Beautiful St. Lucia! Part 2: A Walk-Through Volcano; a Sulphur Bath; & another Awesome Beach

Beautiful St. Lucia!  Part 2:  A Walk-Through Volcano; 

a Sulphur Bath; & another Awesome Beach

Continuing with the story of our guests who planned ahead and were determined to visit, at least most of, the things they had researched and chosen to do.  The walk-through Volcano was the next on the list.  It is an attraction that many find hard to believe, until they experience it for themselves.  The “Soufriere Volcano” is the only “drive-through” volcano in the world.  It is a natural draw for visitors to St. Lucia.  People are drawn to this attraction for: hopes that the touted medicinal qualities of the water will provide relief to sore joints and limbs; some because of the sheer “adventure” for taking on a “live volcano”; and others because it is an unusual attraction that they will be able to talk about when they return home.  Our two guests probably exemplified all of those reasons between them.  So, the day after exploring the Botanical Gardens, they were off on another adventure.

Even before getting all the way into the park, their noses told them they had arrived.  The legendary “rotten eggs” smell of Sulphur lets you know you are close, even before you arrive.  The volcano is considered dormant, thus posing no danger if you follow all the rules of the Park.  The volcanic minerals and health-giving properties (which are said to be really great for the skin) are why this is such a popular attraction.  The Sulphur Springs give off a mixture of iron, calcium oxide, Sulphur, copper oxide, carbon and magnesium.  There is no volcanic lava involved, which is why it is considered a safe attraction.

The “mud baths” are a couple of hundred yards downstream from the springs, where the water temperature is still “hot,” but considered “cool enough” to be safe (about 110 degrees Fahrenheit/45 degrees Celsius.)  These mud baths are said to contain medicinal properties, which is why some tourists and some locals use them.  The waters are also said to have therapeutic qualities for the ski The “mud baths” are a couple of hundred yards downstream from the springs, where the water temperature is still “hot,” but considered “cool enough” to be safe (about 110 degrees Fahrenheit/45 degrees Celsius.)  These mud baths are said to contain medicinal properties, which is why some tourists and some locals use them.  The waters are also said to have therapeutic qualities for the skin.

Yes, our guests went right over and experienced the Sulphur bath.  But, guests/tourists in St. Lucia are not the only ones drawn to the attraction.  Many residents of St. Lucia bathe in this pool for the same therapeutic results the tourists seek.  It is considered a real valuable asset by many.

Personal Testimony:  I have personally experienced the healing power of the Sulphur Bath.  Many years ago, on one of my first visits to St. Lucia, I was walking around with my husband and brother-in-law on some family property that was pretty rough.  I stumbled and ended up with a gash in my foot.  We were near the Volcano Park, so they took me there and had me put my foot in the pool.  The water was really hot, but I kept my foot in there for a little while.  When I took my foot out, you could barely see where I had cut my toe and it did not bleed anymore!

And, another beach….  St. Lucia has so many beach areas, you have no excuse for not visiting the beach while visiting here.  Many of the prime beach locations have been claimed by hotels that are located near the coast (and some require you to buy a pass to access the beach.)  One of the more popular beaches is the Hummingbird Beach (located by the Hummingbird Beach Resort.)  There are a number of reasons it is popular:  you don’t have to buy a pass to access the beach; it is right there at the waterfront in Soufriere; you can see some awesome views from this beach; there is a lot of boat/ship traffic you can see from this beach; and it is easily accessible.  The other plus is that the restaurant at Hummingbird Resort is a great place to eat.  And our guests took advantage of all those pluses. 

Our guests enjoyed another full day of activity without having to leave this general area.

Written by,

Sandra Emmanuel, March 29, 2016