Rainforest Rides and Mountain Trails
Mount up for a ride on Saint Lucia's wild side. In a wooded seaside valley near the iconic Piton mountains, a network of jungle trails loop through the ruins of a former sugar plantation and climb into the nearby hills. There is something for cyclists of all levels. Novices and casual riders can make easy peddles on groomed trails to visit historic buildings, waterfalls and groves where fruit trees are decorated with wild orchids. Cyclists seeking greater challenges can head for the slopes, where switchback routes climb high to reveal sweeping views of the Caribbean.
Highlights
- Best for: Everyone, experiences including watersports, yoga, spas and soft to rugged adventures
- Best season to visit: Year round
- Weather: Steady trade winds account for relatively minor differences in seasonal air temperatures, which range from the 70s into the mid 80s. Rain showers are less common from December to May
Saint Lucia Information
Biking in Saint Lucia Overview
Off-road bike riding in Saint Lucia centers around the Anse Mamin Plantation, which is part of the 600-acre estate belonging to the Anse Chastanet Resort. Here, eight miles of off-road bike trails run through jungle foliage and the abandoned stone structures of a French sugar plantation. All trails are mulched to reduce mud and prevent erosion. Roots and other sharp projections are removed, and there are routes suitable for novices to experts.
Biking in Saint Lucia Tips
If you're new to off-road biking, be sure to sign up for the Introductory Skills Class, which teaches proper pedaling techniques, easy ways to improve balance, and turning, plus the skills of riding up and down hills and negotiating gullies and roots.
Best Places to Bike in Saint Lucia
The Sawe route meanders through a jungle ravine to reach a shaded riverside glen. Near the Old French Sugar Mill, a network of rider-friendly trails wind through orchards of mango, guava, banana, cocoa, citrus and breadfruit. Just up the hill, a stone dam creates a cool swimming hole in the jungle. The steep uphills and tight switchbacks of Tinker's Trail will challenge expert riders.
What to Pack for Biking in Saint Lucia
A fanny pack is the best way to carry small items such as snacks, sunscreen and bug repellent while riding, as backpack straps may snag on branches. Place cameras, phones and other moisture-sensitive devices in a waterproof pouch or case, and leave larger items at the center’s headquarters.
Packages
Saint Lucia
Anse Chastanet
Also included are use of tennis court/equipment, water sports equipment (snorkeling, kayaking, paddle board, mini-sailing, windsurfing), sunrise and sunset yoga, beach chairs and towels on the resort’s 2 beaches.
Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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Saint Lucia
Anse Chastanet
8 scuba dives for certified divers, and/or 1-scuba beginner resort course for non-divers (2 dives); jungle biking; boat snorkel trips; guided walks and hikes on ANSE CHASTANET’s 600-acre estate; and 1-rain forest hike. Use of non-motorized watersports (snorkeling, kayaking, paddle board, mini-sailing, windsurfing), sunrise and sunset yoga, jungle biking, kool kayaking coastal adventure, beach chairs and towels on the resort’s 2 beaches.
Various Specials & Group Discounts throughout the year! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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Resorts
Saint Lucia
Jade Mountain
Jade Mountain offers Various Specials & Group Discounts-Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for Exclusive Pricing and Information or email sales@caradonna.com.
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Saint Lucia
Anse Chastanet
Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.
Various Specials & Group Discounts throughout the year! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
See Packages & Learn More
Passport and/or Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens need a valid passport that must be valid 6 months beyond the date of entry into Saint Lucia, with available space for entry stamp. No visa is required with proof of onward or return ticket and accommodation confirmation. Check the entry/exit requirements here. A departure tax of $68EC, approx $25.30 should be included in your international airline ticket.
Immunizations
Vaccinations are not required for entering the Caribbean if you're coming from the United States. Before traveling check with the CDC here.
Culture and Customs
Saint Lucia is a land of vibrant greens set in a sapphire sea. Rainforests cover the island's interior, providing vacationers with a variety of eco-adventures that range from sedate birding hikes and relaxing rides on an aerial tram to off-road adventures and soaring zip line flights through forested canopies home to endemic birds such as the Saint Lucia parrot. The lush surroundings also set the stage for a number of unique resort properties that blend luxury and nature, and provide some of the best dining experiences in the Caribbean. The island's rich volcanic soil yields a cornucopia of tropical fruits and vegetables. This bounty is reflected in the savory dishes of traditional Creole cooking, and it has inspired a new wave of organic and fusion cuisines that have earned island chef's top honors in international culinary competitions. In addition to enlivening resort kitchens, Saint Lucia's farms and orchards support a thriving agricultural export sector that includes bananas and chocolate. One of the island's sweetest day trips involves a tour of historic cacao plantations, followed by a chance to create your own chocolate confections. Across the island English influences are obvious, but so too are the cultural contributions of France and Africa. The local version of relaxing is known as “going on the lime” or “liming,” which simply involves stopping by a favorite local pub or rum shop and spending time with friends.
Electricity, Phone and Internet Access
Saint Lucia runs on 220 to 230-volt AC (50 cycles), so bring an adapter if you plan to use U.S. appliances. Some hotels are wired for U.S. appliances.
Check with your local provider to see what plans are available, otherwise, you will be subject to roaming charges. The country/area code for Saint Lucia is 758.
Many hotels offer WiFi.
Water Quality
The local tap water is chlorinated and considered safe to drink. Alternatively, bottled water is available for purchase at restaurants, bars, hotels and local grocery stores.
Language & Currency
English is the official language, but islanders often speak a French-Creole patois or Kweyol similar to that heard on Martinique, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Grenada and Dominica.
The currency in Saint Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, (EC$). You can see the current exchange rate here. However, nearly all hotels, restaurants, and shops accept US dollars. Change may be given in EC Dollars. ATMs are available which dispense EC dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.
Time
Saint Lucia is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) and does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Saint Lucia is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT).
Location, Size and Population
Saint Lucia is a sovereign island country in the Eastern Caribbean that is part of the Lesser Antilles. Saint Lucia is a mountainous island of 238 sq. miles, located about 25 miles north of St. Vincent and 25 miles south of Martinique and northwest of Barbados.
The population of Saint Lucia is 185,868 (2016).