Anyone with a penchant for history, beaches and nature will love Pigeon Island National Landmark on St. Lucia. Spend a half day or a whole day, either self-guided or on one of the available tours, then stay for dinner at one of the authentic local restaurants. There’s a fort to check out, fantastic views and two white-sand beaches. What’s not to love? Here’s how to make the most of your day at Pigeon Island National Landmark:
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What Is Pigeon Island?
This 44-acre national landmark – one of St. Lucia’s most important historical monuments and a living museum and nature reserve – was connected to St. Lucia by a causeway in 1972, prompting locals and tourists to discover its eclectic appeal. There is military and pirate history, the 18th-century Fort Rodney to explore, two uncrowded, white-sand beaches and even a few restaurants.
As you explore the landmark, you’ll learn about the cultural, civil, international and marine significance of the island, a microcosm of West Indian history. Over the centuries, Amerindian tribes, as well as pirates, 18th-century French and British soldiers, whalers and fishermen all lived and worked here.
This 44-acre national landmark – one of St. Lucia’s most important historical monuments and a living museum and nature reserve – was connected to St. Lucia by a causeway in 1972, prompting locals and tourists to discover its eclectic appeal. There is military and pirate history, the 18th-century Fort Rodney to explore, two uncrowded, white-sand beaches and even a few restaurants.
As you explore the landmark, you’ll learn about the cultural, civil, international and marine significance of the island, a microcosm of West Indian history. Over the centuries, Amerindian tribes, as well as pirates, 18th-century French and British soldiers, whalers and fishermen all lived and worked here.
Photo Credit : Shutterstock
What Can I Do at Pigeon Island?
Plan to spend a half or full day at Pigeon Island to get the most from the natural scenery and historical sites. Tour the ruins of military buildings used during the battles between the French and British over the island of St. Lucia. Climb the crushed-rock path to Fort Rodney, anmed for British Admiral George Rodney and established in 1782, where you can learn about the conflicts between the French and English. When the English built the fort, they intended to keep a close eye on the French base of Martinique 25 miles across the water. Today’s fort remains include landscaped lawns and trees framing beautiful ocean views. You’ll be able to wander around original stone parapets, which once held the officers’ mess, the commander’s resident, gunpowder bunkers and barracks. There are also authentic cannons scattered throughout the grounds. It’s fun, especially, for kids who can get an insightful look at history by walking right through it.
Once you’ve taken in the views, come down from the fort and walk across the grass saddle to Signal Peak. Hike over large rocks and loose gravel to the top of Signal Peak, at 330 feet, where you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the northwest coastline and Martinique in the distance.
Visit the interpretive center, located in the restored British officers’ mess and full of interesting exhibits on the island’s history. There are artifacts from 1000 AD from original Amerindian, Arawak and Carib residents. Multimedia displays showcase the island’s many sea battles, including the 1782 Battle of the Saints between the British and the French.
Plan to spend a half or full day at Pigeon Island to get the most from the natural scenery and historical sites. Tour the ruins of military buildings used during the battles between the French and British over the island of St. Lucia. Climb the crushed-rock path to Fort Rodney, anmed for British Admiral George Rodney and established in 1782, where you can learn about the conflicts between the French and English. When the English built the fort, they intended to keep a close eye on the French base of Martinique 25 miles across the water. Today’s fort remains include landscaped lawns and trees framing beautiful ocean views. You’ll be able to wander around original stone parapets, which once held the officers’ mess, the commander’s resident, gunpowder bunkers and barracks. There are also authentic cannons scattered throughout the grounds. It’s fun, especially, for kids who can get an insightful look at history by walking right through it.
Once you’ve taken in the views, come down from the fort and walk across the grass saddle to Signal Peak. Hike over large rocks and loose gravel to the top of Signal Peak, at 330 feet, where you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the northwest coastline and Martinique in the distance.
Visit the interpretive center, located in the restored British officers’ mess and full of interesting exhibits on the island’s history. There are artifacts from 1000 AD from original Amerindian, Arawak and Carib residents. Multimedia displays showcase the island’s many sea battles, including the 1782 Battle of the Saints between the British and the French.
Photo Credit : Shutterstock
After exploring, relax on the sun-splashed beaches of the island, particularly the quiet Pigeon Island Public Beach. Try “snuba,” where you’ll don a snorkel mask but breathe through a diving regulator connected by hose to the surface – it’s all the benefits of diving but without the training and certification. Explore the coral reef systems and marine life of Pigeon Island, from spiny lobsters and seahorses to sea turtles and octopus.
