WatersportsSt Lucia is one of the world’s breeziest places, where the trade winds blow in from the sea to the southern shore. The sandy beach of
Anse de Sable offers ideal windsurfing conditions for both novice and expert. The west coast, too, offers a selection of resorts and hotels geared to the special needs of the active watersports enthusiast, while elsewhere on the island guests can enjoy water-skiing or scuba diving. Enthusiasts’ equipment can be accommodated by
British Airways,
Virgin Atlantic and
BWIA, with windsurfers’ boards carried
as excess baggage and charged according to size. All west coast beaches have good swimming. The Atlantic coast has rugged surf and is not recommended to anyone with little experience and ability, and even an extremely proficient swimmer should not go unaccompanied.
SailingHotels offer hobbycats, dinghies and small speedboats by the hour or half-day; cost is dependent on the board basis of your hotel. From
Marigot Bay and
Rodney Bay, the more experienced sailor can hire a variety of craft from comparatively basic, small yachts to larger 12m (40ft) and 18m (60ft) vessels, with crew if required. Tour operators can also arrange for stays of a week or more on the island to be coupled with a ‘free floating’ holiday on board a chartered yacht visiting the neighboring islands.
Nature trails and hikesSt Lucia Forestry Department and the
National Trust organize a variety of rainforest, mountain and plantation walks. Local guides are available to help climbers tackle the Pitons. The main areas designated for birdwatching are the
Bois d’Orange Swamp,
Boriel’s Pond and the
Rain Forest. Arrangements can be made through the St Lucia Forestry Department.
OtherThe
International Riding Stables in Gros Islet offer fully insured horseriding for all levels. Another facility,
Trims Riding School, is located at Cas en Bas.
There are golf courses at
Cap Estate, the northern tip of the island, and at La Toc. All the main hotels have tennis courts and arrangements can be made through hotels to play at St Lucia Tennis Club. Sea fishing trips are possible, fishing for barracuda, mackerel, kingfish and so on.
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