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Lush mountain scenery, a multitude of beaches, and spectacular diving opportunities in the clearest, bluest seas—all of these are part of the irresistible call to vacation in Saint Lucia.
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This island is undeniably one of the picturesque destinations you might have encountered in a travel magazine. Perhaps you’ve even torn out the page, keeping it close as a reminder to prioritize a tropical getaway. Well, guess what? The moment you envisioned might just be upon you. If that’s the case, you could soon find yourself gearing up for the ultimate snorkeling adventure on an island known and loved for great diving.
But… before you take off, you may have questions. Maybe you want to know about the best things to do in Saint Lucia, where to stay for amazing all-inclusive vacations on this island, and especially what snorkeling in Saint Lucia is really like. In this post, we’ll touch on all these questions, highlighting the ultimate snorkeling locations in Saint Lucia and the best time to go. Let the adventures begin!
What to expect when snorkeling in Saint Lucia
As a mountainous, volcanic island, Saint Lucia is known for its white, sandy beaches, vibrant and widespread vegetation, off-the-beaten-path waterfalls, and landmarks like The Pitons. The latter are twin peaks on the island's west coast between the communities of Soufrière and Choiseul. These mountains are jointly a World Heritage Site and the backdrop of some of the most amazing dive sites in the south of Saint Lucia.
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Divers can spot all kinds of marine life that have made their home at the base of the Pitons. Underwater, the twin peaks are part of a dynamic ocean ecosystem that includes a variety of hard and soft corals divers can explore near shore and further off.
Even without heading too far out, snorkelers in Saint Lucia can explore the soft coral gardens filled with fans, plumes, colorful sponges, and lots of sea life, including squid, sea turtles, eels, tropical fish, and so much more. Many snorkeling spots in Saint Lucia aren’t too far from Castries, the capital city, so if you are staying in that area, you can expect to tick quite a few off your list while on the island.
Looking for an amazing all-inclusive resort in Castries? Explore the beautiful crescent beach at Sandals Regency La Toc, where food, drinks, entertainment, and snorkeling gear are all included in your package!
Tips for beginners who want to snorkel in Saint Lucia
Most of the really great snorkeling sites in Saint Lucia are on the southern side of the island. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any good sites in the north, but you’re likely to find a wider array of snorkeling options and potential marine life sightings on some of the island’s southern beaches.
Starting in the north and heading further south as you get more comfortable in the water can be a good idea if you're a beginner. This is because many of the snorkel sites in the north are novice-friendly. Even with that said, there are some great snorkeling sites for both beginners and more advanced snorkelers in the south of Saint Lucia, which we’ll share more about below.
Best snorkeling spots around Saint Lucia
1. Anse Chastanet Beach
Anse Chastanet Beach is on the southern end of Saint Lucia, in Soufrière. It is a very popular dive location, with easy access to the Anse Chastanet Reef near the shore. The reef is buoyed off, so no boats can get near it, which works well for the preservation of the reef itself.
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Over the years, careful consideration and care of the reefs in this area have allowed them to grow beautifully, attracting a wide range of marine life, including sergeant majors, parrot fish, trumpet fish, angel fish, needlefish, sea turtles, octopus, peacock flounders, puffers, and even seahorses. Over 150 species of fish call this reef home, and chances are, you will see more than a few of those during a dive!
Expert tip: Anse Chastanet boasts beautiful reefs at both ends of the beach. So, when you’re done exploring one, you can dive into the other.
2. Anse Des Pitons (Sugar Beach)
Anse Des Pitons (Sugar Beach) in southern Saint Lucia is great for diving. This dive spot is located between Saint Lucia’s famous twin peaks (The Pitons), which adds a majestic feel. While swimming on this beach, you can look at the towering Petit Piton, which stands at 743 m (2,438 ft), before diving in for snorkeling. This dive site is quite deep, and you might see parrotfish, trumpet fish, moray eels, eagle rays, scorpion fish, and more.
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This captivating reef at Anse Des Pitons is located within the Anse Piton Marine Preserve and can be easily accessed via Sugar Beach. Enjoy the amenities available there, such as additional water sports, convenient restrooms, and beachside dining.
3. Anse Cochon Beach
Anse Cochon Beach is in Anse La Raye, a small town just 20 minutes from Castries. This beach has dark sand, calm seas, and good visibility on most days for divers. The coral reefs at Anse Cochon are near shore and part of the National Marine Reserve. Sightings here can include lionfish, sharp-tail eels, shrimp, trumpet fish, stingrays, and more.
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There are two shipwrecks beneath the waves at Anse Cochon Beach—Lesleen M and Daini Koyomaru. Both have blended seamlessly into their surroundings and are now home to all kinds of marine life. If you plan on diving at this beach, you can either bring your own equipment or rent some once you get there. There’s also a beach bar where food and drinks can be purchased.
4. Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island is one of those places you should visit at least once in Saint Lucia. Located in the north of the island, this area has many beaches. Some of the best ones for snorkeling are inside the Pigeon Island National Park. For access, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of USD$10 for adults and USD$3 for kids (subject to change). Once you pay the admission cost, you can snorkel in the area and experience some of the best hiking in St. Lucia.
