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Dive Review of Sandals Regency in
St. Lucia/Castries

Sandals Regency, Sep, 2010,

by Bob Penhearow, ON, CA (Sr. Reviewer Sr. Reviewer 10 reports). Report 5694.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 5 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 3 stars
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 4 stars
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 3 stars
Comments All Sandles Resorts offer free diving as part of their hotel package. You do not need to bring any scuba gear as all 'top-notch' gear is provided free with the exception of a dive suit (rented). You register on-site and turn up at 8:15AM (double tank dive) or 1:30PM (single tank dive). With the double tank dive refreshments/ sandwiches are provided in between dives. An afternoon dive tryout is mandated regardless of experience. At 8:20AM you are transported by an air conditioned van to Castries harbor to the boat (15 min). The dive boat was large and powerful, with a washroom facility, tanks & weights on boat. The dive operation is organized well, a professional outfit, with many suitably qualified instructors and Dive Masters. I took my PADI specialty in Navigation and EFR there. Other divers from another Sandals resort -Hicacos join you.

The staff were excellent, however, one area for improvement would be in general helpfulness. Although the staff are friendly and when asked are willing to help it was not spontaneous as I would have liked to have seen. As an example, an offer of a helping hand when carrying gear to the boat, gearing up and exiting the water - all a little spotty. The dive brief at times was a little too brief although safety was consistently highlighted (stay close to DM, depth and air limits). Surprisingly, the buddy system was a little lax at times unless strong currents prevailed.

In general, I enjoyed a total of 14-dives with Sandles. The dive sites were numerous ranging from 10 min to 1 hour from Castries harbor. The scenery is breathtaking especially diving around the famous Pitons.

Highlights included: The Pitons (77'); the Lesleen M. Wreck (65'); Superman's flight (67' which is at the base of the Pitons - beware strong current!) and numerous exciting and dramatic rock formations. Saw: Turtles (2), lobsters, moray eels, octopus, barracuda, Jackfish, shrimps, crabs. Would I dive with Sandals again - absolutely!




Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 26-50 dives
Where else diving Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Boracay, Philippines; Bayahibe, Dominican Republic and St. Lucia
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, rainy, cloudy Seas calm, currents
Water Temp 80-86°F / 27-30°C Wetsuit Thickness
Water Visibility 40-75 Ft/ 12-23 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions Follow DM, depth 60' max & ended at 1,000psi or when the first person reaches that limit.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 2 stars Large Fish N/A
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 3 stars Boat Facilities 1 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 3 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments No designated camera area.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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