Author: Tamara Elliott
Site: https://www.globeguide.ca
Most people can’t say that they drove into the crater of a volcano, coated themselves in mud, soaked in natural hot springs then rinsed off under a cascading waterfall all in a single day…unless, of course, they’ve been to Sulphur Springs, St Lucia.
Bathing in these therapeutic waters is one of the best things to do in Saint Lucia, not only for the relaxation and health benefits but because, c’mon, where else can you literally drive into a volcano?!
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the St Lucia volcano, mud bath and sulphur springs.
History of the Soufriere volcano and Sulphur Springs, St Lucia
The Soufriere drive-in volcano is found on the west coast of St. Lucia, near the famous twin peaks of the Pitons, the historic town of Soufriere and some of the country’s most exclusive resorts.
The volcano last erupted in the 1700s, and is the youngest and only ‘live’ (likely to erupt again) volcanic centre in the island. The Soufrière Volcanic Centre is located near the town to monitor it, and today visitors to the site can still see wisps of vapour rising up and smell the thick scent of sulphur.
What makes this volcano unique is that instead of a pointy cone shape, it’s cratered in, and a road leads right into it making this the world’s only drive-in volcano. While that’s novel enough, the real attraction here are the St Lucia hot springs and mud baths.
Soaking in the mud baths at Sulphur Springs, St. Lucia
As soon as we got out of the car a strong sulphur smell wafted over us, and our guide from Island Routes Tours led us past a long line of souvenir stalls to the entrance.
A bridge spans above the site, serving up a great birds-eye view of the four pools below which were once featured during an episode of The Bachelor.
The St Lucia Sulphur Springs are renowned for their therapeutic properties, and the mineral waters are said to have health benefits like helping to reduce inflammation, arthritis and eczema symptoms, detoxify, and soothe sore muscles.
The hot pools range in temperature with the one closest to the entrance being the hottest, and all ages are welcome here–in fact, this is a popular activity for local families who typically come in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
The first step in this unique experience is to take a quick dip in a pool (30 seconds should do it, although I found it so relaxing I opted for a longer soak), then get out and grab a bucket full of mud and start caking it on!
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Post: https://www.globeguide.ca/sulphur-springs-st-lucia-mud-baths/
