Information
Landmark: Black BayCity: Vieux Fort
Country: Saint Lucia
Continent: North America
Black Bay, Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, North America
Overview
Black Bay, tucked away near Vieux Fort on Saint Lucia’s southwest coast, is a quiet stretch of shoreline where history lingers and the water shimmers in deep blues.Black Bay, with its black volcanic sand warm underfoot and framed by lush green slopes, is a peaceful spot far from the crowds-ideal for hikers, history buffs, and anyone who loves nature.Black Bay sits on Saint Lucia’s southwest coast, close to Vieux Fort, and it’s perfect for hiking, soaking up history, snapping photos, or exploring the wild.You’ll get there by a short hike or a bumpy off-road drive beneath the shade of forested trails.Unlike the white beaches up north, Black Bay greets you with soft, heat-warmed black volcanic sand born from ancient eruptions; the dark shore meets deep blue water and bursts of green vegetation, creating a striking scene perfect for a camera lens.Hidden in its cliffs are caves once used by pirates to stash treasure, some etched with petroglyphs left by Saint Lucia’s earliest Amerindian settlers.Because it’s off most tourists’ maps, the bay stays quiet-an easy place to breathe, meditate, or wander without interruption.A short hike through fragrant, sun-dappled trails leads you there, with flashes of bright birds in the trees and the sea’s rumble growing louder.Photographers love the dramatic contrasts, especially at sunrise or sunset when amber light spills across the dark sand.The dry season from December to April makes the hike easier, and early morning or late afternoon offers cooler air and the softest light.You can drive in, but the rough track calls for a sturdy 4x4.The trailhead sits just outside Vieux Fort, and from there a short, leafy hike brings you to the bay.You can grab a taxi to the trail’s edge, but you’ll still need to walk the last stretch.On foot, expect a moderate 15–30 minute trek through lush vegetation, the air rich with the scent of damp earth, before the water comes into view.Nearby, you can climb Moule à Chique Lighthouse for sweeping views of Saint Lucia’s southern coast, feel the wind at Anse de Sables Beach where kite surfers skim the waves, browse the colorful Vieux Fort Market, or visit the Maria Islands Nature Reserve to spot rare wildlife.Black Bay remains one of the island’s hidden treasures-part wild beauty, part history, all adventure.You might wander through shadowy caves, hike along winding trails scented with pine, or just sink your toes into the cool black sand-either way, it’s a dream spot for travelers chasing something rare and far from the crowds.
