In September, I flew into Hewanaorra airport in the far south of St Lucia in what should have been the middle of the wet, windy, even stormy “hurricane season”. The visibility from the plane window was superb as we cruised down the leeward side of the island, giving us a prime view of the famous Piton peaks. An intense, undulating green, dotted with colourful villages, contrasted against a deep turquoise sea and bright blue sky, set the scene for a vibrant week.

In terms of land area - even tiny Cozumel is bigger! You can drive the length of St Lucia in under two hours, taking in both windward and leeward sides. Having lived in Tobago, it almost felt like coming home – the strong Carib and Arawak history, along with African and colonial influences set against a lush, floral backdrop. In St Lucia, the unique French influence stands this nation apart; it’s apparent in the place names, the language and the exciting French Creole Heritage Month in October.

I was looking forward to diving – not having been in the Caribbean since moving to the Asia Pacific region, and was anticipating a very different aquatic experience.

All the diving is situated along the leeward side of the island, so is sheltered, mostly calm, and the water, thanks to the occasional current, is crystal clear with great visibility. There really is something for all snorkellers and divers – from shore diving for beginners and night dives, to dramatic walls, swift currents, and shallow plateaus home to an abundance of vivid reef fish, healthy hard and soft coral, eel and crab, to the elusive frogfish and scorpionfish, as well as turtles. There are even a few wrecks to explore, and almost all dive sites are above 30 metres. 

To the north (out of Rodney Bay with Dive St Lucia) you’ll get the chance of rays and larger fish as the Caribbean gives way to the Atlantic. Dive sites here are mere minutes by boat and, all at around 10-18 metres, vary between wreck, wall, boulder and grass. There's enough to see here for several days’ diving. If you wish to stay in the lively far North of the island, with its choice of budget accommodation, you needn’t miss out on great diving. The dive operator is based out of Rodney Bay, makes regular trips southward to the main dive sites.

Further south, towered over by the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Pitons – two volcanic summits emerging over 750 metres from the sea – are a multitude of underwater sites. Here the walls of the Pitons plunge over 400 metres into the depths, but again the dives are all available to recreational divers.

There are colourful dive sites at Anse Chastenet, Keyhole Pinnacles, Superman’s Flight (named after a scene in the film), Piton Wall and Coral Gardens, and you can find myriad lobster, crab, fans, barrel sponge, feather star, eel, spotted boxfish and other reef species. Thanks to a concerted effort to reduce the number of invasive lionfish, alongside a comprehensive coral rewilding project, the reefs here are vibrant and full of life. On one of the dives, I was happy to hang motionless watching a vivid mass of striped yellow and black sergeant majors busily nibbling reef algae: by far the largest group I’ve ever come across!

After your morning dives, there are a plethora of topside adventures to be had, easily accessible from any of the accommodation choices. I experienced an exciting ATV ride into the hills, taking in an abandoned sugar mill. I ambled on a guided nature walk discovering indigenous flora and fauna, ventured by mountain bike into the jungle and made my very own chocolate bar (the strenuous way in a mortar and pestle – the only time we had some cooling rain in the entire week! Check out the Chocolate festival in December!).

You could also explore the coast by sea kayak, swim in waterfalls, indulge yourself in volcanic mud baths, get pampered at the many spas, learn about rum distilling and sample the many flavours, try out St Lucian cooking with its spices, or combine your scuba visit with the October Creole Heritage Month, and even climb The Pitons for an incredible view if you’re feeling athletic (and like waking up early). And I haven’t even mentioned the volcanic beaches! Worthy of TV’s “The Bachelor” and “Married at First Sight”, the scope for romantic relaxation is high on St Lucia’s list of things to enjoy.

I experienced a total of seven dives during my week in St Lucia and was not only pleasantly surprised by the variety of sites and marine life, but also left feeling that there was much, much more to see and do, both under and overwater.

The choice of accommodation ranges from budget-friendly to ‘the sky’s-the-limit’ all in luxury, and everything in between. With affordable year-round, 9-hour direct flights from London with British Airways, you could have breakfast at Gatwick and be sipping a rum cocktail (from a freshly-lopped coconut) on a Caribbean beach at sunset. In the words of the St Lucia Tourist Board: “Let her inspire you”. She most certainly will. 

