The verdict on Anse Chastanet
- Who it suitsSnorkellers and divers above all, and travellers happy to swap golden sand for the best shore access reef on the island.
- Best spotThe southern end of the cove where the marine reserve begins, in the calm clear water of the early morning before day boats arrive.
- One thing to knowThe sand is dark volcanic grey and the resort frames the beach, so come for what is in the water rather than for the sand itself.
Published 16 March 2026. Last reviewed 11 May 2026
Anse Chastanet is the beach you visit for what lies under the surface, not on it. Just north of Soufriere, it is a dark volcanic cove backed by steep forested hills, where a protected reef begins only yards from the shore and holds well over a hundred recorded fish species. It is rated among the best shore access snorkelling in the Caribbean, and that reputation is earned. Slip in from the sand and the reef is simply there.
The pleasure here is the ease of the marine life. There is no boat to catch and no long swim out, just clear sheltered water over a living reef that you can enjoy with a mask and fins or explore properly on a dive, as the resort runs a long established diving operation. The southern end of the cove, where the reserve begins, is the place to head, and the early morning is the time, before the day boats arrive and the water is at its clearest.
The honest catch is the sand and the framing. This is grey volcanic sand rather than the golden sweep of the north, the beach is modest in size, and the resort sits close behind it, so casual visitors can feel they are passing through someone else's front garden. None of that matters once your face is in the water, but if you came for a broad sunbathing beach you will be happier elsewhere. Come for the reef and you will not be disappointed.
Come to Anse Chastanet for the snorkelling and the dive, and go early. For the quiet cove just next door try Anse Mamin, for the showpiece setting between the Pitons see Sugar Beach, and for another fine dive cove visit Anse Cochon. To arrange a table or a daybed, use our St Lucia beach clubs directory, and for the full ranking see the best beaches in St Lucia.
Dining and clubs on Anse Chastanet
Anse Chastanet is a resort fronted snorkel cove rather than a strip of minimum spend clubs, and we never invent venues, prices or status. Access and any minimum for non guests are set by the resort and vary by season, so anything we cannot confirm we list as to be confirmed. For the full picture, use the St Lucia beach clubs directory.
Photo: Tina H via GoogleTrou au Diable
The Anse Chastanet resort grill on the beachfront, serving a grill menu and sea views beside the snorkel reef. Reserve ahead for non guests, with menus and any minimum best confirmed directly with the venue.
Snorkel reef shore
The public shore gives access to the marine reserve, so you can snorkel the reef from the sand without joining a club. Bring your own gear, respect the reserve markers and head for the southern end of the cove.
Anse Chastanet, St Lucia
Anse Chastanet lies just north of Soufriere on the west coast, reached by a rough access road from the town or, more easily for most visitors, by boat on a snorkelling trip from the north of the island. The road in is steep and bumpy, so many people arrive by water, which also gives the finest first view of the cove and the Pitons beyond.
Because the beach is resort fronted, plan to keep to the public shore unless you are dining or diving with the resort. Bring water, sun cover and reef safe products, bring or rent snorkel gear, respect the marine reserve markers and treat the calm clear water of the early hours as typical rather than guaranteed.
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Anse Chastanet FAQ
Is Anse Chastanet good for snorkelling?
Yes, it is the best shore access snorkelling on the island. A protected reef begins only yards from the sand and holds well over a hundred fish species, so you can slip in with a mask and fins and reach living reef without a boat or a long swim out.
Can you visit Anse Chastanet without staying at the resort?
Yes. The shore has public access and you can snorkel the marine reserve from the sand. The Anse Chastanet resort frames the beach and runs the facilities and dive operation, so keep to the public shore and confirm any dining or lounger access with the resort.
Is the sand at Anse Chastanet nice?
It is dark volcanic grey rather than golden, modest in size and framed by the resort, so it is not a broad sunbathing beach. The reason to come is the reef and the diving, which are exceptional, rather than the sand itself.
How do you get to Anse Chastanet?
By a steep, rough access road from Soufriere, or more easily by boat on a snorkelling trip from the north of the island. Many visitors choose the boat, which is simpler than the road and gives the best first view of the cove and the Pitons.
When is the best time to visit Anse Chastanet?
Early in the day, before the day boats arrive and while the water is at its clearest and calmest. The drier months from December to May bring the best snorkelling conditions, though the reef rewards a visit across the year.