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If snorkeling is your main reason for visiting this park, you should remember a few things. Firstly, try to get at least 15-20 feet from shore and near the edge of the rocks, where you’re more likely to spot various marine life. Some sea creatures you’ll likely encounter in this location (especially if you snorkel further out) include eagle rays, moray eels, lobster, starfish, anemones, and giant barracuda.
Pigeon Island Saint Lucia offers a gorgeous slice of history. While there, you can hike up Fort Rodney (a relic of the American Revolutionary War), which is educational and fun. From the top of the Fort, you’ll have a panoramic view of the waters and nearby communities surrounding Pigeon Island.
Insider tip: Searching for the ideal accommodation in the north of Saint Lucia for your trip? Sandals Grande Saint Lucian is a popular choice for travelers, especially those looking to explore the underwater wonders through diving. Your stay at this resort includes snorkeling and scuba equipment (up to 2 tanks per day), making it a fantastic choice for ocean lovers!
5. Smuggler's Cove Beach
Tiny and tranquil, Smugglers Cove Beach is located in Cap Estate in northern Saint Lucia. This cove is known for its safety, and you can feel secure here as it’s comfortably tucked into a little cove. This can be a good spot for snorkeling, offering spectacular views without the need to venture far from the shore. Sea turtles and fish are occasionally spotted near the water’s edge, adding to the charm of this beach.
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To add an extra layer of exploration, consider snorkeling from a boat in this area. Further out to sea, you’ll be better able to appreciate the ambiance of this area. Snorkeling sightings here can include flying gurnard, lobster, and giant trumpet fish. These creatures live in the seafloor’s trenches and shelves, contributing to the area’s rich underwater diversity. After diving, you can visit the beachside restaurant on the sand to grab a bite.
6. Marigot Bay
Marigot Bay is simply mesmerizing, and chances are, once you go there, you’ll be hooked. This community is in the northern end of Saint Lucia, just about 15 minutes from Castries. There are several beaches in the Marigot area, but the most popular is the beach accessible via the ferry service. Once you’re at the ferry pick-up point, hop on for a small fee and head straight to the beach.
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Marigot Beach is shallow and great for snorkelers who are just starting out. There’s also good visibility on most days. Around the coral reef in Marigot Bay, snorkelers often encounter seahorses. Further offshore, there’s more to see in the waters, particularly on the outer edges of the bay.
7. Rodney Bay/ Reduit Beach
Reduit Beach is in Rodney Bay in the north of Saint Lucia. This upbeat and scenic beach has plenty of aquatic wonders. The best snorkeling spots are away from the main bathing area. You may need to explore further along the coast and into the deeper sea to find them. Beginner snorkelers will enjoy a session here most, with the tranquil and crystal-clear water adding to the appeal.
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If you choose the right spot along the coastline, you’ll encounter a mesmerizing world of fish, crabs, and eels. The extensive stretch of Reduit Beach invites leisurely strolls at any time of the day, creating a relaxed ambiance. With numerous restaurants, shops, and bars in Rodney Bay, you'll have no short supply of things to do if you spend the day here. Right on the beach, Spinnakers Restaurant is a fantastic option for a quick and satisfying bite.
Insider tip: Staying at an all-inclusive resort in Rodney Bay and want to try snorkeling for the first time while there? Our snorkeling tips for beginners will ensure you feel confident and comfortable as you explore Saint Lucia’s waters.
The best time to snorkel in Saint Lucia
The best time to snorkel in Saint Lucia is… whenever you feel like it! Really and truly, there isn’t a bad time to snorkel on this island as this is an activity you can enjoy all year round. We admit that some parts of the year offer more optimal snorkeling, particularly mid-December to mid-April. These months are generally considered the best time to snorkel on this island and coincide with the peak season, which is the best time to visit St. Lucia. There is typically less rain during this time, providing more uninterrupted beach days.
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Sea temperatures during the peak season average around 79°F. During this time, the water also tends to be calm and clear on most days, making it a great time to go diving, whether snorkeling or scuba diving. Overall, Saint Lucia is a sunny and warm weather destination where you’ll enjoy great diving almost yearly.
Snorkeling in Saint Lucia– The choices are endless
Saint Lucia is home to some of the finest snorkel sites in the Caribbean. Surrounded on all sides by clear blue seas, it won’t be hard to find snorkel sites on this island. When you go snorkeling on this island, just know that your love and appreciation for the undersea will definitely burn stronger after seeing some mesmerizing sights.
For a trip to Saint Lucia that includes diving at the best spots, you might want to consider accommodation options like Sandals’ all-inclusive resorts, which make diving easy for lovers of the sea. Our all-inclusive resort at Halcyon Beach is a good choice if your trip will include lots of exploration. Sandals Regency La Toc, also located beachside, is a splendid choice. Both resorts offer stellar accommodations, world-class restaurants, day and night entertainment, an ocean of watersports, guided snorkeling tours, and access to dive gear. Plus, during your stay, you’ll be able to explore these amazing reasons to visit Saint Lucia, and add some more to the list while you’re at it!
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