To find out more about diving in St Lucia you can speak to our expert team today!

There’s no doubt that diving makes you hungry and the vast swathes of food polished off at lunchtime on any dive boat are proof of that. And with the average 45 minute dive session burning over 500 calories, there’s no such thing as over-indulgence on a dive holiday. Many of Regaldive’s destinations are known for having great food but divers looking for the best diving and dining should head to the Caribbean...

Grenada

Divers with a sweet tooth will be spoilt for choice on the Spice Island of Grenada where chocolate has made its mark on everything from cocoa tea to spa treatments. Visit between 18th and 24th August 2014 and join in Grenada’s first ever Chocolate Festival. Guests staying at the beautiful True Blue Bay Resort can enjoy a daily breakfast with chocolate specials, visit the Chocolate Factory and attend a multitude of chocolate themed cooking and tasting events.

Perfect for non-diving friends and family, the Chocolate Festival programme is also designed to allow plenty of time to ensure visitors can get their daily diving fix. Divers can burn off the calories from their indulgence by venturing below the water to Grenada’s 50 plus dive sites including the Bianca C and Hema 1 wrecks, adrenaline charged drift dives and an underwater sculpture park.

A seven night stay at the True Blue Bay Resort, departing on 17th August 2014, costs from £1,539 per person to include return flights, transfers and B&B accommodation. The Chocolate Festival Program costs an additional £125 per person and an eight dive, dive pack costs from £233 per person. True Blue Bay is something of a foodie heaven, also boasting the award-winning Dodgy Dock Restaurant and Lounge Bar, a unique waterfront venue well-known for its Caribbean with a Mexican twist cuisine, and spectacular sunsets.

Finally, visitors to Grenada can add a little spice to their trip with a visit to one of the many nutmeg processing plants on the island. As the second largest exporter of nutmeg in the world, spices account for a large part of the Grenadian economy and you can also see cinnamon, cloves, ginger and other spices being farmed here. Toast your holiday with a delicious rum cocktail or two in the Caribbean tradition but watch out for the local tipples which can be up to 80% proof!

Bonaire

Home to diving freedom is Bonaire, the top shore diving destination in the Caribbean and one where even the car licence plates proclaim this ‘Divers’ Paradise’. Part of the Dutch Antilles in the Southern Caribbean, Bonaire imports much of its food from other countries but has developed a reputation over recent years for excellent cuisine with a mixture of local and international flavours. Bonaire is also a regular winner of the Taste of the Caribbean competition where teams of chefs from 20 different Caribbean countries compete against each other for the title of Caribbean Chef of the Year.

Divers staying at the popular oceanfront Buddy Dive Resort benefit from superb access to the house reef with steps leading directly down to the sea and the many underwater photography opportunities that Bonaire is famed for. Conveniently located above the dive dock, 'Ingridients' is one of the best gourmet restaurants on the island. Here, every dish is prepared using fresh local ingredients to reflect a new style with a Mediterranean / European twist. Meals can be enjoyed watching the dive action below, or enjoying the amazing panoramic ocean view and sunsets.

Monday night is Lion Fish Night! They might look beautiful underwater but non-native lionfish have become a huge problem in much of the Caribbean where they breed faster than rabbits and can reduce native marine creatures by 90% within a matter of weeks. In Bonaire, as on many other Caribbean islands, lionfish are most definitely on the menu as a sustainable and environmentally-friendly food choice, and taste delicious too!

A seven night stay at Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire costs from £1,427 per person to include return flights, transfers and B&B accommodation. A six days unlimited shore diving pack costs from £95 per person.

Tobago

Laid back Tobago is all about diversity – on land, and underwater. One of Regaldive’s most popular destinations, Tobago’s position, sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, allows for a stunning combination of dive sites and diving styles.

The Guyana current flows around the Altantic coast and the northern tip of Tobago providing some of the most spectacular drift diving in the Caribbean and attracting sharks, turtles and rays, as well as super-charged corals. The Caribbean coast benefits from the influence of the Orinoco River, whose nutrient rich waters support an abundance of marine life. The reefs are generally more sheltered here and boast colourful and thriving fish stocks and also the wreck of the Maverick, a former car ferry sunk in 1997 that lies in 30m.

