BALENBOUCHE ESTATE, CHOISEUL, ST. LUCIA

BALENBOUCHE ESTATE
CHOISEUL, ST. LUCIA

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, AVERAGE from 1 to 5: 1




DESCRIPTION:


Balenbouche Estate is located 3 km south of Chouseul and easily accessible by any public bus on the Choiseul route to/from Vieux Fort. It is a beautiful 70 acre former sugar plantation and has been transformed into a Heritage Tourism Site, eco-lodge, and organic farm and can accommodate up to 14 guests. The plantation house is nearly 200 years old and holds great history within. One of the key attractions is the ruined sugar mill and processing buildings. They are some of the best preserved in all of St. Lucia and are very interesting.




Balenbouche hosts events such as weddings and yoga retreats year round. At Balenbouche you can really see what life was like in St. Lucia hundreds of years ago. There are also a few beaches on the property.




Balenbouche is beginning to host farmers and flee markets on Saturday mornings.  These occur generally on the last Saturday of the month from 8am-12pm, but call to inquire in advance.




Phone number:  455-1244 

For more information visit: http://www.balenbouche.com/




PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-Call your APCD to inform them of your whereabouts if you are out of your community overnight, and again upon returning.

TESTIMONIALS:

TAMERON EATON, EC 76
Balenbouche is a very beautiful former sugar plantation located right on the highway in Choiseul. Between the plantation house, sugar manufacturing ruins, beaches, and the manicured grounds, it is a must see. The estate holds a lot of history dating back to the Caribs and Arawaks and is owned and op erated by great people who love PCV’s. They offer PC rates if they aren’t booked, so if family is coming down give them a call and stay in one of their villas.




Aside from renting villas and giving tours, they also sell handmade jewelry made from local materials. We have discussed camping on the grounds but haven’t done it yet. All you would have to do is ask Uta, the manager.

FROG’S DIVING, RODNEY BAY, GROS ISLET, ST. LUCIA

FROG’S DIVING, RODNEY BAY
GROS ISLET, ST. LUCIA

DESCRIPTION:

Frog’s Diving, located in Rodney Bay at Harmony Suites (adjacent to The Edge Restaurant), offers special discounted rates to all Peace Corps Volunteers.




The required PADI Open Water Certification, including equipment rentals, materials ($57.50US), and the necessary 4 dives costs $825EC.

The PADI Advanced Open Water Certification, including equipment rentals, materials and 5 dives (navigation and deep dives + 3 other specialty dives to choose from) costs $470EC. An additional cost of $5US/fuel charge and $5US/marina park fees (or $15US/annual fee) per dive, brings the total to apx. $550EC.




Two-tank dives for all certified divers is $150EC. Because of the northern location of Frog’s Dive Shop and the southern location of the dive spots, there is no discounted single-tank dive because of the high fuel costs incurred in getting to the diving locations.

Contact Tommy de Nobrega, Diver Master and Frog’s owner, for details and to make reservations. (758) 458-0798 (office), (758) 715-7794 (cell), tee-j@candw.lc

Check out www.frogsdiving.com for more details

PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
Peace Corps Eastern Caribbean Volunteer Policies and Procedures Handbook, pp 20-21
-Volunteers who wish to engage in recreational scuba diving while on the islands must adhere to the recommended international standards for safe diving. Those without diving certifications must gain certification through an internationally-recognized certification organization before diving. There is an effort underway to establish decompression chambers to treat diving accidents on some of the Eastern Caribbean island nations where Peace Corps operates. At this point there is a functioning facility on Dominica. There is a facility to treat divers is at La Menard Hospital in Martinique, Phone 596-55-2346.




Volunteers must adhere to the following basic diving rules and precautions at all times:




Notify your APCD and PCMO of your intention to dive while in the Eastern Caribbean. Present your certification card to the APCD and PCMO
Request information on the location of the nearest decompression chamber.
Refrain from using alcohol, smoking or using behavior-modifying drugs before and
after diving.
Stay healthy and fit for diving—eat right and rest well.
Have approval for diving through a medical evaluation by a doctor.
Be recently trained in first aid and CPR and/or make sure your guide, dive master is.
Maintain your dive skills. If you have not dived in 12 months or more, take a refresher course before starting again.
Always dive with a buddy and a dive master. Never ever dive alone.
Never exceed recreational dive limits. Always plan for no decompression diving.
Carry accident insurance from the Diver’s Alert Network (DAN).

