Sea Excursions in St. Lucia

A day sail or sea cruise from Rodney Bay or Vigie Cove to Soufrière and the Pitons is a wonderful way to see St. Lucia and a great way to get to the island's distinctive natural sites. Prices for a full-day sailing excursion to Soufrière run about $100 per person and include a land tour to the Diamond Botanical Gardens, lunch, a stop for swimming and snorkeling, and a visit to pretty Marigot Bay. Two-hour sunset cruises along the northwest coast cost $45 to $60 per person.

Endless Summer. On Endless Summer, a 56-foot "party" catamaran, you can take a day trip along the coast to Soufrière—hotel transfers, tour, entrance fees, lunch, and drinks included—for $105 per person. A half-day swimming and snorkeling trip is also available. For romantics, there's a weekly sunset cruise, with dinner and entertainment. Reduit Beach Ave., Rodney Bay Village, Gros Islet. 758/450-8651. www.stluciaboattours.com.

Mystic Man Tours. This company operates glassbottom boat, sailing, catamaran, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and whale- and dolphin-watching tours—all great family excursions—and sunset cruises in the evening. Maurice Mason St., Soufrière. 758/459-7783 or 800/401-9804. www.mysticmantours.com.

Rodney Bay Ferry. There are two departures daily to Pigeon Island from this company. The cost of $50 per person round-trip includes the entrance fee to the island and lunch; snorkeling equipment can be rented for $12. Rodney Bay Marina, Rodney Bay, Gros Islet. 758/452-8816.