Diving within the Caribbean has been likened to experiencing an underwater carnival. Unique creatures abound in these islands, significantly Saint Lucia, which is a dream for scuba divers all over the place. As you’re diving in heat Saint Lucian waters, expect to see loads of unique fish zooming previous, fascinating wrecks, vibrant coral reefs, and different beautiful underwater options.
What makes scuba diving in Saint Lucia so superior is that the island is surrounded by magnificent reefs at areas which enchantment to divers of all ability ranges. You’ll be able to go for boat dives and even night time dives which provide various experiences. Saint Lucia can also be an excellent alternative for divers as a result of there are all-inclusive resorts like Sandals that are well-known for his or her dive-oriented trip packages. This implies it’ll not be arduous to discover a dive operator who will take you beneath their wing to make sure you get the very best expertise.
Image: Be part of the Sandals dive crew in Saint Lucia. Licensed visitors of any Sandals all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia dive at no cost! This consists of skilled tools.
Whether or not you’re simply beginning off otherwise you’ve been a scuba lover for some time, you’ll have the opportunity to see and expertise a complete new world in Saint Lucia. As you dive off the coasts of this alluring island, you’ll be reminded that scuba diving actually does press the reset button on life, serving to one to study to respect the easy and delightful issues, out and in of the water!
Tip: Keep at any of the three Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia and get entry to facilities of all three resorts. PADI licensed visitors dive at no cost (max. two tanks a day) throughout their whole keep! On high of that, visitors can take pleasure in limitless gourmand meals at 27 eating places, limitless (alcoholic) drinks, water sports activities, golf at two golf courses and extra! It’s all included in your keep.
On this article on the Sandals Weblog:
Saint Lucia scuba sightings
Sandals best dive sites in Saint Lucia
Best time for a dive vacation in Saint Lucia
Why Sandals might be perfect for your next dive vacation
Bonus: Scuba diving alternatives
FAQ’s
Saint Lucia scuba sightings
The nice and cozy tropical waters of Saint Lucia are house to a plethora of marine life that you may get extra conversant in throughout dive periods on the island. Whether or not you go for shallow dives or go into the deep you’re certain to see one thing fascinating.
Widespread dive sightings in Saint Lucia embody snapper, grunts, parrotfish, pufferfish, trumpetfish, lobster, golden-spotted eels, stingrays and manta rays, lionfish, flying gurnard, goatfish, damselfish, chromis, wrasse, noticed drums, frogfish, and the checklist goes on. Relying on the place you dive and the time of your session, you may additionally spot turtles, seahorses, and even barracuda and nurse sharks.
It’s a good suggestion to let your dive operator know what you’re hoping to see whereas reserving your dive journey to allow them to strive to take you to a location the place you’re doubtless to have a run-in.
Sandals greatest dive websites in Saint Lucia
1. Trou Diable (Satan’s Gap)
Picture credit score: Vojce/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Superior
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Should you’ve been diving for some time you then’re extra doubtless to respect Trou Diable. This dive isn’t difficult in any respect, and it revolves round a flat coral reef on the 40 ft mark. Divers can go 100 ft deep and past right here to discover the reef. Beneath the waves there are coral of all sorts, a kaleidoscope of fishes together with grunts and chromis, and the occasional turtle. This reef has been described as among the many healthiest across the island.
2. Keyhole Pinnacle
Picture credit score: Richard Whitcombe/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Superior
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Keyhole is likely one of the most spectacular dive websites in Saint Lucia and never only for the volcanic peaks that protrude virtually straight up to the floor. It appeals to divers as a result of you possibly can virtually all the time spot one thing fascinating or uncommon. Throughout this dive you’ll rise up shut to the 4 peaks which are coated with black and orange gorgonians. You’ll additionally have the opportunity to swim with trumpetfish, grouper, snapper, filefishes, and even seahorses.
3. Fairyland
Picture credit score: In Inexperienced/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Superior
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Because the title suggests, this dive web site is straight out of an undersea fairytale. The vibrancy of the coral and sponges listed here are what make this space stand out most, and because of this it’s a very standard location for underwater pictures. The currents might be robust right here and this has been attributed to simply how clear the pure components have remained over time. The floor slopes step by step from 40 ft to 200 ft, and on this dive, you’re very doubtless to encounter turtles, that are normally pleasant sufficient!
