St Lucia, Caribbean

Located towards the centre of the Windward Islands chain at the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea, the tear drop-shaped island is some 27 miles long. St Lucia is famed for it’s picturesque peaks, the Pitons. It is also worth taking a tour of the interior of the island with beautiful views, rainforest walks, waterfalls and the sulphurous pools of the active volcano to explore. St Lucia has established itself as one of the world's top diving destinations. The marine reserve at Anse Chastanet offers some of the best shore diving in the Caribbean and is located midway along the sheltered west coast. This is part of the government protected reserve, the Soufriere Marine Management Area including pretty Marigot Bay to the north and the twin peaks, the petit and Gros Pitons to the south. Fishing is limited here to ensure excellent healthy reef with an impressive amount and diversity of marine life. Varied dives are available from shallow coral spurs and sandy gullies to sudden, dramatic breaks down sheer walls. The wreck of the Lesleen M is covered with sea fans and thousands of soldier fish. There is also excellent night diving.