Another fun option is using a sea helmet – you’ll wear a NASA-like helmet with an air supply, allowing you to breathe freely underwater without attachments. It feels a bit like an anti-gravity space walk experience and puts you within arms reach of the marvelous marine life of Rodney Bay.
Later, pop into a local restaurant for authentic St. Lucian flavors. Rodney Bay offers several budget-friendly and fine-dining options. For a feet-in-the-sand dining experience, head to the island’s Atlantic coast side and check out Marjorie’s Restaurant and Bar on Cas en Bas beach.
One more tip: If you’re visiting in early May, definitely make plans to attend the annual St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (read more about the festival below).
Another fun option is using a sea helmet – you’ll wear a NASA-like helmet with an air supply, allowing you to breathe freely underwater without attachments. It feels a bit like an anti-gravity space walk experience and puts you within arms reach of the marvelous marine life of Rodney Bay.
Later, pop into a local restaurant for authentic St. Lucian flavors. Rodney Bay offers several budget-friendly and fine-dining options. For a feet-in-the-sand dining experience, head to the island’s Atlantic coast side and check out Marjorie’s Restaurant and Bar on Cas en Bas beach.
One more tip: If you’re visiting in early May, definitely make plans to attend the annual St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (read more about the festival below).
How Do I Get to Pigeon Island?
You can drive to Pigeon Island, via the causeway, from Gros Islet, or take a taxi. Parking is available. Bus service is also available – take the Castries-Gros Islet Route 15 bus from behind the Castries Farmers’ Market.
You can drive to Pigeon Island, via the causeway, from Gros Islet, or take a taxi. Parking is available. Bus service is also available – take the Castries-Gros Islet Route 15 bus from behind the Castries Farmers’ Market.
Photo Credit : Shutterstock
Can I Take a Tour of Pigeon Island?
Pigeon Island can certainly be experienced in a self-guided manner, but if you’d like transportation included, plus the services of a professional guide (and the insights they can provide into the destination), sign up for one of the many available tours. Several tour companies offer this as a day-trip option, so do your research to see what is the best for you and your group.
One interesting option is a Segway nature tour. After a short practice session, you’ll set off from Rodney Bay along a prepared route that introduces you to Pigeon Island’s flora and fauna, while also regaling you with tales of the island’s history and sea battles. Stops along the way include tunnels that were used by the US Navy for use during World War II.
Pigeon Island can certainly be experienced in a self-guided manner, but if you’d like transportation included, plus the services of a professional guide (and the insights they can provide into the destination), sign up for one of the many available tours. Several tour companies offer this as a day-trip option, so do your research to see what is the best for you and your group.
One interesting option is a Segway nature tour. After a short practice session, you’ll set off from Rodney Bay along a prepared route that introduces you to Pigeon Island’s flora and fauna, while also regaling you with tales of the island’s history and sea battles. Stops along the way include tunnels that were used by the US Navy for use during World War II.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Pigeon Island?
Admission to Pigeon Island National Landmark is USD $10 for visitors to St. Lucia. Children ages 5 to 12 pay USD $3. The site is open year-round from 9 AM to 5 PM. The interpretive center is closed on Sundays.
Admission to Pigeon Island National Landmark is USD $10 for visitors to St. Lucia. Children ages 5 to 12 pay USD $3. The site is open year-round from 9 AM to 5 PM. The interpretive center is closed on Sundays.
Photo Credit : Shutterstock
The St. Lucia Jazz Festival – Should I Go?
In a word, yes. If you are visiting St. Lucia in early May, attend this popular festival, held at St. Pigeon National Landmark and other intimate venues and public settings throughout the island. During this incredible festival, you’ll find literature, spoken word, music, dance, fashion and theater – all keeping alive the influences of the Amerindians of Iyanola, Africa, India and Europe. The musical lineup is typically curated by Jazz at Lincoln Center and has included artists from the Caribbean, the UK and the US and has included the likes of Rihanna, Elton John and Santana.
In a word, yes. If you are visiting St. Lucia in early May, attend this popular festival, held at St. Pigeon National Landmark and other intimate venues and public settings throughout the island. During this incredible festival, you’ll find literature, spoken word, music, dance, fashion and theater – all keeping alive the influences of the Amerindians of Iyanola, Africa, India and Europe. The musical lineup is typically curated by Jazz at Lincoln Center and has included artists from the Caribbean, the UK and the US and has included the likes of Rihanna, Elton John and Santana.