Caribbean | Windward Islands | St Lucia (Helen of the West Indies)

St Lucia was the 5th port of call on the Southern Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Glory.. The island's beauty has earned it the nickname "Helen of the West Indies" and I would consider this to be one of my favourite islands that we visited on our cruise.
The island is quite mountainous, owing to its volcanic features in particular the two peaks that rise from the sea- Gros Piton and Petit Piton (2,619ft and 2,461ft respectively).
St Lucia is still geologically active and boasts the world's only 'Drive-in' Volcano at La Soufriere, also known as the Sulphur Springs due to the multitude of thermal springs in the area- some are far to hot to bathe in, however nearby there is a bath house whereby the natural springs are at a more tolerable level, in addition you can also take a hot mud bath.
The beaches are not the usual crisp white sand you see in other Caribbean islands, but has more of a darker shade (black in places) due to the sand being based on volcanic rock.
To get around the can take quite some time despite its size as alot of the main roads circumnavigate the island, and to travel in land the roads are often quite steep and twisty due to the terrain. This can lead to some unexpected, spectacular views at times.
The island is mostly covered by a rich rain forrest, and due to the rainfall and fertile soil there is a large variety of plants and fruits that are grown on the island.
We did not book one of the Carnival excursions as the trips were too short and could not be combined to see what we wanted to see due to timings. Instead we booked a "Scenic Tour of Sourfrier" privately. On the day we had the advantage of having the entire minivan to ourselves as no-one else was booked on the tour, so in effect we had a 'private tour' as opposed to be herded round in large groups (of people I often find loud/annoying) as is normally the case on the cruise ship organised tours. Our driver 'Shan' was amazing and given the fact that we were the only people on the tour, also meant that we had individual tours at each of the destinations along with being able to spend more time in places to look around etc. He carried a cool box in the minivan which had complimentary refreshments for the day. While driving round Shan was fully of interesting insights relating to St Lucia and was happy to answer any questions. It all made for a very enjoyable day and to be honest I was sad to leave as I genuinely liked St Lucia as the people are warm and friendly and when walking around, you do not get harrassed by vendors as is normally the case with other Caribbean islands. It was a very relaxing place and definetly one I would return to for a longer stay.
During our time on St Lucia we were able to see:
The Pitons (from a distance, as climbing them takes some experience)
Toraille Waterfall (You can swim in the plunge pool - but the water is very cold!)
Diamond Waterfall and Botanical Garden - Originally a sugar plantation, it has been transformed into a diverse botanical garden with fruits, nuts, flowers and trees from around the world growing here. There are independent tour guides who will take you on a tour of the garders our's (Alexander) was very knowledgeable and an interesting character! We had a lot of fun! There is also a natural spring bath here which is available for a small charge.
St Lucia has a mixture of French and British influences as it was fought for on many occasions in the past before finally becoming a British colony; though now independent since 22nd February 1979, it is still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations associated with the UK.
Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife, Josephine de Beauharnais was from St Lucia.

[@tomdevine1411]

Can't wait leave Saturday for St. Lucia.

[@perryvalton4245]

Typical St Lucia country and western music in background playing oh sweet country of mine.

[@jasonforsythe9851]

I was impressed with the way the tour guide was able to speak about the volcanic activity. As a person who loves flowers, I have to say thumbs up to the guide in the botanical garden as well. I noticed he was wearing a shirt bearing the image of our reggae icon Bob Marley. The Caribbean islands have a lot in common because I was able to identify quite a lot of the plants and the fruits shown because they are right here in beautiful Jamaica.

[@suee-charles4186]

I applaud the volcano talk lady on her excellent knowledge. Well done. And... happy to hear that the tour guide with the 7 Germans has survived his ordeal. Good on him that he left his mark behind.

[@rakhil1830]

Missing my home, thank you for the video.

[@AandreaACris]

Thumbs up for the botanic tour guide! he is awesome!!

[@Randommusingsvideos]

+Andrea Cristofoletto The guides were all volunteers working for tips as the gardens did not have any paid guides. It was up to the volunteers to learn about he plants. His name was Alexander- as you said he was awesome!

[@terrylunsford352]

I love the videos that show how the natives live. So many only show the beaches and luxury resorts. It's so great to see the guy at produce stand listening to late 60s-early 70s country music. Especially Goerge Jones.

[@fredashabba647]

This is what I love about St. Lucia. Their own is in the forefront & they sure as heaven do their country extremely proud.

[@torileo7606]

I'm so proud of my st Lucian heritage, God bless St Lucia 🇱🇨

[@life107familyfitnessboxing8]

Awesome country. My parents re from there too.

[@elizabethdutton9604]

Amazing ! Steve and Lynne barter honeymooned here they loved it. Highly recommended. 💙 fantastic video thank you.

[@dande-lion4312]

He is the best tour guide so far, knows his stuff.

[@svenheilborn1537]

Congratulations for your national holiday on 22nd February Saint Lucia from your friends in Germany

[@ianalexander3231]

We love you right back Germany thanks for visiting our beautiful island.

[@zidanehadeed9229]

Danke! I've never met a German. :D

[@exploren2752]

Love the botanical tour guide! Thank you for sharing!