PIGEON ISLAND NATIONAL PARK, GROS ISLET, ST. LUCIA

PIGEON ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
GROS ISLET, ST. LUCIA



LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, AVERAGE from 1 to 5:2

DESCRIPTION:

Located north of Gros Islet, Pigeon Island National Historic Park features a 45-acre spot that is well visited for its views of northern St. Lucia. There hiking trails to the WWII fort, a viewpoint, and beaches. From the viewpoint you can see the Caribbean and the Atlantic, which features beautiful shades of blue with many yachts throughout the Sandals area bay. A museum and interpretive centre are maintained with an old kitchen and military barrack nearby. Besides the history of the Arawaks, the Brigands, and WWII, Pigeon Island is simply a nice place to spend the day, with beaches in the park and outside.




Getting to and from Pigeon Point is not easy. The Gros Islet bus from Castries ends in the village of Gros Islet ($2.50EC from Castries), directly in front of the Catholic cathedral. Make your way to the ocean’s edge and follow the apx. 2 mile path that leads to Pigeon Island. You can also pay a bus driver a few extra dollars to drop you.

The park itself is only EC$5 if you state you are a volunteer and $5US otherwise. Captain’s Cellar Pub is located on the island and has inexpensive and good food.

PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-ALWAYS travel with at least one partner, preferably two.

TESTIMONIALS:

JESSICA WUBBENHORST, EC77, April 22, 2008
A great place to go for a relaxing day and some sight seeing.  It is inexpen sive to get into the park and there is an easy walk up to a fort that gives you a great view of Rodney Bay.  There are good places to eat. Great place to go and spend the entire day.

HAILEY THOMPSON, EC77, April 22, 2008
Pigeon Point is one of the prettiest places on the island.  It has history,
scenery, a beach and beautiful views!




SAM SHOPINSKI, EC77, March 13, 2008
Pigeon Island is a great place to spend a lazy day off, with decent beaches and good views. Getting there is easy but out is a pain. This especially is a good place to visit with friends and family, with spectacular views looking south of both the sea and ocean split by the manmade isthmus.

TREETOP ADVENTURE PARK, DENNERY, ST. LUCIA

TREETOP ADVENTURE PARK, DENNERY, ST. LUCIA



LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, AVERAGE from 1 to 5: 1


DESCRIPTION:

The Treetop Adventure Park is located apx. 3 miles off the highway running through Dennery. Castries to Dennery buses costs $4EC, but there is no public transportation that leads from the highway to the zip lining course. The road is frequented by residence and farmers, so hitching inland won’t be much difficulty.




Harnessed into a steel cable that stretches through the rainforest, your zip lining experience is as unique as you will find in St. Lucia. As of May 2008, there are 8 different zip lines, with 3 more under construction. Your equipment such as helmet, harness and gloves are all provided.

Wear close toed shoes that won’t fall off as you lip through the forest.
Short sleeved shirts and pants work fine.

The course takes anywhere from 35-45 minutes, depending on your group size.




The advertised price for the zip lines is $65US, but a Peace Corps and St. Lucian discount is offered at $50EC. Call ahead to let them know that you are coming so there is no confusion of the price you’ll be required to pay.

Call # (758) 453-4952 for reservations and to confirm your rate


PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-ALWAYS hike with at least one partner, preferably two. The access road to the adventure park is well traveled, but better suited with at least one other person.


TESTIMONIALS:




NICHOLAS KLINGER, EC 76
The best $50EC you can spend in St. Lucia. A fantastic experience that gives you an incredible perspective of Dennery’s rainforests and St. Lucia’s habitat. With time to spare, make a trip apx. 200 yards up the main road to the Dennery Waterall. A beautiful place to take a dip and relax after your zip lining tour is complet

DENNERY FISH FIESTA, DENNERY, ST. LUCIA

DENNERY FISH FIESTA, DENNERY, ST. LUCIA



DESCRIPTION:

Dennery is a fishing village nestled in a valley on the East Coast of St. Lucia. There is no more beautiful sight on the island than looking out over Dennery from the overlook on the highway just south of the village. The village looks beautiful and peaceful, but every Saturday night it comes to life down at the beach.

