Scouting Saint Lucia: Our Dive Trip Preview for 2026

When it comes to Caribbean beauty, Saint Lucia delivers on every front — lush mountains, vibrant reefs, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. Our recent scouting trip confirmed it: this island is truly something special. The views of the Pitons are absolutely spectacular, the reef life is full of color and texture, and we were constantly surrounded by schools of fish, eels, turtles, and even a seahorse or two. Add in the warm hospitality and a beautiful resort like Anse Chastanet, and you’ve got a destination that’s just as magical above the surface as below.

Why We Picked Saint Lucia

We’ve been eyeing Saint Lucia for a while, and Anse Chastanet kept popping up in conversations with divers who love destinations that blend beauty, comfort, and adventure. After seeing it for ourselves, it’s clear why. The resort truly captures the best of the Caribbean — vibrant reefs just offshore, views that stop you in your tracks, and that laid-back island warmth that makes you feel at home within minutes.

Plus, our 2026 Saint Lucia Dive Package includes 19 dives and full-board meals — breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and dessert (yes, dessert every night!). It’s the kind of setup we love for group trips: easy, seamless, and full of incredible food and diving from day one.

And here’s the thing — it’s also a perfect destination for non-divers. The beaches, hiking trails, kayaking, yoga on the sand, chocolate tastings, and of course those stunning Pitons mean there’s plenty to do when you’re not underwater. Everyone in your group can have an unforgettable experience, whether they’re snorkeling, lounging with a rum punch, or hiking to a scenic viewpoint.

And we’re not the only ones who noticed how special this place is — Anse Chastanet was just ranked #4 in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards for Top Resorts in the Caribbean & Atlantic! That recognition speaks volumes about the resort’s commitment to hospitality, sustainability, and its unique harmony between nature and design.

The Resort

There’s really nowhere else like Anse Chastanet. Built into the hillside overlooking the Pitons, the resort is all about blending with nature rather than building over it. You’ll find open-air spaces, tropical hardwoods, and views that seem to follow you everywhere you go! Everywhere you look, there’s a “wow” moment — whether it’s the Pitons framing the horizon, the scent of the jungle after rain, or the gentle sound of waves on the beach.

The Rooms

No two rooms are alike, and that’s part of the charm.

Superior Rooms: Perched higher up, these rooms come with sweeping views of the Pitons and sea. You’ll work for those views (lots of stairs!), but it’s worth every step. No A/C here — just cool trade winds and the sounds of the rainforest.

Hillside Deluxe Rooms: For those who love the feeling of being immersed in nature, these are magic. Some are open on one side with no fourth wall, while others use wooden louvres for airflow. No A/C here — just cool trade winds and the sounds of the rainforest.

Beachside Deluxe Rooms: This is where we stayed — steps from the sand, the dive shop, and the beach. These rooms do have A/C, which we appreciated after long, sun-filled dive days.

And for anyone worried about the hills, don’t be! The resort offers a complimentary shuttle service between the beach and upper levels, so you can save your energy for diving (or dessert).

Each room category has its charm — just be sure to choose based on your preferences for location, stairs, and A/C.

A Look at Jade Mountain

Right above Anse Chastanet sits its ultra-luxurious sister property, Jade Mountain — a six-star sanctuary that redefines island indulgence. Each of its 24 Infinity Pool Sanctuaries is a masterpiece of design, merging bedroom, living area, and private infinity pool into one seamless, open-air space that overlooks the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea.

We took a tour of one of the sanctuaries and trust us, it does not disappoint. The architecture is breathtaking — like living inside a work of art — and the sense of peace and privacy is unmatched.

If you’re celebrating something special or simply want to take your Saint Lucia experience to the next level, we have exclusive upgrade rates available for Jade Mountain guests. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of stay.

The Diving

Saint Lucia’s diving surprised us in the best way. The reefs are colorful, the visibility is great, and the underwater topography is dramatic — pinnacles, walls, and volcanic formations covered in life. It’s a true mix of big Caribbean scenery and small macro treasures.

We dove with Scuba St. Lucia, the on-site dive center, and they couldn’t have been more welcoming. The team is professional, fun, and clearly passionate about the marine park that surrounds the Pitons. Most dive sites are only 5–15 minutes away, so the days feel easy and unhurried — just how we like it.

Highlights from Our Stay

• Watching the green flash during the sunset on the beach

• Morning dives with towering volcanic peaks as our backdrop

• Chocolate-making at the resort’s own Chocolate Lab (yes, it’s real and delicious)

• Snorkeling right off the beach and seeing so much life just steps from shore

• That feeling of total calm — the kind that sneaks up on you halfway through the week when you realize you haven’t looked at your phone in days

The food deserves its own applause. Most ingredients come from the resort’s farm, and every meal has that fresh, “just-picked” flavor. Roti, mango smoothie bowls, and vegan options aplenty kept us happily fueled for all our adventures.

Final Thoughts

Our Saint Lucia scouting trip was one for the books. This island has heart — you feel it in the people, the food, the rhythm of the waves, and the way the jungle spills right down to the reef. Anse Chastanet (and its stunning sister, Jade Mountain) capture all of that in one unforgettable experience.

We can’t wait to bring our group back here next year for a week of diving, relaxation, and Caribbean magic.