Everyone’s heard about St Lucia’s natural wonders above ground, but did you know that the underwater scenery is just as epic? Deep below the sea lies a volcano, the bottom side of St Lucia. With spectacular coral formations, coloured sponges and marine fauna, it’s a haven for the diver whether experienced or beginner. There’s a huge selection of sites for diving in St Lucia, from easy reefs to demanding drift dives – plenty to note in your logbook and make friends envious at home.
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy resort is world-renowned for its superb situation and diving opportunities. It also boasts a PADI Dive Centre, with highly trained instructors to teach and guide you to the best sites for diving in St Lucia. Little wonder enthusiasts flock here.
Just steps from the resort are the clear waters of Anse des Pitons, gateway to a National Marine Reserve that runs from the base of the Gros Piton to the base of the Petit Piton. Look out for bright orange sponges and big barrel sponges at Superman’s Flight, seahorses and other aquatic life at the Piton Wall, plunging down hundreds of feet, and Hawksbill and Green Turtles at Turtle Reef in the bay of Anse Chastanet. The reef here teems with Moray Eels, Parrotfish, Blennies, crabs and Needle Fish, and leads to Fairyland, another stunning site with a plateau of coral and large schools of fish. At the end is a colourful wall, ideal for drift diving when the current is right.
And for beginners and newly certified divers? Just steps from the beach is Sugar Beach Reef, a great place for anyone looking to try scuba diving in St Lucia for the first time.