Guided Tours
Taxi drivers are well informed and can give you a full tour and often an excellent one, thanks to government-sponsored training programs. Full-day island tours cost $140 for up to four people, depending on the route and whether entrance fees and lunch are included; half-day tours, $100. If you plan your own day, expect to pay the driver $40 per hour plus tip.
Island Routes. This Sandals partner offers dozens of adventure tours, including guided, drive-it-yourself dune buggy safaris of Soufrière's natural sites and attractions (six hours, $215). Drivers must be at least 23, have a valid driver's license, and be able to operate a manual transmission. A catamaran cruise down the west coast from Rodney Bay to Soufrière is a less exhausting experience (seven hours, $115). Other tours include hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ziplining adventures; a guided historical tour; and many, many more. Castries, Castries Quarter. 877/768–8370; 758/455–2000; www.islandroutes.com.
Jungle Tours. This company specializes in rain-forest hiking tours in small groups and for all ability levels. You're required only to bring hiking shoes or sneakers and have a willingness to get wet and have fun. The cost is $95 per person and includes lunch, fees, and transportation via an open Land Rover truck. Cas en Bas, Gros-Islet. 758/715–3438; www.jungletoursstlucia.com.
St. Lucia Helicopters. How about a bird's-eye view of the island? A 10-minute North Island tour ($120 per person) leaves from the hangar in Castries, continues up the west coast to Pigeon Island, then flies along the rugged Atlantic coastline before returning inland over Castries. The 20-minute South Island tour ($187 per person) starts at Pointe Seraphine and follows the western coastline, circling beautiful Marigot Bay, Soufrière, and the majestic Pitons before returning inland over the volcanic hot springs and tropical rain forest. A complete island tour combines the two and lasts 30 minutes ($231 per person). All tours require a minimum of four passengers; the copter holds six. George F. L. Charles Airport, Island Flyers Hangar, Vigie, Castries Quarter. 758/453–6950; stluciahelicopters.com.
