St Lucia
St Lucia is one of the most visually stunning Caribbean islands and a favourite destination for divers and snorkellers.
An island dominated by dramatic volcanic peaks, St Lucia is one of the most visually stunning islands in the Caribbean and a favourite holiday destination. The island is home to towering mountains bedecked in lush rainforest, wonderful beaches and excellent scuba diving.
Part of the Eastern Caribbean region, St Lucia’s history and culture is as rich as her natural wonders. A melting pot of cultures and peoples including Carib, Afro-Caribbean, English, French and Dutch, the island offers a warm welcome to visitors throughout the year, with a range of festivals and events, including the St Lucia Carnival in June and July.
St Lucia
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Highlights
- Dive beneath the towering Pitons’ volcanic slopes
- Encounter turtles and seahorses on colourful reefs
- Explore wrecks surrounded by swirling tropical fish
St Lucia Resorts & Hotels
Bay Gardens Inn
An authentic Caribbean style accommodation occupying an enviable location in Rodney Bay, St Lucia. The Inn features 33 rooms set…
8 days from £1,965
Harmony Marina Suites
Set in a British colonial style building and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the Harmony Marina Suites enjoys an enviable…
8 days from £1,835
Gallery
St Lucia Information
Diving in St Lucia
St Lucia’s natural beauty continues below the waterline, with excellent diving along her entire western coastline. St Lucia’s diving is characterised by clear, calm waters with an average temperature between 26-29°C.
In total, St Lucia has over 25 dive sites to explore and divers can explore its volcanic pinnacles, sheer walls, shipwrecks and colourful coral reefs. The northern reaches offer a wide variety of scenery with a higher chance of larger marine life such as turtles and rays. Farther south, the Soufriere Marine Reserve is home to some of St Lucia’s most famous dive sites.
Marine life
Nearly 500 fish species inhabit these waters. Divers can delight in sightings of parrot fish, angel fish, and butterfly fish mingling with schools of reef fish weaving through sea whips and gardens of soft coral. The vibrant coral formations include both brain coral and colourful sponges. Tucked among these thriving ecosystems are unusual tropical marine life treasures for both novice and advanced scuba divers—keen eyes may spot elusive frogfish and scorpionfish, or even sea horses and gold-spotted moray eels peeking from rocky crevices.
Out in the blue expanse of the Caribbean Sea, eagle rays and, on occasion, the majestic manta rays can be seen gliding gracefully, while sea turtles are regular visitors to celebrated spots like Turtle Reef. The island’s underwater world is popular amongst advanced scuba divers seeking the thrill of exploring deeper reef plateaux and dramatic drop-offs, where you may just catch a glimpse of an occasionally passing stingray. From bustling fish life and remarkable biodiversity to rare encounters with hawksbill turtles, this is a place where your diving adventure may just surprise you at every turn.
Dive Sites
Saint Lucia is renowned for its beautiful dive sites, many of which are just a short boat ride away, with morning dives and even exhilarating night dives that reveal a different aspect of fish life and coral gardens. More advanced divers and underwater photographers will find much to inspire them—sheer walls, fascinating underwater trenches, and the chance to snap the perfect underwater photo among turtle grass beds or near a colourful artificial reef. The well-equipped scuba stores across Rodney Bay and the west coast offer drive-and-dive beach dives as well as boat dives, ensuring a fantastic diving experience in St Lucia.
Soufrière Marine Reserve
The most sought-after dive sites for scuba diving in Saint Lucia are concentrated along the island’s sheltered western coastline, primarily within the renowned Soufrière Marine Reserve, part of the larger Soufrière Marine Management Area (SMMA). This protected region is celebrated for its distinctive underwater formations that characterise this volcanic island, including dramatic wall dives such as the Piton Wall, set beneath the majestic Pitons and close to the iconic Petit Piton. Anse Chastanet Reef is a must for underwater photography, famed for its night dives and healthy coral gardens, while its nearby artificial reef structures attract an abundance of marine life perfect for macro photography.
For those after unique dive sites and a touch of adventure, the exhilarating drift at Superman’s Flight allows you to glide effortlessly along a vibrant drop-off that reveals the full scale of Saint Lucia’s underwater world. Moving slightly north, the dive locations of Anse Cochon and Anse La Raye are home to the fascinating Lesleen M and Daini Koyomaru wrecks, both thriving as artificial reefs, alongside the sheer walls of Anse La Raye Wall. While most of the premium diving in St Lucia is found around the south, the north offers several accessible sites for both beginners and experienced divers.
Rodney Bay
Located in the north-west of St Lucia, Rodney Bay is the location of our partner dive centre. The marina is the departure point for diving excursions and a popular spot for restaurants and bars.
