Lush mountain surroundings, a large number of seashores, and spectacular diving alternatives within the clearest, bluest seas—all of those are a part of the irresistible name to trip in Saint Lucia.
Picture credit score: blue-sea. cz/Shutterstock.com
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, holding 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 can quickly end up gearing up for the last word snorkeling journey on an island identified and cherished for excellent diving.
However… earlier than you are taking off, you might have questions. Perhaps you need to know concerning the best things to do in Saint Lucia, the place to remain for superb all-inclusive vacations on this island, and particularly what snorkeling in Saint Lucia is de facto like. On this put up, we’ll contact on all these questions, highlighting the final snorkeling places in Saint Lucia and the very 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 Web site and the backdrop of a number of the most superb dive websites within the south of Saint Lucia.
Picture credit score: blue-sea. cz/Shutterstock.com
Divers can spot all types of marine life which have made their house on the base of the Pitons. Underwater, the dual peaks are a part of a dynamic ocean ecosystem that features quite a lot of onerous and mushy corals divers can discover close to shore and additional off.
Even with out heading too far out, snorkelers in Saint Lucia can discover the mushy coral gardens stuffed with 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 if you’re staying in that space, you possibly can count on to tick fairly a couple of off your listing whereas on the island.
In search of a tremendous all-inclusive resort in Castries? Discover the gorgeous crescent seashore at Sandals Regency La Toc, the place meals, drinks, leisure, and snorkeling gear are all included in your package deal!
Ideas for rookies who need to snorkel in Saint Lucia
Many of the actually nice snorkeling websites in Saint Lucia are on the southern aspect of the island. That doesn’t imply there aren’t any good websites within the north, however you’re prone to discover a wider array of snorkeling choices and potential marine life sightings on a number of the island’s southern seashores.
Beginning within the north and heading additional south as you get extra comfy within the water might be a good suggestion in the event you’re a newbie. It’s because most of the snorkel websites within the north are novice-friendly. Even with that stated, there are some nice snorkeling websites for each rookies and extra superior snorkelers within the south of Saint Lucia, which we’ll share extra about under.
Greatest snorkeling spots round Saint Lucia
1. Anse Chastanet Seaside
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.
Picture credit score: blue-sea. cz/Shutterstock.com
Over time, cautious consideration and care of the reefs on 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 house, and chances are high, you will notice quite a lot of of these throughout a dive!
Knowledgeable tip: Anse Chastanet boasts lovely reefs at each ends of the seashore. So, whenever you’re performed exploring one, you possibly can dive into the opposite.
2. Anse Des Pitons (Sugar Seaside)
Anse Des Pitons (Sugar Seaside) in southern Saint Lucia is nice for diving. This dive spot is situated between Saint Lucia’s well-known twin peaks (The Pitons), which provides an impressive really feel. Whereas swimming on this seashore, you possibly can have 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.
Picture credit score: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com
This charming reef at Anse Des Pitons is situated throughout the Anse Piton Marine Protect and might be simply accessed through Sugar Seaside. Benefit from the facilities accessible there, resembling extra water sports activities, handy restrooms, and beachside eating.
3. Anse Cochon Seaside
Anse Cochon Seaside is in Anse La Raye, a small city simply 20 minutes from Castries. This seashore 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.
Picture credit score: Jag_cz/Shutterstock.com
There are two shipwrecks beneath the waves at Anse Cochon Seaside—Lesleen M and Daini Koyomaru. Each have blended seamlessly into their environment and at the moment are house to all types of marine life. Should you plan on diving at this seashore, you possibly can both deliver your individual gear or hire some when you get there. There’s additionally a seashore bar the place meals and drinks might be bought.
4. Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island is a kind of locations you must go to not less than as soon as in Saint Lucia. Situated within the north of the island, this space has many seashores. A few of the greatest ones for snorkeling are contained in the Pigeon Island Nationwide Park. For entry, you’ll must pay an entrance charge of USD$10 for adults and USD$3 for youths (topic to vary). When you pay the admission value, you possibly can snorkel within the space and expertise a number of the best hiking in St. Lucia.
