Why Sandals might be perfect for your next dive vacation. Even advanced scuba divers should stick to the basics in terms of communicating underwater effectively and following other recommended safety procedures. Available from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon. The Caribbean’s Most Comprehensive Scuba Program. There’s a wall you can explore which is relatively small, and a flat coral reef. Expect to see valleys and trenches, and even a small tunnel which leads to a chimney. As this area is generally one of the best places for scuba diving in Saint Lucia, it is commonly recommended to divers. It didn't really bother us as we took the shuttle over to the Grande and swam at their beach. Guests staying at the luxurious Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Club can indulge themselves into 5 Star Global Gourmet Dining and other mouth-watering cuisine from around the globe in nine fantastic restaurants. Diving in the Caribbean has been likened to experiencing an underwater carnival. The depth of the reef is about 50 ft. You can opt for boat dives and even night dives which offer diverse experiences. La Roche is near Rodney Bay – about a quarter mile out. Available from: Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Regency La Toc, Sandals Halcyon. The PADI Dive team is professional and fantastic. Those that did not take reservations open at 6:30. Read more about what guests love at each resorts: The food in all the restaurants was excellent, and provided you went for supper around 6:30 there was never a problem of getting a table. After frequent vacationing at Sandals resort throughout the Carribean- no one in my party has ever gotten sick. Depending on where you dive and the time of your session, you may also spot turtles, seahorses, or even barracuda and nurse sharks. Our room was the Emerald Beachfront Honeymoon Suite (212) - second floor with full balcony - spectacular view of the beach and situated near eveything. Dive operators associated with Sandals are friendly and engaging. All staff from management to those working in the resturants and guest service were professional and very friendly. If you’re planning on getting certified during your vacation, opt to do some e-learning ahead of your trip to speed things up once you get there. You can start off at the base of Petit Piton (2619 ft), the smaller of the two majestic pitons in Soufriere. Managed to book in a 3 hour Carribean wrap which was the epitome of indulgence. Insider Tip. Guests from Halcyon will meet you there. This reef is notably shaped like a figure “9”, and it is diverse, getting more defined the deeper you dive. La Toc is a big resort with lots of beautiful hills and bluffs- wonderful walking for burning off your calories from a day of dining and drinking. Even restaurants that do take reservations were impossible to get into. It was kept extremely neat and tidy each day by an excellent housekeeping staff. Can be noisy at night due to the entertainment in the Pavallion Entertainment Center - was not a issue for us - usually over by 11PM (+ or -). As you get deeper into this dive, you might run into things like barracuda. Staff here is very friendly and accommodating. First- you take a shuttle bus to the marina in Castries to get to the dive boat (and the snorkel boat for that matter). Sandals offers excursions opportunities via their on-site "Island Routes" represenatives - their desk is adjacent to the check-in desk. My only complaint is that people get up before sunrise to save chairs. We had the most amazing time getting open water dive certified in St. Lucia. Both photographers and dive lovers are in store of an exciting experience on the island where divers can explore marine parks, reefs, shipwrecks, and more. The grounds are beautiful and immaculate. If you've done your homework about this resort- you will not be disappointed. Dive sites in Saint Lucia attract divers from all over the world. This dive site was named after a scene from the film Superman II. Lovers of the wall dive will be happy to know that this dive extends as deep as 1500 ft, and aside from an abundance of dazzling fishes, you’ll marvel at the huge fluorescent sponges and gorgonians. Don’t worry about things getting too hot though, the trade winds cool things off significantly most of the year. La Toc is a big resort with lots of beautiful hills and bluffs- wonderful walking for burning off your calories from a day of dining and drinking. By looking I would think the butler suites up on the bluffs were a lot better with beautiful views. Experience the Caribbean in person by booking your stay today! The hotel was spread over a large area with the 9 hole golf course on the doorstep (not included in the all inclusive deal). Finally, look over your equipment before you use it to make sure