Other highlights of this beautiful area of St Lucia include Pigeon Island, a small islet immersed in history that is now connected to the main island by a causeway, and the vibrant Castries market, founded back in 1650. The historic headland now hosts a well-loved diving and snorkelling site, while Smugglers Cove’s sheltered surroundings and popular boat diving site of Barrel 'O' Beef (La Roche) present further opportunities close to Rodney Bay.
Whatever your level, diving in Saint Lucia promises outstanding encounters with its remarkable underwater life, set in a backdrop as captivating beneath the surface as the volcanic peaks above.
Who is the diving for?
Saint Lucia caters to a wide range of experience levels, offering a wealth of dive locations and experiences, from gentle, beginner-friendly shore dives to thrilling wall dives for more advanced scuba divers. Reputable 5* PADI Dive Shops provide a full range of PADI courses, including speciality courses such as Nitrox, deep, and wreck diving, as well as underwater photography.
For those new to the sport, local dive operators offer Discover Scuba Diving sessions, conducted by experienced diving instructors in calm, sheltered conditions, making for an accessible and enjoyable introduction to a scuba diving holiday. With its excellent diving facilities and access to protected marine areas, Saint Lucia is a desirable destination for underwater exploration.
Dive Centre
Dive Centre
Dive Saint Lucia is our partner dive centre on the island. Located in the popular Rodney Bay area at the Harmony Marina Suites hotel, this British-owned and run dive centre caters for fun divers, those looking to learn to dive, and budding snorkellers.
Daily boat diving is offered to all the dive sites of St Lucia from their two custom dive boats, Shirley and Volan. Taking up to 10 and 15 divers respectively, the boats are some of the fastest on St Lucia and ensure no dive site is more than 50 minutes from the marina.
Two dives are offered each day departing at 9am and returning between 12.30 and 14.30, depending on the dive sites visited. A relaxed approach ensures you will not be rushed and will be able to get the most from every dive.
A full range of PADI diving courses are available, from Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water course upwards. Daily snorkelling boat trips are also offered for non-divers, with a minimum age of 8 years old.
Nitrox is available for certified divers, along with a full range of well-maintained Scubapro and Cressi diving equipment for hire. 12L tanks are available with both DIN and A-clamp fittings.
Dive Packs
A range of dive packages are available to pre-book for certified divers, starting from just 4 dives up to 16 or more dives. Two dives are offered per day, plus occasional night dives. Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.
PADI courses can also be pre-booked for those learning to dive or furthering their education.
Extras in Resort
- Night dives (min 4 divers)
- Nitrox
- Dive equipment rental: full equipment and individual items are available to hire
- Pony bottle cylinder
Resort info
Getting Around
St Lucia is not a large island; however, its mountainous terrain and winding roads mean journeys can be part of the adventure. To see the highlights of St Lucia including the drive-in volcano at Soufriere and the twin peaks of Gros and Petit Piton, we suggest a tour or private car rental as taxis can be expensive.
We recommend staying in the north-west of St Lucia in Rodney Bay. Not only is this the location of our dive centre partner and an excellent marina, the north-west of St Lucia is also very scenic, with a wide range of accommodation and dining options to choose from. Rodney Bay is a one hour and twenty-minute transfer from Hewanorra International Airport in southern St Lucia.
Family Holidays & St Lucia Holiday Experience
Beyond the shoreline, St Lucia is a land of striking contrasts and lush natural beauty, providing an outstanding backdrop for a memorable family holiday. When you're not exploring the reef, you can discover the island's remarkable topside attractions, including the iconic twin peaks of the Pitons, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate guided hikes through the verdant rainforests of the island's national parks, where you might spot rare endemic birds or uncover hidden waterfalls. Families can also enjoy visits to the world's only drive-in volcano at Sulphur Springs, wander through peaceful botanical gardens, or simply relax on the pristine sandy beaches. With a rich history, welcoming local culture, and a commitment to preserving its natural wonders, St Lucia has something to offer everyone.
Climate & Water Temperature
St Lucia benefits from a warm, tropical climate throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 23 to 31°C. The most popular time to visit coincides with the driest months from December to April. May and June bring more humidity but remain a popular time to visit. The green season is from July through to December, characterised by short sharp showers, particularly in the mountainous central area. Hurricanes are possible but rare.
Diving is available year-round, with water temperatures consistently between 26 and 29°C.
Water Visibility
Average visibility is between 20 and 30 metres. The best visibility tends to coincide with the dry season and can reach 50 metres.
Time
GMT -4 hours
Currency
The local currency of St Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. US dollars are also widely accepted, but exchange rates vary.
Planning your Holiday
Flight Information
Direct flights are available from London Gatwick and Manchester to St Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport.
Flight duration: UK to St Lucia: 9 hours.
Departure tax: Included in flight tickets
Visas
Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.
Passports
Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.
If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.
Vaccinations & Health Advice
Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.
We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.
For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.
Location Map
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