Have you ever wondered how a volcano could become a drive-in experience? Sulphur Springs St. Lucia is an astonishing testament to the raw power of nature. In this article we unravel the secrets of this captivating geological wonder and provide you with essential information to plan your visit.
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of my links. You can read more in my disclaimer.
The World’s Only Drive In Volcano
You read that right, a drive-in volcano. There’s only one in the world, and we got to experience it on our trip to the beautiful island of St. Lucia. Bubbling hot springs, vibrant sulphur color, and therapeutic mud baths make this an unforgettable experience that you definitely want to see for yourself.
It was one of the many wonderful excursions we took when we stayed at Coconut Bay Beach Resort as a family. My husband and I also have visited Sulphur Springs on cruise excursions in St. Lucia.
This geological marvel originated from volcanic activity that dates back centuries, resulting in a unique formation. The Soufriere Volcano last erupted in 1766 – over 250 years ago, and is considered to be a dormant volcano. It originated from a weak spot in the crust of a collapsed volcanic crater and is closely watched for signs of eruption.
Sulphur Springs is located on the southwestern coast of St. Lucia, near the town of Soufriere, which is actually the original capital of St. Lucia. It’s about a 15 minute drive from Soufriere itself, or about an hour from Castries, and there are many tours that will take you right to the Springs. These following tours are highly rated and will all enable you to enjoy this unique experience, along with many other must-see St. Lucia attractions, like the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens.
Book one of St. Lucia’s amazing tours now.
What To Expect At Sulphur Springs St. Lucia
Be forewarned when you go: it stinks. As in, it actually smells like rotten eggs. That’s from all the sulphur of course, but if you’re not expecting it, it can hit you like a ton of bricks. Once you get used to it though, it’s not horrible.
Do not expect to see a towering volcano oozing red lava all over the place. This is not that kind of volcano. Instead, you’ll see numerous bubbling pools in the earth, with steaming clouds of thick vapor rising into the air.
The Mud Baths At Sulphur Springs
Easily the best part about visiting Sulphur Springs is actually getting to take a mud bath. There are numerous pools with steaming hot black water, varying in degrees of temperature, but they are all hot. Too hot for our kids to get in, but my husband and I enjoyed them immensely.
There are shelves for you to place your belongings, along with showers to rinse off any remaining mud when you’re done with your experience.
You get into whichever pool holds the most comfortable water temperature for you, and enjoy the deeply relaxing sensation of the heat on your body.
Once you’re all soaked and feeling relaxed, you then get out of the pools and start to slather on the mud. There are buckets on the sides of the pools that hold the special restorative mud, and you simply apply it all over your body. Or help each other apply it!
Be sure to wear something either dark in color, or that you don’t mind getting stained. The sulphur will very likely permanently blacken whatever you wear, so come prepared. Also be sure to bring a towel to dry off afterwards.
It’s said that these mud baths are extremely good for you and contain numerous healing properties, with the ability to heal sun burns, eczema, arthritis, sore joints, and more. I know that I had a bit of a sunburn from the day before and it definitely seemed to soothe my skin.
Once you’re all covered in mud, it’s back into the water you go. Take your time here, gently massage the mud into your skin and let it work its magic. Between the mud and the hot water you definitely will feel more relaxed when you leave than when you came!
When you get out of the pools, you can rinse off any remaining mud in the fresh water showers.
Tips For A Memorable Experience At Sulphur Springs St. Lucia
- Safety is paramount when venturing into the heart of Sulphur Springs. Follow the guidelines provided by knowledgeable guides and adhere to marked paths. There are fences to keep you from getting too close, so please stay within the designated areas.
- You definitely want to have a camera at the ready when you experience this natural wonder. Your smartphone will be able to take perfectly fine photos, but if you want some more professional-looking photos I recommend this camera below.
This Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera is ideal for smartphone or digital point-and-shoot camera users looking to step up their photography game. It’s able to take highly detailed, vibrant photos and videos even in low light, and has built-in WiFi and NFC connectivity so you can easily share the photos you take. Choose between just the camera, or an entire kit providing all the accessories you’ll need for perfect pictures. Buy It Now.
- Come prepared! Be sure to bring along sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses (like these AMAZING Bose sunglasses that allow you to secretly listen to your music with no one around you hearing it!), and a refillable water bottle. You don’t want to find yourself unprepared for the hot Caribbean sun. Also make sure to have some cash on hand to pay for the entrance fee, unless that is included in your tour.
- Take advantage of the therapeutic qualities of Sulphur Springs by relaxing in the hot baths and enjoying the sensation of the slathering mud. It’s truly a unique opportunity to experience this natural wonder!
FAQ
Where Is Sulphur Springs St. Lucia?
Sulphur Springs is located on the southwest coast of St. Lucia near the town of Soufriere.
How Much Does It Cost To Go?
Tourists can expect to pay $5 for a child and $11 for an adult, for a tour and bath combo. If you are just experiencing the baths, the price is $2 for a child and $5 for an adult.
What Are The Open Hours For Sulphur Springs St. Lucia?
Sulphur Springs is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, including weekends and holidays. They are closed every year on the first Friday in September.
Is The St. Lucia Volcano Active?
No, The Soufriere Volcano last erupted in the 1700’s – over 250 years ago, and is considered to be a dormant volcano. You won’t see lava, but you will see geothermic activity in the form of bubbling hot springs.
How Hot Are Sulphur Springs St. Lucia?
The water bubbling in the earth can reach boiling point, which is part of the reason why you cannot get close. The baths themselves are approximately 102oF or 39oC. This fluctuates slightly depending on the pool you enter and the weather conditions.
What Are The Benefits Of The Mud Bath in St. Lucia?
The mud baths at Sulphur Springs are purported to have numerous healing properties. It is said that it detoxifies the body and helps heal sun burns, eczema, arthritis, sore joints, and more.
What Do You Wear To Sulphur Springs St. Lucia?
You should wear a dark colored swim suit, or one that you don’t care about getting stained from the sulphur. You may also want to bring a change of clothes for after your experience in the mud baths, and don’t forget a towel!
Additional Caribbean and Cruise Resources and Information
My husband and I absolutely LOVE the Caribbean. It’s our go-to vacation location, whether with or without the kids. We take Caribbean cruises, stay in all-inclusive resorts, and go back time and time again. Here are some of our other articles that you may find helpful and informative.
Why You Need To Visit Diamond Falls St. Lucia
The Complete Review of Coconut Bay Resort In St. Lucia
The 10 Best St. Lucia Piton Tours
The Best St. Lucia Cruise Excursions
Top 10 Best Cruise Excursions In Grand Cayman
Top 10 Best Cruise Excursions In Cozumel
37 Cruise Travel Essentials To Make Your Next Vacation Perfect
The Ultimate Caribbean Cruise Packing List
What NOT To Pack For A Caribbean Cruise
Expert Advice and Tips For First Time Cruisers
How To Pick A Cruise – Everything You Need To Know
The Complete Review of Finest Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort
