An Ultimate Guide to the St. Lucia Rainforest

A trip to the St. Lucia rainforest is one of the best activities to have your holiday itinerary.

Although St. Lucia is known for its spectacular landscape, clear waters and white sand beaches, one of the most rewarding things to do in St. Lucia is making a trip to its lush rainforest.

You will lose track of time as you engage in exhilarating and exciting activities in St. Lucia’s forest reserves.

In this article, we’ll share some insight into St. Lucia’s rain forest and all the adventures that await you.

 

Major Forest Reserves in St. Lucia

While the coastline attracts a lot of attention, it is the rainforest that envelopes the island that will blow your mind with its breathtaking scenery.

The rainforest typically receives an annual rainfall of over 69 inches, which maintains the warm and lush ambiance; however, it is not a typical jungle as the light-restricting, thick canopy limits the plant growth.

Here are some of the best forest reserves that you can explore while in St. Lucia:

The Descartiers Rainforest

It is a 6-mile drive towards the interior from the main highway (eastwards). This rainforest is one of the hidden treasures of this island.

Barre De L’isle Forest Reserve

This forest reserve cuts the island into western and eastern halves. The trial lasts for an hour (1-mile hiking trail), with one more hour to reach the Mt. La Combe ridge.

The Enbas Saut Waterfalls

To get to the Enbas Saut waterfalls, you can opt for a trail hike that lasts for 4 km, which is a cut from the 6-mile trail eastwards from the Mt. Gimie.

Among the views that you will enjoy along the path is the Elfin Woodlands, Cloud Forest as well as the wildlife.

This trail is a favorite because of its two pools and cascading waterfalls that are at the Troumasse River’s head.

The Edmund Forest Reserve

You will need an off-road vehicle to reach this forest reserve. Alternatively, you can opt for a hike (3-hours) to reach the forest reserve, located on the island’s western side.

If you continue westwards, you will be able to view the highest peak of the island, Mt. Gimie.

 

Why Should You Visit One of the St. Lucia Rainforest Reserves?

While on vacation in St. Lucia, you’d be missing out if you don’t visit one of the intriguing forest reserves of the island.

The rainforest covers more than 19,000 acres of the island, giving you a vast area to explore.

Whether you opt for a guide or want to go on an adventure by yourself, the wild orchids, exotic birds, and waterfalls will surely captivate your senses.

Activities like hiking and excursions will help you get in shape, and the fresh air along with the greenery will intoxicate you with energy that will benefit.

After all, what’s the point of going on a holiday if you can enjoy a bit of adventure and a rush of adrenalin?

 

Things worth Seeing in the St. Lucia Rainforest

The most exciting way to get closer to the unique yet diverse ecosystem in St. Lucia’s rainforest is by opting for excursions on foot.

The island’s rainforest consists of unusual elements that are both rare and exquisite. Some of the things that you will come across in St. Lucia’s rainforest are:

Exotic Birds

One of the birds to watch out for is the Amazona Versicolor Also known as the Jacquot. It’s St. Lucia’s national bird and also an endangered species.

You may encounter the Jacquot only when you are touring the interior of the island.

With the help of guides, you might be able to spot them during your excursions through the rainforest.

Apart from this exotic bird, you can also find native birds such as the Mangrove Cuckoo and the Black Finch flying over you.

Flora and Fauna

Not only are the wildlife in this island intriguing, but you will also be amazed to see the diverse flora and fauna of this region.

You may come across the blue Mahaut tree or the enormous Gommier tree along with different lichen species on your trail track.

Other exciting plant life to see here include the wild nutmeg and the wild anthurium lilies.

Waterfalls

St. Lucia houses distinct waterfalls that give you an even greater appreciation for its rainforest.

One of the famous waterfalls, the Diamond Falls, is known to provide mineral baths, which can help rejuvenate your skin.

Another waterfall that you must visit is the La Tille Waterfall that has several pools for a refreshing dip on sweaty, humid Caribbean days.

These are just a few of the many attractions that you will encounter during your rainforest adventure in St. Lucia.

 

Different Ways You Can Experience the St. Lucia Rainforest

While on a St. Lucia rainforest adventure, you will find numerous activities that will make your trip worthwhile.

Try to opt for one or more of the following experiences during your adventure:

Zip Lining

Zip Lining is one of the most exciting ways to explore St. Lucia’s rainforest.

The 10- Zipline canopy tour takes you through this island’s green and lush forest, in which you need to clip yourself onto a harness and zoom right through an elevated zip line to travel across the rainforest.

Hiking

There is no shortage of hiking opportunities in St. Lucia.

Depending on your fitness level, you can choose the trail that suits you best.

Hiking is one of the most efficient ways to explore the rainforest, capture mind-blowing views and get close to the wildlife therein.

Aerial Tram

Also called the gondola tour, an aerial tram will give you an experience of a lifetime.

Lasting for 4 to 5 hours, open trams located way above the rainforest will provide you with a view of the forest that serves a feast for your eyes.

Birdwatching

If you are interested in birdwatching, you need to reach the Millet Bird Sanctuary, where you can peacefully explore the different bird species of the island.

 

In Conclusion

Fun and excitement are the words that describe a St. Lucia rainforest adventure.

The greenery and diverse nature of St. Lucia’s rainforest needs to be explored on your St. Lucia holiday.

A tour of the rainforest is a rejuvenating experience that brings you up close and personal with nature. Which is why you should include it on your list of things to do while vacationing in St. Lucia.