Pitons, Punch & Party Vibes: Sightseeing with Joe Knows
By: Maggie Ballantyne, Team Lead & Travel Advisor
October 23, 2025
Let me tell you about the tour that turned an ordinary island day into an absolute highlight of our entire trip: JOE KNOWS. This high-energy Land & Sea excursion along the west coast of St. Lucia is not anything like any other sightseeing tour I have been on. Hosted by the iconic and unforgettable crew—Captain Andy, J.R., “Chocolate Thunder,” and “Showtime!”—this day is packed with adventure, laughter, and insider access to the best parts of the island.
What makes this tour so special? It’s not just fun (and trust me, there’s plenty of fun), but it’s also the smart planning. While other companies pack tourists into buses and caravans that crawl across the island, Joe’s team uses speedboats to zip you from one stop to the next around the island, beating the crowds at every destination. You’ll dip in the mud baths before the major line forms, grab your waterfall photo without 50 people behind you, and snorkel in the crystal-clear ocean with plenty of space to explore.
Because of that perfect mix of efficiency and excitement, Joe Knows sells out fast and that’s where I come in. I’m always happy to help my clients book this in advance to lock in the fun. Keep reading to see exactly why this tour is worth every moment!
Your day kicks off around 9:30 AM as you board the speedboat from Castries Harbor. Since we booked through Island Routes in advance from Sandals Regency La Toc, transportation to the harbor was included. Just make sure you’ve had your Blue Mountain Coffee because your guide brings the energy from the start and doesn’t let up the rest of the day. You’ll be laughing, dancing, and maybe even sipping rum punch before noon.
As you cruise toward Soufrière, you’ll pass the colorful fishing villages of Anse La Raye and Canaries, offering a glimpse into what everyday life in St. Lucia is like from the water. Once you dock, a quick 20–30-minute shuttle ride takes you inland to the Sulphur Springs, home of the famous “drive-in volcano” and bubbling mud baths. Here, you’ll slather on the mineral-rich volcanic mud (perfect for fun photos), then rinse off in the naturally heated springs. It’s not just fun, but we learned about the health benefits too and your skin will thank you. I was honestly surprised how quickly I noticed the difference. My skin felt so soft almost instantly. There’s a reason they call it the fountain of youth!
Tip: Don’t wear your favorite bathing suit you want to wear later in the trip because it may smell like sulfur afterward!
Next, you’ll hop back in the van for a quick ride to Toraille (Diamond) Waterfall. I thought it was freezing! It’s the perfect spot to rinse off the last of the mud and take a quick, refreshing dip. After the steamy hot springs, the chilly waterfall is a total shock to the system. They do allow time for swimming, but most people could not stay in the water more than a few minutes.
After your swim, it’s time to enjoy a delicious lunch. We enjoyed a buffet-style Creole meal at a beachfront restaurant right at the base of the iconic Pitons. The food was homemade and included island favorites like jerk chicken and coconut shrimp. There was also a bar where you could grab a cold local Pitons beer. Our table could not have been more perfectly placed, with unobstructed views of the ocean, tropical flowers, and the stunning mountain peaks.
After some free time, it’s back to the boat for a swimming and snorkeling stop, usually near Sugar Beach or another secluded black-sand beach. The water here is so clear and perfect for floating with a beer or rum punch in hand. On our way back toward Castries, we cruised through Marigot Bay, where parts of Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed, which was a total highlight for me since that’s one of my favorite movies and I am honored to have sailed on the same seas as Captain Jack Sparrow! We also passed the entrance of a cave that’s home to over 100,000 bats!
The return is when the real party starts with upbeat music, rum punch, dancing, and more rum punch! The crew especially “Chocolate Thunder,” and “Showtime!” know how to keep the boat entertained. Between the music, stories, and touch of adult humor, you’re guaranteed a boat ride you’ll never forget. It’s all in good fun and part of what makes this tour so memorable. We saw so much of the island, were treated like family, and had the absolute best time. 10/10 experience. You know it’s a great excursion when we’re still talking about it a couple of years later.
The tour is led by Chocolate Thunder, a local legend who’s earned “Tour Guide of the Year” on TripAdvisor multiple times. He’s charismatic, knowledgeable, and genuinely engaging while sharing island history, connecting with guests, and making sure everyone feels part of the experience. Whether it’s your first visit to St. Lucia or your fifth, this tour brings something special to your vacation and I would be happy to help you book it!
If you’re interested in learning more about Caribbean resorts, all-inclusive vacations, or excursions that will take your trip to the next level, feel free to reach out to me at maggie@wishesfamilytravel.com. And don’t forget to follow along at www.facebook.com/wishesfamilytravelmaggie for updates and inspiration for future vacations!
Excursions mentioned in this blog were booked at a retail rate (pricing available to the general public).