Lush mountain surroundings, a large number of seashores, and spectacular diving alternatives in the clearest, bluest seas—all of those are a part of the irresistible name to trip in Saint Lucia.
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This island is undeniably one of many picturesque locations you might need encountered in a journey journal. Maybe you’ve even torn out the web page, preserving it shut as a reminder to prioritize a tropical getaway. Effectively, guess what? The second you envisioned would possibly simply be upon you. If that’s the case, you could possibly quickly end up gearing up for the final word snorkeling journey on an island recognized and beloved for excellent diving.
However… earlier than you are taking off, you’ll have questions. Perhaps you need to know concerning the best things to do in Saint Lucia, the place to remain for wonderful all-inclusive vacations on this island, and particularly what snorkeling in Saint Lucia is basically like. On this submit, we’ll contact on all these questions, highlighting the final snorkeling places in Saint Lucia and one of the best time to go. Let the adventures start!
What to anticipate when snorkeling in Saint Lucia
As a mountainous, volcanic island, Saint Lucia is known for its white, sandy seashores, vibrant and widespread vegetation, off-the-beaten-path waterfalls, and landmarks like The Pitons. The latter are twin peaks on the island’s west coast between the communities of Soufrière and Choiseul. These mountains are collectively a World Heritage Website and the backdrop of among the most wonderful dive websites in the south of Saint Lucia.
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Divers can spot all types of marine life which have made their residence on the base of the Pitons. Underwater, the dual peaks are a part of a dynamic ocean ecosystem that features quite a lot of exhausting and comfortable corals divers can discover close to shore and additional off.
Even with out heading too far out, snorkelers in Saint Lucia can discover the comfortable coral gardens full of followers, plumes, colourful sponges, and many sea life, together with squid, sea turtles, eels, tropical fish, and a lot extra. Many snorkeling spots in Saint Lucia aren’t too removed from Castries, the capital metropolis, so in case you are staying in that space, you possibly can count on to tick fairly a number of off your listing whereas on the island.
Searching for a tremendous all-inclusive resort in Castries? Discover the attractive crescent seaside at Sandals Regency La Toc, the place meals, drinks, leisure, and snorkeling gear are all included in your package deal!
Ideas for novices who need to snorkel in Saint Lucia
A lot of the actually nice snorkeling websites in Saint Lucia are on the southern facet of the island. That doesn’t imply there aren’t any good websites in the north, however you’re prone to discover a wider array of snorkeling choices and potential marine life sightings on among the island’s southern seashores.
Beginning in the north and heading additional south as you get extra comfy in the water may be a good suggestion in case you’re a newbie. It’s because lots of the snorkel websites in the north are novice-friendly. Even with that stated, there are some nice snorkeling websites for each novices and extra superior snorkelers in the south of Saint Lucia, which we’ll share extra about beneath.
Best snorkeling spots round Saint Lucia
1. Anse Chastanet Seashore
Anse Chastanet Beach is on the southern finish of Saint Lucia, in Soufrière. It’s a highly regarded dive location, with quick access to the Anse Chastanet Reef close to the shore. The reef is buoyed off, so no boats can get close to it, which works nicely for the preservation of the reef itself.
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Over time, cautious consideration and care of the reefs in this space have allowed them to develop superbly, attracting a variety of marine life, together with sergeant majors, parrot fish, trumpet fish, angel fish, needlefish, sea turtles, octopus, peacock flounders, puffers, and even seahorses. Over 150 species of fish name this reef residence, and likelihood is, you will notice quite a lot of of these throughout a dive!
Skilled tip: Anse Chastanet boasts lovely reefs at each ends of the seaside. So, while you’re completed exploring one, you possibly can dive into the opposite.
2. Anse Des Pitons (Sugar Seashore)
Anse Des Pitons (Sugar Seashore) in southern Saint Lucia is nice for diving. This dive spot is positioned between Saint Lucia’s well-known twin peaks (The Pitons), which provides an impressive really feel. Whereas swimming on this seaside, you possibly can take a look at the towering Petit Piton, which stands at 743 m (2,438 ft), earlier than diving in for snorkeling. This dive web site is fairly deep, and also you would possibly see parrotfish, trumpet fish, moray eels, eagle rays, scorpion fish, and extra.
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This fascinating reef at Anse Des Pitons is positioned inside the Anse Piton Marine Protect and may be simply accessed through Sugar Seashore. Benefit from the facilities obtainable there, corresponding to extra water sports activities, handy restrooms, and beachside eating.
3. Anse Cochon Seashore
Anse Cochon Seashore is in Anse La Raye, a small city simply 20 minutes from Castries. This seaside has darkish sand, calm seas, and good visibility on most days for divers. The coral reefs at Anse Cochon are close to shore and a part of the Nationwide Marine Reserve. Sightings right here can embrace lionfish, sharp-tail eels, shrimp, trumpet fish, stingrays, and extra.
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There are two shipwrecks beneath the waves at Anse Cochon Seashore—Lesleen M and Daini Koyomaru. Each have blended seamlessly into their environment and are actually residence to all types of marine life. In case you plan on diving at this seaside, you possibly can both deliver your personal gear or hire some when you get there. There’s additionally a seaside bar the place meals and drinks may be bought.
4. Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island is a kind of locations you need to go to at the least as soon as in Saint Lucia. Situated in the north of the island, this space has many seashores. A number of the finest ones for snorkeling are contained in the Pigeon Island Nationwide Park. For entry, you’ll have to pay an entrance payment of USD$10 for adults and USD$3 for teenagers (topic to alter). When you pay the admission value, you possibly can snorkel in the realm and expertise among the best hiking in St. Lucia.