4. Anse Cochon North & South Reef
Picture credit score: tank200bar/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Novice
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Anse Cochon North & South Reef needs to be on the high of your dive checklist throughout your scuba trip in Saint Lucia. These are seashore dives, and the northern reef extends downward to 40 ft at which level it intertwines with Virgin Cove Reef. The South Reef however is shallower (max 30 ft). Each dives are appropriate for newbies or divers who simply need to take it simple. If coral is what you’re extra serious about, go for the northern aspect. In any other case, both finish of the reef will do as reef fish are plentiful. Sightings vary from seahorses, scorpion fish, and cleaner shrimp, to turtles, trumpetfish, eels, squid, octopus, and extra.
5. Anse Chastanet
Picture credit score: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Novice
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Trumpetfish and turtles are frequent sightings on the Anse Chastanet dive web site on the west coast of Saint Lucia. As this space is usually among the finest locations for scuba diving in Saint Lucia, it’s generally beneficial to divers. The reef right here is 15 ft on the shallow finish, extending to round 60 ft which makes it superb for newbies.
6. Coral Gardens
Picture credit score: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Superior
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Coral Gardens might be accessed by way of a ship journey, and that a part of the tour alone is fascinating. It’s within the Soufriere space and as you strategy the majestic Pitons (a World Heritage Web site in Saint Lucia), you’ll merely be awestruck.
Much more amazement is in retailer when you dive down to Coral Gardens which is on the base of Gros Piton which rises 2438 ft excessive. This expertise is actually humbling, and beneath the waves you’ll swim amongst tropical fishes of all varieties, five-finger corals, sargassum triggerfish and typically barracuda in deeper areas. There are numerous juvenile fish at this dive web site which begins at a depth of 15 ft extending downwards to round 90 ft.
7. Rosemond’s Trench
Picture credit score: GOLFX/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Superior
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
You by no means fairly know what to expect on a dive in Saint Lucia. For that motive, it may be arduous to decide the very best place to go. Thankfully, websites like Rosemond’s Trench have already been rated as a “should do” by many divers to the island, which suggests you’re unlikely to be upset after suiting up. Expect to see valleys and trenches, and even a small tunnel which leads to a chimney. The utmost depth of this dive is 36 ft, and also you’re doubtless to spot fish species too quite a few to point out, together with the elusive frogfish – you’re additionally doubtless to encounter turtles and seahorses.
8. Lesleen M Shipwreck
Picture credit score: DiveIvanov/Shutterstock.com
Dive degree: Superior
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
The Lesleen M is a 165-foot cargo vessel which was purposely sunk in 1986 by the Fisheries Division of Saint Lucia. The intention was to create a man-made reef, and right this moment the wreck might be considered off the shore of Anse Cochon on the west coast of Saint Lucia. Anse Cochon is to the south of Marigot Bay and this dive web site has a most depth of 65 ft. Because the ship stays in good type, divers can actually get in there and see how a lot it has reworked over time. On a dive right here you may see issues like lobster, moray eels, frogfish, and different reef fish.
9. Virgin Cove
Picture credit score: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Novice
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
That is the right dive web site for scuba diving newbies. The reef begins off in a shallow space of 15 ft and extends to the 70 ft mark. Issues to see right here embody barrel sponges, mind coral, snappers, grunts, turtles, Atlantic spadefish, and typically stingrays and barracudas towards the deeper finish. This reef is notably formed like a determine “9”, and it’s various, getting extra outlined the deeper you dive.
10. Anse La Raye Wall
Picture credit score: Jesus Cobaleda/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Superior
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Anse La Raye (a fishing village in Saint Lucia) interprets to bay of rays, and the Anse La Raye Wall is one among many dive websites price testing whereas in Saint Lucia. This dive begins at 60 ft on the shallow finish, and goes as deep as 110 ft. The wall is painted with marine lifetime of every kind and also you’ll be enthralled by the vibrancy of the corals and among the creatures you’ll come throughout. You might spot issues like Bermuda chubs, spotted-drums, jacks, and rays, amid sponges and mushy coral of each sort conceivable.
11. Chook Rock
Picture credit score: bayazed/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Novice
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Chook Rock is a widely known congregation web site for birds, because the title suggests. It is usually a marking level for an excellent scuba expedition. This dive web site is an efficient start line for brand new divers with a most depth of 60 ft. When you dive in, you’ll discover the sloping partitions that are coated with coral, and plenty of massive boulders. Many sorts of reef fishes populate this space, and you may additionally spot eagle rays and stingrays.
12. La Roche (The Rock)
Picture credit score: Damseak/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Novice
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
La Roche is close to Rodney Bay – a few quarter mile out. Some individuals select to go deep sea fishing round this space whereas others go for the extra eco-friendly scuba session. La Roche is often known as Barrel ‘O’ Beef, and it’s an islet round which you’ll be able to have a enjoyable crammed dive session. There are underwater trenches on this space in addition to underwater valleys the place lobster, triggerfish, and typically barracuda might be noticed.