it’s in good condition and suitable for safe use. I believe that Sandals does listen to its guests and constantly strives to make improvements. You can dive from the shore or go out on a boat to begin your dive, and the rest of your party can stay on the shore to enjoy the sunshine! About Sandals Regency La Toc Saint Lucia’s Most Glamorous Resort Saint Lucia’s most glamorous resort, Sandals Regency La Toc is a magnificent 220-acre estate set on a half-mile, crescent-shaped beach, cradling exotic coral bluffs, lush hillsides and rolling fairways. The wreck is about 244 ft long and for the most part, it is in one piece. Dive level: Advanced With a name like this, you’ll be right to anticipate that this dive will be a little more exciting than most. The boat ride can last 30-45 min to get to your dive site. If you want a bit of scuba but don’t want to go all the way in, try things like SNUBA, or go for a snorkeling trip. Fortunately, sites like Rosemond’s Trench have already been rated as a “must do” by many divers to the island, which means you’re unlikely to be disappointed after suiting up. Granted, the waves are CRAZY big! The dining is up to Sandals quality- though a bit frustrating that only 2 restaurants take reservations. Some didn't come back for use of the chairs for hours. Some people choose to go deep sea fishing around this area while others go for the more eco-friendly scuba session. Ask Knaggs f about Sandals Regency La Toc, Ask 78KarenR621 about Sandals Regency La Toc, Ask buddy040 about Sandals Regency La Toc, St. Lucia is nice....review what you are looking for in a resort, Ask Likeallinclusives about Sandals Regency La Toc, Ask Steven W about Sandals Regency La Toc, Ask Stephan P about Sandals Regency La Toc, Hotels near Rum Therapy Bar and Treatment Center, Hotels near (SLU) George F. L. Charles Airport, We compared the lowest prices from 16 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 14 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 13 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 11 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 9 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 7 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 2 websites. Further, there was more entertainment in the evening at the Grande than La Toc. You can do as much as you want to do - even PADI ® Certified Scuba Diving in spectacular waters - or absolutely nothing at all because it’s all included, all unlimited, all the time. This reef is shaped like a horseshoe and while diving you may spot crabs, lobsters, spotted drums, and occasionally stingrays on the sandy bottom. Our instructor Simian was absolutely wonderful. Check out some of the Sandals Scuba Courses or read about how to Get PADI® Certified in 48 Hours. The best food we had the entire trip! If you like golf be prepared to tip the caddy around 20$. PADI certified guests dive for free (max. My main recommendations to stay would be if you get butler service and want to golf and are not interested in doing much in the evening. It is in the Soufriere area and as you approach the majestic Pitons (a World Heritage Site in Saint Lucia), you’ll simply be awestruck. On his day off it took two people to replace him. We went with three other couples (8 of us total). You can choose to indulge or not. Here you can spot scorpionfish, flying gurnard, and sometimes even turtles and rays. The vibrancy of the coral and sponges here are what make this area stand out most, and for this reason it is a very popular location for underwater photography. La Roche is also known as Barrel ‘O’ Beef, and it is an islet around which you can have a fun filled dive session. Chances of seeing sharks may be higher on a night dive. I can guarantee myself a certain level of service and a standard in food preparation and quality. We also went golfing twice and found our caddie to be very helpful and friendly. They’ll also likely take you to more advanced dive sites if they can see that you’re capable and confident. If you’re having trouble figuring out when to go, read our post on the best time to visit Saint Lucia. Since 2000, ScubaBoard has been the place to go for internet based discussions related to all things Scuba. While seeing sharks isn’t guaranteed, you’re likely to see things like frogfish and barracuda. Located in the mesmerizing Caribbean, Jamaica is one of the largest islands in the region and a travelers’ hotspot. Beneath the waves there are coral of all types, a kaleidoscope of fishes including grunts and chromis, and the occasional turtle. Jezzel at the desk is the sweetest and so efficient. The dive boat is busier than other Sandals resorts we have been too- but this is likely because the diving is FANTASTIC!!! Lush with beautiful gardens. Check prices, photos and reviews. Here you can spot