The Fish Fiesta starts around 4 o’clock on Saturday afternoon and doesn’t close up until 2 o’clock in the morning. A dozen or so tents line the beach as the DJ blast tunes that are sometimes audible all the way up at the highway. Vehicle access is limited, so if you have your own vehicle, you may have to park and walk a few blocks. Minibuses become more scarce as the hour hand moves around, so if you catch a bus to the fiesta, you should have a place to stay or a cab ride lined up to get you home. If you do happen to get a ride to Dennery on a minibus, it will most likely stay on the highway instead of driving through the village. You’ll need to tell the driver you are stopping at Victoria Street, just across the street from the bus stop. Walk all the way down Victoria. When you get close to the beach, you will see and hear everyone.




The food is delicious and the drinks are strong. Prices are reasonable, although they will vary. Sometimes the prices will go up if the fishing has not been good, and some fish are sold by the pound.

The music is very loud, so it is recommended for those people who enjoy a club/dancehall type atmosphere. Stay near the tents – along the water and over by the boats are places where people go to smoke and sometimes, possibly, do harder drugs. Expect to be asked for money by one or more of the local vagrants.




Cell phone coverage all along the beach.

PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-Call your APCD to inform them of your whereabouts if you are out of your community overnight, and again upon returning.
-Follow standard safety and security procedures.
-Know your limits when it comes to alcohol consumption.

TESTIMONIALS:




GREGORY MEVES, EC 77
The Dennery Fish Fiesta is the best night of the week for me. I love meeting up with friends and walking down to the beach to have a few drinks and check out the local scenery, especially in the summertime. The music is great, the dancing is nice and whenever there is a sponsored event, everything I just said gets doubled.

ANSE-LA-RAYE FISH FRY, ANSE-LA-RAYE, ST. LUCIA

ANSE-LA-RAYE FISH FRY, ANSE-LA-RAYE, ST. LUCIA




DESCRIPTION:

Every Friday night the village of Anse-la-Raye comes alive with the aromas of seasoned red snapper, lambi, lobster and bakes sizzling from the grill, coolers of ice cold Piton lining the street and the sounds of soca and calypso echoing from the hi-fi. Located along Front Street, two blocks west of the highway running down the western coast of the island, the Anse-la-Raye Friday Night Fish Fry is the premier street party in all of St. Lucia and has become internationally recognized with features on BBC World and The Food Network.




Made up of twenty-five vendors, the Anse-la-Raye Vendors Association and its Friday night event is the main employer and economic stimulus in this rural fishing village on the coast of the Caribbean sea. Vendors sell arts and craft, drinks and seafood cuisine including an assortment of pot and jack fish, crab backs, shrimp, lobster, fish cakes, bakes, dahl and provisions.

Vendors begin setting up in the early afternoon with activity commencing around sundown. Tourists from surrounding hotels arrive in the early evening, with Lucians from all of the island typically arriving in the later hours. Tables and chairs can at times be at a premium as the night progresses, but the atmosphere and ambiance of Anse-la-Raye only increases as the evening continues.




The first Friday of every month is sponsored by St. Lucia Distillers, promising live entertainment from local artists. The remaining Fridays typically have DJ music, with an occasional sponsorship from Piton Brewery. Karaoke runs every Friday, just off Front Street along the village square.

Transportation from Castries to Anse-la-Raye is $3EC, with the last bus leaving ALR bus stop along Bridge Street no later than 7:00PM. Private transportation is your only option returning home,. There are always taxis for hire at the event, though they can be very pricey, so plan accordingly.

PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-Call your APCD to inform them of your whereabouts if you are out of your community overnight, and again upon returning.
-Follow standard safety and security procedures.
-Know your limits when it comes to alcohol consumption.

TESTIMONIALS:

NICHOLAS KLINGER, EC 76
An evening spent along the waterfront in Anse-la-Raye is the perfect event to soak in the St. Lucian culture . Arrive around 8 o’clock for a good mix of tourists and locals, and watch the crowds gather as many make their way into the Moonshine Disco later in the evening. The food is good but can be rather expensive, so ALYWAYS ask the price before placing your order. Check out the Fish Fry event t-shirts, the main source of revenue for the Association and a great souvenir.




AARON DOLL, EC 76
Damn Good Time.  Lots of local crafts, be sure to check out the paintings.  Pitons are cold and the karaoke is always hot.  The Dicso scene is not for me, but the Hi-Fi on the street always provides quality entertainment.  I have been to the Fish Fry more times than I can remember.  This is a must see for tourist or PCV.