13. Superman’s Flight
Picture credit score: goran_safarek/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Superior
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
With a reputation like this, you’ll be proper to anticipate that this dive will probably be a little bit extra thrilling than most. You can begin off on the base of Petit Piton (2619 ft), the smaller of the 2 majestic pitons in Soufriere. Lovers of the wall dive will probably be comfortable to know that this dive extends as deep as 1500 ft, and except for an abundance of dazzling fishes, you’ll marvel on the big fluorescent sponges and gorgonians. This dive web site was named after a scene from the movie Superman II.
14. Dinosaur Reef
Picture credit score: Richard Whitcombe/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Novice
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
You’ll get to swim with brightly coloured parrotfish, moray eels, lobster, and different various creatures of the ocean throughout a dive at Dinosaur Reef. This dive is Pigeon Island and the reef acquired its title as a result of the bottom of this space resembles a sleeping dinosaur. There’s a small freighter underwater right here which you’ll be able to discover round this reef with a most depth of fifty ft.
15. Pigeon Island
Picture credit score: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Novice
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Pigeon Island provides a leisurely dive that begins at 15 ft and progresses to a most depth of 60 ft. This dive is appropriate for newbies who will get to discover the reef and probably see issues like eagle rays, eels, lobsters and typically barracuda. The Pigeon Island reef dive on the base of Pigeon Island begins over a sandy space main to a reef and an space with massive boulders and different outstanding options.
Insider tip: Need to know extra about what issues you possibly can discover on land at Pigeon Island? Our put up Pigeon Island, Saint Lucia: A Gorgeous Slice of History will let you know all you want to know! Pigeon Island Nationwide Park is likely one of the most important sights of this nation island, situated on a 5-minute stroll from all-inclusive resort Sandals Grande St. Lucia.
16. Turtle Reef
Picture credit score: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Superior
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Whilst you can spot turtles round this space, turtles showing at this location have little to do with the title of this dive web site. There are many different issues to see although at this location with a most depth of 140 ft together with pillar corals and barrel sponges, amongst a thriving inhabitants of reef fishes. Turtle Reef is 40 ft on the shallow finish.
17. Piton Wall
Picture credit score: Chanwit Polpakdee/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Superior
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
On the base of Petit Piton, Piton Wall is one other cool dive web site. You’ll love the chance to float round this majestic underwater neighborhood scoping the wall for fascinating sightings and interacting with critters of the undersea. Sea whips, feather duster worms, gorgonians and different mushy corals cowl the wall which stretches down a whole bunch of toes making this a dive crammed with colour and potential for lovers of the ocean.
18. Smugglers Cove
Picture credit score: Damsea/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Novice
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Smugglers Cove is likely one of the most stunning seashores in Saint Lucia. This strand in Cap Property to the acute north of the island is tucked away and infrequently crowded. Newbies will love diving right here as it’s not as deep as among the different websites for extra superior scuba divers – the utmost depth is about 40 ft. Sightings embody flying gurnard, lobster, and trumpetfish, and there are additionally trenches and cabinets which are fascinating to see. You’ll be able to dive from the shore or exit on a ship to start your dive, and the remainder of your social gathering can keep on the shore to benefit from the sunshine!
19. Jambet Level
Picture credit score: Jonathan Hernould/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Superior
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Should you’re searching for a dive for extra skilled divers, Jambet Level may simply be calling your title. This reef is formed like a horseshoe and whereas diving you could spot crabs, lobsters, noticed drums, and infrequently stingrays on the sandy backside. There’s a wall you possibly can discover which is comparatively small, and a flat coral reef. The depth of the reef is about 50 ft.
20. Daini Koyomaru Wreck
Picture credit score: Lynn Archer/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Superior
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
The Daini Koyomaru was a Japanese dredger which was sunk in 1996. Toppled over on the ocean ground, it now serves its function as a man-made reef. The wreck is about 244 ft lengthy and for probably the most half, it’s in a single piece. The wreck is across the 108ft mark, and through this expertise expert divers will probably be ready to swim with pufferfish, French angelfish, and jacks, with sightings of barracuda.
21. Le Sport
Picture credit score: Wealthy Carey/Shutterstock.com
Dive Stage: Novice
Accessible from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
The Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean at this dive web site to the north of Saint Lucia. Situated in Cap Property, the utmost depth of reef exploration on this space is 60 ft. Right here you possibly can spot scorpionfish, flying gurnard, and typically even turtles and rays. As you get deeper into this dive, you may run into issues like barracuda.
