Wildlife Holidays in St Lucia
Tell me about St Lucia …
St Lucia is one of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles and is situated in the eastern Caribbean Sea, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It is a volcanic island with a tropical climate.
The Nobel laureate, Derek Walcott, in summing up the beauty of St Lucia described the island as: ‘a place of light, with luminous valleys … Her mountains tinkle with springs among moss-bearded forests … a healing place’.
First inhabited by Arawak Indians, the island was later conquered by the fierce Caribs who, in turn, were deposed by the British in 1667. Rule over the island then alternated between the French and the British until its independence in 1979. Today, St. Lucia is well known as ‘the Honeymoon Isle', and is noted for the beauty of its scenery.
What’s special about its wildlife?
St Lucia supports a surprising variety of endemic flora and fauna, having long been isolated from the other islands of the Lesser Antilles. The islanders' pride in its natural resources is evident in the country's ongoing protection and conservation efforts.
Naturetrek tours to St Lucia
Naturetrek's wildlife holiday to St. Lucia enjoys the birds, marine mammals and other natural history of this beautiful Caribbean Island. This is a very civilized bird watching and wildlife tour – there’s plenty to interest the keen naturalist, as well as partners who may prefer to relax by the pool or enjoy a cultural excursion.
What wildlife might I see?
- We search for the island’s four species of endemic bird, plus its 14 Lesser Antillean endemics – and the first of these are likely to be seen from our breakfast table!
- Among ferns, bromeliads & orchids we’ll look for St Lucia Parrot, St Lucia Oriole & St Lucia Blackfinch
- Breeding birds of the tiny Maria Islands such as Sooty Terns, Brown Noddy, frigatebirds & tropicbirds as well as an array of Caribbean fish species & Hawksbill Turtles
- The world’s smallest snake along the spectacular Atlantic coastline
- Sperm & Humpback Whales plus dolphins, including the acrobatic Spinner Dolphin