Things to Do · Our pick in St Lucia
Maria Islands Nature Reserve
Home of the St Lucia racer
About Maria Islands Nature Reserve
Maria Major and Maria Minor have never been permanently inhabited and were declared a protected wildlife reserve in 1982. They are home to species found nowhere else, including the Saint Lucia whiptail and the Saint Lucia racer snake, as well as seabird colonies, dry forest and cacti. Visits are only by guided tours arranged by the Saint Lucia National Trust, and access may be restricted from May to July for nesting seabirds.
Why it's on our list
- National Trust tours only
- Endemic reptiles
- Closed for nesting May–July
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Maria Islands Nature Reserve before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Maria Islands Nature Reserve are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Hewanorra airport (UVF)2.6 kmWalk 33 minCycle 10 minCar or taxi 8 min
- The Pitons17 kmCar or taxi 38 min
- Sulphur Springs17 kmCar or taxi 38 min
- Anse Chastanet22 kmCar or taxi 47 min
- Marigot Bay29 kmCar or taxi 61 min
- Castries Market32 kmCar or taxi 68 min
- George F. L. Charles airport (SLU)33 kmCar or taxi 70 min
- Reduit Beach39 kmCar or taxi 81 min
- Gros Islet39 kmCar or taxi 82 min