Most people think of beach sand as yellow or white, but at Anse Chastanet the sand is dark grey-brown because it is made from volcanic rock. Volcanic sand is perfectly safe to walk and lie on — it just looks different and is often a little coarser than the pale sand found on other beaches. The contrast of the dark sand against the bright blue water is striking and beautiful.
The marine reserve that protects the water here means that no fishing or harmful activities are allowed in the reef area. This gives the coral and fish a chance to thrive. Divers come from all over the world to explore the underwater world here, and beginners can see an amazing variety of sea life just by snorkelling in shallow water near the beach.
The beach sits beneath the Pitons, so wherever you look there are dramatic mountain peaks, lush green forest and sparkling water. Birds call from the trees above, and frigatebirds and pelicans cruise overhead. Many people say that Anse Chastanet is one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet — not because of the sand colour, but because of the whole picture it makes.