worth checking out in the area is the stunning panorama near The Beacon Restaurant north of Soufriere. The restaurant isn’t open for dinner, but you can certainly stop in for lunch. They have a pretty good local buffet, but really, the best thing is the view…and you don’t have to eat here in order to enjoy it.
As you circle around the town of Soufriere and begin climbing up the road, start looking on your right for a place to pull over. There is an area shortly before you get to the Beacon Restaurant where you can stop and look at the view. If you happen to miss it, don’t worry! Just drive up to the restaurant, and park in front of it. You can see the view from here, too. I imagine it would be absolutely breathtaking at sunset, so if you come here late in the afternoon, stick around for a bit until the sun is low enough to color everything in warm orange and red hues.
View of the Piton Mountains and Soufriere from the Beacon Restaurant
Take Plenty of Pictures
Whether you follow this exact itinerary or not, the most important thing in the end is to enjoy your time. Spending a day in the Soufriere area of St. Lucia near the stunning Piton Mountains is an unforgettable experience! Be sure you bring along comfortable shoes, plenty of water, and your camera. While pictures are never quite the same as the real thing, they can help us return to the places that we once visited and consider special! I know I will be returning to Soufriere in St. Lucia through my pictures for a long, long time!
One of many breathtaking Lucian sunsets that we enjoyed during our time on the island
Additional Resources to Help Plan Your Day in Soufriere
Tet Paul Nature Trail Tour – Get more detailed information and read reviews about Tet Paul Nature Trail.
Hike The Tet Paul Nature Trail — If you’re not careful, you just might learn something – Here is a really good blog post about Tet Paul Nature Trail with some beautiful drone footage of the area.
Sulphur Springs Saint Lucia – Check out this website to find out more about the Sulphur Springs drive-in volcano and mud baths, and see the current admission fees.
Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths, Saint Lucia – Stop by this website to read a little more about the Botanical Gardens and Diamond Falls in Soufriere.
The Soufriere Foundation – On this website, you will find all kinds of good information about the Soufriere area including shopping, dining, attractions, recreation, accommodations, and more.
Mourne Coubaril Estate – Historical Adventure Park – Stop by this website to find out all the activities that you can enjoy at this historic 18th century estate.
Gros Piton Hike in St. Lucia, a Jorney to the Sky – If you have more time in the Soufriere area, and are interested in hiking to the top of Gros Piton, check out our experience. It was truly unforgettable!
Hiking Petit Piton in St. Lucia – If you are crazy like me, and want to attempt to climb up the hair-raising Petit Piton, read this post to see what that was all about!
Dining Suggestions (Places We’ve Tried)
Dasheene Restaurant at Ladera Resort – Located on the main road not too far from Sulphur Springs, and Tet Paul Nature Trail, this restaurant offers local specialties, and some of the best views on the island. It is pricey but worth it!
Fedo’s Restaurant – Here is our favorite less expensive restaurant in Soufriere, where we enjoyed some of the most delicious creole and curry chicken dishes. Unfortunately, Fedo’s is not open for dinner.
The Beacon Restaurant – Located on the main road slightly north of Soufriere, this restaurant offers incredible views of the town, and the Piton Mountains. It is not open for dinner, but the lunch is buffet-style, and includes some local specialties.
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all pictures in this post were taken by me with my Nikon D5600, iPhone 6, or hubby’s iPhone X.
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