10 Reasons to Dive St. Lucia
Solomon BakshSt. Lucia's Colorful Dive Sites
One of the best things about St. Lucia is its beautiful dive sites! Whether you're in the mood for schools of creole wrasse at dive site Fairyland or wanting to check out the magnificent colors of Keyhole Pinnacles, St. Lucia is where you need to be.
Courtesy Artificial Reef Society of British ColumbiaThe Iconic Pitons
The Pitons, two beautiful mountain-like volcanic spires, sit on either side of the Jalousie Bay in St. Lucia.
1. THE TINIEST ATTRACTIONS
Green, black, yellow, white — these are just a few colors of frogfish at sites such as the 25-foot-deep Anse Cochon South. Dive St. Lucia
2. HOP ON BOARD
Head to Cas en Bas beach on the island’s northern end, and check out Kitesurfing St. Lucia. November through April, the warm trade winds make the spot popular with kiteboarders from across the globe.
3. SPRINGS SPA
St. Lucia is home to the world’s only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs; plus mud baths and hot springs. You’ll notice a rotten-egg smell — that’s the sulphur, which, if you can overlook the scent, works wonders on the skin.
4. WATERY CRATERS
Underwater, the volcanic substrate supercharges everything taking root. Filter-feeding sponges pop up in hot pink, neon yellow and hazard orange. At a few sites, including Superman’s Flight, you’ll even get to dive a crater.
5. ECO TREKS
There’s something romantic about hiking through the rainforest to a secluded waterfall. Much of the land is undeveloped, creating a perfect setting for hiking, mountain biking and zip lining.
6. NEWBIES WELCOME
“This island specializes in relaxed diving,” says Steve Smith of Scuba Steve’s Diving. “It’s perfect for those who’ve never been underwater.”
7. RESERVED SPOTS
Ask a local diver his favorite site, and he’ll likely name one within Soufriere Marine Management Reserve. For some, it’s the vibrant colors of Keyhole Pinnacles; for others, it’s Fairyland, for its schools of creole wrasse.
8. ROMANCE INCLUDED
To date, it’s the only destination featured twice on the TV show The Bachelor. Part of the appeal comes from mountaintop resorts — some of which boast three-walled rooms with plunge pools.
9. SHIPWRECK SURPRISES
The Lesleen M was purpose-sunk to give sanctuary to green morays and schooling snapper. The Daini Koyomaru wreck is more challenging: It’s in current-prone waters, where the payoff is swimming with French angelfish and barracuda.
10. BEACH HAVENS
The beaches here — choose white, gold or black sand — are quiet, making them ideal for those looking to play in the water or laze about. For concessions, try Anse Chastanet beach just a mile from the town of Soufriere.