SANDY BEACH, VIEUX FORT, ST. LUCIA

SANDY BEACH, VIEUX FORT, ST. LUCIA



LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, AVERAGE from 1 to 5: 1

DESCRIPTION:

Sandy Beach is located in Vieux Fort, just outside of the center of town. If you are in your own vehicle, there is parking at the beach, however if you are coming down the East Coast of the island on a minibus, access to the beach is just a “stopping here, driver” shout away as you drive around the airport. If you are coming down the West Coast of the island, it will be easier, faster and cheaper for you to walk the mile than taking a bus. Directions are easy, find the round-a-bout in the center of town and follow the highway east. You can’t miss it.




Sandy Beach is a wonderful sliver of paradise. Nestled a mere mile from the second largest city in St. Lucia, Sandy Beach stretches for about a mile and rarely will you encounter a crowd. The main attraction to Sandy Beach is the surfing. Not surfing like surfboards and big waves, but kite surfing and windsurfing. Sandy Beach has been listed as one of the top places for kite surfing in the world.




Since Sandy Beach is on the Atlantic side of St. Lucia, it has the potential for some rougher seas, but a decent swimmer should be alright so long as they pay attention. The beach provides a nice view of Maria Island and a quaint lighthouse on the peninsula at the southernmost point of the island. There are several guesthouses/restaurants along the beach where you can grab a burger and a Piton.

Cell phone coverage all along the beach.



PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-Wear sunscreen

-Don’t swim too far out, as currents can be strong

_If you step on sea urchin have another Peace Corps volunteer pee on your foot.

TESTIMONIALS:

GREGORY MEVES, EC 77
Sandy Beach is a dream of a place. It’s perfect for relaxing when Peace Corps life gets a little too stressful. And between the beautiful water, gorgeous views, food and drinks at The Reef and the occasional French women who think they are sunbathing on the Mediterranean, a good time is sure to be had by all.




JESSICA WUBBENHORST, EC77
I love coming down to Sandy Beach! It’s easy to get to and there is a great restaurant that has very good food and drinks. Nothing beats laying out in the St. Lucian sun!

GRAND ANSE BEACH, DES BARRAS, ST. LUCIA

GRAND ANSE BEACH,DES BARRAS, ST. LUCIA

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, AVERAGE 1 to 5: 2



DESCRIPTION:

Grand Anse Beach is located on the North East of St. Lucia near the mountain community of Des Barras and is one of the few beaches in the world that the endangered Leatherback turtle along with a couple other species of turtles lay their eggs. This is seasonal and usually occurs between the months of March and August, usually at night. The beach is about a mile long and very isolated. The sea is very rough as it is on the east coast and swimming/snorkeling is not recommended, but there is a 40 yd. wide sandbar that runs the length of the beach that you can float in. The only problem with this beautiful beach is its location, but if you can get there it is well worth it.




A 4x4 vehicle is a must to get down the very old dirt road. It is possible to walk down the road on foot but it is a very long way; apx. 4 miles. Once you get to the beach there are a couple of great camping spots (unofficial) where you will have shelter from the wind.
There is no fresh water available, so bring plenty.




The Tourism Association of Des Barras offers “turtle watching” tour packages for $50EC per person not including food or transport in which they bring you and your party down to the beach in 4x4’s, set up camp, lead an all night turtle watching expedition, then break down camp the next morning and drive you out. It is recommended, although you can do it on your own if you have a vehicle, or can get a public bus to take you to the beginning of the dirt road, then are willing to hike the distance down to the beach.

Very limited cell phone reception on the beach. Contact: Aloysius at (758) 717-1653

PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-Call your APCD to inform them that you’ll be overnighting out of site and again upon returning safely to town.

-ALWAYS camp with at least one other person, preferably two.


-ALWAYS camp with at least one partner, preferably two.

TESTIMONIALS:

TAMERON EATON, EC76
A few of us camped for two nights at Grand Anse Beach and were fortunate enough to see a Leatherback turtle lay her eggs. I have done a lot and seen a lot on St. Lucia but this was truly the most amazing experience. Once you have seen the massive turtles for yourself you will understand. The beach is very beautiful but water sports are extremely dangerous. There is some good camping but the inaccessibility makes this beach average unless you can see the turtles. Before you leave St. Lucia you have to try and see these turtles!




NICHOLAS KLINGER, EC76
Go ahead and chalk this experience up as one of the coolest of my life. An
absolutely awe inspiring and humbling experience. Well worth the $50EC for guide and transportation and something I’ll be doing again before I leave St. Lucia.

