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St. Lucia snorkeling is a unique experience that should be on your bucket list. The island’s west coast, protected from strong currents, offers calm waters and vibrant marine life. While St. Lucia doesn’t have an overwhelming number of snorkeling spots, the ones it does have are truly special. Whether you want to snorkel from the shore or take a boat trip to explore offshore reefs, there are fantastic options.
Here are six of the best snorkeling spots in St. Lucia that we highly recommend.
- Sugar Beach (Jalousie Beach)
- Pigeon Island National Park
- Anse Chastanet Beach & Anse Mamin
- Superman’s Flight
- Anse Cochon
- Anse La Raye Reef
1. Sugar Beach (Jalousie Beach)
Best for: Snorkeling with stunning Piton views
Nestled between the breathtaking Gros Piton and Petit Piton, Sugar Beach is a prime snorkeling destination. The marine-protected waters here are teeming with life, making it one of the most scenic and exciting places to explore underwater.
The reef starts close to shore, making it accessible for beginners while still offering deep sections for more advanced snorkelers. Expect to see colorful fish, sponges, and maybe even a squid or two.
If you stay at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, you can borrow snorkeling gear from the Water Sports Cabana or book a boat excursion to nearby reefs.
2. Pigeon Island National Park
Best for: History and snorkeling combined
Located on the northern tip of St. Lucia, Pigeon Island National Park offers accessible and beginner-friendly snorkeling. The park has two beaches separated by rocks, and both have calm waters with coral formations just offshore.
You’ll see schools of tropical fish, the occasional stingray, and patches of soft coral. While the marine life here isn’t as diverse as in Soufrière’s snorkeling spots, the park is perfect for those who want to combine snorkeling with a bit of history—there are historic ruins and hiking trails to explore before or after your swim.
3. Anse Chastanet Beach & Anse Mamin
Best for: Easy access to vibrant reefs
The reefs at Anse Chastanet Beach and Anse Mamin are some of the most diverse and lively in St. Lucia. These beaches are part of the Soufrière Marine Management Area, meaning they are well-protected and rich with marine life.
At Anse Chastanet, the reef begins just a few feet from shore and gradually drops off, creating a perfect snorkeling environment. Expect to see a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and beautiful coral formations. A short walk or boat ride away, Anse Mamin is a more secluded spot with similar marine life but fewer crowds.
4. Superman’s Flight
Best for: Drift snorkeling with stunning underwater views
Named after a scene from Superman II, this spot offers one of the most exciting snorkeling experiences in St. Lucia. Located at the base of Petit Piton, this drift snorkel follows the underwater rock formations along the coastline.
The site is home to vibrant soft corals, colorful sponges, and unique rock formations, creating an otherworldly landscape beneath the waves. Keep an eye out for frogfish, trumpetfish, and large schools of squid. Due to the drift current, this spot is better suited for experienced snorkelers or those on a guided boat tour.
5. Anse Cochon
Best for: Calm waters and healthy coral reefs
Located near Ti Kaye Resort, Anse Cochon is a fantastic snorkeling location with crystal-clear water and diverse marine life. The reefs here feature large boulders covered in colorful sponges, as well as gorgonians and sea fans swaying in the current. You’ll also spot plenty of tropical fish and maybe even an octopus hiding among the rocks.
Anse Cochon is accessible by boat or via Ti Kaye Resort, making it a great option for visitors staying in the area or those on a snorkeling excursion.
6. Anse La Raye Reef
Best for: Coral gardens and diverse marine species
Located near the charming fishing village of Anse La Raye, this snorkeling spot is known for its stunning coral gardens and excellent visibility. The reef features soft and hard corals, including sea whips, gorgonians, and brain coral formations. Schools of tropical fish, lobsters, and moray eels can often be spotted here.
Since this reef is best accessed by boat, it is usually included as part of guided snorkeling tours.
Does St. Lucia Have Good Snorkeling?
Yes! St. Lucia snorkeling is excellent, especially on the calm leeward side of the island. While the number of snorkeling spots is not as high as in some other Caribbean islands, the quality is outstanding. The reefs are mostly fringing reefs near the shoreline, with vibrant sponges, soft corals, and abundant marine life. Many of these sites are within the Soufrière Marine Management Area, ensuring they remain well-protected and full of sea life.
For the best experience, we recommend bringing your own snorkeling gear or renting from a reputable provider. Many resorts, like Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, offer free snorkel gear to their guests.
Plan Your St. Lucia Snorkeling Adventure
If you’re looking for more things to do on the island, check out our guide to the Best Things to Do in St. Lucia. And if you’re still deciding where to stay, our blog on the Best St. Lucia Resorts will help you find the perfect luxury getaway.
St. Lucia is an unforgettable snorkeling destination, offering a mix of easy shore snorkeling and exciting boat-accessed reefs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, you’ll find stunning underwater landscapes and incredible marine life waiting for you here.
About Linda Browne
Linda is the General Manager for Exceptional Villas and has an in-depth knowledge of the travel industry. Linda's qualifications are in the area of business, marketing and tourism. Linda travels for much of the year inspecting all of our luxury villas; the majority of her time is spent in the Caribbean and Europe.
