Sulphur Springs Park

Sulphur Springs Park is a 114-acre (46-hectare) area located inside St. Lucia’s Piton World Heritage Site. The park is near the old French capital of Soufrière and can be seen in just half an hour or so—though many visitors opt to stay longer and enjoy the “black water” mud baths that are reputed to detoxify the body and heal sunburns, eczema, arthritis, and sore joints.

Admission to the park includes a guided tour of the lunar landscape, pockmarked by vents spewing sulfur steam. A number of tours around St. Lucia include a stop at Sulphur Springs Park; popular options include half- and full-day tours of the island’s sights via a pirate ship, a catamaran, or a convertible Mini Cooper.

• Sulphur Springs Park is an ideal spot for nature lovers and health conscious travelers.
• Admission prices range from about $5 to $11, according to entry options: a soak in the mud pools, a guided volcano tour, or combination.
• Remember to bring sun protection, swimwear (preferably a dark-colored one), and a towel.
• There are changing rooms and showers near the pools.
• Wear comfortable shoes if you want to explore the area, which is covered in rocks.
• The springs are not wheelchair-accessible.

Sulphur Springs Park is a 5-minute drive, or a 30-minute scenic uphill walk, from the center of Soufrière on St. Lucia’s southwest coast. There is no organized bus to the springs, however you may take a taxi, or hop on the bus in Soufrière (headed to Vieux Fort) and ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance. From there, walk about 5 minutes to the volcano and pools.

Sulphur Spring Park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, year round, except for the first Friday in September. Plan to visit right when it opens or near the end of the day to avoid crowds.

After soaking in the volcanic mud bath at Sulphur Springs, go for a deep cleanse in the refreshing cascades of Toraille Waterfall, located about a 5-minute drive toward Soufrière. Located in a tranquil tropical garden, the waterfall drops about 50 feet (15.2 meters) from a cliff, and the pool below is perfect for a relaxing swim.

Yes, one of the main reasons to visit Sulphur Springs Park is to take a dip in its mineral baths covered in mud. The baths are purported to have various therapeutic and skin benefits, while many visitors simply enjoy soaking in the mud. You will have to pay an admission fee to use the baths, unless it’s included in a tour package.

Dark bathing suits are recommended at Sulphur Springs Park as they are less likely to get discolored from the mud and sulfur. Visitors should also bring a change of clothes, towel, and water.

Yes, Sulphur Springs Park is good for children—most kids will have a lot of fun playing in the mud. However, the water can be quite hot and the sulfur smell is fairly strong, so young children may be uncomfortable with these conditions.

Facilities at Sulphur Springs Park include showers and changing rooms. Local vendors also sell drinks, snacks, and various other items. An interpretation center has a small museum about the area with informational videos.

A trip to Sulphur Springs Park can be combined with other attractions nearby, including Toraille Waterfall, which some tours will visit directly after going to the mud baths. Additional places locally include Piton Falls, the twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, and the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens.

Yes, you can visit Sulphur Springs Park without a guide. Tours are available and can make your visit easier, as they’ll typically arrange transportation from your accommodation and can involve multiple attractions in the area.