Forget the exports of bananas, coconuts and cacao, the cruise ship arrivals at Castries and tourism dollars that flow in to St. Lucia. The island's greatest resource is her geography-cool and damp rain forests, rich, diverse waters and a dramatic volcanic landscape punctuated by cone-shaped Petit and Gros Pitons.

With its massive sea fans, Anse Chastanet Reef, a marine park near Soufriere, is a favorite shore diving spot and a snorkeler's playground. The shallow reefs around the town of Soufriere are ideal for drift diving. Sunk for divers in 1986, the 165-foot Lesleen can be found in 65 feet of water at the Anse Cochon site.

Dive In

Weather: Temperatures vary between 70 degrees and 90 degrees, depending on the season. The rainy season is June to November.

Average Water Temp: Water temperatures range from 77 degrees in winter to 83 degrees in summer.

Average Visibility: Varies anywhere from 25 to 150 feet, depending on the site.

Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar, which is linked to the U.S. dollar at the rate of US$1 to approximately EC$2.70. U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

Time: Atlantic Standard; St. Lucia does not observe daylight saving time.

Direct Dial Code: 011-758.

Language: English, though many St. Lucians speak a French-based patois.

Electricity: 220 volts, 50 cycles AC (a few hotels are 110 volts, 60 cycles). Most sockets take 3-pin square plugs (UK standard), but some take 2-pin round plugs or flat American plugs, which are more rare. Adapters are generally available at the hotels.

Entry Documents: U.S. citizens need a passport, plus you must have a return or ongoing airline ticket.

Departure Tax: $26.

For More Info: St. Lucia Tourist Board, www.stlucia.org, Anse Chastanet, www.ansechastanet.com.