Zip line tours in St. Lucia can be booked directly with the operators or through hotels and cruise lines. The tours usually involve a drive to a hilly area of the rain forest where the course is set up. Each participant is outfitted with a climbing harness system, two lines and a pulley, which is affixed to the zip line. All tourist-approved operations are required to install a backup cable for safety purposes.The rider is attached to cables that are strung point-to-point between a number of platforms high above the ground. The maximum speed attained on the zip line is close to 30 mph, providing a unique perspective of the forest.
The National Rain Forest in St. Lucia covers 19,000 acres of mountains and valleys. Zip line tours through the rain forest give people the chance to observe the wide range of flora and fauna indigenous to the area. Riders can get aerial views of giant ferns, birds of paradise, bromeliads, wild orchids and mushrooms, as well as rare birds such as the St. Lucia Parrot, the White Breasted Thrasher and the St. Lucia Oriole.
This tour begins with an introduction and safety briefing before a hike through the rain forest. Groups of eight participants are guided by two trained guides who hitch riders to cables to zip them through a series of 14 platforms in the treetops. At the last platform, riders rappel down a sleep slope to the ground. This tour is certified by the Association for Challenge Course Technology. Children under 12 are not allowed. Aerial tram rides and hikes are also offered at the site.
Rain Forest Trams
305-704-3350
rainforesttrams.com
This tour provides an exhilarating flight through the Dennery Rainforest, where the Palm Tours base is a 35-acre property. The 11 zip lines of this course include the island's longest and highest, extending up to 800 feet between platforms and reaching heights up to 150 feet above the ground. The tour is four hours long, allowing plenty of time to take in the views of the rain forest between zips. Riders can enjoy complimentary local refreshments in the forest afterward.
Palm Services Limited
758-458-09088
cyclestlucia.com
Tour operators advise that riders must wear shoes with straps. No flip-flops are allowed. Gear provided by the zip line operators includes waist and chest harnesses as well as strong gloves and hair nets and helmets. You should be in good physical condition to complete the course, which includes climbing stairs to the platforms. Observers can join the tour a reduced rates.
Although zip lining is a safe activity when all precautions are observed by operators and riders, there have been accidents. Participants of zip line tours are required to sign disclaimers accepting risk. The tours are not suitable for pregnant women and people with medical or physical disabilities, or anyone who suffers from a heart condition. Courses are suspended during thunderstorms.
