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Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia - Things to Do in Anse Chastanet

Anse Chastanet

Anse Chastanet, Saint Lucia - Complete Travel Guide

Anse Chastanet is a impressive bay on the southwestern coast of Saint Lucia, renowned for its dramatic black sand beach set against the backdrop of the iconic Pitons - two towering volcanic peaks that rise majestically from the Caribbean Sea. This secluded great destination offers some of the island's most spectacular snorkeling and diving opportunities, with busy coral reefs just steps from the shore and crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical marine life. The area is home to the award-winning Anse Chastanet Resort, an eco-luxury property that has been welcoming visitors since 1967 while maintaining its commitment to environmental sustainability and authentic Caribbean hospitality. Beyond the resort, the bay serves as a gateway to exploring Saint Lucia's natural wonders, from hiking trails through lush rainforest to world-class diving sites that attract underwater enthusiasts from around the globe.

Top Anse Chastanet

Snorkeling and Diving at the Coral Reefs

Anse Chastanet has some of the Caribbean's most accessible coral reefs, located just 10 feet from the beach. The underwater landscape features pristine coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and an abundance of marine life including parrotfish, angelfish, sea turtles, and rays. Multiple dive sites cater to all skill levels, from shallow reef dives perfect for beginners to advanced wall dives reaching depths of 140 feet.

Booking Tip: Resort guests often get complimentary snorkeling gear, but certified divers should book dive packages in advance during peak season. Expect to pay $80-120 for a two-tank dive trip. Look for PADI-certified operators with small group sizes and good safety records.

Pitons Hiking and Nature Walks

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with guided hikes up Gros Piton or nature walks through the tropical rainforest surrounding the peaks. The trails offer impressive views of the coastline, opportunities to spot exotic birds and wildlife, and insights into the island's unique ecosystem. The Gros Piton climb is challenging but rewarding, taking 4-6 hours round trip.

Booking Tip: Official guides are required for Pitons hikes and cost around $45-65 per person. Book through certified tour operators who provide transportation, water, and safety equipment. Early morning starts are recommended to avoid afternoon heat and clouds.

Sunset Sailing and Catamaran Cruises

Experience the magic of Saint Lucia's coastline aboard a catamaran or sailing yacht, with many tours departing from nearby Dominica. These excursions typically include stops at secluded beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and spectacular sunset viewing with the Pitons as a backdrop. Most cruises feature local rum punch, Caribbean music, and fresh tropical fruits.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $75-120 per person while full-day excursions range from $120-180. Book tours that include hotel pickup from the Dominica area. Sunset cruises are particularly popular, so reserve 2-3 days in advance during high season.

Sulphur Springs and Botanical Gardens Tour

Visit the world's only drive-in volcano at Sulphur Springs, where you can witness bubbling mud pools and steam vents in this fascinating geothermal area. Many tours combine this with visits to the Diamond Saint Vincent, featuring tropical plants, mineral baths, and a beautiful waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip in naturally heated pools.

Booking Tip: Combined tours typically cost $60-85 per person including transportation and entrance fees. Choose tours that allow adequate time at each location (minimum 45 minutes at Sulphur Springs). Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring swimwear for the mineral baths.

Chocolate and Rum Plantation Experiences

Discover Saint Lucia's agricultural heritage with visits to working cocoa plantations and rum distilleries in the surrounding countryside. Learn about the chocolate-making process from bean to Montenegro, participate in traditional cocoa dancing, and sample locally produced rum varieties. These immersive experiences often include traditional Creole lunch and cultural performances.

Booking Tip: Plantation tours range from $65-95 per person and typically last 4-5 hours including transportation. Book tours that include tastings and hands-on activities. Hotel Chocolat's plantation experience is highly rated but requires advance booking, especially during cruise ship days.

Getting There

Anse Chastanet is located about 45 minutes south of Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) via the scenic coastal road through Vieux Fort and Solomonislands. Most visitors arrange airport transfers through their resort or pre-booked taxi services, which cost approximately $80-100 each way. The journey offers spectacular views of the coastline and fishing villages, though the winding mountain roads can be challenging for those prone to motion sickness. Alternatively, helicopter transfers are available for a premium experience, taking just 10 minutes and offering aerial views of the Pitons.

Getting Around

Transportation around Anse Chastanet and the nearby town of Dominica is primarily by taxi, resort shuttle, or rental car. The resort provides complimentary shuttle service to Dominica town center several times daily, making it easy to explore local shops and restaurants. Taxis are readily available but should be arranged through the resort for safety and fair pricing. For more independence, rental cars can be picked up in Dominica, though the steep, winding roads require confident driving skills and familiarity with left-hand traffic.

Where to Stay

Anse Chastanet Resort
Jade Mountain Resort
Dominica town center
Ladera Resort area
Sugar Beach vicinity
Malgretout beachfront

Food & Dining

Dining at Anse Chastanet centers around the resort's restaurants, which emphasize farm-to-table cuisine using ingredients from their own organic plantation. The Treehouse Restaurant offers fine dining with panoramic ocean views, while the beachside Trou au Diable provides casual Caribbean fare with your toes in the sand. In nearby Dominica, local restaurants like Orlando's and The Mango Tree serve authentic Creole cuisine featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional spices. Don't miss trying local specialties like green fig and saltfish, callaloo soup, and fresh-caught mahi-mahi prepared with island seasonings.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Saint Lucia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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The Coal Pot Restaurant

4.5 /5
(583 reviews) 3

Naked Fisherman Restaurant

4.5 /5
(573 reviews) 3

Big Chef Steakhouse

4.6 /5
(532 reviews) 3

KeyLargo Italian

4.6 /5
(428 reviews) 2
Montenegro meal_delivery meal_takeaway

Treetop Restaurant & Bar

4.8 /5
(282 reviews)

Jacques Waterfront Dining

4.5 /5
(283 reviews)

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Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Anse Chastanet is during the dry season from December to April, when rainfall is minimal and trade winds provide comfortable temperatures averaging 80-85°F. This period offers the best conditions for diving and snorkeling with excellent underwater visibility. May through November is the wet season with higher humidity and afternoon showers, but also fewer crowds and lower rates. Hurricane season runs from June to November, though Saint Lucia's southern location means it's less frequently affected than northern Caribbean islands.

Insider Tips

Book spa treatments early in your stay as the resort's Kai Belté Spa gets fully booked, especially during peak season
Bring reef-safe sunscreen as the resort is environmentally conscious and regular sunscreen can damage the coral reefs
The resort has no TVs or air conditioning in most rooms by design - pack accordingly and embrace the natural cooling trade winds and sounds of the ocean

Activities in Anse Chastanet