The Maria Islands
The
Maria Islands are tiny as islands go, but they possess an incredibly
rich and diverse flora and fauna.Maria IslandAmong their unique
wildlife are colorful Maria Islands Ground Lizard and the harmless
kuowess, thought to be the world's rarest snake.
Man has never
settled on these islands, and so they provide a secure haven for the
seabirds that return here from the high seas to nest on the cactus
covered cliffs.
Ground doves and ground lizards rustle through
the undisturbed forest on a protected slope and down by the shore a
living coral reef is waiting to be explored under the sea's surface.
The Maria Islands were declared a Nature Reserve by the Government of Saint Lucia in 1982, to protect its unique environment and wildlife and allow visitors to the islands to enjoy these wonders, now and in the future. Access to the Nature Reserve is permitted only in the company of a trained guide licensed by the Saint Lucia National Trust. For their enjoyment and safety, and for the safety of the islands' inhabitants, visitors are asked to refrain from smoking, and to avoid anything that may cause harm to the plants and animals. Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the Reserve. Open fires are strictly forbidden.
From
May to July or August each year, the islands must be left entirely for
their seasonal visitors, the hundreds of seabirds that come and nest on
the windward cliffs and the land birds which know that this is a place
where they are safe. Public access is not permitted during this period.
On
the mainland directly facing the Reserve is the St. Lucia National
trust Southern Office, where visitors can get a thorough orientation
to the Reserve and from where they begin tours to the Reserve.
Details
regarding the schedules, fees, and conditions of the Nature Tours can
be obtained from the Tourist Board, or from any tour representative at
Saint Lucia's leading hotels. You may also call the National Trust
direct at 1-758-453-7656/454-5014.
At The Southern Office there
are a number of items offered for sale, including books and documents
on Saint Lucia's natural and human history.
The
Maria Islands Nature Reserve is located near Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia's
second town, at the extreme south of the island.vieux fort The visitor
to Vieux Fort should discover other places of interest, including the
Moule a Chique peninsula, with it's breathtaking view of the entire
southern part of the country, its many beaches and its historic sites.
Vieux Fort offers excellent hotel and restaurant facilities and
Hewanorra International Airport is located nearby.
The Maria
Islands Nature Reserve is managed by the Saint Lucia National Trust
with the assistance of the Forestry Department and the Department of
Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture. The Reserve was established
with the financial support from the World Wildlife Fund-U.S. and with
technical assistance from the Eastern Caribbean Natural Area Management
Programme (ECNAMP) now known as the Caribbean Natural Resources
Institute (CANARI).