[@Randommusingsvideos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Sarah-ke7cd]

Great tour guide , Thanks for the video guys I love St.Lucia Almost died and was reborn there

[@denisethomas8771]

Wow this video made me miss my country (St. Lucia) I’m proud of the tour guide; they know our country well❤️

[@Randommusingsvideos]

St Lucia is a beautiful country. I first visited when I went on my first cruise with my parents back when I was about 13 years old- it stayed in my mind and I had very fond memories of the place- which is why as an adult when choosing a cruise I jumped at the chance to go to St Lucia again as it a place in the Caribbean where I feel happy. Beautiful scenery and and brilliant people who are very friendly and from the comments I have received on this video - very passionate about their home, which is a good thing :-)

[@marylourobertson4277]

Most beautiful and realistic view of St Lucia I have seen. Going back to visit the beautiful lady in August for our anniversary. Can't wait to see the lady of the Carriben

[@Randommusingsvideos]

Have fun!

[@NilesKDodd]

Those tour guides were excellent. They would be worth the trip.

[@donnarose-caesar1946]

Beautiful!

[@erudolph]

I didn't catch the name of the Botanical Forest guide, but his knowledge was simply amazing!

[@TravelwithUsLynnePaul]

What a fabulous video - your tour guides were excellent. Looking forward to watching more of your videos 😊

[@allthingscathy3446]

I visited St.Lucia a few years ago! Hope to come and visit again in the near future 💕

[@uhuru23]

loving the Islands beauty... a must visit... mi next destination..

[@laineyfabulous324]

I really watching this, thank you. I am heading to St Lucia in the next two months, and while watching i felt as though i was actually there. excellent tour guide

[@nazminnarine7901]

Awesome. More please.

[@skyevonn7085]

I loved the video, love the music. Thank you for sharing this magical Island.

[@AnnMarieSampson]

Very nice video. I’ve been living here for 14 years and didn’t know all that stuff about the Sulphur Springs and Botanical Gardens! If I live through this pandemic, I vow to get out more and explore this beautiful place I’m blessed to live in.

[@Randommusingsvideos]

Glad you enjoyed it! Stay safe :-)

[@roymoore8891]

I enjoy the video. Beautiful & educational . I was there for 2 weeks. At Regina & Anand in Castries.

[@Randommusingsvideos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@shaeyanalex9537]

That tour is awesome. Made me feel proud.👍

[@bryanmarcellin2544]

Great video...my beautiful island st Lucia simply beautiful

[@Dancingwater7795]

Land of my birth❤️️ I so miss my home. Kudos to the tour guide,I'd love to hang out with him 😄

[@go_ratio]

Great video, thank you for sharing!

[@sarahlee8022]

Thank you for this video. It was perfect!

[@palmerjes]

I loved this video. I felt like I was there and could smell the ocean and as well as the lush rain forest. The music was very fitting for this video. I really love the song by Paul Cardall.

[@Randommusingsvideos]

Thank you :-)

[@justynjonn]

I get a kick out of the old country song playing in the background as that islander is describing the fruits.

[@JK-gu3tl]

I first visited St. Lucia as a kid and the local motel owner LOVED country music.

[@trevorsavage3761]

Beautiful St Lucia, friendly and welcoming people. Stop dreaming get there 🏝🌞🇱🇨

[@MomsSelfReliance]

I love this land where I was born.

[@adventuroustravelearth5493]

Fantastic video. I love St Lucia. Great video, love the content. I have been there twice and am getting married there on next visit. My favourite place is Soufriere

[@sasupo5277]

The guide is awesome!! Thank you, Sister.

[@torileo7606]

Excellent very informative 🇱🇨🤗🤗😍😍😍😍

[@LONDONCITY76]

Beautiful st Lucia

[@frizerbee]

i come from an island too. The fruits youve got there are the same ones we've got here. nothing unusual. what stuns me are the names of places, architecture and roads (streets) very much similar to ours. id probably feel very much at home in St. Lucia

[@sharmsjoseph6978]

I love this video 🥰❤️😍 I love my country Saint Lucia 🇱🇨

[@giniolamy]

Country look so clean wow

[@lisaanderson5260]

Beauty

[@33parentino]

Great video

[@Randommusingsvideos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@veronicaclercent8894]

Wow my beautiful inland of st Lucia I mess u my sweet dreams st Lucia ❤😗😗🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨

[@adventuroustravelearth5493]

In 1993 I walked on the surface crust of that volcano. After I WALKED ON THE SUFACE IT COLLAPSED. I was lucky to been Cow Foot Soup lol. It has completely changed since 1993

[@nidiaaugustin5743]

Simply Beautiful!!

[@cairoalexander9727]

I see God in this botanic man......very uplifting.

[@JK-gu3tl]

St. Lucians love country music :D

[@adventuroustravelearth5493]

I know my father was from St Lucia. He use to call it Blue grass music lol

[@julieelizabeth510]

Fabulous!

[@clarahilaire182]

Great video, great tour guide. He seems to know every tree, plant, flower and their use. I want him to be my teacher !

