Diving in Anse La Raye

Explore 6 dive sites in Anse La Raye, St. Lucia. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Anse La Raye

The warmest water temperatures in Anse La Raye occur in January, averaging 27.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.7°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • February: 27.7°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • March: 27.7°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • April: 27.7°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • May: 27.7°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • June: 27.7°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 27.7°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • August: 27.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • September: 27.7°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • October: 27.7°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • November: 27.7°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • December: 27.7°C (air: 26.2°C)

Marine Life in Anse La Raye

Home to 261 recorded species including 232 reef fish, 11 whales & dolphins, 6 sharks & rays, 4 seagrass & algae, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 other.

Dive Site Difficulty in Anse La Raye

Anse La Raye has 1 beginner, 1 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Anse La Raye

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Anse La Raye

  • Maria Islands Wildlife Reserve - Nature / Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pigeon Island - National Landmark (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Anse Cochon - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category V)
  • Moule a Chique - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ceasar-Mathurin - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tapion - Historic Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Dennery Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Choc - Historic Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • The Maria Islet Reef - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Zone de gestion des Pitons - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Doré-Piaye - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category V)
  • Iyanola and Grande Anses, Esperance and Fond D'ors - National Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Praslin Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Rat Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • East Coast and Praslin - Marine Management Area / Marine Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • East Coast (incl. Fond D'Or, Grand Anse Marine Reserve, Cas En Bas, Marquis, Esperance Harbour and Louvette Marine Reserves) - National Park and Marine Management Area (IUCN Category V)
  • East Coast - Marine Managed Area (IUCN Category V)
  • East Coast - Marine Managed Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Laborie and - Marine Managed Area (IUCN Category V)
  • West Coast (incl. Anse la Raye/Canaries Local Fisheries Management Area) - Local Fisheries Marine Management Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Mandelé - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category V)
  • Scorpion Island - Nature Reserve and Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • East Coast - Marine Managed Area (IUCN Category V)
  • West Coast (incl. Anse la Raye/Canaries Local Fisheries Management Area and Marigot Bay) - Marine Management Area / Marine Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • West Coast (incl. Soufriere, Rachette Reefs, Petit Piton, Gros Piton and Anse Chastenets) - National Park and Marine Management Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Pointe Sable - Environmental Protection Area (IUCN Category V)
  • West Coast (incl. Anse la Raye/Canaries Local Fisheries Management Area and Anse Cochon, Anse Galet and Anse la Verdures) - Marine Management Area / Marine Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Cold Upwelling - Marine Managed Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Pitons(Qualibou and Canaries) - National Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Savannes Bay - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Mankòté Mangrove - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Anse La Raye - Nearest Airports

  • George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU), Castries - 9 km away, approx 25 min travel time
  • Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), Vieux Fort - 26 km away, approx 44 min travel time
  • Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF), Fort-de-France - 71 km away, approx 92 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving conditions like in Anse La Raye, including visibility and currents?
While specific data on visibility and currents for Anse La Raye is not provided, this sub-region features less-visited dive sites along St. Lucia's central west coast. Divers can generally expect conditions typical of the Caribbean, though local conditions can vary. We recommend checking with local dive centers for real-time conditions.
What specific marine life can divers expect to encounter when diving in the Anse La Raye region?
The provided data does not specify particular marine life encounters for the Anse La Raye region. However, divers in the Caribbean typically encounter a diverse array of tropical species. For general information on marine life, you can explore our wildlife database.
Which are considered the best dive sites in the Anse La Raye area for scuba divers?
The Anse La Raye area offers a variety of dive sites catering to different interests and skill levels. Notable sites include the Lesleen M and Vicky B Wrecks, the VOLGA wreck, and the challenging Anse La Raye Wall. For beginners, Turtle Reef provides a great entry point to explore the reefs.
Is Anse La Raye suitable for beginner divers, or is it primarily recommended for more experienced individuals?
Anse La Raye is suitable for a range of divers, from beginners to advanced. Beginner divers can enjoy sites like Turtle Reef, which is classified as beginner-friendly. Intermediate divers have options such as the Lesleen M and Vicky B Wrecks and the VOLGA, while the Anse La Raye Wall is recommended for advanced divers.
What is the best time of year to dive in Anse La Raye for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Based on water temperature data, the best time of year to dive in Anse La Raye for comfortable conditions is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when average temperatures are consistently around 27.67°C. While specific marine life sightings are not detailed for these months, these periods offer excellent thermal comfort. For more general information on dive seasons, visit our when to dive guide.
How do divers typically access the dive sites around Anse La Raye?
Divers typically access the dive sites around Anse La Raye through the local dive centers. With four dive centers operating in the area, boat trips are the most common way to reach the less-visited sites along St. Lucia's central west coast, ensuring convenient access to all dive locations.
Are there any notable wall dives or wreck dives specifically within the Anse La Raye dive region?
Yes, the Anse La Raye region is home to several notable wall and wreck dives. For wreck enthusiasts, you can explore the Lesleen M and Vicky B Wrecks (details here), the VOLGA wreck (details here), and the LESLEEN M wreck (details here). The challenging Anse La Raye Wall (details here) offers an exciting wall diving experience.
What are the average water temperatures for diving in Anse La Raye throughout the year?
While specific year-round average water temperatures are not provided, the data indicates that the best water temperatures for diving in Anse La Raye occur during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, consistently at 27.67°C. This suggests comfortable diving conditions during these periods, making them ideal for your underwater adventures.