Sharon

We will be visiting St. Lucia off a cruise ship in Janurary and would like information on snorkeling for the day. Thank you.

Cathy

How easy or how difficult this will be depends alot on how long your ship is in St. Lucia and how many people you will be traveling with. The best snorkeling is in southern St. Lucia at Anse Chastenet resort. If your ship docks in Castries, you will have to take a taxi or a boat to Anse Chastenet. Taxi is the cheapest way if you share with several people.<BR><BR>I would recommend getting a taxi - there are good reputable drivers right at the dock. Take a taxi to Anse Chastenet - it takes about an hour to get there. The beach is grey volcanic sand and the resort is very pretty. Very good off the beach snorkeling there. Don't bother with ship excursions. Snorkeling in the north part of the island not good.<BR><BR>Please post is you have any other questions.

Ruby

I did not find the snorkeling to be anything that great... and it was irritating to have people in canoes waiting for you to come up for &quot;air&quot; trying to sell conch shells and necklaces

Nancy

Hi Sharon,<BR>As Cathy said, the snorkelingis best at Anse Chastanet, but a water taxi would get you there more quickly if you are pressed for time.<BR>I did not see anyone in canoes at AC trying to sell anything.<BR>A regular taxi would allow you to see a lot of the island - and it is very beautiful.<BR>

Mary

Sharon: I'd consider saving your snorkeling excursion(s) for a better island (depending on your itinerary). St. Lucia's snorkeling, even at Anse Chastenet, was not overly impressive, IMO.

Cathy

The boat from the Anse Chastenet resort only runs at certain times and only twice a day and the ship that Sharon is on may not arrive in time to meet that boat. The last time I was in St. Lucia via cruise ship, that was the case. You can get to Soufriere by chartering a boat, but the the cheapest wanted to charge $300 for just two people. That was 1/3 of the price of my 7 day cruise, including tax!! If you are with a bigger group, the price will go down. Helicopter was more. There are many day sails but they do not go just to Anse Chastenet.<BR>I have been to St. Lucia for a long stay as well as cruise stops. I have never been bothered by people in canoes, especially at Anse Chastenet. The resort does not allow that kind of harassment.<BR>I have snorkeled in Australia, Hawaii, Mexico and all over the Caribbean and although the snorkeling at Anse Chastenet would not compare to the top reef destinations, the reef was nice, visiability good, fish variety good. I found the snorkeling to be enjoyable. The overall view of the Pitons, the grey sand beach, and the quiet ambience of the place along with the nice quality of snorkeling make a visit to Anse Chastenet a nice excursion.<BR><BR>Sharon, if you post your other cruise stops, I could recommend other good snorkeling islands.

Island Girl

There probably is a boat trip you can take to Anse Cochon for snorkelling.

Rdunn

Sharon, What ship and when? We go on the Constellation 1/11/03. Cathy, I would love to hear your input on snorkeling. San Juan to St. Croix to St. Lucia to Barbados to Antigua to St Thomas. I could either do the excursions from the ship or book my own. Where is the best of the islands we visit? Thanks R.

rick

There is a dive shop in Castries (where the ships dock). I booked via DIVE FAIR HELEN. It was wonderful for both scuba and snorkeling. Lunch included and VERY reasonable

Cathy

Hi Rdunn!<BR><BR>If you get a chance to go to Buck Island on St. Croix, very nice snorkeling and a beautiful beach. Nice snorkeling from St. John (via st. Thomas). St. Lucia has nice snorkeling at Anse Chastenet, and I am interested in what Rick said about Dive Fair Helen. Contact them and see where they will take you. Most dive affectionatos will concur that the best snorkeling is at Anse Chastenet beach.<BR><BR>As far as Barbados, Antigua - have never snorkeled on these islands - but nice beaches, especially Antigua.l