Snorkelling in Saint Lucia.

Even the least adventurous amongst you can enjoy the underwater world around the Caribbean islands with a snorkel , goggles and flippers. You don’t have to be a diver or go deep to see a surprising array of sea life and corals.

Discover the joy of drifting around in the warm water in calm bays and harbours spying on the life below or being a bit more active and dropping down to be amongst the fish.

Below: Saint Lucia has unrivalled snorkelling opportunities.

 

One of the big advantages of snorkelling in Saint Lucia is the accessibility, It can be done from almost every resort or beach by just about anyone.

Below: Snorkelling amongst a shoal of fish and the coral in Saint Lucia.

Does Saint Lucia have good snorkelling?

The crystalline waters that gently lap against the sandy shores of St. Lucia offer the perfect place for scuba diving and snorkelling. Both expert divers and beginners alike will enjoy the warmth and clarity of the water, along with the abundance of marine life.

Turtles can be seen while snorkelling and you can swim close but remember disturbing them is a criminal offence.

Below: The undersea life is easily accessible and well worth a visit. The fish do not seem bothered by the presence of snorkelers.

Snorkelling is the best way for the inexperienced to become acquainted with the superb local marine environment and exploring the wonders of the Caribbean Sea is a perfect addition to your vacation on the island of St. Lucia and one of my favourite pastimes.

Below: Snorkelling between the Pitons at Jalousie beach. 

 

Saint Lucia snorkelling advice:

Saint Lucia snorkelling is one of the favourite tourist activities on a Saint Lucia holiday. Whether it's off the boat or right off the beach it's a perfect way to experience the beauty of the underwater world.

• If you’ve never experienced snorkelling before, don't worry. Equipment and instruction can be found at almost any hotel,
• Cover your back with a T-shirt and protect the backs of your legs to avoid sunburn,
• Wear well fitting gear and learn to adjust it properly before you start,
• Go in groups or at least pairs,
• Tell people where you are going,
• Use a marker flag buoy to let boat users know where you are,
• Don't interfere with the fish and other creatures, some bite or sting,
• If you plan to snorkel off the beach, having your own equipment is a big plus as some snorkelling areas are isolated, far from places where you can rent gear. 

I Can’t dive very deep as my ears won’t let me so the images are all taken within 4 metres of the surface,  and the fish seem used to outsiders invading their realm. I am also no great photographer but the images are just to give you an idea. If I showed you everything there wouldn’t be anything left to see when you come to saint Lucia.

Below: A flat fish while Snorkelling between the pitons, Saint Lucia.

Best of all it can be done almost anywhere and for free as all the resorts I know will lend out snorkelling equipment for nothing and it doesn’t require any training beyond a 90 second demonstration.

Remember to snorkel safe, watch for boats (use flag buoys) , stay in groups and protect yourself from the Sun with a T shirt and wear flippers or water shoes to keep feet safe from sharp rocks and sea urchins.

Below: Get right among the fish and coral reef.

The underwater world of St. Lucia is a wonder to behold. Snorkelling and scuba diving allow you to observe various aquatic animals like sea horses, frog fish, bat fish, and other exotic and delightful creatures. Dramatic coral walls that begin only a few feet from shore drop off steeply into the ocean. 

Snorkelers and divers can swim right up to the animals, though it's recommended that they do not touch the ocean's wildlife. St. Lucia has some of the most scenic underwater settings in the Caribbean, and you can experience it all while vacationing on the island. 

Renowned as one of the best snorkelling sites in the Caribbean, St. Lucia features gorgeous locales for aquatic exploration. The island's natural beauty is further magnified by its underwater world. 

Where are the best places to snorkel in Saint Lucia?

I would avoid the Atlantic side of the island, it is not as much fun and the water can be more dangerous. Stick to the Caribbean sea when snorkelling. 

For the best snorkelling on St. Lucia:

• Head to the waters in front of the Anse Chastanet beach,
• Between the Pitons at Jalousie,
• Coral Gardens is good but accessible by boat only.
• Pigeon Island is good although the best parts are further from shore and the water shallower,
• Marigot bay has some of the best corals and sea life but is busy,
• Anse Cochon is a secluded cove with good opportunities,
• Anse Mamin is a ten minute walk from Anse Chastanet and is much quieter
• Between the Pitons at Jalousie beach. The drop off here is steep and the water deep,
• Malgretoute beach is one of my favourites, it is quiet and just a short walk from the Stonefield estate.
• Reduit beach is shallow, sandy and calm but still full of marine life,

The Anse Chastanet Reef is the perfect haven for snorkelers because it is buoyed off for snorkelling safety, so no boats are allowed in the area.

Below: Underwater at Anse Chastanet Reef.

There is a plateau on the reef that reaches from 5 to 25 feet deep, and at its end, falls away from 20 to 140 feet into a coral wall full of amazing sea life. 

Photographers favour the reef as one of the most picturesque sites in St. Lucia and you can sometimes see divers returning to the surface from the gloom below you.

What can you see Snorkelling in Saint Lucia?

You can see some amazing things in the waters around Saint Lucia:

• Coral and reefs,
• Exotic and colourful fish,
• Turtles,
• Octopus, squid and cuttlefish,
• Starfish,
• Sea anemones,
• Sea urchins,
• Rays and eels,
• Large game fish.

If you can float and you like to have fun, you'll love Saint Lucia snorkelling.