scorpionfish, flying gurnard, and sometimes even turtles and rays. Many kinds of reef fishes populate this area, and you may also spot eagle rays and stingrays. Whether you opt for shallow dives or go into the deep you’re bound to see something fascinating. We had been wanting to go to St. Lucia for years after hearing friends and family talk about how beautiful it is. But when the red flag is out- there is no kayaking, no hobie cats, and NO SWIMMING. The colours of fish and coral are breathtaking!...If you've done your homework about this resort- you will not be disappointed. The service and friendliness at this resort met my expectations of the Sandals brand. Keep in mind though that morning dives offer an opportunity to get an early start, which can sometimes mean being able to go to sites that are further out and more exciting. There was enough different places to eat at the resort and most of them were of a good standard. Exotic creatures abound in these islands, particularly Saint Lucia, which is a dream for scuba divers everywhere. Previous comments about this property alluded to this; and I respect that as a genuine perception, however I did not find any evidence of this at all - I am not sure how one could tell absent the butlers bringing their charges a meal or etc - which is what you paid for to begin with. First- you take a shuttle bus to the marina in Castries to get to the dive boat (and the snorkel boat for that matter). There are lots of other things to see though at this location with a maximum depth of 140 ft including pillar corals and barrel sponges, amongst a thriving population of reef fishes. Most memorable will be Ayani from Pool and Beach Services - a energetic and most capable young man who took care of us, other couples and larger groups with impecapable service - a excellent ambassador for the Sandals brand and his country of St. Lucia.So much for the sermon - perception is reality or not, I guess. The food was excellent. Sandals takes that several steps further and offers a host of scuba diving courses and open water excursions -- many of which are included in the cost of their stay. We took a sunset cruise to the Pitons and I hiked the Gross Piton Mountain on Wednesday with guides Shem and Cameron from the local village nestled at the foot of mountain. The dive boat is busier than other Sandals resorts we have been too- but this is likely because the diving is FANTASTIC!! As you get deeper into this dive, you might run into things like … We originally were to have an ocean view room with a French Balcony but were given a room above the tennis courts with no view. The boat ride can last 30-45 min to get to your dive site. Both of these senior staff at Sandals are professional and attentive and a true asset to the Sandals brand. Overall, it was a nice trip and nice resort. We would have eaten at the Grande every evening if not for the 40-minute shuttle ride. The golf course was very convenient and the staff at the course were great. You’ll get to swim with brightly colored parrotfish, moray eels, lobster, and other diverse creatures of the sea during a dive at Dinosaur Reef. This means it’ll not be hard to find a dive operator who will take you under their wing to ensure you get the best experience. The average daytime temperature on the island is 27°C/80°F when it’s winter elsewhere and 30°C/88°F in summertime. Sandals Regency La Toc: Very Good - Only Major Complaint Was the Scuba Diving - See 9,193 traveler reviews, 8,656 candid photos, and great deals for Sandals Regency La Toc at Tripadvisor. It is about 15-20 min drive depending on traffic in Castries. SPA services was Flora. This was a physically demanding event (not for the faint hearted) that was culminated by a spectacular post card view of the island - my particular day it rained all the way up and down - bring hiking boots with ankle support due to the rocky terrain. You are usually back to the resort around 1pm. And anything else I asked for he would try and find. Even more amazement is in store once you dive down to Coral Gardens which is at the base of Gros Piton which rises 2438 ft high. You've likely heard of this enchanting Dutch Caribbean island, which…, What is more spectacular than being able to step out of a cool, crisp and lavishly designed suite to meet your own private oasis in the warm tropical air? Sandals management has much to be proud of in their staff here at La Toc. The Sandals La Toc boasts breathtaking views along its half mile crescent shaped beach, lush hillsides, Marine life and rolling fairways. It appeals to divers because you can almost always spot something interesting or rare. We went one evening to the Sandals Grande to eat at Barefoot by the Sea. If coral is what you’re more interested in, go for the northern side. I would like to focus on the