Picture credit score: Benus C Mathurin/Shutterstock.com
If snorkeling is your predominant cause for visiting this park, you must keep in mind a couple of issues. Firstly, attempt to get not less than 15-20 ft from shore and close to the sting of the rocks, the place you’re extra prone to spot varied marine life. Some sea creatures you’ll possible encounter on this location (particularly in the event you snorkel additional out) embrace eagle rays, moray eels, lobster, starfish, anemones, and large barracuda.
Pigeon Island Saint Lucia provides a beautiful slice of historical past. Whereas there, you possibly can hike up Fort Rodney (a relic of the American Revolutionary Battle), 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 within the north of Saint Lucia to your journey? Sandals Grande Saint Lucian is a well-liked alternative for vacationers, particularly these seeking to discover the underwater wonders via diving. Your keep at this resort contains snorkeling and scuba gear (as much as 2 tanks per day), making it a unbelievable alternative for ocean lovers!
5. Smuggler’s Cove Seaside
Tiny and tranquil, Smugglers Cove Seaside is situated in Cap Property in northern Saint Lucia. This cove is identified for its security, and you may really feel safe right here because it’s comfortably tucked into slightly cove. This is usually 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 allure of this seashore.
Picture credit score: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com
So as to add an additional layer of exploration, take into account snorkeling from a ship on this space. Additional out to sea, you’ll be higher in a position to admire the ambiance of this space. Snorkeling sightings right here can embrace flying gurnard, lobster, and large trumpet fish. These creatures reside within the seafloor’s trenches and cabinets, contributing to the realm’s wealthy underwater range. After diving, you possibly can go to the beachside restaurant on the sand to seize a chunk.
6. Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is just mesmerizing, and chances are high, when you go there, you’ll be hooked. This group is within the northern finish of Saint Lucia, nearly quarter-hour from Castries. There are a number of seashores within the Marigot space, however the hottest is the seashore accessible through the ferry service. When you’re on the ferry pick-up level, hop on for a small charge and head straight to the seashore.
Picture credit score: Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock.com
Marigot Seaside 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 within the waters, notably on the outer edges of the bay.
7. Rodney Bay/ Reduit Seaside
Reduit Seaside is in Rodney Bay within the north of Saint Lucia. This upbeat and scenic seashore has loads of aquatic wonders. The most effective snorkeling spots are away from the primary bathing space. Chances are you’ll must discover additional alongside the coast and into the deeper sea to seek out them. Newbie snorkelers will take pleasure in a session right here most, with the tranquil and crystal-clear water including to the enchantment.
Picture credit score: Umomos/Shutterstock.com
Should you select the suitable spot alongside the shoreline, you’ll encounter a mesmerizing world of fish, crabs, and eels. The intensive stretch of Reduit Seaside 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 the event you spend the day right here. Proper on the seashore, Spinnakers Restaurant is a unbelievable possibility for a fast and satisfying chunk.
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 comfy as you discover Saint Lucia’s waters.
The most effective time to snorkel in Saint Lucia
The most effective time to snorkel in Saint Lucia is… everytime you really feel prefer it! Actually and actually, there isn’t a foul time to snorkel on this island as that is an exercise you possibly can take pleasure in all 12 months spherical. We admit that some components of the 12 months provide extra optimum snorkeling, notably mid-December to mid-April. These months are usually thought-about the very 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 seashore days.
Picture credit score: ABS Pure Historical past/Shutterstock.com
Sea temperatures in the course of 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 take pleasure in nice diving nearly yearly.
Snorkeling in Saint Lucia– The alternatives are limitless
Saint Lucia is house to a number of the most interesting snorkel websites within the Caribbean. Surrounded on all sides by clear blue seas, it received’t be onerous to seek out snorkel websites on this island. If 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 the very best spots, you would possibly need to take into account lodging choices like Sandals’ all-inclusive resorts, which make diving simple for lovers of the ocean. Our all-inclusive resort at Halcyon Beach is an effective alternative in case your journey will embrace numerous exploration. Sandals Regency La Toc, additionally situated beachside, is a splendid alternative. Each resorts provide 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 superb reasons to visit Saint Lucia, and add some extra to the listing whilst you’re at it!
