The 2019 Saint Lucia Dive Festival (DiveFest), recently served as the platform for an underwater wedding.

Ontario couple, Julie and Sean Gillian, took the plunge at the Royalton Resort.

“Scuba diving is a passion for us. It is something that we had the opportunity to share together earlier on in our relationship,” Sean said.

“We love the ocean and we love Saint Lucia, so it made perfect sense to do it this way,” Julie added.

The wedding was officiated by skilled diver attached to Ti Kaye Resort, Lesta Lawrenson. This was his first underwater wedding.

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) promotes the exploration of Saint Lucia’s underwater flora and fauna as another niche offering, in addition to the niche markets of romance, adventure, family, and health and wellness. DiveFest also includes an underwater treasure hunt, a lionfish derby, photo seminar and competition, themed dinners, and island tours.

Lawrenson said the event is popular with diving enthusiasts and beginners alike.

“Every year during DiveFest we get an influx of beginner divers—people who have never done it before, and they get hooked. We also have many who start the course at home, and then visit Saint Lucia to enjoy the reefs and get certified.

The third annual Saint Lucia Dive Festival is being hosted by the Saint Lucia Divers Association and the SLTA, from Sep 8 – 15.