Hi everyone, here is a brief report on St. Lucia:
All Sandles Resorts offer free diving as part of their hotel package. You
do not need to bring any scuba gear as all 'top-notch' gear is provided
free with the exception of a dive suit (rented). You register on-site and
turn up at 8:15AM (double tank dive) or 1:30PM (single tank dive). With the
double tank dive refreshments/ sandwiches are provided in between dives. An
afternoon dive tryout is mandated regardless of experience. At 8:20AM you
are transported by an air conditioned van to Castries harbor to the boat
(15 min). The dive boat was large and powerful, with a washroom facility,
tanks & weights on boat. The dive operation is organized well, a
professional outfit, with many suitably qualified instructors and Dive
Masters. I took my PADI specialty in Navigation and EFR there. Other divers
from another Sandals resort -Hicacos join you.
The staff were excellent, however, one area for improvement would be in
general helpfulness. Although the staff are friendly and when asked are
willing to help it was not spontaneous as I would have liked to have seen.
As an example, an offer of a helping hand when carrying gear to the boat,
gearing up and exiting the water - all a little spotty. The dive brief at
times was a little too brief although safety was consistently highlighted
(stay close to DM, depth and air limits). Surprisingly, the buddy system
was a little lax at times unless strong currents prevailed.
In general, I enjoyed a total of 14-dives with Sandles. The dive sites
were numerous ranging from 10 min to 1 hour from Castries harbor. The
scenery is breathtaking especially diving around the famous Pitons.
Highlights included: The Pitons (77'); the Lesleen M. Wreck (65');
Superman's flight (67' which is at the base of the Pitons - beware strong
current!) and numerous exciting and dramatic rock formations. Saw: Turtles
(2), lobsters, moray eels, octopus, barracuda, Jackfish, shrimps, crabs.
Would I dive with Sandals again - absolutely!
