A Rippling Tour of St Lucia's Waterfalls
St. Lucia is one of the most mountainous islands in the Caribbean. The mountains, combined with heavy amounts of rain during the Caribbean’s wet season, are the source of the abundance of waterfalls on the island. From small, gently gurgling cascades that are tucked away, to sites where the water drops spectacularly over cliffs, each is as picturesque and breathtaking as the next. Here are some of the most stunning waterfalls in St. Lucia you shouldn’t miss.
Diamond Waterfall and Botanical Gardens
The Diamond Waterfall at Diamond Botanical Gardens, located just east of the town of Soufrière, is one of the most popular waterfalls in St. Lucia. The Gardens are part of the Soufrière Estate which was presented by King Louis XIV in 1713 to the Devaux family in recognition of their services to France. Today, the estate is still owned and maintained by their descendants. Deep within the botanical gardens, water bubbling up from underground sulphur springs streams downhill in rivulets, forming the Diamond Waterfall. On the grounds, there is also a mineral bath, which is believed to have curative powers, a nature trail, old mill, and a waterwheel.
Sault Falls
The east coast of St. Lucia, in Dennery, is home to one of the biggest waterfalls on the island. The Sault Falls, also known as the Dennery Falls or Errand Falls, has a drop of about 55 feet. Its secluded nature makes it the perfect place to hike in small, private groups or by yourself. If you want to get your adrenalin going, there is a zipline tour nearby, among the treetops.
Enbas Saut Falls
The Enbas Saut Falls are located deep in the Edmund Forest Reserve at the foot of Mount Gimie, the tallest mountain in St. Lucia. The falls are not well-marked, so visitors may need a tour guide or a local to find them. Getting to the falls requires a two-hour hike through a rainforest and a cloud forest. A fee is assessed at the trailhead. Two enchanting, cascading falls spill into pools where visitors are permitted to go below the falls and bathe in the cool water.
Piton Waterfalls
Nestled within one of St. Lucia’s most sought-after outdoor attractions, Pitons Falls is simply one of the most beautiful sites in St. Lucia. On the way to the Jalousie Plantation, a world-famous resort, and to Petit Piton, you’ll find the Piton Waterfalls, with a drop of about 30 feet and a bathing pool at the end. You’ll find plenty of places to eat near this waterfall, including The Mango Tree, The Great Room and Bayside Restaurant and Bar. Guests can also visit the Morne Coubaril Estate and the St. Lucia Zip Lining attractions close by.
La Tille Waterfall
La Tille Waterfall and Gardens is situated just off the east coast of St. Lucia near Savannes, a little way into the interior of the island where the rainforest begins. Even though rarely visited, La Tille is one of the more impressive waterfalls on the island, with a high volume of water cascading down about 20 feet, into a large pool surrounded by greenery. There is a nature trail and rope swing, and vegetarian meals are offered on the grounds. The management also often arranges guides for nearby hikes including the Des Cartiers loop and the Micoud coastal trail.
Saltibus Falls
Near the town of Choiseul is a scenic rainforest trail that will take you to the cascading Saltibus Falls, along the River Doree. Reaching the falls involves a 90-minute hike along a rainforest trail where guests can enjoy a refreshing bath in any number of natural pools along the way. If you want to explore, you can hike along the Mount Grand Magasin Historic and Nature Trail which takes you deep into the rainforest, then eventually up to the summit of Grand Magasin.
Toraille Waterfalls
Situated in the Soufrière area and with a drop of about 50 feet, the Toraille Waterfalls are another one of the island’s biggest. It is regarded as a natural heritage site and is a popular spot among visitors and locals alike. Many visitors enjoy the relaxing feeling of the water falling onto them, mimicking a massage. Located on the way to the Fond St Jacques rainforest, the Toraille Waterfalls are easily accessed from the main road. There are changing rooms and picnic facilities too, so this is a great spot for a day out.