St. Lucia: The Perfect Destination for the Eco-Tourist

If green living is a priority in your life, eco-friendly travel destinations are likely at the top of your list when it comes to vacations. The Caribbean offers some of the most environmentally-conscious accommodations, with its many protected areas and virgin lands. St. Lucia received the Caribbean islands' 2000 Ecotourism Award for its Heritage Tourism Programme, which encourages sustainable tourism. If you're searching for a strikingly beautiful tropical escape, look no further than St. Lucia.

St. Lucia is an island country that boasts a vibrant rainforest, alluring beaches and all the trappings of a romantic tropical oasis. Marvel at the island's exotic plants and observe the boiling sulfur springs of the Qualibou volcano. Although St. Lucia's main source of income is tourism, officials have taken measures to ensure that they and their visitors are being good stewards to the environment. Their dedication to environmental conservation has given birth to a string of eco-friendly hotels and activities. In June 2011, Our Planet Centre at La Place Carenage opened in the Castries harbor, an interactive environmental education center that teaches visitors all about planet Earth (and even a hologram recorded specifically for Saint Lucia by Prince Charles). Aside from its eco-friendly lodging, St. Lucia offers a wide range of green activities for tourists. Here are a few:

Hiking: St Lucia's scenic trails and rugged terrain make for a one-of-a-kind adventure. Discover the Emerald Isle's majestic mountains, lush rainforest and gorgeous waterfalls.

Bird watching: Considered one of the best destinations for bird watching in the Lesser Antilles, St. Lucia is the perfect spot to examine some of the island's 30 different species of exotic fowl. Look for the famous St. Lucia Parrot or Black Finch.

Jungle tours: Explore the island's secluded waterfalls and lush tropical foliage in St. Lucia's protected rainforest habitat.

Camping: Head over to Anse la Liberte, the Emerald Isle's lone camping ground, with its own private hillside cove. This forest preserve is ideal for water sports (including kayaking and scuba diving), as it is on the west coast of the island.

Biking: Biking tours are an excellent, and increasingly popular, way for visitors to enjoy St. Lucia. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cyclist, there is a tour tailored just for you. Catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring and world-famous Gros Piton and Petit Piton mountains.

If you've been searching for the perfect destination for both luxury and eco-friendly activities and accommodations, St. Lucia is the perfect island getaway for you. Whether you want to relax on one of its pristine beaches or explore the island on a bike or hiking tour, the Emerald Isle has everything the eco-tourist could ask for.