Pigeon Island Beach is an excellent place to vacation on the southwest tip of Saint Lucia. There are many things to see and do here. Among the activities are snorkeling and dining. You can also see the colonial history of the island.
Lucia Jazz Festival
During the St Lucia Jazz Festival, you can attend multiple concerts, performances, and art shows. The festival is held over multiple days, with most performances occurring outdoors. The festival includes jazz, R&B, calypso, and other forms of music.
The festival was first held in 1992 and has become a popular event among locals and tourists. The music festival attracts fans from around the world. It is one of the most significant events in the Caribbean.
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board organizes it. The festival has expanded to multiple locations, including Pigeon Island and Rodney Bay. The festival attracts more than 30,000 people over ten days.
The festival also offers a series of art shows, educational activities, and other creative spectacles. Some of the performances are free, and others require a ticket.
The festival has been held at Pigeon Island National Park for the last 20 years. The park features several main stages, along with several other smaller venues. Some booths sell green mango juice and Piton beer.
The festival is divided into several categories: jazz, R&B, soca, and zouk. Many of the acts come from the United States and Europe. Local artists and Caribbean musicians join them.
The music festival is held in May and includes several concerts and performances. The festival is one of the most significant events in the Caribbean and is often held at Pigeon Island.
Fort Rodney
Located in the Atlantic Ocean on Pigeon Island, Fort Rodney is a national monument built by the British in 1778. Although the fort is no longer active, there are still plenty of old cannons to see.
A visit to Pigeon Island is highly recommended. This island is a beautiful national park managed by the St Lucia National Trust. It has some fascinating history and is also a great place to hike.
Fort Rodney is located on the smaller of two peaks on Pigeon Island. Admiral George Rodney, a British naval officer, 1778 built the fort. The defense features two barracks, a mess hall, and a commander’s residence. It is also home to several old cannons pointing out to sea.
Several hiking trails around Pigeon Island offer scenic views of the area. One of the best views is from the 18th-century fort.
The Signal above Peak is also located on Pigeon Island. This is a much higher peak that offers similar views to Fort Rodney. It is a slightly more challenging hike, but well worth it.
You can visit Pigeon Island from Rodney Bay in a water taxi. It takes about five minutes to reach the island. Once you get to the island, it is a twenty to thirty-minute walk from the beach. Wear appropriate hiking shoes and bring a swimsuit and a towel.
Snorkeling
Pigeon Island is an ideal snorkeling spot in the southern part of Florida. This two-islet marine national park is a popular spot for snorkelers, scuba divers, and people looking to have a fun day in the sun. The islands are home to colorful corals, as well as a variety of sea creatures. The island has a beautiful little beach, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
The island is open from April through September. Snorkeling at Pigeon Island is safe, as the water is around 6-7 feet deep. If you decide to snorkel here, bring a life jacket with you.
Snorkeling at Pigeon Island Beach can include a variety of sea creatures, such as eels, moray eels, starfish, and sea turtles. These are all common in the area. You may also encounter blacktip reef sharks. During a snorkeling trip, you can see as many as five or twenty at a time.
Aside from snorkeling, Pigeon Island has two sandy beaches. The front beach has boat parking. You can also get a speedboat ride to the other side of the island.
The back side of the island has the best corals in Sri Lanka. There are plenty of rays, crabs, and eels in the area. This area is also home to a variety of other tropical fish.
Pigeon Island also offers underwater photography, as well as deep sea dives and night dives. There are several restaurants to choose from, serving up the fresh Caribbean fare.
Dining options
During your trip to Pigeon Island, you will want to find suitable dining options to make your stay an enjoyable experience. There are a few options, including the Cliff At Cap, a restaurant perched on a cliff.
The Cliff At Cap is a great place to get quality food and drink while taking in beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea and Martinique. The restaurant is also one of the best places to see a beautiful sunset.
The Cliff At Cap restaurant has a terrific drink menu, including signature cocktails. It also has beautiful lighting and decks.
Another good place to find the best dining on Pigeon Island is the Jambe de Bois cafe. This quaint cafe is situated in Pigeon Island National Park. Its interior is made of stone and thatch, and the restaurant’s menu includes local dishes. The Jambe de Bois is also known for its live jazz on weekends.
Another restaurant with a lot to offer is Dick’s Last Resort. This is a great spot to find American food, including fried chicken, shrimp, and mac and cheese. You can also find a great drink menu, including dirty jokes written on napkins.
The Pigeon Island Beach Resort also offers excellent dining options. The resort has a full-service restaurant, a bar, a massage center, and a private beach. Guests also have access to a fitness center and spa. This beachfront resort is located only 16.4 kilometers from China Bay Airport.
Birds
Pigeon Island is a national landmark and nature reserve located on the northwestern coast of St Lucia. Rocky islets surround the small island. This is a nature reserve for birds. Pigeon Island is home to over 40 different species of birds. The best times to see them are in the early morning and evening.
There are several different activities to choose from on Pigeon Island. For example, visitors can go on a SNUBA diving tour. They can also visit Fort Rodney and enjoy sweeping views of the island. The ruins are also well worth exploring.
The island has two white sand beaches. They are quiet and beautiful. There are also hiking trails. You can take a short hike to reach the two peaks. There is also an Interpretation Center. The center has a museum where you can learn about the history of Pigeon Island.
Pigeon Island is also an excellent place for a day trip. It’s not too expensive, and you can spend the entire day there. You can also book a guided tour that includes entrance fees and snacks. Some times also include sightseeing by convertible. You can also take a self-guided walk around the island.
Pigeon Island National Landmark is open 365 days a year. For visitors over five years of age, it’s just US$3.00. For children under five, the entrance fee is free. There are also guided tours that include the entrance fee, snacks, and transportation.
Saint Lucia’s colonial history
Interactions between Caribs and Europeans historically dominate Saint Lucia’s colonial history. Europeans attempted to settle the island in the early seventeenth century, but the Caribs resisted, and the attempt was frustrating.
A successful settlement was achieved in 1650 when the French from Martinique were granted the island. French and British disputed their control of the island until the Treaty of Breda in 1667 restored it to France.
The British gained control of the island in 1796 after they retook it from French forces. In the ensuing period, the island became the base of the British Windward Islands colony.
During the 18th century, Saint Lucia has declared a neutral territory twelve times. In 1885, its capital was moved to Grenada. The island became one of the last European colonies to gain independence.
In the early nineteenth century, enslaved people were released from apprenticeships and became legally free. A four-year training was required for them to earn their freedom.
However, there were several smallpox outbreaks and cholera, and the sugar cane industry declined. A new sugar industry was developed, and the island became attractive.
Many of the island’s population comprised Africans, with a small minority of people of Carib descent. The Caribs resisted the French settlement with equal vigor. The Dutch and the British also tried to establish colonies on Pigeon Island.
An annual celebration commemorated the retaking of the island by the English in 1796. In 1979, the island gained complete independence.
