For those who prefer their sightseeing from the comfort of an air-conditioned bus the St. Lucia Countryside Sightseeing and Pigeon Island Beach Break Excursion is for you. See many of the island's historical sights and relax on a beautiful beach.
After meeting your English-speaking guide outside your St. Lucia cruise port you'll drive through the port town and island capital of Castries. Pass the palm-lined Vigie Beach and a market filled with high-end products designed for cruise ship guests. A city landmark is the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception with its colorful murals.
Enjoy a guided excursion by a motor coach of the history and monuments of Morne Fortune - the Hill of Luck. Here you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the north end of the island, Castries and, weather permitting, Martinique. Learn about the fort, still standing, that was built on the hill by the French and, in several battles with the English, kept changing hands before St. Lucia became independent in 1979.
Your first stop is Howelton Estate built in 1896, once a private home, and now converted into a cafe, art studio, and duty-free shops. Standing above Castries you can take in the cool breezes, lush gardens, and amazing views. Here they give lessons on how to make delicious chocolate, learn the ancient art of batiking or watch fashion designer Christine Samuel create hand-painted bags.
Your drive through mountainous St. Lucia to Pigeon Island takes you by quaint rural villages. Capture scenes of the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts lined by lush rainforests.
Your last stop of the day is at the 44-acre Pigeon Island National Landmark, protected by the St. Lucia National Trust. It's now accessible by a causeway built in 1972. The island has been inhabited since 400 AD by the Arawak Indians, then the French and British. A few pirates also used the island to plunder Spanish Galleons using the mountain peaks as a valuable vantage point. You'll have 90-minutes to explore the fort, swim in the refreshing ocean, or soak up some sun in a lounge chair on the beach. Lounge chairs, showers, restrooms, and changing facilities are provided for your stay on the island.
When times come to an end, you'll be driven back to your St. Lucia cruise terminal.
Get the best of St. Lucia in one day! You will sightsee the capital city and hit all of the best highlights. Then you will have time to relax on Pigeon Island!
5/5 (Visited on January 2019)
