The west coast, too, offers a selection of resorts and hotels geared to the special needs of the active watersports enthusiast, while elsewhere on the island guests can enjoy water-skiing or scuba diving . Enthusiasts' equipment can be accommodated by British Airways and BWIA , with windsurfers' boards carried as excess baggage and charged according to size. All west coast beaches have good swimming . The Atlantic coast has rugged surf and is not recommended to anyone with little experience and ability, and even an extremely proficient swimmer should not go unaccompanied. Many of the sports facilities are available free of charge.
Hotels hire out hobbycats, dinghies and small speedboats by the hour or half-day.
Tour operators can also arrange for stays of a week or more on the island to be coupled with a 'free floating' holiday on board a chartered yacht visiting the neighbouring islands. Local guides are available to help climbers tackle the Pitons. The main areas designated for birdwatching are the Bois d'Orange Swamp , the Rain Forest and Boriel's Pond . Arrangements can be made through the St Lucia Forestry Department. The International Riding Stables in Gros Islet offer fully-insured horseriding for all levels.