Voted one of the ‘top five’ shore dives in the Caribbean by Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine and just feet away from the dive center is the Anse Chastanet Reef, one of St. Lucia's top dive sites, located in the heart of St. Lucia's world renowned Marine Park, the Soufriere Marine Management Area (SMMA).

The Anse Chastanet reef, which is home to more than 150 different species of fish, is comprised of a marine plateau and dramatic slopes that fall away to a depth of more than 140ft. It is incredible how such a dive site can be access from the beach, and we are not talking just any beach. Right from the dive centre. Step out of the water, throw your gear for rinsing and storage to our wonderful dive staff and go no more than 15 steps to the restaurant and bar to consume local St Lucian juices and cuisines. I mean... does it get any more sublime?

As a policy here at Scuba St Lucia, The Anse Chastanet Reef is a required first dive for all our dive guests. We have had some upside down smiles when we tell people... One dive group said that we should rename this site to... "Don't worry... you’re going to love it!” Divers think that a beach off of a resort will be disappointing- and we are only doing it to 'test you'! Nonsense! Dive centers from all over the island come here to dive because of its diversity! You will NOT be disappointed. Also doing a first dive here allows divers to feel comfortable that all equipment is functioning properly; that their buoyancy and other dive skills are adequate for entering the marine reserve and to provide an orientation to the type of diving for which St. Lucia is known. It readies weights, gear and skills ready for our drift diving excursions! The reef is a favorite of professional underwater photographers and videographers who visit Scuba St. Lucia.

When I first came here, I could not believe the amount of life I saw so quickly upon entering. millions of minnows decorate the beach followed by a grassy patch with fire worms, speckled eels and... SEAHORSES! Not to mention more green morays, golden morays, scorpion fish, frog fish, banded shrimp, Ledermen shrimp.... I could go on! And this was in the space of 20 minutes. From someone with a strong Caribbean dive background... this... is... impressive. 

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