Pigeon Island National Park: A Visitor’s Guide

Pigeon Island National Park is the most significant Landmark in the north of St. Lucia.

Therein, you’ll find a quint white sand beach, well preserved historical relics, and a flirtatious little uphill hiking trail with views that will take your breath away.

If you’re vacationing in St. Lucia, a trip to the Pigeon Island National Park will unquestionably add some thrill to your holiday itinerary.

And,

I recommend that it be at the top of your St. Lucia “to do list“.

 

The Fascinating History of Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island was once separated from St. Lucia’s mainland.

Its many treasures were inaccessible until 1972.

Then,

The islet was joined by a man-made causeway built by dredging in the Rodney Bay area.

Once the causeway was built, Pigeon Island went from strength to strength becoming a national park in 1972.

Pigeon Island’s status was again changed to a national monument in 1992 and its preservation has since then been overseen by the St Lucia National Trust.

 

Now Let’s go a bit Further in Pigeon Island’s History

Artifacts from the Arawak and Carib people litter the Park.

These are two groups of indigenous people who inhabited the Caribbean way back in our history.

Advancing in time…

Around the 1500s, Pigeon Island was inhabited by pirates.

One of the famous ones being Francois le Clerc, AKA Jambe de Bois.

Today, there’s even a restaurant inside the park name after him.

Jambe de Bois was credited as the first pirate to have a “peg leg.”

Add that to your list of trivia!

 

When Rodney Arrived a Fort was Built, a War was Won

Between 1779 and 1782 Fort Rodney was built on pigeon island’s second-highest point, by Admiral George Rodney.

Who was he?

According to Wikipedia, Admiral George Brydges Rodney was a British naval officer. He is best remembered for his victory over the French in the Battle of the Saintes in 1782.

When he arrived, one of Rodney’s first orders was to cut all the trees on pigeon island.

He took no chances with the enemy…

Rodney needed to see the French coming from all directions.

He then built the fort and named it after himself.

The British used Fort Rodney as a base to attack the French fleet, whom they defeated in the Battle of the Saints.

In present-day you will find old cannons, soldier barracks, and cells where prisoners were kept,  all over the park.

These historical remnants will give you a glimpse of what happened on pigeon island way back when.

 

How to Get to Pigeon Island National Park?

Getting to Pigeon Island is a relatively short commute from the city of Castries.

It’s even easier if you’re staying further up north or the Rodney Bay area.

If you’re coming from the city or further south, it would take you less time during low traffic times.

The traffic on the Castries – Gros Islet highway can get congested at times. 

If you’re on a budget, you can catch a public Castries – Gros Islet minibus.

The bus terminal is behind the Castries Market – on the waterfront opposite the cruise ship docks.

Castries – Gros Islet minibusses travel route 1A,

But,

You will first have to let the driver know where you wish to go.

You will have to pay extra to get dropped off at the entrance of pigeon island.

But it’s important to first reach an agreement with the minibus driver to drop you off.

Or,

You can reserve a variety of local taxis to take you to Pigeon Island.

A taxi ride will cost you an average of US $25 round trip between Castries and Pigeon Island.

But,

A taxi is the most convenient option.

 

Things to Do at Pigeon Island National Park St. Lucia

There are a variety of activities to engage you at Pigeon Island National Park.

Picking the right ones will add great value to your time in St. Lucia.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or rather the more relaxing vibe, at Pigeon Island, many options await.

Here are some of the more popular things to do at Pigeon Island National Park.

 

Do a Snuba Adventure Tour

Never heard of Snuba?

Snuba is a cross between scuba diving and snorkeling.

It’s a great combination of the thrill of scuba diving with the ease of snorkeling.

You will descend to around 6 meters (20 feet) underwater using a surface air supply.

The cool thing about snuba-ing is that you can enjoy the feeling of scuba diving without the need for heavy, cumbersome equipment.

And,

Certification is not required like in scuba diving.

You will have the chance to spot all sorts of beautiful marine life, from parrotfish to spiny crabs.

A Snuba tour lasts 2 hours, and will almost certainly leave you desperate for more of the experience.

You can choose from three different time slots to do a Snuba Adventure tour with Sea Adventures St. Lucia at Pigeon Island.

 

Do a Tour of Pigeon Island National Park

Want a guided tour of Pigeon Island National Park?

There are many St. Lucia tour agencies that can take you there.

Take your pick!

A guided tour usually comes with shuttle pickup from your accommodation and a local St. Lucian lunch.

At the park, you can enjoy the phenomenal scenery led by a guide.

Be sure to choose a reputable St. Lucia Tour agency with a knowledgeable and hospitable guide.

You’ll get to visit Admiral Rodney’s historic fort.

But,

Getting there requires you to do an uphill hike (something to bear in mind if you’re traveling with a group includes the elderly disabled or toddlers).

If you want, you can opt to hike a bit further uphill to signal peak.

Signal Peak is the highest point at Pigeon Island where some jaw-dropping views await.

