Coral Gardens, Saint Lucia - Soufriere & The Pitons

Harrison Cove feels like diving into another world. We love the way the light filters down through the tannin-stained water, giving everything a moody, ethereal glow. It’s certainly not your typical coral reef dive; instead, think dramatic rock walls, a gravelly slope giving way to silty sand, and the striking black coral, which actually appears white or pale yellow under your torch beam. Keep an eye out for dogsharks cruising through the murk, or maybe even a seven-gill if you’re lucky – a real thrill. The swarms of squat lobsters clinging to the rocks are a constant, fascinating distraction. Visibility averages around 11 metres, which frankly, feels generous when you’re down there, but it adds to the mysterious atmosphere. We'd suggest going slow, really letting your eyes adjust to the soft light and looking into every crevice. This site suits divers who appreciate the unique, the slightly eerie, and those keen to see some truly distinctive Fiordland marine life in an unforgettable setting.

Location: Soufriere & The Pitons, St. Lucia, Caribbean
Coordinates: 13.811200, -61.079200
Type: reef

Marine Protected Area: Zone de gestion des Pitons

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 Coral Gardens, Saint Lucia

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 Coral Gardens, Saint Lucia

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