St. Lucia

Map courtesy of Scuba St. Lucia

This reef starts just a few short steps across the soft silver sand from the dive center. There is a plateau area with depths of 5-25 feet offering bright coral islands alive with reef fish of all colors and sizes. This is the portion visited by introductory scuba students. The reef falls quickly away from 20 to 140 feet in a solid wall of mixed corals. Schools of fish dart amongst the soft and hard corals with an ever watchful eye on their predators waiting in the deep. Most divers stay mid-range, at 50-60 feet, taking in the full range of the reef, from the sparkling water near the surface to the depths, through huge sponges, waving sea fans and hundreds of types of corals.

This is probably the most visually stunning dive site. Four spectacular seamounts rise dramatically from the depths to within a few feet of the surface. These are encrusted with a profusion of black and orange gorgonia. This lacy network provides shelter for trumpet fish, filefish and sometimes seahorses. Large fishes- grouper, jack and snapper-can be spotted around the Pinnacles. Voted one of the “10 Best Dive Sites” by Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine.

A short boat trip from the dive center is the beautiful location of Fairyland. This area, on a major headland, is subject at times to very strong currents – this has the benefit of giving the site excellent visibility and keeping the corals very clean so that it sparkles with the vibrant colors of many varieties of corals and sponges. The plateau area slopes gently from 40 to 60 feet; dives are usually 50 feet and shallower on this site. Large boulders give plenty of nooks and crannies for fish to shelter in.

A ten minute boat trip south from the dive center, across Soufriere Bay, brings divers to the base of the spectacular Petit Piton Mountain. The cliff face here was used as a setting for the film Superman II – Superman can be seen flying down the cliff face toward the water, and divers can fly along it below the surface. There are often strong currents on this site, which help to give it good visibility. The steep slope here is covered with beautiful soft corals, and there is a great profusion of fish life.

This wreck is located to the north of the dive center. The dive boats take approximately 20 minutes to reach the site. The 165 foot freighter was sunk in October 1986 as part of a project by the Department of Fisheries to provide artificial reefs. It is covered in soft corals, sponges and hydroids, and provides an ideal habitat for many juvenile fishes such as Nassau Groupers and Queen and French Angelfishes. The wreck sits on an even keel on the sand. It is 30 feet to the deck and 67 feet at the deepest point.

Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing depths of Anse La Raye Wall, where a spectacular underwater wall unfurls beneath the ocean’s surface. Decorated with Sea Whips, Gorgonians, and delicate soft corals, this dramatic structure showcases the diversity of marine life. Among the intricate formations, large feather duster worms sway with the rhythm of the currents, adding to the captivating tapestry of this underwater world. 

Dive into the depths of Grand Caille, a dive site known for its breathtaking underwater landscapes and vibrant marine ecosystem. In Patois, “Grand Caille” translates to “Large Reef,” an apt description for this expansive and visually stunning underwater realm. Here, deep-sea gorgonians and sea whips adorn the underwater landscape, creating an enchanting ambiance. Explore pristine brain corals and enormous barrel sponges that thrive in these optimal conditions, offering a glimpse into the thriving underwater world. 

Venture into the intriguing depths of Trou Diable, which translates to “Devil’s Hole” in Patois. This captivating dive site offers a fascinating exploration of marine wonders. The landscape is adorned with large barrel sponges and well-developed coral heads, providing shelter and sustenance to an array of marine life. Schools of chromis and grunts abound, creating a lively underwater scene. Immerse yourself in one of the healthiest reefs, where marine creatures thrive in their natural habitat. 

Discover the wonders of Anse Couchon, a dive site characterized by a steep slope and large boulders adorned with vibrant sponges and gorgonians. As you explore the shallower parts of the reef, a multitude of marine life greets you. Seahorses, scorpion fish, and cleaner shrimps find sanctuary in this rich and diverse underwater environment. The picturesque landscape provides a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable diving experience. 

Explore the crescent-shaped wonder of Turtle Reef, where the underwater terrain descends rapidly from a plateau starting at 40 feet to over 150 feet. As you descend, you’ll encounter spectacular pillar coral and grand barrel sponges. The reef’s diverse topography and marine life provide an enchanting underwater experience. Keep an eye out for hawksbill and green turtles, as this dive site is adjacent to turtle grass beds, ensuring a high likelihood of turtle sightings. 

At the base of Gros Piton lies Jalousie, a dive site brimming with underwater life and vibrant marine scenes. Schooling fish, including creole wrasse and bar jack, create a lively atmosphere. The site boasts a diverse array of corals and sponges, contributing to a thriving marine ecosystem. Immerse yourself in the magic of the ocean, where every dive reveals the beauty and wonders of underwater life. 

Discover the fascinating underwater world of Coral Gardens, a dive site featuring unusual sargassum trigger fish in its deeper areas and occasional barracuda sightings. The shallower parts of this site are a delightful swim-through amidst dense sea plumes forests. These forests serve as great hideaways for the juvenile offspring of the reef, showcasing the vibrant marine life and diverse ecosystems that flourish in this enchanting underwater habitat.