# Soufriere

Soufriere is the former capital of Saint Lucia.

## Get in
### By boat

There are water taxis that stop in Soufriere coming from both the northern and southern part of the island.

### By bus

Local bus 3F runs here from Castries and local bus 4F from Vieux Fort

### By car

Soufriere lies along the main road that goes around the country. It takes around 1.5 hours coming from the north from Castries/George F.L. Charles Airport and around 1 hour coming from the south from Vieux Fort/Hewanorra Airport.

## Get around

The minibuses which depart regularly for Vieux Fort will drop people on the road for either the volcano, the estate or the Pitons, but some walking may be required afterwards. In the town the only form of transport is walking.

## See

* Sulphur Springs, Sulphur Springs Access Rd, Malgretoute, St. Lucia. The actual springs are open between 6 AM - 10 PM while the intepretation centre which does tours opens between 9 AM and 5 PM. A "drive-in" volcanic crater with hot sulfur springs. Entry fee to the sulphur springs is around 9 USD, however if you want to do the tour it will be around 15 USD. It is best to go there as early as possible to beat the heat and cruise ship passengers coming from the north. (updated Mar 2024)
* Diamond Botanical Gardens, Soufrière Estate P.O. Box 278 Soufrière, ☏ +1-758-459-7155, guestservices@diamondstlucia.com. Monday – Saturday: 10AM – 4PM Sunday: 10AM – 3PM Public Holidays: 10AM — 3PM. A beautiful botanical garden with numerous plants from different parts of the world and a waterfall. There is also a hot spring. Entry fee to the estate is 7 USD or 17.50 XCD for just the botanical garden and waterfall, and an additional 6 USD or 15 XCD for the thermal springs (7 USD or 17.50 XCD for private baths). (updated Mar 2024)
* Morne Cabouril Estate - a working plantation which gives different tours such as a waterfall hike, ziplining and chocolate making.

## Do
### Beaches

* Anse Chastanet Beach - Along a coastal and hilly route out of town to the north, (though not on the main highway), this leads to a quiet beach. The beach is public although there is a hotel there.
* Anse Mamin Beach - A quieter beach right next to Anse Chastanet Beach. It is about a 10 minute walk, accessible via Anse Chastanet Beach. There is one restaurant there.
* Jalousie Beach - Located between the two Pitons. Entrance is via Sugar Beach Hotel. One of the few Saint Lucian beaches with white sand (imported from elsewhere). The price for two chairs and an umbrella is 115 USD, and sometimes they are only reserved for hotel guests.
* Soufriere Beach Park - Located right in Soufriere. Multiple restaurants around the area but very limited beach amenities. On Sunday night there is a beach party.

### Hiking

There are multiple hiking trails around the area ranging from an easy walk to a technical climb. For some trails, it is recommended to use the services of a guide.
* Tet Paul Nature Trail - A much easier hike that gives you a view of both Pitons. The whole trail takes around 45 minutes with a guide. Entry fee is 10 USD or 27 XCD.
* Pitons - These geological features can be climbed, but it is recommended to leave early and travel with a guide. The "Pitons Management Area" is a UNESCO World Heritage site. While Gros Piton is higher, the actual hike is easier than Petit Piton which is more technical and has some parts where ropes and upper body strength are necessary.

### Waterfalls

There are multiple waterfalls around the Soufriere area, all of which are different. Some require a bit of hiking to get to, some require an entry fee and some have thermal properties.
* En Bas Saut Falls - A waterfall located deeper in the rainforest which takes around 30 minutes of hiking one way to get to. The trailhead is hard to get to, it is strongly recommended to drive via SUV and use the coordinates in Apple Maps.
* Piton Falls - Below the trailhead for the Pitons is this waterfall fed by warm volcanic waters. Entry fee is 3 USD or 7.50 XCD.
* Sapphire Falls - Part of Morne Cabouril Estate. There is an entry fee of 35 USD which includes a guided hike and access to the thermal baths in the area.
* Superman Falls - Another waterfalls located around the area, made famous from Superman 2.
* Toraille Falls - One of the more fmaous waterfalls around the area.

## Buy

There are many local goods produced, though it is relatively rare for people to approach you. Many of the "local" necklaces are actually produced in China. It is worth to look in some of the tourist shops to see what is available and not produced locally.

## Eat

Many rum shacks offer some cooking as well. It is best to ask around as different places will have different dishes available daily based on availability. There is a short stretch of restaurants along the waterfront just to the West of the town square. As well many of the more expensive hotels and resorts allow access to their restaurants.

## Drink

There are many rum shacks around town. Most are welcoming to visitors.

## Sleep

There are numerous hotels and apparments scattered throughout the town.
* The Jalousie Plantation, Forbidden Beach Soufriere, ☏ +1 758 456-8000. Beach resort.

## Go next

Local bus 3f runs to Castries. Beware as the last service to Castries leaves quite early at about 15.00. The local buses to Vieux Fort tend to run more frequently. A taxi to Castries should cost around 80 USD