Diving within the Caribbean has been likened to experiencing an underwater carnival. Unique creatures abound in these islands, notably Saint Lucia, which is a dream for scuba divers in every single place. As you’re diving in heat Saint Lucian waters, anticipate 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 attraction to divers of all talent ranges. You may go for boat dives and even night time dives which provide numerous experiences. Saint Lucia can be an awesome selection 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 laborious to discover a dive operator who will take you underneath their wing to make sure you get the most effective expertise.
Image: Be a part of the Sandals dive workforce in Saint Lucia. Licensed friends of any Sandals all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia dive without cost! This contains skilled gear.
Whether or not you’re simply beginning off otherwise you’ve been a scuba lover for some time, you’ll be capable to see and expertise an entire 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 be taught to understand the straightforward and exquisite 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 friends dive without cost (max. two tanks a day) throughout their total keep! On high of that, friends can get pleasure from limitless connoisseur 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 which you could get extra accustomed to throughout dive classes on the island. Whether or not you go for shallow dives or go into the deep you’re certain to see one thing fascinating.
Frequent 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 might also 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 attempt to take you to a location the place you’re prone to have a run-in.
Sandals finest dive websites in Saint Lucia
1. Trou Diable (Satan’s Gap)
Picture credit score: Vojce/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Superior
Obtainable from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
When you’ve been diving for some time you then’re extra prone to admire Trou Diable. This dive isn’t sophisticated 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 kinds, 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 Degree: Superior
Obtainable from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Keyhole is among the most spectacular dive websites in Saint Lucia and never only for the volcanic peaks that protrude virtually straight as much as the floor. It appeals to divers as a result of you possibly can virtually at all times spot one thing attention-grabbing or uncommon. Throughout this dive you’ll stand up near the 4 peaks which can be lined with black and orange gorgonians. You’ll additionally be capable to swim with trumpetfish, grouper, snapper, filefishes, and even seahorses.
3. Fairyland
Picture credit score: In Inexperienced/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Superior
Obtainable 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 below are what make this space stand out most, and for that reason it’s a very fashionable location for underwater images. The currents could be robust right here and this has been attributed to simply how clear the pure components have remained over time. The floor slopes steadily from 40 ft to 200 ft, and on this dive, you’re very prone to encounter turtles, that are normally pleasant sufficient!
4. Anse Cochon North & South Reef
Picture credit score: tank200bar/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Novice
Obtainable from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Anse Cochon North & South Reef ought 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 alternatively is shallower (max 30 ft). Each dives are appropriate for novices or divers who simply need to take it simple. If coral is what you’re extra involved in, go for the northern facet. 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 Degree: Novice
Obtainable from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Trumpetfish and turtles are widespread sightings on the Anse Chastanet dive web site on the west coast of Saint Lucia. As this space is usually among the best 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 ultimate for novices.
6. Coral Gardens
Picture credit score: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Superior
Obtainable from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Coral Gardens could 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 all the way down to Coral Gardens which is on the base of Gros Piton which rises 2438 ft excessive. This expertise is really humbling, and under the waves you’ll swim amongst tropical fishes of all varieties, five-finger corals, sargassum triggerfish and generally 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 Degree: Superior
Obtainable from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
You by no means fairly know what to anticipate on a dive in Saint Lucia. For that motive, it may be laborious to choose the most effective place to go. Luckily, 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 disillusioned after suiting up. Anticipate to see valleys and trenches, and even a small tunnel which results in a chimney. The utmost depth of this dive is 36 ft, and also you’re prone to spot fish species too quite a few to say, together with the elusive frogfish – you’re additionally prone to encounter turtles and seahorses.
8. Lesleen M Shipwreck
Picture credit score: DiveIvanov/Shutterstock.com
Dive degree: Superior
Obtainable 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 immediately the wreck could 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 would possibly see issues like lobster, moray eels, frogfish, and different reef fish.
9. Virgin Cove
Picture credit score: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Novice
Obtainable from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
That is the proper 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 generally stingrays and barracudas towards the deeper finish. This reef is notably formed like a determine “9”, and it’s numerous, getting extra outlined the deeper you dive.
10. Anse La Raye Wall
Picture credit score: Jesus Cobaleda/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Superior
Obtainable 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 trying out 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 all types and also you’ll be enthralled by the vibrancy of the corals and a few of the creatures you’ll come throughout. It’s possible you’ll spot issues like Bermuda chubs, spotted-drums, jacks, and rays, amid sponges and gentle coral of each sort possible.
11. Chicken Rock
Picture credit score: bayazed/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Novice
Obtainable from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Chicken Rock is a widely known congregation web site for birds, because the title suggests. It is usually a marking level for an awesome scuba expedition. This dive web site is an effective start line for brand spanking new divers with a most depth of 60 ft. When you dive in, you’ll discover the sloping partitions that are lined with coral, and plenty of giant boulders. Many sorts of reef fishes populate this space, and you might also spot eagle rays and stingrays.
12. La Roche (The Rock)
Picture credit score: Damseak/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Novice
Obtainable from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
La Roche is close to Rodney Bay – a few quarter mile out. Some folks select to go deep sea fishing round this space whereas others go for the extra eco-friendly scuba session. La Roche is also referred to as Barrel ‘O’ Beef, and it’s an islet round which you’ll have a enjoyable stuffed dive session. There are underwater trenches on this space in addition to underwater valleys the place lobster, triggerfish, and generally barracuda could be noticed.
13. Superman’s Flight
Picture credit score: goran_safarek/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Superior
Obtainable 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 somewhat 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 other than an abundance of dazzling fishes, you’ll marvel on the enormous 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 Degree: Novice
Obtainable 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 numerous 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 discover round this reef with a most depth of fifty ft.
