The Sulphur Springs

Just outside Soufrière lies one of Saint Lucia's most unusual attractions, the Sulphur Springs, billed as the only drive-in volcano in the Caribbean. Here, within the collapsed caldera of an ancient volcano, a surreal, steaming landscape of bubbling grey mud pools, fuming vents and mineral-stained rock hisses and gurgles, a vivid reminder of the geothermal forces that built the island. Visitors can drive right up to the edge of the fuming field, and, nearby, wallow in warm pools of mineral-rich volcanic water and coat themselves in the grey therapeutic mud, said to be wonderful for the skin, before rinsing off in a warm stream.

The landscape

• The bubbling mud pools - the steaming, fuming volcanic field.
• The mud baths - the warm mineral pools and therapeutic mud.
• The caldera - the collapsed crater of the ancient volcano.
• The mineral springs - the warm, sulphurous volcanic waters.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the most comfortable weather, though the springs and mud baths are enjoyable year-round; the site can get busy when cruise ships are in port, so an early or later visit is calmer. The mud baths are a fun, messy highlight, so bring an old swimsuit.

Practical notes

The active geothermal field itself is viewed from a platform for safety, not walked through, and the mud baths, while fun and popular, can be crowded and are a developed, ticketed attraction rather than a wild spring; the sulphur smell is strong. As a genuinely unusual chance to drive up to a steaming volcano and wallow in warm, therapeutic volcanic mud, though, easily combined with the Pitons and Soufrière, the Sulphur Springs are a memorable and enjoyable stop.

Nearby

The Pitons, the town of Soufrière and the Diamond Falls are close by.

Key facts