Private Cruise Ship Excursion by DeTour Saint Lucia

When your cruise ship anchors in Cap Estate, St. Lucia, it’s tempting to stay on board and enjoy the ship’s amenities. But those who step ashore for a private land excursion with DeTour Saint Lucia find that the island’s true charms lie just beyond the port. For $140 per person, you get about 4 to 5 hours of exploring some of the island’s most iconic sights, from lush waterfalls to volcanic mud baths, all tailored to your group.

We love that this tour offers a personalized experience—it’s private, flexible, and designed for families or friends who want to see the countryside without the crowds. The stunning views of the Pitons from Soufriere and the chance to soak in mud baths at the volcano are genuine highlights that can’t be experienced from the ship. Plus, the tour includes onboard WiFi, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages, making it comfortable and convenient.

One potential drawback is the cost of entrance fees and optional activities—these are not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to budget for them separately. Also, since the itinerary is packed with stops, the timing can be tight if you want to linger longer at certain sites.

This excursion suits travelers who appreciate authentic scenic views, cultural stops, and natural wonders. If you’re looking for a flexible, personalized day that offers a taste of inland life alongside the beautiful coast, this tour could be just right.

Key Points

• Private and customizable experience tailored for your group.
• Stunning views of the Pitons and other iconic landscapes are highlights.
• Includes popular stops like Sulphur Springs and Toraille Waterfall.
• Cost excludes entrance fees and activities like mud baths and volcano tours.
• Comfortable transportation with onboard WiFi, water, and drinks.
• Timing is flexible but expect a busy, activity-packed day.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

A Flexible Land Adventure Near the Cruise Port

This private tour offers a welcome escape from the typical packed shore excursions. It’s designed with your group in mind, meaning you’ll have your own guide and vehicle, avoiding the crowds and rigid schedules common on group tours. For $140, you get roughly 4 to 5 hours of sightseeing that hits many of the island’s must-see spots.

What We Love: Authentic Scenic Views & Customization

We especially appreciate how the tour hits a variety of landscapes—from the mossy banana plantations to fishing villages and the spectacular Piton views. The visit to the Morne Fortune viewpoint provides a sweeping look over Castries, perfect for photos and a quick history lesson on the city’s role in the island’s past.

Another favorite is the volcano and mud bath visit—an experience few travelers forget. The Soufriere area offers the chance to stand at about a mile high, taking in the Twin Pitons, which are truly the symbol of St. Lucia’s rugged beauty. The Sulphur Springs, known as the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano, offers the chance to see bubbling mud pots and try the mud baths, which many find both fun and relaxing.

Considerations and Possible Drawbacks

A key point to note is that admission fees for certain sites—like Sulphur Springs and the volcano activities—are not included in the tour price. If you’re eager to experience the mud baths or the volcano tour, you should budget extra. Some reviews mention that this might feel like an “extra expense,” but most agree it’s worth it.

Timing at each stop is also somewhat tight, especially when factoring in travel between sites. For those who want to linger longer at specific spots, this could feel rushed. Plus, the itinerary is quite packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you might want to discuss customizing the stops.

The Itinerary in Detail

Morne Fortune

Our trip kicks off at Morne Fortune, which offers a panoramic view of Castries. From here, you can snap memorable photos and get a quick sense of the city’s layout. It’s a brief stop—about 15 minutes—but one that sets the tone for the day. Note: Entry is not included, so if you want to explore more, plan for that.

Anse La Raye

Next, we wind through local roads to reach Anse La Raye, a traditional fishing village. It’s a 10-minute stop, but what’s special is the chance to see fishermen at work and get a glimpse of local daily life. It’s a slice of authentic coastal living that many travelers find charming.

Canaries

The small village of Canaries is our third stop, where you’ll try Cassava Bread, a local delicacy. This 15-minute stop is a wonderful chance to taste something uniquely St. Lucian. It’s free, and many visitors appreciate the opportunity to sample local cuisine.

Soufriere & the Pitons

The highlight of the trip for many is the viewpoint in Soufriere, about a mile high. Here, the Twin Pitons tower in the background—a breathtaking sight you’ll remember long after your trip. The 10-minute stop is perfect for photos, and it’s free.

Sulphur Springs & Volcano

The most adventurous part of the tour is the Sulphur Springs, where you can see the bubbling mud and drive into the volcano. The 2-hour stop allows you to opt for mud baths or volcano tours—these are not included but add a memorable element to your day. The site’s unique geothermal activity makes it a must-see in St. Lucia.

Toraille Waterfall

Finally, a refreshing visit to Toraille Waterfall offers a chance to take a dip and share some great photos. This 2-hour stop is a relaxing way to end the day, with the sound of rushing water and lush scenery. Entry fees are not included, but many find it worth the extra expense.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your tour includes alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and WiFi onboard, making the trip comfortable and social. However, entrance fees to some sites and lunch are not included, so plan accordingly.

How the Tour Fits in Your Day

Because the tour is private, you can customize the experience slightly—perhaps skipping a stop or spending longer at a favorite site. However, be aware that the tight schedule means you need to be ready to move along, especially if you’re eager to see everything.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This excursion is ideal for those who want more than just a quick port visit, seeking to see the real inland beauty of St. Lucia. It suits families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy customized experiences and are comfortable with a busy itinerary. It’s also perfect for photographers or nature lovers keen to capture the island’s best views, from the Pitons to waterfalls.

Summary: Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re looking for a personalized, scenic way to explore St. Lucia’s highlights without the constraints of a large group, this private tour offers excellent value. The variety of stops, from mountain viewpoints to volcano mud baths, provides a broad perspective on the island’s natural and cultural richness. The stunning views of the Pitons are a standout feature, making it a memorable day for anyone eager to see the island’s iconic landscapes.

While the extra costs for site admissions and activities might give some pause, most travelers find that the quality of the experience and flexible pace justify the price. It’s a well-rounded option for those who want a balance of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty on their cruise day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and it’s a private excursion, so you can tailor stops or pace to suit your group’s needs.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and WiFi on board. Entrance fees and optional activities like mud baths or volcano tours are not included.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you have some flexibility to spend more time at favorite spots or skip others, but the overall schedule is designed to hit key highlights.

How long do stops last?
Most stops range from 10 to 15 minutes, with some as long as 2 hours for activities like the waterfall or mud baths.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, camera, and cash or cards for additional entrance fees or souvenirs.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase food at local stops if available.

What about the weather?
The tour operates rain or shine. In case of heavy weather, some sites may be less enjoyable, but the guide will adapt the day as needed.

How do I book?
You can reserve through the provided link, with confirmation sent quickly, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Overall, this private land excursion by DeTour Saint Lucia offers a well-balanced, engaging way to see the island’s iconic sights while enjoying the comfort of a private vehicle and personalized attention. Perfect for those who want a deeper connection to Saint Lucia’s natural beauty and charming villages, it’s a memorable addition to any cruise itinerary.