Frégate Islands Nature Reserve

The Frégate islands are two small islets off Saint Lucia's east coast near Praslin, named for the magnificent frigatebirds that nest on them between roughly May and July, and a trail runs along the clifftop opposite giving views across to the colony. Landing is restricted during the breeding season. The trail also passes dry forest, cactus and the coast where the Atlantic breaks below. The reserve was among the first declared on the island and covers the two islets and the water around them.

What you'll find

• The frigatebird colony - the nesting season on the islets from May to July.
• The clifftop trail - the path opposite with views across to the islands.
• The dry forest - the vegetation along the trail.
• The Atlantic cliffs - the exposed coast the trail runs above.

When to go

May to July is the frigatebird nesting season and the reason to come. Outside that the islets are largely empty. Landing is restricted during breeding.

Things to know

Landing on the islets is restricted and most visits stay on the clifftop trail. Birds are across water and binoculars matter. A guide is required for the trail.

Nearby

Praslin is nearby, and Mamiku is north.