St Lucia Attractions

One day a week, currently Tuesday, come aboard the Unicorn, a replica of a 19th century sailing vessel, for a family pirate outing. Kids get into the part by purchasing ($6) the requisite bandana, eye patch and sword. You'll then sail to Sulphur Springs for the volcano tour and visit a waterfall and gardens. Take part in a family treasure hunt, and walk the plank, or swing -- via ropes -- into the sea for a swim. The Unicorn appeared in "Pirates of the Caribbean," as well as "Roots."

Bump along dirt roads for miles until you reach rugged Grande Anse beach, the site of nesting leatherback and hawksbill turtles from March through August. We arrive in the early evening and camp overnight in tents set up by Heritage Tours' guides, who awaken us when a turtle comes ashore. After getting acclimated to the darkness, we watch the 500-pound mama dig her nest with her back flippers, lay her eggs, cover up the nest and then lumber back to the sea. This ancient ritual is a truly amazing site. Chances of witnessing a nesting turtle are best on moonless nights; sightings, of course, cannot be guaranteed, as they remain up to the turtles.

The gardens, shaded by bamboo and blooming with bougainvillea, ginger and other flowers, ferns and trees create a tropical oasis. Fed by the nearby sulphur springs, the cascading waterfall is a garden highlight. The mineral baths, also fed by the sulphur springs, were first built in 1785 for the French troops. Unless you really want to soak, skip the extra fee required for a dip in the outdoor pools, and spend more time in the garden.

Even with your eyes closed, you'll know you've reached Mount Soufriere, the island's volcano, because the sulphur smell (remember rotten eggs from chemistry class?) pervades the air. Although the last major eruption was in 1766, the semi-active volcano still spews hydrogen sulfide. For kids who've never witnessed geothermal activity, the bubbling mud and steaming fumaroles are eye-opening. Start by watching the video at the Sulphur Springs museum. Then, go to the overlook to view a part of the caldera, created when the volcanic cone collapsed nearly 40,000 years ago. Encompassing much more than the ash you see, the more than seven-square-mile caldera takes in the nearby town of Soufriere, as well as the visitor parking lots. Hence, the term "drive-in volcano." You can slather yourselves with the reputedly healing, dark volcanic mud and rinse off in a "pool" -- for an extra fee, of course. The entrance to this separate facility is near the ticket booth and vendors' row.

Connected to the mainland by a causeway, Pigeon Island National Landmark, a 44-acre islet features remnants of an 18th century British naval garrison, a small museum, a beach and a trail that leads to a hilltop lookout. Dotted with the ruins of the officers' kitchen and the curved roofs and old stones of the old powder magazines, the park enables visitors to sense a bit of the past. For a panoramic view, walk the gentle, half-mile hill to the top of Signal Peak. While the waters of Pocket Beach -- a tiny spit of sand, opening to calm waters -- are refreshing, the area is often crowded with cruise passengers.

The rain forest provides a cool and shady respite from the sunny coast. Guides point out the Caribbean pines, stands of 25-foot-tall bamboo and stately mahoganies with their straight, smooth trunks of reddish brown bark. On the Barre De L'isle trail, among the easier hikes, we walked one mile to the Mount La Combe ridge. A climb to the hilltop rewards with a panoramic view. Or, you can simply eschew the climb and turn back. With adventurous teens, try the rugged Enbas Saut trail, which leads to a series of cascading waterfalls. Permission is needed to use the trails, and it's best to explore with a licensed guide. With young children, consider walking just the first part of the forest paths.

At the Treetop Canopy Adventure, launch yourself through the rainforest, zip line-style. The adrenaline thrill ride consists of 11 zip lines. The longest stretches nearly 800 feet, and the highest hoists you more than 100 feet up into the tree canopy. To reach some of the platforms from which you take off, you'll have to cross swaying rope bridges. Careening above streams and fern filled clearings and zooming through giant stands of bamboo, you'll want to whoop like Tarzan. Children from 3 years old can try the Kiddie Adventure, a mini-zip line.