Mineral Bath: Sulphur Springs Volcano Mud Baths - Soufriere Volcano, St. Lucia

Sulphur Springs Volcano Mud Baths

Soufriere Volcano, St. Lucia

N 13° 50.371 W 061° 02.796

Short Description: 

The Sulphur Springs Volcano Mud Baths are located at the only drive-in volcano the world at Sulphur Springs Access Rd. in the Soufriere Volcano, St. Lucia.

Long Description:

Visitors to the world's only drive-in volcano may bring their bathing suits and enjoy the hot mineral waters of the Mud Baths. Soufriere's Sulphur Springs Volcano consist of twenty-four steaming vents, discharging various minerals among them such as sulphur, iron, copper oxide and magnesium. Water flows downhill from the volcano and cools along the way to a comfortable 37 Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). The stream of spring water carries along with it not only a wide variety of minerals but a copious amounts of mud as well.

To take advantage of the reputed healing properties of the warm, mineral rich water, the stream is impounded to form a rectangular bath. For a small fee (US $5) you may enter the impounded area, change into your bathing suit, and wallow in the muddy water. For added therapeutic value you are supposed to dig mud from the bottom and smear it over your body. There are separate connected areas to immerse yourself or to merely get your feet wet.

Workers will venture upstream to collect mud in buckets to insure that there is an ample supply. For those who prefer, there is an natural pool of water below the impoundment. This area also contains a fresh water shower so you can rinse out your bathing suit and wash the mud off your body.

The Sulphur Springs drive-in volcano and Mud Baths are among the top tourist attractions of St. Lucia.