11/14/2020 - 11/21/2020
St. Lucia – group rate full
Where we are diving
Enjoy the most scenic and ecologically rich location the Caribbean has to offer. Including an easily accessible coral-rich and snorkeling site right off the shore. You’ll find a wide variety of fish while diving such as octopus, needlefish, seahorses, eagle rays, and even a few shipwrecks. Join our excursion led by JoAnn Haack for an exotic above and underwater experience.
JoAnn Haack, Trip Leader
I have always been drawn to the underwater world and the beauty I’ve seen in pictures and movies. Once I learned it’s possible to dive in Iowa, I never looked back. As a level 8 diver, I have helped many new divers take their first breaths underwater and have taught ages 10 to 66 since becoming a dive professional in 2008.
Resort Details
Where we are staying
The Anse Chastanet estate encompasses 600 lush tropical acres bordering two soft sand beaches. The resort’s two crystal-clear bays are part of a designated marine reserve protecting miles of colorful coral reefs filled with tropical fish. To make the most of the panoramic views and the refreshing tradewinds, the open-air rooms come with wraparound flower-draped balconies. Guests may also upgrade to a private sanctuary on Jade Mountain, located high on Morne Chastanet, overlooking the Pitons and Caribbean Sea. There, you can expect grand sweeping spaces with your sleeping and living areas. Sanctuaries may also include an infinity-edge pool and/or jacuzzi.
To the travelers who just want to hang out and relax, there are a plethora of extracurricular activities and excursions available to you. Travelers can lie on the beach, get pampered in the resort’s spa, or even mountain bike. There is a casual beachside bar and restaurant, a panoramic hillside lounge, and two treehouses that provide the romantic setting for candlelit dinners.
Learn more about the accommodations from the Anse Chastanet resort website and room upgrades for Jade Mountain.
Trip Details
Price
Group rate full – call for pricing
- From Omaha: $4,060 per diver
- From North Liberty: $4,250 per diver
- From Springfield: $4,130 per diver
- From Madison/Columbia: $2,965 per diver*
Deposit and payments
- $500 deposit due upon sign up
- $1,000 due February 2, 2020
- $1,000 due April 1, 2020
- $1,000 due June 1, 2020
- Full payment due July 1, 2020
Other info
- Non-diver: $3,750 from Omaha; $3,820 from Springfield; $3,940 from North Liberty; $2,655 ground only from Madison
- Prices are based upon double occupancy
- All payments are non-refundable
- Prices are subject to change due to events outside of our control
What’s included
- Roundtrip airfare and transfers
- 7 nights of accommodations
- 12 boat dives
- 2 night dives
- Unlimited shore diving
- All meals and beverages
What’s not included
- *Airfare from Madison/Columbia, Diventures will assist
- Any forced overnights due to airline schedule changes
- Nitrox for $75/week
- Dive insurance (required)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Recommended courses
- Perfect Buoyancy
- Underwater Photography
- Enriched Air Nitrox
Recommended equipment
- ScubaPro Hydros Pro BCD
- SOLA 2000 Dive Light
- Stream2Sea Reef Safe Biodegradable Sunscreen
What prior travelers say
“Besides the great diving experiences, I’m making friendships that will go beyond this vacation. St. Lucia is the perfect mix of relaxation, diving and fun.”
– Barbra P
Important Details
Know before you go
Temperature
St. Lucia has a tropical climate. August and September are the hottest two months with temperatures reaching 95 – 100F. Trade winds provide cooling breezes most of the year. St. Lucia enjoys an average of 7-11 hours of sunshine daily all year round. A sun hat and sunscreen (Coral Safe) is recommended at all times. Rainy season is between June and November. Humidity is particularly high during August and September (the hottest months) as the Trade Winds ease off. St. Lucia is located in the hurricane belt. Generally, the strongest storms coincide with the rainy season, which runs from June to November. Trip insurance is highly recommended.
Electricity
Anse Chastanet has both 220 V and 110 V outlets so no need for adapters. If for some reason adapters are needed, extra adapters are available at the front desk.
Passports
Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return to your country of origin.
Taxes
The government imposes an 8% occupancy tax on hotel rooms, and there’s a $26 departure tax for both airports. Children 11 and under don’t pay departure tax.
Etiquette & Customs
The dress code at the resort in the evenings is smart casual. Gentlemen usually wear collared shirts and bermuda shorts in the evenings. Light cotton or linen clothing is the most comfortable. At lunch, we request dry clothing in the beach restaurant and a light cover up.
Language
The language most commonly spoken in the village and rural areas is Kwéyo`l,a creole. It’s a mixture of French and African languages. English is the language of instruction in the schools and the language used in business, governmental institutions, and most formal settings.
Water/Food
The main water supply in St. Lucia is chlorinated and considered safe to drink, but may taste a little strange if you are not used to the chlorine. Ice served in drinks is usually made from tap water and is also considered safe to drink. Bottled mineral water is available from Hotels and shopping malls and is inexpensive if you prefer not to drink tap water. St Lucian food is a combination of Creole with French and West Indian influences. Fresh seafood is abundant and often caught locally and many of the upmarket restaurants serve locally produced vegetables and fruits. Other popular Caribbean dishes are lobster, stewed fish and plantains and Callaloo, a spinach-like soup made from the leaves of the dasheen plant.
Tipping
St. Lucia doesn’t share quite the same tipping culture as the U.S. Most restaurants and bars will add 10% for service to the bill, anything additional is up to you. That said, St. Lucia is an island that relies heavily on tourism, so feel free to tip to your heart’s content if you feel you’ve received exceptional service from your taxi driver, tour guide, or bartender.
Currency
St. Lucia has its own currency, the Eastern Caribbean dollar, but that doesn’t mean you need to convert an obscene amount of cash before you arrive. Most places accept U.S. dollars, though you might be given change in Eastern Caribbean dollars. Tip: Always carry some cash because the option to pay by card isn’t always available.
Need help packing?
We can’t pack for you, but we can share our packing list and travel tips.
