St. Lucia Attraction: The World’s Only Drive-in Volcano

One great St. Lucia attraction that is fun for the whole family is taking a trip to Sulfur Springs to see the world’s only drive-in volcano. This volcano was about 13 kilometers in diameter until 40,000 years ago when it collapsed in on itself. Plan a day during your St. Lucia vacation to view the sights of the volcano and learn some of the history that goes along with it!

As you drive up and park, a kiosk will be at the entrance of the volcano. There is a small admissions fee to view this fascinating St. Lucia attraction and you will be paired with a guide to take you to the volcano. The strong smell of the sulfur is present as soon as you enter the area of the volcano. The rotten egg and onion smell of the sulfur is an unforgettable one, but you should get used to it quickly. The smell is weaker during the day and very strong at night. It’s been said you can smell the volcano miles away! Being able to smell the sulfur is a good thing though, because when you can’t smell it anymore it means there is going to be a volcanic eruption!

St. Lucia’s volcano is dormant although there are some signs of activity going on such as boiling mud, water and steam that come from the craters. The many colors at the surface are a result of the sulfur, iron, calcium and other mineral deposits there. Walking on the craters used to be allowed until one of the guides fell in a pool of boiling water when he was jumping along the crater’s edge. He was rescued and survived but did receive severe burns from the waist down.

The volcano has about 20 steaming vents with bubbling water and it is said that during a full moon with high tides the vents actually form geysers. The area of the volcano is filled with ash that has subtle colors depending on the mineral deposits it contains. The composition of these deposits is what classifies the volcano as active.

Another interesting aspect of this St. Lucia attraction are the natural pools made by waterfalls surrounding the volcano area. Nearby are natural hot spring pools high in iron which are said to be good for eczema, arthritis and sunburn. You can also reach to the bottom and scoop up some mud to give yourself a mud bath.

Ladera Resort is close by the volcano and after a day of sightseeing and exploring the volcano take some time out to eat at the resort and view the Piton Mountains and the other beautiful scenery. You can book a trip to see the drive-in volcano through the Concierge services of most St. Lucia’s resorts. This is one tour that is perfect for a day of exploring the island and its natural resources while on your St. Lucia vacation.

June 30th, 2008 - Posted in Uncategorized | | 1 Comments

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  1. St. Lucia Island Resorts » More than Beaches, Wild St. Lucia is for the Birds said,

    on February 25th, 2009 at 4:00 pm

    [...] ·         Take a warm mineral bath or check out the Diamond Waterfalls at the famous St. Lucia Drive-in Volcano! [...]

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