A drive-in volcano…?? What the actual…?!
Those were our first thoughts when we heard that Saint Lucia had one. What even is that? Do you drive into it like you’re starring in a low-budget disaster movie? Is it full of lava? Smoke? How can it be safe? And more importantly – is it actually worth visiting? And even more importantly: can you do it with a toddler?
We spent five weeks in Saint Lucia and did all the research so you don’t have to. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Sulphur Springs – Saint Lucia’s very own drive-in volcano – with kids in tow.
Tour or DIY: should you go with a guide?
We hired a car, so our first thought was, naturally, to just drive there ourselves. But a quick online search made it seem like DIY wasn’t really the done thing. All we could find were group boat tours that included a stop at the volcano, or land-based excursions that bundled it with other attractions. A popular option was to hire a private driver for the day to take you around all the island’s top spots.
Since we had the luxury of time, and a two-year-old with highly specific entertainment windows, we decided to go it alone and just wing it. A more relaxed, go-at-your-own-speed adventure was much more our style. And to be honest, it was easy as pie.
So yes – you can absolutely self-drive, and it’s 100% doable. In fact, if you’re travelling with kids, it’s probably your best bet.
Where is Saint Lucia’s drive-in volcano?
The volcano’s official name is Sulphur Springs, and it’s located in southern Saint Lucia, just outside the town of Soufrière. It’s also super close to some of the island’s best waterfalls and natural attractions, so you could easily combine a few stops if you’re making a day of it.
We were staying in the north, so it took us around 2.5 hours each way.
Big tip: If you’re driving from the north, take the east coast road via the airport. Even if Google Maps tries to tempt you with a “shorter” west coast route – ignore it. That drive is a winding rollercoaster of potholes the size of houses and hairpin bends. Trust us: the east is easier (and smoother).
So… is it actually a drive-in volcano?
Okay, let’s manage expectations. I was picturing us cruising into a lava-filled crater, dodging molten rivers and seeing orange sparks light up the sky. Which, in hindsight, was wildly unrealistic.
While you do drive into a volcanic crater, it’s more “steamy car park” than “rivers of molten doom”. That said, it’s still fascinating. You’re inside the caldera of a collapsed volcano, and the landscape is very much alive – steam billows from the earth, bubbling pools gurgle ominously, and the smell of sulphur (read: rotten eggs) hangs thick in the air.
First stop: the Sulphur Springs walk
Once you’ve parked up (free parking, yay!), there’s a small ticket booth where you can buy your tickets on the day – no need to stress about booking in advance.
Top tip: buy the combo ticket that includes both the walk and the mud baths – it’s worth it.
The walk is less of a hike and more of a short, easy-ish trail. Little Rick managed to walk most of it, with just a couple of “carry me” moments. As you follow the path, you’ll see the landscape transform into something that looks like it belongs on another planet: steam pouring from cracks in the earth, shooting geysers, and the unmistakable scent of sulphur thick in the air. It’s weirdly beautiful, and definitely looked more like the landscape on Mars than the Caribbean.
We happened to wander in behind a tour group and caught a few nuggets of info. Like the fact that you used to be able to get much closer – until one poor soul fell in (eek), lost most of the skin on his leg, and forced health and safety to step in. Now, access is more limited, but there are still areas with no barriers so keep little ones close.
Next up: the mud baths!
After the walk, it’s time to strip down and get muddy. Head back to your car (or bus/taxi) and change into your swimwear. All you need to bring down to the pools is a towel, your camera, and something for your feet. At the mud baths, there are wooden cubby holes to stash your things and a few basic showers to rinse off afterwards.
It was really busy when we first arrived, with the area packed with big tour groups. But if you’re visiting independently, just wait them out. The tours are in and out super quickly, and once they’re gone, you’ll likely have the place almost to yourselves.
There are buckets of warm, grey volcanic mud on the edges of the pools, ready to be slathered all over your face and body. You can go full-face, full-body or just lightly dab it on… your call. But lay it on thick – it’s meant to be amazing for your skin, and the locals swear by it. Apparently they pop down once a week to keep their skin smooth and glowy. And I can confirm: we were soft and smooth for days. If it weren’t for the whole long-haul flight thing, we’d be doing this weekly too.
The pools are naturally heated, with the top ones the hottest, and each one getting cooler as you go down. Our toddler found the top pool a bit too warm but was perfectly happy splashing around in the cooler ones – and was devastated when we said it was time to leave. Meanwhile, we lounged in the steamy warmth, marvelling at the fact that we were literally bathing in a volcano. Like… what is life?
Before you go: quick tips
- Swimwear warning: Sulphur will stain your swimsuit and leave it smelling like rotten eggs for many, many washes. Wear something dark or old, and you’ll be fine.
- The mud is magic, but messy. Don’t expect spa luxury – but do expect silky skin.
- Showers are available, but basic. You’ll get the worst of it off, but a good rinse back at your accommodation is a must.
- Tour groups come in waves. If it’s packed when you arrive, just hang back a while. It’s worth waiting for the peace and space.
- Great for kids – but keep them close. The pools are fun but the hottest ones can be a bit much for little ones. Plus, the bubbling geysers have no barriers, which can be a bit nerve-wracking with curious kids around.
Final verdict: is the drive-in volcano worth it?
Absolutely!
No, you won’t be driving across the molten lava of your imagination. But you will wander through a steaming volcanic crater, cake yourself in mineral-rich mud, soak in natural hot pools, and leave feeling like you’ve had a very strange and satisfying spa day, unlike anything you’ve ever done before.
And yes – it’s 100% doable with kids. In fact, our toddler had the time of his life (and possibly the cleanest pores of any two-year-old in the Caribbean).
As we drove back, we couldn’t stop laughing at how strange and wonderful the whole experience was. There’s just something kind of magical about soaking in warm mineral water, covered in grey sludge, surrounded by the scent of rotten eggs and steam clouds. It’s weird, wild, and absolutely worth it.
Related reads
- Curious what 5 weeks in Saint Lucia actually cost us? Here’s the full breakdown.
- Want to experience the island’s biggest party? Check out our ultimate guide to the Gros Islet Friday Night Street Party.
Are you ready to explore Saint Lucia? Or want to know more about an authentic volcanic spa day? I’ve got you. Drop me a comment below!
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