Dave and I had just explored the island of St. Lucia by coach and we were ready for the second half of our tour.  Our cruise ship tour in St. Lucia included a stop at the Diamond Botanical Gardens in the town of Soufriere.  Covering approximately 6 acres, the oldest gardens in St. Lucia includes the Diamond Falls Waterfall, Mineral Springs and Spa, the Nature Trail and Botanical Gardens as well as the Old Mill Restaurant.  It is a popular tourist spot and has been open for visitors since 1983.

Red Prumalina

Pink Ginger

Red Ginger

Chenille Plant

Coconut Shell Retaining Wall

Bird of Paradise

Pink Torch Ginger

Lobster Claw

Diamond Waterfall

Sulphur Springs

Once we completed the Diamond Mineral Waterfall and Botanical Gardens, we boarded the catamaran for lunch, a stop for swimming and Caribbean dancing.  The harbor of Soufriere is such a beautiful, tranquil location to start the ride.

A close up view of the harbor with the various boats, the tropical trees and mountains in the distance.

As all of us boarded the catamaran and took our seats, the view as we left the harbor was breathtaking.  I had been waiting for this moment to see the two Pitons.

I am always fascinated by the structures that are built into the hills.  It looks like another cozy harbortown in St. Lucia!

I could not seem to take my eyes off of the Pitons in the distance.

Out of nowhere a loud blast comes from the port side of the catamaran and we noticed a St. Lucian on his boat blowing out of a conch shell.

The catamaran started to slow down and we were taking a little swim break in the cove.  We only had about 30 minutes before we would depart, but it was a refreshing opportunity for those that were interested and the scenery was paradise picture perfect.

I opted to stay aboard for a couple of rum drinks and hung out with this little cutie driving the boat.

Everyone was called back to the boat so that we could meet up with the cruise ship prior to departure.  We were able to watch the tour guides and brave (or tipsy) ship passengers danced to the  island music.

Coming back into the harbor of Castries, we saw the ship in the distance.  I was sad to leave because it was such a great day to visit St. Lucia and I looked forward to the opportunity of coming back again soon.

When you cruise, do you take the shore excursions or go out on your own?  I would love to hear your pros and cons for both if you would kindly leave your message in the comments section below.   Many thanks for joining us on our catamaran excursion in St. Lucia and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Diamond Falls & Mineral Baths
Soufriere Estate
PO Box 1020
Soufriere, St. Lucia, West Indies
Telephone:  758 459 7155

• Admission Fee:  Adults: $17.50 EC (US $7); Children:  half price; Private Baths: $17.50 EC (US $7); Public Baths $15 EC (US $6);  +10% VAT tax.
• Hours:  Open Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 5PM. Open Sunday from 10AM to 3PM.  Open public holidays from 10AM to 3:00PM.
• Amenities:   Diamond Falls waterfall, Mineral Baths & Spa, Botanical Gardens, Nature trail, Old Mill Restaurant.
• Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
• Tips for Your Visit:  Bring a bathing suit and additional change of clothes to enjoy the waterfall.  Pool shoes are also recommended.

Where to Stay:

Fond Doux Resort
PO Box 250
Soufriere, Saint Lucia
Telephone:  758 459 7545

On a return trip, I stayed at the Fond Doux Resort on the southern side of the island in Soufriere.  Booking a 1 Bedroom Cottage with a pool, I enjoyed the fabulous amenities of the property and enjoyed a long weekend of rest and relaxation.  The Fond Doux Heritage Tour offers a fascinating look into the art of chocolate making and the opportunity to learn about local vegetation.

Where to Eat:

Fond Doux Resort
PO Box 250
Soufriere, Saint Lucia
Telephone:  758 459 7545

The Bamboo Restaurant & Bar serves lunch, so I ordered the Creole Fish to sample some of the local flavor, served with rice and salad.

For dinner, I was excited to see Lamontagne’s Cous Kaye with octopus and conch, served at the Cocoa Pod Restaurant

What to Eat: 

• Boudin – black pudding
• Bouyon – beef soup with dumplings but other meats can substitute for beef
• Callaloo soup – made with seafood or cuts of meat, okra, potatoes and garlic
• Cassava Bread
• Cow Heel Soup –  a hearty soup with cow foot, carrots, pumpkin, chayote squash and yellow yam with dumplings
• Curried Meats
• Fried Plantains
• Green figs and saltfish
• Grilled Fish
• Lambi – conch meat seasoned with multiple spices and then fried
• Lobster
• Pemme – cornmeal, pumpkin, cinnamon, sugar and dry coconut leaves then wrapped in banana leaves
• Pepperpot  – Caribbean dish made from onion, garlic, cinnamon, brown sugar, thyme, cloves, orange peel, cassareep and meat
• Smoked herring and breadfruit – breadfruit is cooked until tender

What to Read: 

• Omeros, by Derek Walcott
• A Room on the Hill, by Garth St. Omer
• Don’t Believe It, by Charlie Donlea

Photo Guide for St. Lucia:

• The Pitons from the Water
• The Pitons from the Tet Paul Nature Trail
• Sulpher Springs
• Toraille Waterfall
• Paradise Beach
• Honeymoon Beach
• Quarry Hill