15. Pigeon Island
Picture credit score: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Novice
Obtainable from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Pigeon Island affords 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 generally barracuda. The Pigeon Island reef dive on the base of Pigeon Island begins over a sandy space resulting in a reef and an space with giant boulders and different distinguished options.
Insider tip: Wish to know extra about what issues you possibly can discover on land at Pigeon Island? Our publish Pigeon Island, Saint Lucia: A Gorgeous Slice of History will inform you all you want to know! Pigeon Island Nationwide Park is among the predominant sights of this nation island, positioned on a 5-minute stroll from all-inclusive resort Sandals Grande St. Lucia.
16. Turtle Reef
Picture credit score: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Superior
Obtainable 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 Degree: Superior
Obtainable 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 drift round this majestic underwater group scoping the wall for attention-grabbing sightings and interacting with critters of the undersea. Sea whips, feather duster worms, gorgonians and different gentle corals cowl the wall which stretches down lots of of toes making this a dive full of coloration and potential for lovers of the ocean.
18. Smugglers Cove
Picture credit score: Damsea/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Novice
Obtainable from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
Smugglers Cove is among the most stunning seashores in Saint Lucia. This strand in Cap Property to the acute north of the island is tucked away and barely crowded. Learners will love diving right here as it’s not as deep as a few of 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 can be attention-grabbing to see. You may dive from the shore or exit on a ship to start your dive, and the remainder of your get together can keep on the shore to benefit from the sunshine!
19. Jambet Level
Picture credit score: Jonathan Hernould/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Superior
Obtainable from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon
When you’re in search of a dive for extra skilled divers, Jambet Level would possibly simply be calling your title. This reef is formed like a horseshoe and whereas diving you might spot crabs, lobsters, noticed drums, and sometimes 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 Degree: Superior
Obtainable 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 flooring, it now serves its function as a man-made reef. The wreck is about 244 ft lengthy and for essentially the most half, it’s in a single piece. The wreck is across the 108ft mark, and through this expertise expert divers will be capable to swim with pufferfish, French angelfish, and jacks, with sightings of barracuda.
21. Le Sport
Picture credit score: Wealthy Carey/Shutterstock.com
Dive Degree: Novice
Obtainable 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 generally even turtles and rays. As you get deeper into this dive, you would possibly run into issues like barracuda.
Greatest time for a dive trip in Saint Lucia
It’s virtually at all times a great time to fly to Saint Lucia for a vacation (particularly in the event you plan on diving!). The climate is outstanding and alluring 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 sizzling although, the commerce winds cool issues off considerably many of the yr. When you’re having hassle determining when to go, learn our publish on the best time to visit Saint Lucia.
Why Sandals is perhaps excellent on your subsequent dive trip
Sandals is among the solely resorts within the Caribbean the place scuba diving and gear is included in your keep. Irrespective of which island you go to on your scuba expertise, you’ll be in good fingers because the resort will help you with issues like getting PADI licensed in the event you aren’t already.
Company of Sandals additionally don’t want to fret about scuba gear as all of that is included. The one factor you’ll need to lease out is a moist swimsuit (or convey 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 need to go for early morning dives in the event you’d desire to sleep in. You may select between morning or afternoon dives, and you can too give enter as to the stuff you’re involved in seeing. Take into account although that morning dives supply a possibility to get an early begin, which might generally imply with the ability to go to websites which can be additional out and extra thrilling.
Dive operators related to Sandals are pleasant and fascinating. They’ll show you how to navigate the diving course of in the event you’re new and attempt to accommodate your requests as soon as issues get rolling alongside. They’ll additionally doubtless take you to extra superior dive websites if they will see that you just’re succesful and assured.
Getting PADI® licensed in Saint Lucia with Sandals is a breeze
Whereas diving is free with Sandals for PADI® licensed friends, you’ll have to pay the common PADI® related charges on your certification. When you’re planning on getting licensed throughout your trip, choose to do some e-learning forward of your journey to hurry issues up when you get there. After you’re licensed, you possibly can dive without cost for the remainder of your trip with as much as two tanks per day.
Insider tip: Wish to get a head begin? Take a look at a few of the Sandals Scuba Courses.
Security first!
Dive security is essential regardless of the place you go. Learners particularly might want to pay particular consideration to all the information, directions, and options from their dive workforce. Even superior scuba divers ought to keep on with the fundamentals by way of speaking underwater successfully and following different beneficial security procedures. Divers ought to at all times keep near their assigned dive buddy and select respected dive operators like these obtainable at Sandals to e-book their dive tour. Lastly, look over your gear earlier than you employ it to ensure it’s in good situation and appropriate for secure use.
Tip: When heading out on a dive trip think about getting dive insurance coverage! It will 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 find it irresistible. Others could discover totally different choices much less difficult, or just extra entertaining. When you’re a type of individuals who would possibly simply be accompanying a dive fanatic and need to know what else you are able to do in Saint Lucia take a look at our picks of the best things to do in Saint Lucia. If you need a little bit of scuba however don’t need to go all the way in which in, strive issues like SNUBA, or go for a snorkeling journey.
Additionally learn: The Ultimate Guide to SNUBA Diving: All You Need To Know. When you plan on occurring a snorkeling journey, take a look at these helpful 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 totally different species of fishes could 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 after day is like for a lot of various kinds 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 entice divers from everywhere in 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 possibilities of recognizing one. You would possibly get fortunate if seeing sharks in actual life is your purpose. Possibilities of seeing sharks could also be increased on an evening dive. Whereas seeing sharks isn’t assured, you’re prone to see issues like frogfish and barracuda.
Wish to begin planning your dive trip at Sandals? Learn extra about what friends love at every resorts:
Sandals Regency La Toc Review
Sandals Halcyon Beach Review
Sandals Grande St Lucian Review