Scuba diving as I found this information difficult to find prior to departure. You may spot things like Bermuda chubs, spotted-drums, jacks, and rays, amid sponges and soft coral of every type imaginable. This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one. Sandals Grande does their own thing and dives from their resort. As you dive off the coasts of this alluring island, you’ll be reminded that scuba diving really does press the reset button on life, helping one to learn to appreciate the simple and beautiful things, in and out of the water! It is also a marking point for a great scuba expedition. Toppled over on the ocean floor, it now serves its purpose as an artificial reef. The room was fine and with a sea view it was nice to watch the cruise ships coming in and out. Otherwise, either end of the reef will do as reef fish are plentiful. Dinning experinces were varied and we enjoyed each resturant thoroughly- it is adviseable to sign up for La Toc and Kimonos upon arrival ... the others be prepared to go early or late for dinner as they do not take reservations. While you can spot turtles around this area, turtles appearing at this location have little to do with the name of this dive site. The Lesleen M is a 165-foot cargo vessel which was purposely sunk in 1986 by the Fisheries Department of Saint Lucia. You might get lucky if seeing sharks in real life is your goal. Had it not been for the golf access, we should have stayed at The Grande. Scuba diving at Sandals truly offers you the very best in equipment, staff and unbelievable dive sites — all included! Located in Cap Estate, the maximum depth of reef exploration in this area is 60 ft. This will come in handy in the event of medical emergencies or other unexpected happenings. I can’t say that we would return, and, if so, stay at La Toc. St Lucia isn't the biggest island but it took 1:30 hours to get to the hotel and you see most of the island life on the way. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. La Toc Road Castries, LC, LCA. Guests staying at any Sandals or Beaches Resort also have access to top-of … It is about 15-20 min drive depending on traffic in Castries. La Toc beach is quite small. Always friendly and helpful. The water sports at Halcyon are super quiet and is seems most folk are content to read by the pool.Which brings me to the shuttle service- although both resorts are fairly close- 20 minutes and 40 minutes- the shuttles were NEVER on time- often up to 45 minutes late. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. They’ll help you navigate the diving process if you’re new and try to accommodate your requests once things get rolling along. Keyhole is one of the most spectacular dive sites in Saint Lucia and not just for the volcanic… We had our "free" 30 minutes couples massage (as Sandals Select members) and then was surprised to discover we had another $300 spa credit! Both listened carefully to my concerns about various aspects of my vacation and made changes. Sandals is one of the only resorts in the Caribbean where scuba diving and equipment is included in your stay. There are at least 2 dives per day except Sunday- a deep dive at 8am followed by a shallow dive. Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts offer a variety of dive programs for you to enjoy on your next Luxury Included® Vacation. We found the level of service to be exceptional. Saint Lucia is known for its amazing dive sites and while on vacation you can dive at numerous world-class locations. Yes the rooms all need some work- especially the bathrooms. If you love the beach and swimming in the sea- think twice. This was our first visit to a Sandals Resort and we were impressed. Those who love scuba diving really, really love it. There are at least 2 dives per day except Sunday- a deep dive at 8am followed by a shallow dive. The currents can be strong here and this has been attributed to just how clean the natural elements have remained over the years. We spent the little extra to get a concierge level room and finally had to reach out to the concierge. I would like to focus on the Scuba diving as I found this information difficult to find prior to departure. Warm waters teeming with tropical sea life make the Caribbean a prime scuba diving destination for beginners and veterans alike. Beginners will love diving here as it is not as deep as some of the other sites for more advanced scuba divers – the maximum depth is about 40 ft. Sightings include flying gurnard, lobster, and trumpetfish, and there are also trenches and shelves that are interesting to see. Li Li in the Pavillion restaurant was also always smiling and helpful!We went on a sunset Piton cruise as well and that was very fun!! Our vacation was great from beginning to end. 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