DES CARTIER NATURE TRAIL, EDMUND FOREST RESERVE

DES CARTIER NATURE TRAIL, EDMUND FOREST RESERVE

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, AVERAGE from 1 to 5: 2



DESCRIPTION:

The Des Cartier Nature Trail can be reached by two different locations:

-From Micoud; take the Latille Falls access road inland apx. 6 miles off the main highway. Your first right will take you to Latille, but stay left and the road will eventually lead you to the start of the trail. A very long hike, so a hitch or arranged transportation is a must.




-From Fond St. Jacques (recommended); take the bus that departs from Sir Arthur Lewis Street (next to the Courts store) leading into the rainforest. Take the bus as far as it goes ($2EC) that will take you within apx. 30 minutes from the trailhead.

This 4km (2.5 mile) trail runs entirely through natural moist, tropical and montane forest. The old Murray Road established by a forest engineer in the 1940s and 50s covers 2km (1.6 miles), where it joins the old French road, a route built by the French military.
The trail is very well maintained, wide and covered by the rainforest canopy. There are several unmarked points along the way where different routes meet the main trail. Maintaining your original course is recommended, though there are other areas of the forest reserve that can be explored from the side trails.
For more information call the Forestry Department at telephone 758-450-2231/2078 (http://www.slumaffe.org/Forestry_Department/Rainforest_Trails/rainforest_trails.html)

PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-Call your APCD to inform them of your hike, and again upon returning safely to the bottom.




-ALWAYS hike with at least one partner, preferably two.

TESTIMONIALS:

NICHOLAS KLINGER, EC 76
A very easy hike that can be enjoyed by anyone. I’d recommend starting and ending on the western point of entry if you don’t arrange a private pickup on the eastern side of the trail in Micoud. The trail is only 2.5 miles, so make a day of it and hike back so that you can catch public transport in Fond St. Jacques.



SAMUEL SHOPINSKI, EC 77
While so many St. Lucians make this trail to be a great feat it was really a relaxing stroll through the inner rainforest.  Flora surrounded us through the hike, with a clear and well-traveled path throughout.  We made a few side trips that led nowhere particular, so stick to the flat main route.  Pack some food and invite a hearty crew for a good afternoon.  If you end in Micoud you’ll have to find a ride for the 6 mile stretch to the highway, so try to get there in the mid-afternoon when many farmers are heading home.

BARRE DE L’ISLE RAINFOREST TRAIL, GRAND RIVIERE, ST. LUCIA

BARRE DE L’ISLE RAINFOREST TRAIL, GRAND RIVIERE, ST. LUCIA

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, AVERAGE from 1 to 5: 2



DESCRIPTION:

The Barre de L’Isle Forest Reserve, translated as “island ridge”, is located halfway between Dennery and Castries. It is a ridge dividing the eastern and western halves of St. Lucia. The trail offers a casual morning or afternoon nature hike that is very well maintained by the forestry department. There is a hut located directly across from the signposted start. There is a charge of EC$25 per person, which can be reduced to EC$5 if you play the volunteer card.




The 1-mile trail has 28 labeled stops for flora, as described in the map provided from the ranger station. You will see tree ferns, bamboo, and a wide variety of palms, and will walk through the base of a strangler fig tree. The hike requires less than one hour each way, with another hour to climb the short but moderate ascent up Mt. La Combe. At 1437 ft. above sea level you can see all of Mabouya Valley to the east and Cul-de-Sac valley and the Caribbean Sea to the west.

The St. Lucia Forestry Department states that no one is allowed on these trails without the expressed permission from the Forest and Lands Department.
For more information call the Forestry Department at telephone 758-450-2231/2078 (http://www.slumaffe.org/Forestry_Department/Rainforest_Trails/rainforest_trails.html)

PEACE CORPS PROCEDURE:
-ALWAYS travel with at least one partner, preferably two.
-Call your APCD to inform them of your hike, and again upon
returning safely to the bottom.




TESTIMONIALS:

JESSICA WUBBENHORST, EC77
A great hike that’s not too strenuous. It takes about 2 hours to walk both ways. It has some great viewpoints and you get a great view of the rain
forest.  It’s not too expensive and is easy to get to by bus.




SAM SHOPINSKI, EC77
Easy hike that anyone can trek with some extra time on the way to/from
Castries. The trail is very well manicured and well visited by tourists.
The view from Mt. La Combe offers a decent panorama especially to the east coast.