I will be visiting St Lucia next July for my honeymoon and have a couple questions. First of all, are there any spots that I would be an absolute fool to skip (or vice versa, to actually visit)? Where must I go and where must I not go? Secondly, I really want to scuba down there, although I've never done it before. I'm strongly considering class and PADI certification, but I wonder, is it worth it? And if I'm certified, what do I have to do/pay to do it in St Lucia. Reading the brochures, it looks like I just pay to rent the equip, but it says that even certified, they have to approve me for diving-so is it worth it to get certified up here before going? And in relation to that, my fiance is really leary and nervous about diving. I really want to try it, and I think if she does, she'll like it a lot. Do you have any advice for this situation. Are there any reasons that I could use to convince her to do it with me? Thanks for the help

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding/honeymoon. My husband and I spent our honeymoon on St. Lucia a few years ago. We stayed a few nights at Ladera Resort(WOW) in the georgous southern part of the island where the Pitons peaks are located and then a few nights at the Hyatt (now a Sandals) in the north part of the island just a short walk from Pigon Is.

If you do not stay by the Pitons in the southern part of the island then definately take a tour down to that area and be sure to have lunch or dinner at Dasheene at Ladera. It is considered the best resaurant on the island and most romantic (sigh) In the north part of the island do try to get to Pigon Is. where the fort is located and it has great views.

There are so many places to see and go. I have a trip report and lots of St. Lucia, Ladera and Hyatt pictures. Email me at [email protected] if you would like the link to see them and read the report.

As for scuba diving I don't dive but have friends that do and they rave about the diving near Anse Chastanet Resort which is just down the coast from Ladera. I do know that Anse is a padi site and lots of diving is done there. I think Anse has a diving and honeymoon package as does Ladera.

Kay

Thanks!

I would advise getting certification before you go--that way, you won't run into any snags and will know if you like it! We stayed at the Windjammer Landing in Sept. '03 and my husband went on one of their dive trips. At that time it was $90, half day. Two dives, the boat picked him up at the hotel boat dock, all equipment rental, and fees included in the $90. He said it was the trip of a lifetime! They did require a certification card for him to book the trip. Being certified before you trip saves alot of hassles (like not being able to go!) Enjoy!

"your trip" !

I went diving w/ husband and kids in great barrier reef my first time, I was very nervous but did it and enjoyed it - however, knowing what I know now, and having gone thru the hotel/tour group "training" I would have felt much more comfortable learning at least a little at home first - see if you can find any classes near you - they usually start in a pool (like the resort type training) but she would have more time to gain some confidence w/ the equipment - but it is worth doing - I was amazed at what I saw and how relaxed it was once I got used to the breathing, etc - that being said, my daughter was never really comfortable and didn't like the feeling of using the tanks, etc and some people just aren't and we can't argue with that, so next time we were in islands and did it, she snorkeled instead and read a book while we did dive - and that's ok too.

I second the Pitons!!! You have to see them!! It is something you won't soon forget. To me, the Pitons are what make St. Lucia stand out over any other island in the Caribbean.