The Tree House, St. Lucia

Anse Chastanet Beach is a black sand beach with crystal clear water.  It is a ten minute walk from The Tree House and is St. Lucia's top dive center.  Boasting views to 100 feet, the swimming area is also highly recommended for snorkeling.  An underwater marine preserve is maintained just off the beach and offers amazing views of colorful fish and coral reefs 20-30 feet below the surface.  Snorkel and dive equipment rentals and dive trips are available to both beginners and experts.  Besides swimming and snorkeling, the beach also offers sunbathing, kayaking, sailing, changing rooms, spa facilities and weekly passes that allow you to use their water sports, tiki huts and lounge chairs.  The beachfront restaurant and bar, which offers lunch and dinner, is perfect if you are looking for that laid back Caribbean feel.  Kayaking, mountain biking and hiking trails are available at Anse Mamin Beach just a short walk to the north along the beach.

Jalousie Beach, located at the base of the Petit Piton, boasts the island's only white sand beach and is by far the best beach on the island. The beach also has an underwater marine preserve along the base of the Petit Piton that is perfect for snorkelers.  Snorkel equipment and chair rentals are available for visitors.  The beachfront restaurant serves drinks, salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, etc.  Jalousie Beach is a 25 min. drive from the Tree House or a 15 min. boat ride from Anse Chastanet Beach.

Sulphur Springs and the Drive In Volcano - This area is a collapsed caldera of an ancient old volcano that stills releases steam and hot air from deep inside the earth's crust.  Considered to be the world's only drive in volcano, this is a must see.  The Sulphur Springs are next door and provide an opportunity to experience the healing powers of a mineral bath.

Diamond Mineral Falls and the Botanical Gardens are a must see for those interested in plants, flowers and fauna.  Taking a walk through trails of multi colored crotons, lobster heliconas, ixoras, gingers and numerous varities of palms lead you to the black warm water mineral falls.  Bring your swimsuit and you can relax in the warm and cold tubs.

All of these sites are located in the Soufriere area.

The St. Lucia National Rain Forest is a great place for hiking, bird watching and viewing of numerous plants species such as exotic ferns, bromeliads and wild orchids.  The full rain forest hike is a good two hours, but at the halfway point you are rewarded with a cooling waterfall that beckons you for a refreshing dip.  The drive to the rain forest from the Tree House is about 30 mins. and is an experience not to be missed.  This drive takes you through small mountain villages where you see the REAL St. Lucia.

The Petit and Gros Pitons are the signature symbols of St. Lucia.  The Gros Piton trail is operated by the governmnet.  A guide will lead you on a trail to the top that takes about 2-3 hours each way.  Plan on leaving early in the am and being back mid afternoon.  The Petit Piton is for experienced climbers only.  A guide is a must and available upon request.  You must be in good physical condition to attempt these climbs. 

Marigot Bay, the site of the original Dr. Doolittle movie, is on the west coast of St. Lucia approx. 30 mins north of Anse Chastanet Beach by boat.  The boat ride provides a scenic trip as you pass small coastal fishing villages and several snorkeling spots.  Marigot Bay has a small beach in a truly picturesque Caribbean bay.  This is also a great stop for lunch on the way to Castries.

Castries, the capitol of St. Lucia, is known for its' century old marketplace.  This is the place to come for all your spices, fruits, hand woven items and wood carvings.  Further north is Pigeon Island National Landmark which was once held as a military complex.  The ruins have since been restored and a musuem built that explores St. Lucia's history.

Other places of interest include Mamiku Gardens, Rodney Bay, The Rain Forest Aerial Tram Ride, Morne Coubaril and Fond Doux Estates.

                    Petit and Gros Pitons

                                Marigot Bay