Saint Lucia Celebrates Art, Culture & History with New Underwater Sculpture Park
by Bruce Parkinson
This winter, visitors will have a new reason to explore beneath the surface in Saint Lucia.
Below Saint Lucia, a new underwater sculpture park at Anse La Verdure on the island’s southwest coast, inspired by Saint Lucia’s people, heritage and national identity.
Developed by DeepBlueSea, the Anse La Verdure site is the first phase of a three-phase underwater sculpture park concept, with future locations planned, including Anse Ferre in Ciceron.
At the heart of Below Saint Lucia is a collection of 31 underwater sculptures celebrating the people whose courage, vision and contributions have helped shape the nation.
The collection pays tribute to individuals and groups connected to the end of the slavery era, soldiers, entrepreneurs, cultural preservers, community leaders and other trailblazers whose legacies continue to influence generations.
Among those honoured is Dame Pearlette Louisy, Saint Lucia’s longest-serving former Governor- General and the island’s only living National Legend featured in the collection. Her sculpture serves as a culminating tribute to her distinguished public service and enduring contribution to the nation.
Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, said the attraction represents the type of innovative tourism experience Saint Lucia is seeking to develop.
“Below Saint Lucia is an exciting example of how we can continue to diversify our tourism product while creating experiences that are authentically rooted in our people, our history and our natural environment. It gives another reason to explore our waters while connecting with the stories that have shaped our nation. Importantly, community participation will be pivotal to the development and operation of the attraction.”
Sustainability is central to the Below Saint Lucia experience. The underwater sculptures are designed to function as artificial reef structures, supporting coral growth and marine biodiversity while creating opportunities to educate visitors about ocean conservation, environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
The initiative reflects Saint Lucia’s broader efforts to develop tourism experiences that not only showcase the island’s natural assets but also contribute to their protection. By bringing together marine conservation, cultural heritage and tourism, Below Saint Lucia offers visitors an opportunity to experience the underwater environment while gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting it.