[@HarveyPaul007]

I would love to live in St Lucia 🇱🇨

[@jamellaurent5033]

Saint Lucia my home my love my everything

[@dianaalfred8137]

I miss st.lucia I'm going back home

[@cezaryjerseybean]

Super video!

[@stevefredricks2101]

That flower was sick! Also I liked your video alot.

[@Luvlytoy]

Beautiful

[@kervinathanase6155]

Miss my country st.lucia 💙💙💙

[@sharonterrell6792]

I Miss my country,the tour guide knows her stuff,and the dread too.

[@fredashabba647]

Oh & the male tour guide in the botanical garden too? Great.

[@ajmalshahtravelling7088]

amazing destination

[@AndreSlidell]

That was great! Thanks.

nice travel report, I've been there several times and next year I want to go on a sailing tour to Sankt Vinzenz and the Grenadine especially with a sailing boat one says the small islands and uninhabited bays. very heard.

[@life107familyfitnessboxing8]

I spent 5 months and 2 weeks there. It remains one other the best places I have visited. It's the country of my parents birth.

[@fredashabba647]

The lady tour guide @ La Sourfriere oooh she know her stuff man!! & she flooooooooows. Quite informative I might add. How old is she by the way. Seem very yng.

[@soufistyle]

Lovely 💙💙💙

[@opheliiia55]

Gorgeous place💛

[@marthacrichard8088]

I was planning to visit St. Lucia in June. But coronavirus aka covid 19....change everything still can't go.😥15 February 2021..🇱🇨 thanks for the video

[@dianaalfred8137]

thumbs up for my island

[@jardinismael1076]

Diana Alfred SAINT . LUCIA

[@israelkishmega]

I swear I never knew that much about the volcano.. (side note Im a Lucian.)lol

[@dominicpaul4495]

Ikr......😆🇱🇨

[@kv-2156]

Lol

[@CBTinstructor]

My lovely wife was born & raised there, which is why I very seldom go anywhere else on holiday.

[@Geminisabreu]

Nice video 👍🏽

[@rkkrishnan2837]

Excellent

[@clarahilaire182]

Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia by goats. Big up for the goats. Give to them a cup of coffee ! And when you are drinking yours say, 'For the goats'!

[@barbravire8994]

Never been their, my mother grandfather from West Indies.

[@rolmaguiland21]

Want to be here😄😊

[@laineyfabulous324]

correction the rose of Sharon is the national flower for Korea not the Maple leaf....the maple leaf is for Canada

[@kymtv9137]

🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨my home

[@pavanshenoy3280]

heaven on earth

[@vaughnmahabir9638]

Hello, great video, what equipment you used for filming, camera, stabilizer, etc?

[@Randommusingsvideos]

Hi, that’s for your comment; in answer to your question, I used a Canon Legria HF G30 camera (Known as the Vixia G30in the US). No stabiliser was used, just a monopod or a nearby fence post etc where required! Glad you enjoyed the video :-)

[@vaughnmahabir9638]

@@Randommusingsvideos I love the video, I have the same camcorder they are great.

[@TheTmat007]

I'd love to climb the Pitons

[@shahalam-py2pf]

I love travel

[@honesttea9961]

🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨

[@G60s]

Love this video...the 1st minute is incorrect tho. It's Anse La Raye NOT Canaries.

[@javedmamun]

The music in my heart I bore, long after it was heard no more 🌾🏞️🏝️🌊🌅

[@hannaisrl3707]

'That is Gabriell's hole right there' lol 😂🤣🤣 sorry but that was interesting as hell, made me chuckle.. Poor Gabrielle 😭😣

[@caseanful]

He salopppp look my country jhet mamaii😄

[@sariyaacaranolli8679]

Lol i miss the casav

[@sariyaacaranolli8679]

And the pomsiteir too

[@jayhendricks67]

I Love Cruises but when i leave the Islands i get sad for some reason St.Lucia Antiqua St Marteen St Croix Barbados Jamaica and Bahamas I love them all once you leave the tourist area it can be depressing at some Islands its not all paradise "Man to Man can be so unjust" Robert Nesta Marley

[@rolmaguiland21]

Beautifull bet ever body can swim

[@DiamondHandsDetailingLLC]

My dude bumping George Jones in the background 🤣

[@terrylunsford352]

Amazing to hear that down there.

[@AnveshReddyRampage]

lol... cruise ship don't wait for non, not even for captain... you know why? because they got vice captain on board.....

[@adamdemirs3466]

Wasn't my favorite vaca. Could have been the resort but It wasn't a place I would consider settling in.

[@premdamor1890]

Beautiful s.t Luisa

[@robertharrold4214]

I tell you what though , there is some serious poverty over there rubbing up against riches.

[@life107familyfitnessboxing8]

I know the Super rich to poor divide is very extreme. I have witnessed it during my long and extensive travels there.

[@sariyaacaranolli8679]

Live my country alone

[@rudyvanburen6720]

beautiful nature , but for the rest : unsafe, dirty , cheating taxis , and LAZY

[@robin314]

Simply Beautiful!!!

[@Randommusingsvideos]

Thank you!