CaribbeanTravel.com Directory - (Page 186) ST. LUCIA simply BEAUTIFUL Parrot, St. Lucia’s national emblem, were once endangered species. The surrounding waters support hawksbill turtles, whale sharks and diverse coral reef life. Conservation areas protect interior rainforest, coastal mangrove swamps and coral reefs. In between, the rich land grows bananas, papayas, mangos, and fruits and vegetables many visitors have never tasted before. to 1,600 feet, the Waiwinette freighter at a depth of 90 feet, and the Keyhole Pinnacles, which rise from the depths to within a few feet of the surface. Licensed guides lead hiking and biking tours through historic plantations and into the rainforest. All-terrain vehicle (ATV) and horseback rides are also available. One of the most fascinating tours is into the crater of La Soufrière, nicknamed “the Drive-in Volcano,” where remnants of St. Lucia’s fiery origins still smolder. Visitors also can dip into warm sulfur springs and see the bathhouses built by King Louis XVI to help his troops regain their strength before returning to battle against the British. The island passed back W ith steep volcanic peaks awash in luxuriant foliage and brilliant bursts of tropical flowers, St. Lucia’s dramatic beauty reminds many travelers of the South Seas. The twin peaks of the landmark Pitons, which rise 2,000 feet up from the sea, drop through lush rainforests where wild orchids and bird of paradise flowers thrive. Brightly-colored birds swoop through the canopy. Some, like the Jacquot LAND AND SEA ADVENTURES Diverse eco-systems set the scene for a rich array of exotic experiences. The reefs off Anse Chastanet are popular with snorkelers. Favorite dive sites include Superman’s Flight, a drift dive along a wall which drops ST. LUCIA GEOGRAPHY: St. Lucia is a volcanic island within the Windward Islands, separated by a channel 25 miles wide from Martinique to the north, and St. Vincent is 20 miles away to the south. It is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, and covers 238 square miles. The highest peak is Mount Gimie-3,145 ft high. LANGUAGE: English is the official language but most locals speak a French Creole commonly called patois. POPULATION: 167,698 in 2006 (Source: St. Lucia National Statistics Department). CLIMATE: Average temperature high/low: Summer 95ºF/75 F. Winter 85ºF /65ºF. Humidity ranges from 66%-94%. Average rainfall 3 to 5.7 mm. TIME: EST +1. GMT -4. 186 www.caribbeantravel .c om http://www.caribbeantravel.com
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