BY JACK WATSON
For less than the price of a couple of cocktails (£7 / 25 East Caribbean dollars), you can step into 44 acres of Caribbean adventure, history, and jaw-dropping beauty at Pigeon Island National Park.
During my college trip to St. Lucia, we discovered Pigeon Island—and it ended up being the highlight of our two weeks. This national park packs in 18th-century British fort ruins, two pristine sandy beaches, scenic hiking trails with panoramic sea views, and a fascinating interpretation centre.
Yes, the two peaks are a tough climb—but at the top? A 360-degree reward of island and ocean that makes every drop of sweat worth it. We hiked both. And we’d do it again.
But Pigeon Island isn’t just a view—it’s a time machine.
Long before the British, indigenous Amerindian Arawak and Carib people sheltered in its sea caves. In the 16th century, it became a pirate base for François Le Clerk—better known as “Jambe de Bois” (Wooden Leg)—the first recorded pirate to sport a peg leg. He used this very island to ambush passing ships.
Then came Admiral Rodney in 1778. He seized the island, cleared the vegetation, and built Fort Rodney on the smaller peak. From there, he spied on the French in Martinique—intelligence that helped defeat Admiral de Grasse during the American Revolutionary War.
Even the U.S. Navy used Pigeon Island during WWII (1941–1947) as a surveillance post to protect the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.
Later, it became a whaling station (1909–1952), then a causeway-connected tourist site in 1971, now protected by the St. Lucia National Trust.
Wander through half-demolished barracks, touch old rusty cannons still pointing out to sea, and explore a dark hideout tucked into the summit. The other peak is steeper, but the panoramic views from the top are pure magic.
And if you time your visit right (April–May), you’ll catch the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival—one of the Caribbean’s biggest music events. Past headliners include Rihanna, UB40, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sting, and Shaggy. What started as a clever way to extend tourist season has become a full-blown Caribbean phenomenon.
One small islet. So much buried beneath it—not just treasure, but centuries of memories, battles, and culture.
If you ever set foot in St. Lucia, do yourself a favor: put Pigeon Island at the top of your bucket list. You’ll thank yourself later.
Jack Watson is a 17 year-old student in Year 12. You can read his Substack about following Hull City FC here. Follow him on X here.