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Black Bay Amerindian Site

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Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)

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The Black Bay Amerindian Site, located on the southern coast of Saint Lucia between Vieux Fort and Laborie, is one of the island's most significant archaeological landmarks. This area served as a prime settlement for Arawak and later Carib populations due to its proximity to fresh water springs and fertile land. Extensive excavations have unearthed a wealth of pre-Columbian artifacts, including intricate pottery fragments, stone tools, and ancient burial sites. These finds are crucial for historians as they provide evidence of early ceramic production techniques and complex social structures within indigenous communities. The bay's calm waters also offered a natural harbor for the Amerindians' seafaring canoes, making it a hub for fishing and regional trade long before European arrival. Today, Black Bay remains an active site for archaeological research, offering profound insights into the pre-colonial history of the Caribbean and standing as a silent witness to the island's enduring indigenous heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272626272828282829282827
Rain mm593839717411412214414415913974

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Black Bay Amerindian Site is an archaeological site with traces of Arawak and Carib peoples, freely accessible. Visitors can see the finds outdoors.
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Typical hours
The site can be visited during daytime without restrictions; no fixed hours. Late morning gives optimal lighting.
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Photography
Photography of the archaeological remains and landscape is expressly allowed. Avoid touching or moving the finds.
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Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for a thorough exploration of the find spots. Those interested in archeology may linger longer.
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Combine with
The site is on Saint Lucia's south coast, near Black Bay Beach. A visit to the nearby fishing village Anse l'Islet complements the trip.
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Getting there
Black Bay is south of Vieux Fort, reachable by car or taxi. The road is partly unpaved; follow signs to the archaeological site.
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Insider tip
Bring sturdy footwear and insect repellent, as the terrain can be uneven and damp. Respect the archaeological remains and take nothing away.

Geography

Coordinates
13.73250, -60.98550

Facts

  • Located near the town of Vieux Fort
  • Contains petroglyphs (rock carvings)
  • Dated between 200 and 1500 AD
  • Findings of elaborately decorated pottery
  • Evidence of early fishing and agricultural methods
  • Key part of the indigenous cultural heritage

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Black Bay RuinsBlack Bay Ruins1 km · NExplore →
Laborie Parish ChurchLaborie Parish Church1 km · SEExplore →
Laborie HillsLaborie Hills2 km · EExplore →
Vieux Fort Free ZoneVieux Fort Free Zone3 km · NExplore →
Piaye BridgePiaye Bridge3 km · SEExplore →
Mount SionMount Sion3 km · SEExplore →
Mount BellevueMount Bellevue3 km · EExplore →
Vieux Fort Old TownVieux Fort Old Town4 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Black Bay Amerindian Site (3)

Black Bay River (Saint Lucia)📍 landmark

A river on the south coast of Saint Lucia, flowing through dense vegetation to the sea.

Vieux Fort River📍 landmark

A river in the southern part of the island, running near the town of Vieux Fort.

Laborie📍 landmark

A village on the southwest coast, featuring a bay and traditional wooden houses.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Black Bay Amerindian site?
An archaeological site with caves containing ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings).
Who made the rock carvings?
Presumably from the Arawak or Carib people, the island's indigenous inhabitants.
How difficult is the access to the cave?
The path is often slippery and steep; you should be fit and wear good shoes.
Is a permit required?
There is no official ticket system, but a local guide is advised for safety.
What should you bring?
A powerful flashlight, insect repellent, and plenty of drinking water.
Black Bay Amerindian Site: where is it located?
Black Bay Amerindian Site is located in St. Lucia.
Black Bay Amerindian Site: what is there to see?
Highlights include Black Bay River (Saint Lucia), Vieux Fort River, Laborie.
Black Bay Amerindian Site: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Black Bay Amerindian Site: why is it worth visiting?
The Black Bay Amerindian Site, located on the southern coast of Saint Lucia between Vieux Fort and Laborie, is one of the island's most significant archaeological landmarks.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Laborie — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Laborie
Laborie is a picturesque fishing village on the southwest coast.
🗺️
Laborie Village
Laborie Village is a tightly knit community on the south coast.
Balembouche — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Balembouche
Balembouche is known for its historic estate and surrounding rural hamlets.
Piaye — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Piaye
Piaye is a village on the southwest coast.
Choiseul East — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Choiseul East
Choiseul East is known for its traditional weaving and craft work.
Choiseul — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Choiseul
Choiseul is the arts and crafts capital of Saint Lucia, located on the southwest coast.
🗺️
Choiseul Village
Choiseul Village is nestled under the peak of Gros Piton.
Vieux Fort — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Vieux Fort
Vieux Fort is the second-largest town on the island, located at the southern tip.
Vieux Fort Old Town — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Vieux Fort Old Town
Vieux Fort is named after an old French fort built in the 17th century to protect the south.
Micoud — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Micoud
Micoud is a settlement on the southeastern coast of Saint Lucia.
Micoud Village — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Micoud Village
Micoud Village is the largest settlement on the southeastern coast.
Micoud North — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Micoud North
Micoud North is located on the scenic Atlantic coast.
Fond St. Jacques — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Fond St. Jacques
Fond St.
Soufrière Hills — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Soufrière Hills
Soufrière Hills provides spectacular views of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea.
Soufrière — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Soufrière
Soufrière was the original capital of the island, located at the base of the Pitons.

History & landmarks

Vieux Fort Town Hall — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Vieux Fort Town Hall
The administrative building of Vieux Fort town in the south.
Soufrière Town Hall — Black Bay Amerindian Site (St. Lucia)
Soufrière Town Hall
The hub of local government in Soufrière.