Kayak, Snorkel, and Hot Springs at Soufriere Volcano: A Review

If you’re thinking about heading to St. Lucia, it’s almost certain you’ve heard something, somewhere, about the Sulphur Springs near Soufriere, and that inactive volcano, of course. Yet, there is an adventure that sort of combines the intrigue of kayaking, the coolness of snorkeling, and then the total bliss that is wallowing in hot springs. Now, what’s really the best way to go about experiencing this trifecta, is the thing. Well, consider this kind of your guide.

Getting to Soufriere and the Kayak Launch Point

Reaching Soufriere isn’t that tricky. That said, it really does depend where you’re starting. From the north side of the island, you can drive down. Be mindful, though: St. Lucia roads can be pretty winding and a bit, maybe very, slow-going. The drive from Castries, the capital, it tends to take around an hour and a half, maybe more, maybe less, depending on traffic, that kind of thing, as well as how confident you feel about zipping around all of those corners.

Another option, arguably if you’re staying up north, is to hop on a catamaran. Loads of tour outfits do cruises down the coast to Soufriere. This frequently throws in snorkeling stops as well as, obviously, fantastic views of the Pitons from the sea. Once you’re in Soufriere, finding the kayak launch location it is often pretty easy, like your tour operator will most likely have it all pre-arranged for you. Usually, it’s right near the harbor, very close to the main dock. Keep your eyes open for signs pointing to kayak rentals and tour departures. It’s quite the hub of aquatic activity.

The Kayak Adventure: Paddle Power and Coastal Views

Once you’re settled into your kayak, there’s that sense of peace you feel as you push away from shore, isn’t there? Typically, these kayak tours run along the coastline, which in a way means you get treated to postcard-perfect views of St. Lucia’s shore. Plus, if you are into fitness, and I mean a bit, or quite a bit, it is a nice arm workout, or it can be, anyway.

The great thing in particular about kayaking is that, is that you get the freedom to set your own pace and see things from a pretty cool angle. You will find lots of hidden coves, interesting rock formations, plus little beaches that you can only get to by water. These tours are normally guided, so there’s some benefit there, too. Guides frequently are very familiar with the local ecosystem, pointing out things like various bird species or cool facts on the coastal flora.

Talking of birds and that kind of thing. On my tour, which to be honest was great, the guide, I think his name was Marcus, told us lots about the island’s history. Which, thinking about it, really enhanced the experience as a whole, I reckon. He mentioned too, that St. Lucia has more than 180 types of bird. Wow, eh? So, bring your binoculars!

Snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea: Below the Surface

A kayaking tour tends to often throw in a snorkeling stop, normally at one of the reef areas near Soufriere. The boat normally pulls up near a spot famed for clear waters and that sort of explosion of sea life. Is there anything better than pulling on a mask and fins? Honestly. Especially when you realize the boat is about to stop so that you can check out the kaleidoscope beneath the surface.

The coral down there, or at least that I saw, is pretty vibrant, even in the shallows, while it’s pretty common to spot all sorts of colorful fish, that kind of thing. These include parrotfish, sergeant majors, and occasionally, if you are really lucky, even sea turtles. On my tour, there was a bloke named Dave. A loud man, or quite loud anyway. A proper Cockney. He saw a turtle. Twice. The first time was, he claimed, right next to his face! He loved it.

That said, I never saw one, but I still thought it was lovely drifting around in the sea just checking out the underwater environment. Plus, that whole floating thing? Really, a little relaxing.

Sulphur Springs Mud Baths: A Volcanic Spa Experience

Once the kayaking and snorkeling is complete, often the next stop is the Sulphur Springs. It feels like another universe. As the location of that, that so-called ‘drive-in volcano,’ this place definitely gives you a feeling of proper otherworldliness. You definitely know something weird and geological is occurring when you wander close, what with the air smelling very strongly of sulphur, yet in an oddly intriguing way. What tends to grab people’s imagination very, very quickly are the mud baths, though.

The deal with the mud baths tends to be pretty easy. People pile in, daubing themselves, right up to the eyebrows if necessary, in the mineral-rich mud, that feels somehow warm and oddly silky. It’s great that this mud’s meant to be super great for your skin. Or is at least that’s the thing people say. After you cake yourself in the mud, let it dry for about fifteen minutes, normally until it feels tight, or quite tight anyway, on your skin. You will notice lots of folk milling around like zombies.

Then you hop into the hot springs to wash the mud off. There are a few of these pools, each progressively warmer. What most people find great is this whole process does something nice to the skin, I think something along the lines of acting like a natural exfoliant, like it’s meant to leave your skin really soft. And of course, it’s all so good for getting those ‘Insta’ shots, you know.

Hot Springs Relaxation: Soaking Sore Muscles

Following the mud bath bit, hanging around in the hot springs offers a chance to properly relax. Now, what’s really cool is that water in these springs it is naturally heated by the volcano. And is, basically, jam-packed with minerals which are thought to be soothing, and good for circulation and that. The pools have variable temps, and this allows you to ease in gradually, right?

Simply kick back and loosen up. You are worth it. As you’re sat there, close your eyes maybe, listening to the rainforest, is that anything beats that, like? Thinking about it, there is a reason these hot springs are popular for people wanting that wellness sort of vibe, after all.

Practical Tips for Your Soufriere Adventure

• What to bring: Swimsuit, water shoes, sunscreen, a towel, a camera (preferably waterproof), and some cash for souvenirs.
• Best time to visit: The dry season (December to May) is typically your best bet for weather.
• Tour operators: Loads offer packages. Be certain to do your research and then compare prices, what is included, and read all the reviews, you know.
• Be aware of the sulphur: The smell can be really quite strong, or just strong, for certain folk.

Other things in Soufriere worth checking out

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens: Seriously beautiful. With lots of lush plants, a pretty waterfall and cool trails. Basically, take loads of photos. It is proper romantic, too.

The Pitons: you can get good views by boat or at various view points. Or if you like a good hike, clamber up Gros Piton with a guide. I’d recommend taking water.

Concluding thoughts: Is it worth it?

The Kayak Snorkel Farm Hot Springs jaunt near Soufriere? Honestly, its great. If you are able, and in that location, why would you not? I reckon its a real great option. What is so fabulous is you get that mix of proper activities. The kayak bit. The snorkel bit. The crazy sulphur springs thing. So you have that active feel plus pure, pure relaxation. Plus? I reckon it gives you some stories to tell at home, which is kind of what traveling is all about, isn’t it?