Snorkeling at Anse Cochon Marine Reserve, Saint Lucia

Coral reefs packed with fish, a boat ride past five coastal landmarks, snorkel gear ready to go

Snorkel at Anse Cochon Marine Reserve, a protected reef off Saint Lucia's west coast, with pickup from your cruise ship or hotel and a live English-speaking guide. The boat departs from Marigot Bay Marina and passes Bat Cave, Marigot Bay, and coastal villages on the sail south; once at the reserve, you spend 30 minutes in the water exploring coral and fish. Equipment is included; minimum age is 18, and at least four travelers are required to confirm the booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel tour and scenic boat ride

• Depart from cruise ship or hotel
• Enjoy scenic boat ride along west coast
• Pass by beautiful bay and nearby beach
• See coastal villages of Castries
• Snorkel at Anse Cochon Marine Reserve
• Return to cruise ship or hotel

The Experience

If you land at a cruise ship or have a free afternoon at your hotel, the pickup comes to you—no arranging a separate taxi or finding the marina yourself. The boat leaves Marigot Bay Marina and heads south along the west coast, passing Bat Cave, Marigot Bay, Trou Vollant Cove, Roseau Beach, and Anse La Raye Village. The ride itself is the first part of the day: you see the bays and coastal villages without having to hike or navigate on your own.

Once at Anse Cochon, you're in a marine reserve where the coral reefs are densest and the fish are most abundant. The 30-minute snorkel happens in one spot—no long swim or drift—and your guide is there in the water with you, speaking English. Snorkel gear is ready when you arrive; you don't bring your own or rent separately. The reserve is shallow enough for beginners and protected enough that the marine life stays put; this is not a drift snorkel or a deep-water dive.

The whole outing runs about two hours from pickup to return. You're back at your ship or hotel by early afternoon, which matters if you're on a cruise schedule or have dinner plans. The minimum group is four travelers, so you'll be with at least a few other people—never alone, never a massive group either.

What’s included

• Pickup from your cruise ship or hotel.
• boat ride from Marigot Bay Marina to Anse Cochon.
• snorkel equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• 30-minute guided snorkel at the marine reserve with a live English-speaking guide.
• return transport to your ship or hotel.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Lush Excursions

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving by cruise ship or hotel and want a guide in the water with you the whole time—small group sizes mean personalized attention while you snorkel the reef.

Top questions

What is Anse Cochon Marine Reserve like when I get there?

Anse Cochon is a protected reef with vibrant coral and abundant colorful fish. The snorkel site is shallow and stays in one area, so you're not swimming far or diving deep—you float above the reef and watch the marine life below you.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. Snorkel equipment is included with the booking, so you arrive with nothing but your swimsuit and sunscreen.

Where does the boat pick me up?

The boat picks you up from your cruise ship or hotel by land and takes you to Marigot Bay Marina, where you board for the sail to Anse Cochon.

How long is the actual snorkeling in the water?

The snorkel time at Anse Cochon is 30 minutes. The full outing, including pickup, the boat ride, and return, takes about two hours.

Is this snorkeling suitable for beginners?

Yes. Anse Cochon is suitable for all skill levels, and the site is shallow with a live guide in the water with you. You don't need prior snorkeling experience.

What do I see on the boat ride to the snorkel site?

The boat passes Bat Cave, Marigot Bay, Trou Vollant Cove, Roseau Beach, and Anse La Raye Village as it sails south along Saint Lucia's west coast, so you get scenic views of the coastline and coastal villages on the way.