Discover Saint Lucia's Underwater Paradise

Looking for Nemo?

There's no doubt that our 238 square miles of mountains and valleys, rainforests and beaches make Saint Lucia one of the most scenically diverse and beautiful islands in the world. For every traveller-type from sybarite to thrill-seeker, there are endless amazing experiences to enjoy during a vacation at Marigot Bay Resort and Marina.

But the magic doesn't stop at the beach, because there are more than twenty world-class dive sites off Saint Lucia's dramatic coastline, many of them just a short boatride from Marigot Bay Marina. Snorkelling and diving are most popular off the west coast, where shallow waters reveal coral reefs and mysterious shipwrecks teeming with colourful sea life. If you think they exaggerated the beauty of the tropical underwater ecosystem in the animated classic, Finding Nemo, think again.

According to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), diving in Saint Lucia is a unique experience: "Divers enjoy pinnacles covered with sponges, corals and gorgonians that make these underwater formations as colorful as a rainbow. Sheer walls, shipwrecks and coral reefs also offer divers interesting environments to explore."

Despite the challenges that the twenty-first century has revealed within the world's oceans, Saint Lucia has for many years sought to preserve areas of our coastal marine environment from increasing tourism and over-fishing, especially around Soufriere and The Pitons. This means that many of the island's snorkelling and diving sites continue to thrive with exquisite coral, rainbow hued fish and dozens of interesting species of sea life.

"Most of the diving around St. Lucia takes place in the Soufriere Marine Reserve to the island’s south," PADI reports. "Here divers will find colorful coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish. Popular dives include Anse Chastanet, Fairy Land and Coral Gardens. Two shallow shipwrecks sunk to make artificial reefs, namely the Lesleen M and Daini Koyomaru, are often reported as favorite sites among dive masters in the area."

Hawksbill and green turtles, barracuda and moray eels, sting rays and eagle rays are often seen in the waters between Marigot Bay and Soufriere, as well as a staggering variety of tropical fish including angelfish, frogfish and spotted drums. On the smaller side of things, sea horses and feather duster worms are sure to keep macro-lovers entertained and underwater cameras full of exquisite shots.

Dive Sites Close To Marigot Bay Resort and Marina

Lesleen M is a 165-foot freighter purpose-sunk in 1986 to provide an artificial reef. Resting on sand in 60 feet of water in Anse Cochon, this shipwreck is covered in soft coral and sponges, and provides a habitat for many juvenile fish, while soldierfish, angelfish, lobsters, moray eels, and hawksbill turtles, hand out in the interior.

Anse La Raye Wall is a spectacular drift dive along a route rich in coral and marine life, including brightly colored fire coral in the shallow areas as well as purple vase sponges, barrel sponges, and soft coral down deeper. Watch for rays, from which the bay and fishing village got their name.

The 'Bone Yard' is located at the mouth of Castries Harbour at around 35–45 feet depth. Site of a World War II vessel and what appears to be the wing of an airplane, the story goes that the vessel was torpedoed off the coast of Martinique and tried to make it to Castries. Now it is home to spiny lobsters and masses of other marine life.

Deep Dive Into SCUBA [Covid-19 permitting] In September 2020, join us at the 4th annual Dive Fest Saint Lucia, a celebration of Saint Lucia’s underwater depths aimed at immersing enthusiasts and newbies in the pleasures of SCUBA diving. The festival features an exciting lineup of dive experiences, infused with the mystical ambiance that is Saint Lucia.

For our menu of Saint Lucian Experiences, and a complete virtual tour of Marigot Bay Resort and Marina, please visit our website.