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All Saint Lucia Sulphur Springs
AO Edited

Sulphur Springs

Come for the springs; stay for the mud bath.

Soufriere, Saint Lucia

Added By
Sarah Durn
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Sulphur Springs   Mike_fleming/CC BY-SA 2.0
Sulphur Springs   Mike_fleming/CC BY-SA 2.0
  Getty Images/ Patricia Hamilton
  Getty Images/Christine Britten/EyeEm
  Getty Images/Christine Britten/EyeEm
  Chris Hunkeler/Flickr
  Allan Harris/Flickr
The mud baths near Sulphur Springs.   Aneil Lutchman/Flickr
The mud baths near Sulphur Springs.   Tony Watson/Alamy Stock Photo
  CP Hoffman/Flickr
  William Hansen
  brettm13 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Located at what's billed as "the only drive-in volcano in the world," Sulphur Springs is a magical, muddy geothermal spring located near the small Caribbean town of Soufriere. The town’s name means “sulphur mine,” a product of French colonists who extracted the mineral at a site near Soufriere in the early 1800s.

The Sulphur Springs are located within a volcanic valley. They formed approximately 300,000 years ago when a section of crust from an enormous crater collapsed, disturbing the lava below. The change in landscape ultimately resulted in the formation of the hot springs. But, since a minor eruption in 1776, the volcano heating the springs has been lying dormant. The last major eruption was some 40,000 years ago.

A visit to the Sulphur Springs begins with looking at whistling fumaroles and boiling pools from the safety of observation platforms. The water in the springs ranges from around 145-200 degrees Fahrenheit (63-96ºC), but some openings called fumaroles can reach 340 degrees Fahrenheit (171ºC). As the steam rises to the surface it carries hydrogen sulfide along with it, which gives the area a pungent rotten egg-like odor.

After taking in the sights and smells, it’s time to submerge yourself in the mud baths. The tour company that maintains the spring recommends wearing a dark bathing suit so you can properly slather yourself with their “miracle mud.” The company’s website proclaims their mud can make you “look 12 years younger” and “detoxifies the body and helps heal sunburns, eczema, arthritis, sore joints, and more.” (Results undoubtedly vary.) After covering yourself in mud, it’s time to hit the waterfalls to wash off. The 50-foot tall waterfall can even be used as "an invigorating back and shoulder massage" on drier days.

The mud baths are a popular destination for visitors to Saint Lucia, and have even been featured on ABC’s The Bachelor. Unfortunately, the spring’s miracle mud wasn’t quite strong enough to help that season’s bachelor, Juan Pablo Galavis, find love. But, worry not, the Sulphur Springs tour company still offers a 10-hour “honeymoon tour” for any lovebirds looking to get a little muddy.

Related Tags

Minerals Volcanoes Geology Steam Hot Springs Geological Oddities Healing

Know Before You Go

Access to the Saint Lucia Sulphur Springs is facilitated by a local tour company. Check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Community Contributors

Added By

Sarah Durn

Edited By

Michelle Cassidy, Runawaydc, brettm13

  • Michelle Cassidy
  • Runawaydc
  • brettm13

Published

October 18, 2021

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Sources
  • https://www.sulphurspringstlucia.com/
  • https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/st-lucia-stl.htm#STL-STL-SSP
  • https://books.google.com/books/about/Saint_Lucia_Historic_Sites_Including_Mon.html?id=hB_ryAEACAAJ
Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs Access Road
Soufriere
Saint Lucia
13.838205, -61.046911
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Gros Piton

Soufriere, Saint Lucia

miles away

Owia Salt Pond

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

miles away

Rocher du Diamant (Diamond Rock)

Le Diamant, Martinique

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia

Caribbean

Places 2

Nearby Places

Gros Piton

Soufriere, Saint Lucia

miles away

Owia Salt Pond

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

miles away

Rocher du Diamant (Diamond Rock)

Le Diamant, Martinique

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia

Caribbean

Places 2

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