Castries Full-Day Catamaran Tour to Soufriere and the Pitons

Sailing the west coast from Castries

Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia, lies on a deep natural harbour on the north-west coast, and from here the island's leeward shore runs south in a chain of green headlands, fishing villages and sheltered coves. The sea on this side is usually calm, which makes it ideal for a day under sail.

After hotel pickup and a short drive to the boat, you settle on the deck of a spacious catamaran with shade, seating and room to stretch out. The crew serves soft drinks, fruit juice and water as you cruise south for about two hours, passing cliffs, banana valleys and small beaches. A Saint Lucia catamaran tour like this is one of the most popular ways to reach Soufriere, because the coastal views are part of the experience.

Soufriere and the Pitons

Soufriere, founded by the French in the eighteenth century and once the island's capital, is a small, colourful town at the foot of the Pitons. These two volcanic spires, Gros Piton at about 798 metres and Petit Piton at about 743 metres, rise almost vertically from the sea and are the emblem of Saint Lucia; together with the surrounding reef and volcanic area they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The catamaran sails close enough for wonderful photos of both peaks before docking at Soufriere, where your land guide meets you. If you have wondered whether a Pitons boat tour is worth it, the view of the twin peaks from the water is the answer: it is the most famous scene in the Caribbean for many travellers.

Sulphur Springs, the drive-in volcano

Just outside Soufriere, Sulphur Springs sits inside the collapsed crater of an ancient volcano. Roads lead almost to its edge, which is why it is known as the drive-in volcano. From the viewing platforms you see grey and yellow ground, steaming vents and pools of mud bubbling at high temperature, with the smell of sulphur hanging in the air.

Your guide explains how the volcano formed and how it is monitored today. Instead of the guided walk you can choose to bathe in the warm, mineral-rich mud pools further downstream, a famous local ritual said to be good for the skin; wear a dark swimsuit you do not mind staining. About 30 minutes are spent here.

Toraille Waterfall

Toraille Waterfall is a single ribbon of water dropping about 15 metres over a rock ledge into a small pool, set in a garden of tropical plants, flowers and trees on the road above Soufriere. The water comes down from the rainforest and is fresh and cool, a pleasant contrast to the heat of the volcano.

You have about 30 minutes here to walk through the garden, take photos and, if you like, stand under the falls. It is a gentle, beautiful stop and a good chance to rinse off after a mud bath. Toraille is among the easiest waterfalls in Saint Lucia to visit, with a short path and facilities nearby.

Morne Coubaril Estate and Marigot Bay

Lunch is served at the historic Morne Coubaril Estate, a former plantation between Soufriere and the Pitons where cocoa, coffee and coconuts have been grown for generations. The Creole buffet uses provisions and vegetables from the estate, and you have about an hour to eat and enjoy the views.

Back on board, the catamaran heads north to a calm swim stop where you can snorkel in clear water with the gear provided, then sails into Marigot Bay, a narrow, deep inlet lined with palms and hills, long used by sailors as a safe haven from storms. It is a fitting final view before you return to the north and your hotel.