Anse Chastanet Reef - Soufriere & The Pitons

Anse Chastanet Reef is exactly the kind of site we gravitate towards when we just want to float and take it all in. It’s a comfortable, easy dive, dropping gently from about 3 metres down to 20, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon or even a night dive. What we really love here is the sheer density of small stuff if you slow down and look for it. We've spent entire dives in just a few square metres, spotting tiny blennies peeking from coral heads and the almost transparent bodies of juvenile fish flitting between the seafans. It’s shore-accessible, which is a big plus – no long boat rides needed. The currents are usually negligible, just a gentle sway, and visibility typically holds strong at 15-20 metres, even after a bit of rain. Keep an eye out for triggerfish patrolling the reef crest and banded cleaner shrimp setting up their stations. Our favourite memory is finding a trio of suspicious lizardfish, perfectly camouflaged, just waiting for something unsuspecting to swim by. This spot truly shines for macro enthusiasts and anyone looking for a stress-free, beautiful dive.

Location: Soufriere & The Pitons, St. Lucia, Caribbean
Coordinates: 13.865000, -61.072000
Type: reef
Maximum Depth: 3-20m
Difficulty: Beginner

Marine Protected Area: West Coast (incl. Soufriere, Rachette Reefs, Petit Piton, Gros Piton and Anse Chastenets)

Best Time to Dive in Soufriere & The Pitons

The warmest water temperatures in Soufriere & The Pitons 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: 23.3°C)
February: 27.7°C (air: 23.4°C)
March: 27.7°C (air: 23.7°C)
April: 27.7°C (air: 24.5°C)
May: 27.7°C (air: 25.3°C)
June: 27.7°C (air: 25.3°C)
July: 27.7°C (air: 25.1°C)
August: 27.7°C (air: 25.4°C)
September: 27.7°C (air: 25.7°C)
October: 27.7°C (air: 25.4°C)
November: 27.7°C (air: 24.6°C)
December: 27.7°C (air: 23.9°C)

Nearest Dive Centres to Anse Chastanet Reef

Anse Chastanet Scuba St Lucia - ["PADI"]

Marine Life in Soufriere & The Pitons

Home to 255 recorded species including 228 reef fish, 9 whales & dolphins, 6 sharks & rays, 4 seagrass & algae, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Greater Soapfish (Rypticus saponaceus) - Reef Fish
Barber (Acanthurus bahianus) - Reef Fish
Flamefish (Apogon maculatus) - Reef Fish
Lawyer (Halichoeres radiatus) - Reef Fish
Devilfish (Ophioblennius atlanticus) - Reef Fish
Cook (Holocentrus adscensionis) - Reef Fish
Pacific Spotted Scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri) - Reef Fish
Clown Wrasse (Halichoeres maculipinna) - Reef Fish
Spotted Soapfish (Rypticus subbifrenatus) - Reef Fish
Jack (Epinephelus adscensionis) - Reef Fish
Hamlet (Gymnothorax moringa) - Reef Fish
Yellowtail Parrotfish (Sparisoma rubripinne) - Reef Fish
Bastard soldierfish (Myripristis jacobus) - Reef Fish
Species code: Hs (Halophila stipulacea) - Seagrass & Algae
Angelfish (Holacanthus tricolor) - Reef Fish
French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum) - Reef Fish
Parrotfish (Thalassoma bifasciatum) - Reef Fish
Dusky Damselfish (Stegastes adustus) - Reef Fish
Blue Doctor (Acanthurus coeruleus) - Reef Fish
Pearl Blenny (Entomacrodus nigricans) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Anse Chastanet Reef

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