The twin volcanic spires of the Piton Mountains, surrounded by miles of unspoiled rainforest, make St. Lucia a nature-lover’s paradise. However, it’s the underwater seascapes that draw scuba divers here. Similar to the above water landscape, you can dive pinnacles covered by coral, sponges and gorgonians in an array of different colors. You’ll also find coral reefs, sheer walls and shipwrecks that are full of marine life. Drift through Soufriere Marine Park and marvel at the beauty and diversity of the protected area. The natural charm of Saint Lucia provides the perfect backdrop for adventure and exploration.

Great Dives

• Anse Chastanet – Located in the marine park, this shallow reef is popular for both diving and snorkeling. With more than 150 different fish species on the reef, this site is a favorite for photographers.
• Lesleen M – This 50-metre/165-foot freighter was purpose-sunk in 1986 to provide an artificial reef. It’s covered in soft coral and sponges, and is a habitat for many juvenile fish. Resting on sand in 18 metres/60 feet of water, the accessible interior hosts soldierfish, angelfish, lobsters and moray eels, as well as hawksbill turtles.
• Turtle Reef – Starting at 12 metres/50 feet, this reef drops off quickly into the deep blue. Named more for it’s crescent shape than for it’s attraction of turtles, you are still likely to spy a few hawksbill and green turtles here. With lots of different corals and sponges, this reef also attracts a variety of fish life.
• Anse La Raye Wall – A spectacular drift dive along a wall, this site is rich in coral and marine life. Look for brightly colored fire coral in the shallow areas and purple vase sponges, barrel sponges, and soft coral down deeper. Watch for rays, from which the site takes its name.
• Daini Koyomaru – This Japanese dredger was purpose-sunk in 1996. It rests on its side, so it’s 24 metres/80 feet of width acts as a wall to dive along. At 74 metres/244 feet long, this wreck offers lots to see and is habitat for French angelfish, jacks, barracuda, puffer fish and green moray eels.
• Jalousie – Situated at the base of the Gros Piton, this reef slopes off at about 45 degrees to depth. It has lots of schooling fish, Creole wrasse and jacks along with a great range of different corals, gorgonians and massive barrel sponges.

Want to know more? Visit ScubaEarth® for further information on thousands of dive sites, marine species, destination essentials and more.

Dive Summary:

Visibility – Visibility varies from 6 metres/20 feet to more than 60 metres/200 feet depending on the site and weather conditions.

Water Temperature – The water is around 26°C/79°F in winter and 28°C/84°F in summer.

Weather – St. Lucia enjoys trade winds that provide cooling breezes most of the year with average daytime temperature about 27°C/80°F in winter and 30°C/88°F in summer. Rainy season is between June and September, which coincides with the Caribbean’s hurricane season. Diving is great all year.

Featured Creatures – French Angelfish, chromis, frogfish and Sergeant Majors are key fish to spot. Look for colorful longsnout seahorses on most dives. Hawksbill and green turtles can be found swimming leisurely along many reefs. Huge barrel sponges and colorful tube sponges dot the reefs.

Recommended Training – The PADI Drift Diver course is recommended for the drift dives along walls and pinnacles. The PADI Wreck Diver course is a good idea for visiting the two purpose-sunk wrecks. The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course will help you get the best shots.

Travel Info

Note – Travel to any destination may be adversely affected by conditions including (but not limited) to security, entry and exit requirements, health conditions, local laws and culture, natural disasters and climate. Regardless of your destination, check your local travel advisory board or department for travel advice about that location when planning your trip and again shortly before you leave.

Language – English is the official language, but islanders commonly use Patios or French-Creole.

Currency – Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC). Credit cards are widely accepted.

Major Airports – International flights arrive at Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort and domestic flights go into George F. L. Charles Inter Island Airport in Castries.

Electricity and Internet – 220 volts, 50 Hz. Internet is available in hotels and internet cafes. 

Topside Attractions – Hike up the mountains and explore the Edmund Forest Reserve. Visit the Sulphur Springs to see a large area of hot springs and steam vents. Stroll through some of the gardens and tour a cocoa plantation. Take the Castries Heritage Walking Tour through the city of Castries.

Locate PADI Dive Shops and Resorts in St. Lucia

Information links:
Stlucianow.com
Visitslu.com