 

Picnic Inside the Park

A Picnic is a good option if you wish to relax and enjoy the scenery.

And,

You can do that after your Park tour.

There are many lovely spots inside the Pigeon Island National Park to relax and read.

Or,

To chill with friends and enjoy some food and rum.

One thing for sure, the Park is clean and well kept – perfect for that spontaneous picnic.

 

Relax on the Beach

What is better, when visiting a beautiful Caribbean island, than simply lying on the warm sand and get tanned by the rays of the sun?

If you visit Pigeon Island National Park, you can be guaranteed the chance to do just that.

If you want to avoid the relatively touristy and busy Reduit Beach, Pigeon Island has two beautiful strips of sand, lapped by gentle waves, on which you can recline and enjoy the golden sunshine and peace.

The shores of the beach are edged by tropical trees, including towering Banyans, and there is a designated picnic area if you don’t fancy sand in your picnic.

 

Photograph the Old Relics and Historic Buildings

For the history buffs among us, there will be a fantastic opportunity to go and experience the centuries of activity that have carved out the stories of the island.

Fort Rodney has a certain charm and breathless mystery for those of us that weren’t there.

That’s, well, all of us, isn’t it?

So it is a fascinating glimpse into what once was, and a chance to learn about how life would have been for those early settlers.

The old remains have been carefully preserved, but not changed, so you’ll get great experience to spark your imagination of how life once was.

 

Events at Pigeon Island National Park

There are many events, parties, and occasions of note happening at Pigeon Island national park St. Lucia.

If you want to experience your St. Lucia holiday with even more of a bang, be sure to check out the awesome events at Pigeon Island!

St. Lucia Jazz

This amazing event takes place in May across St. Lucia and promises you a wealth of awe-inspiring jazz musicians and new sounds to keep you captivated.

The main stage performances take place at Pigeon Island, giving a treat to your eyes and ears, and your hips too if you are the dancing sort of person.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is an event that features many aspects of St. Lucian local culture, and it’s a great way to experience local food, drink, and the arts.

If you find yourself in St. Lucia in October, then Oktoberfest is an event you should consider.

 

St. Lucia Independence Day Celebrations

St. Lucia’s Independence Day is held on the 22nd of February every year and marks the day that St. Lucia won its independence from the United Kingdom.

The event is marked with official parades and is a national holiday, so it’s an event to experience if you happen to be in St. Lucia on that date.

Soleil Summer Festival

The Soleil Summer Festival has multiple events that are held at Pigeon Island National Park.

This festival happens from May to October annually.

It includes the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, Roots and Soul Festival, St. Lucia Carnival and the Arts and heritage festival.

It’s a great way to experience the food, music, atmosphere and fantastic St. Lucian culture.

 

Affordable Hotels near Pigeon Island National Park

If you’re looking for a place to stay near Pigeon Island National Park without breaking the bank.

Here are some of the best hotel accommodations closest to the landmark.

Coco Palm Resort

A beautiful hotel near Rodney Bay, Coco Palm offers a truly relaxing stay.

Only 1.7 miles from the national park makes this a convenient hotel to stay if you want to stay close to the area to attend an event or to enjoy all the activities in and around the north of St. Lucia.

Bay Gardens Beach Resort

Bay Gardens Beach Resort is a gorgeous beachfront hotel with three different types of property depending on your needs.

You can choose an all-inclusive experience, with the island’s famous warmth and hospitality.

Bay Gardens beach resort is approximately 1.3 miles from Pigeon Island National Park.

Cap Maison Resort

Cap Maison is an elegant hotel set within the grounds of a secluded beach, just 1.2 miles from Pigeon Island, Cap Maison offers a luxurious stay in beautiful surroundings.

Family owned and friendly, this is one of the most relaxing hotels in St. Lucia.

Cap Maison has beautiful scenery.

And, you can get the bonus of room service at this lovely accommodation.

Palm Haven Hotel

Palm Haven hotel is 1.7 miles from Pigeon Island National Park.

This Hotel offers all that you would expect from a mini luxury hotel.

It’s close enough to all the nightlife to make getting about easy, yet secluded and cozy enough to provide a wonderful escape from the rest of the world.

Calabash Cove Resort & Spa

Calabash Cove is a truly exceptional hotel, offering luxury accommodation along with superior spa facilities.

Situated just 2.8 miles from Pigeon Island National park, you can relax in beautiful surroundings and get pampered by their awesome staff.

When you get tired of being pampered, there is a long list of things to do in St. Lucia that awaits you.

 

Pigeon Island national park St. Lucia is open to visitors 365 days a year.

Prices to enter the park range from US$8 for adults and US$3 for children aged 5-12 years of age, making this an accessible opportunity for even the smallest of budgets.

With this amount of activity and opportunity there, why would you choose not to visit this amazing landmark?

Pigeon Island is rich in history and, filled with fun and adventure.

Be sure to add Pigeon Island national park to your list of things to do in St. Lucia.