Diving and Snorkeling
You'll find on-site dive shops at several resorts, including BodyHoliday St. Lucia, Sandals Grande, Royal St. Lucia, and Rendezvous in the north; Marigot Bay Resort and Ti Kaye farther south; and Anse Chastanet and Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, in Soufrière. Nearly all dive operators, regardless of their own location, provide transportation from Rodney Bay, Castries, Marigot Bay, or Soufrière. Depending on the season, the particular trip, and whether you rent or have your own gear, prices range from about $40 for a one-tank shore dive and $90 for a two-tank boat dive to $225 to $320 for a six-dive package over three days and $350 to $500 for a 10-dive package over five days—plus a Marine Reserve permit fee of $5 to $15, depending on the number of days. Dive shops provide instruction for all levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced). For beginners, a resort course (pool training), followed by one open-water dive, runs from about $20 to $160, depending on the number of days and dives included. Snorkelers are generally welcome on dive trips and usually pay $60 to $75. All prices usually include taxi/boat transfers, refreshments, and equipment.
Anse Chastanet, near the Pitons on the southwest coast, is the best beach-entry dive site. The underwater reef drops from 20 feet to nearly 140 feet in a stunning coral wall.
A 165-foot freighter, Lesleen M, was deliberately sunk in 60 feet of water near Anse Cochon to create an artificial reef; divers can explore the ship in its entirety and view huge gorgonians, black coral trees, gigantic barrel sponges, lace corals, schooling fish, angelfish, sea horses, spotted eels, stingrays, nurse sharks, and sea turtles.
Anse La Raye, midway up the west coast, is one of Saint Lucia's finest wall and drift dives and a great place for snorkeling.
At the Pinnacles, four coral-encrusted stone piers rise to within 10 feet of the surface.
Superman's Flight is a dramatic drift dive along the steep walls beneath the Pitons. At the base of Petit Piton a spectacular wall drops to 200 feet, where you can view an impressive collection of huge barrel sponges and black coral trees; strong currents ensure good visibility.
Dive Operators
Dive Fair Helen. In operation since 1992 and owned by a Saint Lucian environmentalist, this PADI dive center offers half- and full-day excursions on two custom-built dive boats to wreck, wall, and marine reserve areas, as well as night dives and instruction. Marina Village, Marigot Bay, Castries Quarter. 758/451–7716; www.divefairhelen.com.
Island Divers. At the edge of the National Marine Park, with two reefs and an offshore wreck accessible from shore, this dive shop at Ti Kaye Resort & Spa offers guided shore dives ($40), boat dives, PADI certification, equipment rental, and an extensive list of specialty courses. Hotel transfers available. Ti Kaye Resort & Spa, Off West Coast Rd., Anse La Raye, Anse-la-Raye. 758/456–8110; www.tikaye.com/diving.
Scuba St. Lucia. Daily (and nightly) beach and boat dives and resort and certification courses are available from this PADI 5 Star facility located on Anse Chastanet, and they also have underwater photography and snorkeling equipment. Transportation from the north of the island can be arranged. Anse Chastanet Resort, Anse Chastanet Rd., Soufrière, Soufrière. 758/459–7755; 800/223–1108; www.scubastlucia.com.
