The Islands - Romantic Escapes in the Caribbean: Lovetripper Guide - page 294

Islands, can rent you a yacht, with or without a crew, to enjoy a
sailing vacation of your own, 758-452-4256. Landlubbers will

enjoy the scenic harbor as well, and may recognize it from the
movie Dr. Doolittle .

South of Marigot, the road passes through many small commu-
nities and fishing villages. Make time for a walk around Anse
La Raye (Beach of the Ray), a traditional St. Lucian fishing vil-
lage. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront to view the handcrafted
fishing canoes painted in bright primary colors and the various
fishing nets and traps used in these waters. In town, stroll past
traditional Caribbean homes with lawns outlined in conch
shells, past the large Roman Catholic church, and make a stop
in the authentic Creole bakery for a treat.

The Soufrière region is the heartland of the island's many at-
tractions. There's no denying that the most scenic part of the is-
land is this south-central area. Starting with the rain forest
and continuing down to the Pitons, this spectacular region is
the breadbasket of the island. Every tropical fruit and vegeta-
ble thrives here, and it is sparsely populated.

For many visitors, the most fascinating area is the rain forest.
You'll need a guide to enter the restricted region, so sign up for a
guided tour with one of the island's tour operators. Call the St.
Lucia Tourist Board at

758-452-4094, for more information.
Hiking tours are available with guides from the Forestry De-
partment, 758-450-2231. You'll walk through the dense fo-

liage, swim in a tropical waterfall, and learn more about the
plants that make up this fragile ecosystem. And, if you're lucky,
you may have the opportunity to see the rare St. Lucian parrot.

This area is also home to a unique Sulphur Spring volcano,
often called the “drive-through volcano.” Actually, visitors can-
not drive or walk through the volcano anymore (a few years ago
a Rasta guide fell through a weak part of the crust; fortunately
he received only severe burns). Groups walk only to the edge of
the volcano which last erupted two centuries ago. With the
smell of sulphur heavy in the air, you'll see jets of bubbling wa-
ter black with ash and gases released from deep in the earth's
core.

T TIP: Leave your silver jewelry back at the hotel for
this trip. The gases can cause silver to tarnish.