5 thrilling activities to try in St Lucia

Jaillan Yehia

Jaillan Yehia

The beaches and banana plantations of St Lucia are well known but there are lots of other ways to monkey around on this glorious Caribbean island.

St Lucia is one giant playground where you can do everything from reef diving and water sports to tackling rainforest trails on foot and by bike, and swimming in mineral waterfalls.

Top outdoor activities in St Lucia
Top outdoor activities in St Lucia © Randy Lafontaine - photo courtesy of Saint Lucia Tourist Board

If you're thinking of heading anywhere in the Windward Islands, chances are the outdoors are a big draw, and this particular Caribbean island is way more than just the classic white-sand beach idyll.

The dramatic scenery of St Lucia contains the most impressive range of varied natural geographical wonders and outdoor pursuits in the entire Caribbean, which makes it simply unbeatable.

Getting to St Lucia: fly direct from London Gatwick when you book your holiday with TUI to experience everything St Lucia* has to offer for outdoor enthusiasts.

1. Hit the ziplines

This is an island synonymous with tropical rainforests, so the top activity was bound to be a fun-filled treetop adventure. You won't be disappointed if you want to fly through the trees as there are more than a couple of options to see the forest canopy by zipline.

Ziplining through the rainforest canopy in St Lucia
Ziplining through the rainforest canopy in St Lucia - photo courtesy of www.rainforestadventure.com

St Lucia Ziplining at Morne Coubaril Estate is a real once in a lifetime experience that's set on a plantation, which also offers estate tours and horseback riding, as well as eight ziplines.

Meanwhile, Rainforest Adventures specialises in interactive canopy tours - the Adrena-line tour boasts 18 biplane platforms and a Tarzan swing.

2. Ramble your way to the top

The uninhabited and mountainous interior is the perfect place to take on the island's leading natural attraction, one which makes this island in the Lesser Antilles totally unique: a 10k hike to the 1,871 ft summit of the Piton Flore Mountain.

Not to be confused with the island's twin peaks of Petit and Gros Piton, the Piton Flore trail is one of the more ambitious rainforest hikes in central St Lucia.

The local Forestry Department can give you advice, maps, and a permit to explore this route, which is teaming with protected flora, fauna, local birds, and mammals including the famed St Lucia parrot.

The entire area is full of old trading paths, meaning there are plenty of less strenuous hiking routes available depending on your ability and mood, and a host of different excursions can be booked to suit your needs.

3. Get stinky in the sulphur springs

One of the must-do experiences that comes up in every guide to St Lucia - and for good reason - is a visit to the sulphur springs volcanic mud bath near Soufrière.

Mud baths at the Sulphur Springs, St Lucia
Mud baths at the Sulphur Springs, St Lucia © andrebronxguy - photo courtesy of Saint Lucia Tourist Board

It's billed as the world's only 'drive-in volcano' due to its accessibility, and a day trip here is one you won't forget. It involves learning a little about the area's unique volcanic properties then covering yourself in steaming volcanic mud to detoxify before jumping in a cleansing rainforest waterfall.

4. Make a splash at sea

Splash Island Water Park in Rodney Bay Village on the island's northwest coast is the first sea water park in the Caribbean.

This giant inflatable beachfront obstacle course makes a great outdoor activity in St Lucia for those on holiday with children who can jump about on the trampoline, climbing wall, monkey bars, and hurdles in safety, with parents knowing any fall would be into the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

5. Enter the St Lucia triathlon

If you're really up for the ultimate adventure, how about trying your hand at a triathlon in the sweet setting of St Lucia? The St Lucia Triathlon, which is a relatively recent addition to the island, is held in late November, with Olympians on hand to help competitors.

Heading for Petit Piton which rises almost vertically to 2,400 ft
Heading for Petit Piton which rises almost vertically to 2,400 ft © Christian Lendl - Flickr CC BY 2.0

Of course, this list is just a start. St Lucia is crammed with volcanic beaches, national parks, picturesque bays, outlying islands and water sports, so the only limit to your outdoor fun will be your own energy levels - and maybe the weather.

The weather in St Lucia

St Lucia is a truly tropical destination that generally benefits from reliably good weather all year round. July to November tends to see the highest concentration of rain, although don't let this put you off as it often passes after a short sharp downpour.

Temperatures sit at around 28°C to 30°C on average throughout the year, although with the increased heat and humidity, and higher rainfall, August and September can feel like the hottest time of year.

For those keen to swim, the water is delightful with a low of 26°C in February, ensuring every other month is even warmer at between 27°C and 29°C on average.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
Sea temperature °C

If you're looking for more info on the hurricane season, let us put your mind at ease with our guide to tropical storms, which highlights the low chance of your holiday being affected in any way even during the height of the season.

Overall, St Lucia is a fabulous holiday destination at any time of year, as our when to travel to St Lucia guide suggests.

Fancy trying these exciting activities? Look no further than the latest online deals from TUI. You can also find out more about the weather in St Lucia to help you plan when to go in 2024/2025.

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Jaillan Yehia

Jaillan Yehia

Article updated on Thursday 28th February 2019 in: Adventure Caribbean TUI Winter sun

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