Best time for a dive trip in Saint Lucia
It’s virtually all the time a very good time to fly to Saint Lucia for a vacation (particularly in case you plan on diving!). The climate is outstanding and welcoming almost all yr spherical. The typical daytime temperature on the island is 27°C/80°F when it’s winter elsewhere and 30°C/88°F in summertime. Don’t fear about issues getting too scorching although, the commerce winds cool issues off considerably many of the yr. Should you’re having hassle determining when to go, learn our put up on the best time to visit Saint Lucia.
Why Sandals could be good in your subsequent dive trip
Sandals is likely one of the solely resorts within the Caribbean the place scuba diving and tools is included in your keep. Irrespective of which island you go to in your scuba expertise, you’ll be in good palms because the resort will help you with issues like getting PADI licensed in case you aren’t already.
Friends of Sandals additionally don’t want to fear about scuba tools as all of that is included. The one factor you’ll have to hire out is a moist swimsuit (or carry your personal) and a locker within the dive store if wanted.
You get to dive at your personal tempo with Sandals, and don’t essentially have to go for early morning dives in case you’d want to sleep in. You’ll be able to select between morning or afternoon dives, and you too can give enter as to the belongings you’re serious about seeing. Take into account although that morning dives supply a chance to get an early begin, which may typically imply having the ability to go to websites which are additional out and extra thrilling.
Dive operators related to Sandals are pleasant and fascinating. They’ll assist you navigate the diving course of in case you’re new and take a look at to accommodate your requests as soon as issues get rolling alongside. They’ll additionally doubtless take you to extra superior dive websites if they’ll see that you simply’re succesful and assured.
Getting PADI® licensed in Saint Lucia with Sandals is a breeze
Whereas diving is free with Sandals for PADI® licensed visitors, you’ll want to pay the common PADI® related charges in your certification. Should you’re planning on getting licensed throughout your trip, choose to do some e-learning forward of your journey to velocity issues up when you get there. After you’re licensed, you possibly can dive at no cost for the remainder of your trip with up to two tanks per day.
Insider tip: Need to get a head begin? Take a look at among the Sandals Scuba Courses.
Security first!
Dive security is essential regardless of the place you go. Newbies particularly will want to pay particular consideration to all the ideas, directions, and strategies from their dive crew. Even superior scuba divers ought to stick to the fundamentals by way of speaking underwater successfully and following different beneficial security procedures. Divers ought to all the time keep shut to their assigned dive buddy and select respected dive operators like these accessible at Sandals to e book their dive tour. Lastly, look over your tools earlier than you utilize it to make sure that it’s in good situation and appropriate for secure use.
Tip: When heading out on a dive trip contemplate getting dive insurance coverage! This may come in useful within the occasion of medical emergencies or different sudden happenings.
Bonus: Scuba diving alternate options
Those that love scuba diving actually, actually like it. Others might discover completely different choices much less difficult, or just extra entertaining. Should you’re a type of individuals who may simply be accompanying a dive fanatic and wish to know what else you are able to do in Saint Lucia try our picks of the best things to do in Saint Lucia. In order for you a little bit of scuba however don’t need to go all the best way in, strive issues like SNUBA, or go for a snorkeling journey.
Additionally learn: The Ultimate Guide to SNUBA Diving: All You Need To Know. Should you plan on occurring a snorkeling journey, try these useful snorkeling tips for beginners.
FAQ’s
Is Saint Lucia good for diving?
Saint Lucia is a top-ranking dive vacation spot the place over 150 completely different species of fishes might be discovered. Each photographers and dive lovers are in retailer of an thrilling expertise on the island the place divers can discover marine parks, reefs, shipwrecks, and extra. In Saint Lucia, divers get an opportunity to swim amid “the rainforest of the ocean” and see what the day to day is like for a lot of several types of marine life.
What number of world-class diving websites are in Saint Lucia?
Saint Lucia is thought for its wonderful dive websites and whereas on trip you possibly can dive at quite a few world-class areas. Dive websites in Saint Lucia appeal to divers from all around the world.
Are there sharks in Saint Lucia?
Sharks aren’t the commonest sighting in Saint Lucia for divers, however that doesn’t imply there are not any probabilities of recognizing one. You may get fortunate if seeing sharks in actual life is your aim. Possibilities of seeing sharks could also be increased on an evening dive. Whereas seeing sharks isn’t assured, you’re doubtless to see issues like frogfish and barracuda.
Need to begin planning your dive trip at Sandals? Learn extra about what visitors love at every resorts:
Sandals Regency La Toc Review
Sandals Halcyon Beach Review
Sandals Grande St Lucian Review
