Anse Chastanet
Chastanet Bay · Anse Chastanet Resort
13°52.4'N 61°04.0'W
Mooring Only — Anchoring Prohibited
This anchorage is in the SMMA zone. Anchoring is strictly prohibited — use designated mooring buoys only (white/blue for yachts; never use red buoys). SMMA Coral Conservation Permit: EC$54 (US$20)/night. Hail SMMA Rangers on VHF 16 on arrival.
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m on resort mooring buoy — radius reflects swing space on mooring. Do NOT anchor — coral reef below; anchoring prohibited. Resort moorings rated to 70ft vessel. Confirm mooring capacity on arrival. Open to south — monitor weather for SW swell.
About This Anchorage
Anse Chastanet is one of St. Lucia's premier dive locations and home to the famous Anse Chastanet Resort — an architecturally distinctive eco-resort built directly into the volcanic hillside. The bay has a dramatic coral reef wall beginning just metres from shore, rated among the top dive sites in the eastern Caribbean. Mooring buoys are provided by the resort — anchoring is prohibited to protect the coral. Jade Mountain resort shares the headland above. Diving and snorkelling directly from the mooring is exceptional: coral walls, trumpet fish, parrotfish, and occasional turtles. The view south to Petit Piton is spectacular. A fee is charged for using resort moorings.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Anchoring PROHIBITED. Resort mooring fee: approx US$20–30/night (contact Anse Chastanet Resort). EC$25 non-port-of-entry permit required.
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Contact Anse Chastanet Resort on VHF 16 or by dinghy for mooring assignment. Mooring fee payable at resort. EC$25 non-port-of-entry Customs permit.
Restrictions: No anchoring — coral reef below. Resort moorings only. Scuba diving area — look-out for divers below surface when motoring. Resort beach area — respect guest swim zone.
Hazards
- !Anchoring strictly prohibited — coral reef protection zone; fines apply
- !Active dive site — divers below surface in mooring area; do not motor over dive flag
- !Open to south and SW — can become uncomfortable in southerly conditions
- !Resort beach and water activities — keep clear of guest swim and kayak areas
Skipper's Tips
- →Book a resort mooring in advance during peak season (December–March) — bay fills quickly
- →Dive St. Lucia (resort-based) offers PADI courses and guided dives on the reef — one of the best dive ops in St. Lucia
- →Snorkelling directly from the mooring on the coral wall is spectacular — mask and fins essential
- →The Treehouse restaurant requires a dinghy to the resort dock — book dinner ahead; sunset views over the sea are superb
- →Petit Piton viewpoint from the mooring at sunrise is one of the iconic Caribbean images
Facilities
Anse Chastanet Resort restaurant and bar (Treehouse). Access by dinghy to resort dock. Jade Mountain restaurant above (advance booking essential). No fuel or water at mooring.
Nearest provisions: Soufrière village (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. Mooring dependent on resort availability. Best diving December–April (clearest water). Can be uncomfortable in S or SW weather.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
Even on SMMA mooring buoys, chafe and current can cause movement overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — critical when moored close to Piton cliff faces in the dark.
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