Dropping down into the sparkling waters onto the dive site named Grand Caille, a sprawling seascape unfolds before you like an intricate Persian carpet. In Saint Lucia’s Creole language, the name translates to “large reef” or “great house,” and as you explore this immense, coral- and sponge-encrusted reef, you will see why. It starts shallow, where you’ll find clouds of damselfish swirling above the red, orange and yellow corals and sponges. As you follow the reef’s slope into deeper water, purple sea fans, trumpetfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and lionfish make their home. The reef mirrors the island’s vibrant topside scenery — peaks and hills carpeted in jade-green forests, translucent aquamarine waters, charming fishing villages, coconut-palm-fringed beaches, and colorful parrots, hummingbirds, ginger lilies and West Indian jasmine.

In fact, every dive site is a jewel-box reflection of the island’s gorgeous landscape, including the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Piton and Petit Piton. Just offshore from these iconic twin peaks and the island’s western coast are seamounts that rise from the ocean floor, walls that drop off into the cobalt blue, sun-kissed shallow reefs and bright-hued sea life. The island’s dive sites are wide-ranging, and include the drift dive Superman’s Flight, Coral Gardens, Jalousie, Piton Wall, the wreck of the Lesleen M, Anse La Raye and Anse Cochon. These healthy sites are protected by either the Soufriere Marine Management Area or the adjacent Canaries/Anse la Raye Area. These marine management areas are a huge part of why Saint Lucia wins so many awards in Scuba Diving Magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards. In 2023, the island was named to the top 10 lists in multiple categories in the Caribbean/Atlantic region: Best Overall Dive Destination award, Healthy Marine Environment, Big Animals, Wall Diving, Macro Life, Snorkeling, Underwater Photography, Best Value, Beginner Diving and Advanced Diving.

If your companions don’t dive but love snorkeling, they can splash in at shallow coral gardens such as Anse Chastanet Reef, where they’ll find little current, beautiful corals and colorful reef fish. The coastline is the picturesque backdrop for enjoying other watersports as well —kayaking, sunfish sailboats, catamaran tours, jet skiing, windsurfing and paragliding.

With thousands of acres of rainforest to explore, you should plan at least one hike. A guide can take you on trails that feature waterfalls, wild orchids and exotic birds. If you are an experienced hiker, the steep Barre de L’isle Rain Forest Trail leads to the top of Morne la Combe, where you’ll have breathtaking views of Mount Gimie, verdant valleys, and both the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking for something adventurous but not quite as strenuous, several operators offer zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, where you’ll enjoy the thrill of streaking through the trees and taking in spectacular views of the island.

Don’t miss experiencing the island’s rich culture and traditions. In the town of Soufrière, you’ll discover old plantation homes. Soufrière Estate is a six-acre estate nestled in a natural gorge that is home to a botanical garden, Hot Mineral Bath Springs and Diamond Falls.

Castries is the island’s capital, where you can explore Fort Charlotte, an 18th-century fort, that offers beautiful views of the city, and Saint- Etienne, a 19th-century cathedral. Plan to spend a morning at the weekly open-air market for tropical fruits and vegetables such as mangos, plantains and sugar apples, locally grown coffee, handwoven baskets, and mahogany statues.

When you want to kick back, Saint Lucia’s beaches will soothe you with gently lapping turquoise water, warm sand and lots of sunshine. Reduit Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island, a 5-mile-long strand on Rodney Bay. Jalousie Beach, located between Gros and Petit Piton, and the beaches scattered along Marigot Bay are also photogenic spots to unwind.

You can explore the beaches on Pigeon Island, a 44-acre national park that has the remains of an 18th-century British fort, as well as Fort Rodney. The main trail leads to spectacular views of the north side of Saint Lucia.

In the evening, head to a local street party, such as the lively one in Gros Islet. Vendors cook and sell local dishes including the island’s national dish, green figs and salt fish, plus cocktails, while local bands provide the exuberant rhythms and beats of calypso and soca music.

It’s time to book a vacation and pack your bags for one of the Caribbean’s most multifaceted islands. Saint Lucia’s stunning landscape, lush coral reefs, friendly people and colorful culture all combine to provide the perfect place for a memorable vacation.

To learn more, visit stlucia.org