The Great Gastropod of St Lucia, When Snails Go "Gourmet" at Lidiko Lodge

Meet the Shell-lebrity

These aren't your average European escargot. No sir. These are Achatina fulica, one of the largest terrestrial snails in the world. And while the term “giant” is often thrown around loosely in travel brochures, in this case, it’s perfectly appropriate. These shelled wonders can grow up to 20 cm and are most often seen after a good rain, making their slow, deliberate way across the lodge’s pathways like VIP guests who forgot their room keys.

Slow but Surprisingly Sneaky

What makes these snails truly unforgettable, however, isn’t just their size—it’s their taste. While most garden snails would be content munching on leaves or fallen fruit, the snails at Lidiko have elevated their palates to new, frankly bizarre, heights.

One misty morning, as our resident cats Polkadot and Tiger enjoyed their breakfast buffet outside the lodge, a brave snail was spotted... slithering toward their food. Was it curious? Hungry? Lost? Whatever the case, it began feasting—not on your typical leaf salad—but on cat food. That’s right, dear reader. We are now officially hosting omnivorous snails with a taste for tuna kibble.

Are they evolving? Should we be worried? Probably not. But they are certainly entertaining.

Snail Trails & Travel Tales

For our guests, these encounters make for perfect dinner table stories and photo opportunities to take back home. After all, how many people can say they went on a safari in South Africa and were photobombed by a massive snail nibbling Meow Mix?

Want to see them for yourself? Ask our friendly staff for the best snail-spotting tips. (Hint: early morning after rain is prime snail time.) And remember to check your shoes before you slip them on—these guys really get around.

A Final Note from the Snails

If you’re reading this over your morning coffee at Lidiko Lodge—look down. That’s not a rock. That’s Geoff. He likes to make an appearance around this time. And yes, he still loves cat food.