Day or night, the Anse Chastanet reef in St. Lucia is the country’s busiest intersection–an abundance of marine life teems the water just steps from the shore and feet under the water’s surface. But a driver’s license isn’t what you need to experience the full beauty of it all. Snorkel and fins or scuba gear is the vehicle of choice for discovering this award-winning marine reserve and the more than 150 species of fish and other sea creatures that inhabit its waters.
Mountainous both above and below sea level, Saint Lucia offers unparalleled sightseeing for divers who are drawn to the tremendous variety that nature has to offer. Myriad inhabitants of its reefs include huge gorgonians, black coral trees, gigantic barrel sponges, purple vase sponges and lace coral. The angelfish, black beauties, golden spotted eels, seahorses, stingrays, nurse sharks, turtles and many varieties of schooling fish are as plentiful as they are colorful and diverse. Saint Lucia continues to grace top ranking spots by dive magazines and travel websites, and the Anse Chastanet reef along its Western shore never disappoints visitors.
Anse Chastanet by Day
Snorkelers need only take about 10 steps into the water before the marine life begins to appear. In the shallows, just off the sandy shore snorkelers and swimmers alike can witness peacock flounders swimming by. Just beyond, at conveniently shallow depths, snorkelers and divers will eye the occasional octopus, needlefish, and turtle. Divers can swim out a bit farther, where the reef drops between 20 and 140 feet (6-40 m) and becomes denser, revealing pufferfish, moray eels, parrotfish, lobsters, and even sea horses.
Situated in between some of the most exciting dive sites in St. Lucia, Anse Chastanet is the perfect location for hopping onto a boat and exploring several nearby sites. Offshore boat dives include discovering dramatic wall dives below the towering Piton mountains, drift diving Superman’s Flight, exploring the Coral Gardens, and visiting the wreck of the “Lesleen M.” Dive operators in Anse Chastanet also take divers on afternoon boat trips that are even closer to the main attraction of the Anse Chastanet Reef, visiting the specific sites called Fairyland, Turtle Reef, Grand Caille, Trou Diable and The Pinnacles.
Anse Chastanet by Night
Two times each week, divers get the chance to experience the vibrant nightlife of St. Lucia–under the surface, that is. At night, the Anse Chastanet reef is said to really “wake up,” and divers will catch glimpses of many interesting crustaceans busily on the move. Other creatures that rule the dark waters include large basket stars, sleeping parrotfish, octopus, squid, and sparkling bioluminescence. Lastly, those brave enough to dive the nighttime waters of the Anse Chastanet reef may encounter the “THING.” Rumored to be Saint Lucia’s own “Loch Ness Monster on Vacation,” the THING is seen regularly–but only in the dark of night. Although a photo is hard to grab, the THING has been verbally described by many scuba divers as a “mysterious serpentine creature of mythical proportions.”
Diving Facilities in Anse Chastanet
Beginner or expert, the dive operators and facilities in Anse Chastanet are as convenient as they come. Local operators are literally situated on the beach, a few yards away from the entrance to the beach. Right on the beach, a scuba store offers quick and easy shopping for needed (and wanted) gear for diving in St. Lucia. Snorkeling and Scuba gear rental is also available, and pretty much every dive operator on the island includes the Anse Chastanet Reef in its regular lineup of dive sites–so you’re unlikely to miss this underwater paradise. Dive operators located right near the reef also offer guests National Geographic Specialty programs, three compressors, an underwater photo and video center, and enriched air Nitrox. Dives are always accompanied by a master diver or trained instructor, and the shore dives of Anse Chastanet are excellent first dives to get introduced to the waters of St. Lucia.
About the Soufriere Marine Management Area
Established in 1995, the Soufriere Marine Management Area covers several kilometers of shore and ocean along St. Lucia’s Western coast. The cooperation of local fishermen and dive operators alike helped institute the reserve initially, to battle environmental degradation and put in place regulatory measures for the many yachts, swimmers, and tourists affecting the reef. Today, the marine reserve policy is strictly to “look but don’t touch.” Even empty shells must be left on the sea bed, and great care taken not to touch or kick corals. This way, the reef has a better chance to be preserved for future generations of divers to enjoy. The entire region surrounding Anse Chastanet is part of the Soufriere Marine Management Area, which has won several awards for its conservation efforts as well as recognition for great diving in the scuba world. The SMMA activities and vigilance continues to ensure that underwater St. Lucia retains its immense wealth and beauty.
Permits for Scuba Divers in Anse Chastanet and the SMMA
Specifically, entrance in the Soufriere Marine Management Area requires a permit for all who plan to dive or snorkel in its waters. Three kinds of permits are available: Annual, Daily, and Snorkeling, and each one costs a nominal fee. These permits can only be purchased from the St. Lucian dive and snorkel operators or authorized dive leaders. Divers and snorkelers should be aware that the marine reserve area from Sable Nic to the south end at Anse l’Ivrogne is now declared a Marine Sanctuary. Only authorized scientific research is allowed, the sanctuary is closed to all other activities.
Conservation Efforts and Diving Etiquette in Anse Chastanet
In addition to purchasing a marine park permit, the SMMA has established regulatory guidelines which prohibit divers and snorkelers from several behaviors and activities that might damage the reef’s ecosystem or economic industry of the local fishermen. These prohibited activities include: collecting, buying, selling or damaging coral, sponges, algae or sea urchins, living or non-living materials from the reef, using a spear gun, interfering with or disturbing fishing activities or fishing gear, releasing any poisonous or noxious substances into the sea, using jet skis or scooters without a license and in designated areas, fishing, entering the waters with a non-authorized vessel, or diving without a local operator or guide.
With these conservation rules and efforts underway, Saint Lucia and its waters are bound to retain its pristine status to divers, tourists, and naturalists alike.