Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens offers walking trails that run through a lush mix of flora and fauna, as well as a historic mill and a waterwheel. One of the park’s highlights is the Diamond Waterfall, which is one of the most colorful falls in the Caribbean due to the minerals in the water, which gives it a rainbow-like appearance.

Because the gardens are close to the sulphur springs, the grounds also boast volcanically heated mineral baths that have been in use since King Louis XVI built a bathhouse for his troops here in 1784. Guided tours typically include a soak at the nearby springs along with a visit to the waterfall.

• There is a fee to enter the park and separate fees for using the public or private bathing areas.

• Make sure to bring a bathing suit if you want to soak in the sulphur springs; there are on-site changing rooms.

• The water in the springs can be quite hot; you may need to add cool water to bring the temperature down.

• Swimming is prohibited at the Diamond Waterfall.

• There is a restaurant located at the Old Mill and a small shop on site.

• The walk through the garden is relatively easy, but because of roots in the paths, it may be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens is located about 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) from Soufriere, which is on the island’s southwest coast, and about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Castries. The easiest way to get around St. Lucia is to rent a car or take a shore excursion or tour that includes roundtrip transportation.

Like much of the Caribbean, St. Lucia is busiest from December to April. Visitors should note that the Diamond Waterfall changes colors throughout the year as rain affects the mineral concentration.

Some St. Lucia tours combine a visit to the botanical gardens with a stop at the dormant La Soufriere volcano—known as “the world’s only drive-in volcano”—in Sulphur Springs Park, where you can bathe in another set of natural hot springs. The water at the springs gives off a “rotten egg” smell due to the sulphur in the mud, but once you start soaking, you’ll probably be too relaxed to care.