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If snorkeling is your essential purpose for visiting this park, you need to bear in mind a number of issues. Firstly, attempt to get at the least 15-20 ft from shore and close to the sting of the rocks, the place you’re extra prone to spot numerous marine life. Some sea creatures you’ll seemingly encounter in this location (particularly in case you snorkel additional out) embrace eagle rays, moray eels, lobster, starfish, anemones, and large barracuda.
Pigeon Island Saint Lucia gives a stunning slice of historical past. Whereas there, you possibly can hike up Fort Rodney (a relic of the American Revolutionary Struggle), which is instructional and enjoyable. From the highest of the Fort, you’ll have a panoramic view of the waters and close by communities surrounding Pigeon Island.
Insider tip: Trying to find the perfect lodging in the north of Saint Lucia on your journey? Sandals Grande Saint Lucian is a well-liked selection for vacationers, particularly these seeking to discover the underwater wonders by diving. Your keep at this resort contains snorkeling and scuba gear (as much as 2 tanks per day), making it a implausible selection for ocean lovers!
5. Smuggler’s Cove Seashore
Tiny and tranquil, Smugglers Cove Seashore is positioned in Cap Property in northern Saint Lucia. This cove is recognized for its security, and you’ll really feel safe right here because it’s comfortably tucked into a bit of cove. This could be a great spot for snorkeling, providing spectacular views with out the necessity to enterprise removed from the shore. Sea turtles and fish are often noticed close to the water’s edge, including to the attraction of this seaside.
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To add an additional layer of exploration, contemplate snorkeling from a ship in this space. Additional out to sea, you’ll be higher capable of admire the ambiance of this space. Snorkeling sightings right here can embrace flying gurnard, lobster, and large trumpet fish. These creatures dwell in the seafloor’s trenches and cabinets, contributing to the realm’s wealthy underwater variety. After diving, you possibly can go to the beachside restaurant on the sand to seize a chew.
6. Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is just mesmerizing, and likelihood is, when you go there, you’ll be hooked. This group is in the northern finish of Saint Lucia, nearly quarter-hour from Castries. There are a number of seashores in the Marigot space, however the hottest is the seaside accessible through the ferry service. When you’re on the ferry pick-up level, hop on for a small payment and head straight to the seaside.
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Marigot Seashore is shallow and nice for snorkelers who’re simply beginning out. There’s additionally good visibility on most days. Across the coral reef in Marigot Bay, snorkelers usually encounter seahorses. Additional offshore, there’s extra to see in the waters, notably on the outer edges of the bay.
7. Rodney Bay/ Reduit Seashore
Reduit Seashore is in Rodney Bay in the north of Saint Lucia. This upbeat and scenic seaside has loads of aquatic wonders. The finest snorkeling spots are away from the primary bathing space. Chances are you’ll have to discover additional alongside the coast and into the deeper sea to seek out them. Newbie snorkelers will get pleasure from a session right here most, with the tranquil and crystal-clear water including to the enchantment.
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In case you select the fitting spot alongside the shoreline, you’ll encounter a mesmerizing world of fish, crabs, and eels. The in depth stretch of Reduit Seashore invitations leisurely strolls at any time of the day, making a relaxed ambiance. With quite a few eating places, outlets, and bars in Rodney Bay, you may don’t have any brief provide of issues to do in case you spend the day right here. Proper on the seaside, Spinnakers Restaurant is a implausible possibility for a fast and satisfying chew.
Insider tip: Staying at an all-inclusive resort in Rodney Bay and need to strive snorkeling for the primary time whereas there? Our snorkeling tips for beginners will make sure you really feel assured and cozy as you discover Saint Lucia’s waters.
The finest time to snorkel in Saint Lucia
The finest time to snorkel in Saint Lucia is… everytime you really feel prefer it! Actually and really, there isn’t a foul time to snorkel on this island as that is an exercise you possibly can get pleasure from all 12 months spherical. We admit that some elements of the 12 months supply extra optimum snorkeling, notably mid-December to mid-April. These months are usually thought-about one of the best time to snorkel on this island and coincide with the height season, which is the best time to visit St. Lucia. There may be usually much less rain throughout this time, offering extra uninterrupted seaside days.
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Sea temperatures throughout the peak season common round 79°F. Throughout this time, the water additionally tends to be calm and clear on most days, making it a good time to go diving, whether or not snorkeling or scuba diving. Total, Saint Lucia is a sunny and heat climate vacation spot the place you’ll get pleasure from nice diving virtually yearly.
Snorkeling in Saint Lucia– The decisions are infinite
Saint Lucia is residence to among the most interesting snorkel websites in the Caribbean. Surrounded on all sides by clear blue seas, it received’t be exhausting to seek out snorkel websites on this island. While you go snorkeling on this island, simply know that your love and appreciation for the undersea will certainly burn stronger after seeing some mesmerizing sights.
For a visit to Saint Lucia that features diving at one of the best spots, you would possibly need to contemplate lodging choices like Sandals’ all-inclusive resorts, which make diving straightforward for lovers of the ocean. Our all-inclusive resort at Halcyon Beach is an effective selection in case your journey will embrace a lot of exploration. Sandals Regency La Toc, additionally positioned beachside, is a splendid selection. Each resorts supply stellar lodging, world-class eating places, day and night time leisure, an ocean of watersports, guided snorkeling excursions, and entry to dive gear. Plus, throughout your keep, you’ll be capable of discover these wonderful reasons to visit Saint Lucia, and add some extra to the listing when you’re at it!
