Sixty million years ago, Nature laid on a spectacular show. It was an extravaganza of epic
proportions with a kaleidoscopic refulgence of fiery explotions seldom seen since. When
the dust and debris had settled, the result of this upheaval was revealed - a dazzling
jewel of an island shimmering in the azure blue of the sea.This turbulent birth has left us with a fascinating
natural legacy. The island is almost entirely volcanic with some of the oldest rock
formations found at the extreme northern and southern tips of the island.
More recently - between thirty to forty million
years ago - an extended sequence of volcanic activity filled in a ridge of hills that
separates the windward and leeward sides and the rocks underlying the east coast.
However, it is on the south-west coast, where
Mother Nature orchestrated her wildest performance. Here, the main geological structure is
a massive, circular depression about 4 miles (6 km) in diameter. This enormous defunct
volcanic crater was produced either by a major eruption, or the collapse of a large
volcanic cone. There is evidence of thirty-three consecutive eruptions in this area with
as many as 1,000 years elapsing between each one. These violent explosions carried pumice,
ash and pyroclastic ejecta as far as 8 miles (13 km) beyond the volcano's rim.
The caldera then collapsed and set the stage for
the emergence of large domes and vast volcanic craters.
The two hills in the distance.
The central rainforest area, about 18,000 acres
in all, is dominated by three giant tree species - the chataigner, gommier and mahoe. This
is the home of the parrot and the source of many of the island's rivers.
The forest zones contain an abundant supply of
water which is hardly surprising as the island's annual rainfall is some thirty-five
billion gallons. However, most of this ends up in the sea, for the impervious volcanic
bedrock offers little in the way of storage and rententive facilities.
The beaches come in all shapes, sizes and
colours. Whatever their description, they are all beautiful and they are all free. There
are no private beaches on the island.
The busiest is the beach on the north-west coast.
The sea is calm and safe and the sand is golden. Beach chairs and cold drinks are readily
available and there is plenty to do. Sunfish sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing and jet
skiing are all on offer here. Or you can simply sit back and let the world drift gently
by.
One long and particularly beautiful stretch of
sand is just 12 minutes walk from La Paloma. Before the highway was built and opened up
the northern sector of the island, this beach was the most fashionable place to bathe.
Today, despite its central location, it remains more idle, a well-kept secret where there
is plenty of room to stretch out and stroll. The sea is wonderfully clean and there is
shade beneath the sea-almond trees for picnics.
Whether you are looking for deserted stretches of
volcanic black or white sand, beaches which buzz with action, wild and dangerous shores on
the east coast or calm and clear seas of the sea, look no futher, we can provide them all.
Fishing boats in St. Lucia
The island offers myriad opportunities and
unparalleled places to explore. Fun-filled activities, exciting discoveries, educational
enrichment on the history and wonderful memories - they are all to be enjoyed.
There are several ways to see the island. If you
prefer to do it alone, a rental jeep or car is the answer. Take a good road map and ask
for assistance on the way. Be cautious of anybody on the road, we recommend you do not
pick up any passengers on your journey. If you want to avoid the larger groups on guided
tours, then book a taxi. At La Paloma we can recommend several for you. The drivers have
an excellent knowledge of the island and are also good at suggesting "off the beaten
track" locations.
There are so many choices of tours to take which
we will be happy to recommend on your arrival at La Paloma. For general sightseeing we
recommend the day sail to Soufriere on Endless Summer. This tour generally includes the
Mineral Baths, Botanical Gardens and a Waterfall and the Sulphur Springs.
To experience our rainforests, a Jeep Safari Tour
is a must. This tour takes you to the rainforest and waterfalls in open-backed, rough road
jeeps. Truly a real experience with Mother Nature.
Sightseeing experiences can be enriching and
wonderful fun. Please however, bear in mind that local customs may be slightly different
to those you are accustomed to at home. Therefore, sit back and enjoy the experience -
remembering that life here moves a little more slowly than you may be accustomed to, but
then you are on vacation! Relax and enjoy the flow; island life is always always irie.
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