Anse Chastanet

Anse Chastanet is a sweeping black-sand beach on Saint Lucia's west coast, its dark volcanic sand contrasting sharply with the turquoise water and the green walls of the Pitons rising immediately behind it. The beach is approximately a kilometre in length and is backed by a steep hillside of tropical forest, creating a dramatic and enclosed setting that feels much further from civilisation than its proximity to Soufrière actually suggests. The name Chastanet comes from a historic French estate that once operated on this hillside, and the ruins of the estate's buildings can still be seen among the trees above the beach.

The reef system at Anse Chastanet is one of the most celebrated in Saint Lucia, with coral formations beginning within metres of the shore and extending outward to depths that accommodate both snorkellers and certified divers. The water is exceptionally clear and the marine life abundant, with parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels and occasional sea turtles regularly encountered by snorkellers swimming along the shallow reef crest. Scuba divers have access to deeper sites including the famous Superman's Drop and the Pinnacle, where larger fish and more complex coral formations reward the deeper descent.

The resort of the same name occupies the hillside above the beach and has been developed along ecological principles, with rooms built into the hillside without disturbing the existing forest canopy and a commitment to sourcing food from the resort's own organic gardens. The resort is one of the most celebrated dive resorts in the Caribbean and its dive operation is considered among the best in the Eastern Caribbean, with experienced guides and well-maintained equipment.

The beach itself is open to non-residents but the facilities are limited, and visitors should arrive prepared with their own sun protection and refreshments. The contrast between the dramatic natural setting and the basic facilities is part of the appeal for those seeking a less developed beach experience, and the sense of being in a properly wild Caribbean landscape rather than a manicured resort beach is one of Anse Chastanet's distinguishing characteristics.

The view from the beach looking south towards the twin Pitons is one of the most photographed scenes in Saint Lucia, and the light in the late afternoon makes this the best time for photography. The beach faces west and catches the evening sun, making it a popular spot for sunset viewing as the silhouette of Petit Piton darkens against the sky and the first stars appear over Gros Piton.

Black volcanic sand beach with the dramatic backdrop of the Pitons rising directly behind.

Exceptional snorkelling and scuba diving directly from the shore with abundant marine life.

One of the best-preserved natural beach environments in the Soufrière area.

The beach offers one of the finest viewpoints for photographing the Pitons.