Above water, Tobago is a similar melting pot in terms of culture and cuisine. A rich mix of African, Indian, Chinese, European and Middle Eastern influences informs everything from street food to fine dining. Fans of Indian food in particular will find much to tempt their taste buds here including the famed ‘Doubles’ sandwich (a filling of curried chickpeas and spicy sauce between two pieces of fried flatbread) that regularly tops best sandwich lists around the world.

A seven night stay at the Grafton Beach Resort on the north coast of Tobago costs from £839 per person to include return flights, transfers and B&B accommodation. A five day dive pack (10 dives) costs from £237 per person. This lovely resort is new to the Regaldive programme and offers a superb location on a hillside overlooking palm-fringed Stonehaven Bay. It’s also minutes away from one of Tobago’s best-known restaurants, the Seahorse Inn, which is as recommended for its incredible beachside setting, as for its fresh seafood and fine fare.

Call the Regaldive Team on 01353 659 999 to find out more.

Regaldive Team Member John was lucky enough to spend a week on Grenada recently. Here's what he has to say:

I just got back from a great trip to the Caribbean island of Grenada and I’m pleased to say I had a fantastic time.  I know it’s often said, but Grenada really has got something for everyone.  Plenty of nice reefs and a good variety of wrecks for divers. The non- diver will not feel left out also, with plenty to see and do if wanted, or just time to relax on some beautiful beaches.

Staying at a couple of the hotels we feature and visiting the others was nice, just to see what lovely hotels we send our guests to.  True Blue Bay was probably my favourite hotel as it’s a little bit different with its bright colours and interesting artworks.  Blue Horizons Resort was also nice with great views from the rooms up the hillside, but still just a short walk from the wonderful Grand Anse Beach.

A quick look around the Flamboyant Hotel confirmed its spectacular location and I also met a group of Regal guests there and they were very pleased with their accommodation choice.  Of course there is also Spice island Beach Resort if you feel like splashing out on some luxury.

The first day full day on the island was a non-diving day and an island tour was arranged.  This was a great way to see a good snapshot of island life and natural beauty.  The centre of the island is mountainous and covered in forest. There are plenty of waterfalls to explore, some a short walk from the road and some a bit of a trek through the forest. Interesting stops also included the chocolate estate, rum distillery and nutmeg processing plant.

So how was the diving? Again there is something for every type of diver, variety being the key. The location of Aquanauts Dive Centre is perfect for exploring the dive sites on both the Atlantic and Caribbean sides of the island and most can be reached in 10 to 20 minute boat rides.

Grenada is known for its wrecks, the most famous being the Bianca C, the largest wreck in the Caribbean. It’s a must dive for any wreck fans, although experience is required due to its depth.  We also dived some smaller freighters, like the Shakem and Hema 1. I was really pleased to take some nice seahorse pictures on the Shakem.  The Hema 1 was a very intense dive.   As it followed the Bianca C we didn’t get a great deal of bottom time, but a lot was crammed into 20 minutes - nurse sharks, a blacktip shark, turtle and a lovely big spotted eagle ray.

There’s plenty for the reef lover to enjoy as well. I think I counted six different species of moray eel, some of which I’d never seen before.  Of course it’s always great to find seahorses and I also saw my first ever frogfish.  If you are not a fan of cold water diving you might like to know the water was a pleasant 27 degrees!  The sculpture park is also worth a visit and its shallow depths are great for snorkelers too.

Aquanauts Dive Centre certainly looked after us very well; a very friendly and professional dive operation. I was also impressed that requests from guests were accommodated - the group I mentioned wanted to dive the Bianca C a couple of times and that was easily sorted.

So I suppose I ought to finish by recommending the best way to relax at the end of a day of diving or sightseeing.  There is a drink that is the perfect way to end the day and that is a Rum Punch made with locally distilled Rum. Be careful though, as they are often made with the 80% proof version! All in all, I'd really recommend Grenada for anyone looking for a combination of great diving, good value for money, with lots to see and do topside... which makes for the perfect holiday I'd say!

