Frigate Islands

(Local Name: Fregate Islands Nature Reserve) The Fregate Island on the Atlantic coast is the site of a nesting colony of Frigate and other birds. To protect this diminishing species, no visitors are allowed on the mangrove islands, but birds may be viewed from a trail along the shore or by boat. Several years ago the very large Frigate birds were uncountable, but now they number about 35. Fees collected from visitors go toward conservation work.

Those who obtain a permit may use a three-mile coastal trail. It is in three one-mile segments touching the road four times so walkers can take any or all of the sections. The northern section offers cliff and beach scenery. The middle section has dense vegetation with opportunities to see abundant bird life, opossums and agoutis. The southern section provides the best views of Fregete Island. This nature reserve has 12 nesting pairs of the white breasted thrasher, an extremely rare species which attracts bird watchers from around the world. Also present are the St Lucia Oriole, the red-billed tropic bird, red herons and great white herons. With luck one may also see nonpoisonous boas. Poisonous snakes, specifically the Fer de Lance, have not been seen in St Lucia for years and the species is considered endangered if not totally extirpated from the island.