This winter, a new underwater dive park opens in Saint Lucia. Below Saint Lucia, at Anse La Verdure on the island’s southwest coast, will bring together art, culture, history and marine conservation through a collection of sculptures inspired by Saint Lucia’s people, heritage and national identity.
Developed by DeepBlueSea, this site for certified divers adds to the existing 22 dive sites around the island. It is the first phase of a three-part underwater park concept with future locations planned for snorkelers too.
Set to open in November, Below Saint Lucia is a collection of 31 sculptures underwater, celebrating the people whose courage, vision and contributions have helped shape the nation. The collection pays tribute to individuals and groups connected to the end of the slavery era, war fighters, entrepreneurs, cultural preservers, community leaders and other trailblazers whose legacies continue to influence generations.
Among those honoured is Dame Pearlette Louisy, Saint Lucia’s longest-serving former Governor-General and the island’s only living National Legend featured in the collection. Her sculpture serves as a culminating tribute to her distinguished public service and enduring contribution to the nation.
Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, said the attraction represents the type of innovative tourism experience Saint Lucia is seeking to develop. “Below Saint Lucia is an exciting example of how we can continue to diversify our tourism product while creating experiences that are authentically rooted in our people, our history and our natural environment. It gives another reason to explore our waters while connecting with the stories that have shaped our nation. Importantly, community participation will be pivotal to the development and operation of the attraction.”
Sustainability is central to the Below Saint Lucia experience. The sculptures are designed to function as artificial reef structures, supporting coral growth and marine biodiversity while creating opportunities to educate visitors about ocean conservation, environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
The initiative reflects Saint Lucia’s broader efforts to develop tourism experiences that not only showcase the island’s natural assets but also contribute to their protection. As Saint Lucia continues to diversify its tourism offering, Below Saint Lucia adds a distinctive new dimension to the destination’s portfolio, inviting residents and visitors to discover the stories, people and heritage that lie beneath the surface.