Take a look at John's photos of his week in Grenada on the Regaldive Facebook page >

Regaldive is delighted to feature Mexico! With warm tropical waters and a wealth of world class diving on offer including the legendary inland Cenotes, our latest addition will no doubt be at the top of ‘must dive’ lists.

With a choice of two Mexican resorts to choose from, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, this new destination offers the ideal medium-haul option for those looking to combine white sand beaches with plentiful reefs. Both resorts sit on the Yucatan Peninsula, located on the edge of the world’s second largest barrier reef, which stretches south for over 1,000 km. Fed by the nutrient rich currents, the reef is a teeming city of corals, sea fans, whips and sponges and is home to over 500 different species of fish.

Experienced divers staying on Cozumel, Mexico’s largest island, can explore the famous Planacar Reef, named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the best scuba diving spots in the world. The area also benefits from exhilarating drift dives and dramatic wall dives for those looking to take advantage of the nutrient rich currents surrounding the island.

For less experienced divers, Riviera Maya offers a wealth of easy and relaxed dive sites that are well suited to all levels of experience. Divers can explore low walls with overhangs, mini caves and swim-throughs, while enhancing their skills. They can also admire reef tops peppered with hard corals, colourful sponges and sea plumes, as well as schooling snappers, angelfish, lobsters and electric rays.

Both resorts offer access to the world famous Cenotes. The chance to explore this incredible submerged limestone cave and cavern system is the reason so many divers head to this part of Mexico and these are once in a lifetime dives that absolutely live up to their hype. The Cenotes are justifiably known as the jewel in the crown of Yucatan diving. Here you can float in gin clear fresh water amongst stunning formations of stalagmites and stalactites, bathed in shafts of light filtering through the jungle canopy above. Used as a source of fresh water by the ancient Maya, these distinctive geological formations offer some of the most exciting and unique diving to be found anywhere in the world.

Located on San Francisco Beach Allegro Cozumel Resort the hotel is located just minutes away from Palancar Reef and the best dive sites of the Cozumel National Marine Park - considered one of the top five dive destinations in the world. The all-inclusive resort benefits from four restaurants, five bars, four swimming pools, three floodlit tennis courts, a multi-purpose sports court, fitness centre, Jacuzzi and sauna. The price includes flights, transfers and seven nights’ all inclusive accommodation.

For those tempted by Playa del Carmen Allegro Playacar Resort is a superb choice. Located on the white-sand beach and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the resort benefits from three swimming pools, two floodlit tennis courts, a basketball court, free non-motorised water sports and a full programme of day and evening entertainment. The lively resort offers the ideal base to discover the wide variety of nightlife and leisure options in Playa del Carmen. The price includes flights, transfers and seven nights’ all inclusive accommodation.

Give the Regaldive Team a call on 01353 659 999 to find out more!

If you're looking for a Winter escape, the tiny Caribbean island of Carriacou has a simple, laidback charm that's just perfect for getting away from it all. Carriacou means Land of Reefs and the diving here more than lives up to its name. The waters surrounding the island abound with life and colour and the 30+ dive sites range from uncomplicated dives on sheltered reefs through to more advanced wall dives. There's also a number of artificial reefs / wrecks to explore and many new dive sites to discover.

Regaldive guests dive with well-established Deefer Diving, run firmly with the emphasis on personal and friendly service by Alex, Gary and their dogs Scuba and Ocean! With a keen interest in sidemount diving, and marine biology, guests will benefit from their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise.

Deefer Diving also offers a fantastic new purpose built 30ft wooden diving catamaran, which was handbuilt on the island in just seven months. Bobcat can carry up to ten divers plus crew in great comfort and with plenty of space. Music, snacks and drinks are available on board. A bimini cover provides shade over the main deck, while the trampoline in the bow is the perfect place for sun worshippers. Extra space means that certified divers can bring their families along to snorkel and have fun while they dive.

All in all, Carriacou and Deefer Diving offer a great option for divers looking to get off the beaten track, and for anyone looking for a relaxed holiday with a friendly, family atmosphere. Carriacou also makes a great twin centre option with its big sister Grenada.