The Pitons
St Lucia's most iconic landmark — two dramatic UNESCO World Heritage volcanic peaks rising from the sea, with world-class hiking, diving and the legendary Sugar Beach between them
Explore The Pitons
Click any marker to find out more about each spot.
Things To Do at The Pitons
Hiking, diving, beaches and helicopter tours at St Lucia's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hiking Gros Piton
Gros Piton is the larger of the two Pitons at 798 metres and the more accessible for hikers. The hike to the summit takes about 3–4 hours return and passes through lush tropical forest, with increasingly spectacular views as you climb. The summit offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama over St Lucia, the Caribbean Sea and the neighbouring islands. A local guide is required and can be arranged in Soufrière.
Sugar Beach — Jalousie Beach
Sugar Beach, also known as Jalousie Beach, is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches in the entire Caribbean — a stunning crescent of dark volcanic sand nestled between Gros Piton and Petit Piton. The beach is home to the legendary Sugar Beach resort. A portion of the beach is reserved for resort guests, but there is still plenty of space for non-guests to enjoy this extraordinary location.
Diving & Snorkelling
The waters around the Pitons are among the best for diving and snorkelling in the Caribbean. The coral reefs just offshore from Jalousie Beach and Anse Chastanet are home to a spectacular variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, parrotfish and a wide variety of coral. The Piton Wall dive site, just offshore from Petit Piton, is one of the most dramatic dives in the Caribbean.
Catamaran Cruises
One of the best ways to appreciate the full drama of the Pitons is from the sea. Catamaran cruises departing from Rodney Bay or Soufrière offer spectacular views of the twin peaks rising from the water. Most cruises include a stop at Soufrière for the drive-in volcano and Diamond Falls, a swim stop at Anse Chastanet and a snorkelling stop at the coral reefs around the Pitons.
Helicopter Tours
For the most dramatic views of the Pitons, a helicopter tour is unbeatable. Helicopter tours depart from both George F L Charles Airport in Castries and from Hewanorra International Airport in the south. The aerial views of the twin peaks rising from the lush green landscape and the turquoise Caribbean Sea are simply extraordinary — one of the most memorable experiences available in St Lucia.
The Pitons Travel Guide
The Pitons are the defining image of St Lucia — two dramatic volcanic spires rising majestically from the sea on the southwest coast, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Gros Piton (798m) is the larger and more accessible of the two peaks. The hike to the summit takes about 3–4 hours return and offers breathtaking 360-degree views over St Lucia and the Caribbean. A local guide is required.
Petit Piton (743m) is the steeper and more dramatic of the two peaks — a technical climb for experienced hikers. Both peaks can be admired from the sea on a catamaran cruise or from the air on a helicopter tour.
Sugar Beach (Jalousie Beach), nestled between the two Pitons, is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The waters around the Pitons are among the best for diving and snorkelling.
The nearest town to the Pitons is Soufrière — home to the world's only drive-in volcano, the Diamond Botanical Gardens and a good selection of local restaurants.
The Pitons are about 1.5 hours from Rodney Bay by road and about 30 minutes from Hewanorra International Airport.
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