Explore the colorful, teeming marine life off Pigeon Island by learning to SNUBA, an exceptionally fun recreational watersport that's a cross between scuba and snorkeling.
Depart from the pier and enjoy a leisurely drive north to Pigeon Island, a national park that is connected to the St. Lucia mainland by a man-made causeway. At the beach, you'll receive a brief introduction to SNUBA, an easy-to-learn cross between scuba and snorkeling that gives you the freedom to dive to depths up to 20 feet. However, unlike traditional diving, in SNUBA the air supply floats on the water's surface, and you simply breathe through the long tube that connects it to you.
Upon entering the water at the tranquil Bay of Anse Cochon, you're free to swim along at whatever depth is comfortable for you, observing the abundant marine life. The coral reefs here are teeming with flounder, blue tangs, parrotfish, spiny lobsters, arrow crabs and plenty more. Dependent upon the season, you might even see octopi, turtles and schools of sardines.
Following your twenty-five minute SNUBA experience, you'll have over ninety minutes of free time to swim at your leisure or explore other areas of the 40-acre island. In the 18th century, the British built Fort Rodney on one of Pigeon Island's twin peaks, and some of the buildings, defensive walls and cannons still remain. If it's a clear day, it's possible to see Martinique to the north. The park has a small restaurant on site where beverages and snacks are available for purchase. After your adventure on Pigeon Island, you'll rejoin your bus and transfer back to the pier.
Please note: Walking on this tour is mainly at the guests' discretion. The surfaces at Pigeon Island are a combination of sand, dirt, grass and gravel. The water activity is considered moderate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Cool, comfortable clothing worn over swimwear; sun cap; sunglasses; sunscreen; towel; and flat, rubber-soled sandals or aqua socks are recommended. Weight belt, mask, snorkel, fins and breathing apparatus are included. The minimum age to participate is 8 years old and children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. Those who participate in any water activities do so at their own risk and responsibility. The sighting of marine life is not guaranteed.