Pigeon Island

Most folks who come to Sandals probably spend most, if not all, of their time at the resort with only an occasional foray via an approved excursion that picks you up and drops you off at the resort. The beaches in St. Lucia, as in some other islands, are actually public access which means anyone can stroll the Sandals beach. There is security at both ends of the beach which monitors the comings and goings of visitors and guests alike. Sandals Grand sits at the northern end of Rodney Bay and just outside the gates on the northern side is the Pigeon Island National Landmark. For $8/US you get access to a beautiful ocean front park as well as trails that lead to two high points of land which were coveted ground when the French and English were squabbling over this piece of terra firma. The trails are a bit of a grunt climb with one taking you up to the old English fort built in the 1870’s while the other takes you up a slightly more arduous climb to the higher of the two peaks. The wind blows pretty consistently in St. Lucia and the tops of the two climbs had the intrepid hikers holding on to their hats.

What makes the climbs worthwhile are the 360 degree panoramas. To the north lies the island of Martinique some 25 sea miles away and the day I went there was a steady line of sailboats big and small making a beeline from one island to the other.

Once down, the park boasts stunning views of the ocean waves breaking against the unprotected north side and one can sense the power of these rolling waves as they cascade merrily along the shore. Just outside the entrance gates there are shops catering to the tourists brave enough to venture outside the confines of the resort. The visit to Pigeon Island and all it offers is something I’d highly recommend. Here’s some footage I took from up on high...