ST HELENA ISLAND DIVING
Why book St Helena with us?
Unlike most travel companies selling St Helena, we have been there every year since 2018, spending two months on the island to date. We know the people who run the establishments and who provide the services you will use. We know them personally, and in most cases we know their families too and have taken the time to build strong relationships with them. We know the dive sites, and we know South Africa, where you have to overnight either side of the St Helena trip, in great depth. You can see a sample dive trip for set dates in 2021 here, but we can tailor trips to your requirements for other dates, subject to availability.
Whale shark interaction
St Helena is home to the only known seasonal aggregation of adult male and female whale sharks, from January to March. They tend to frequent certain dive sites that are sea mounts or ledges. Current regulations prohibit deliberate SCUBA diving with whale sharks, but permits deliberate snorkelling and chance encounters on SCUBA.
Other dive attractions
The limestone cliffs on the leeward side of the island host some beautiful caverns, also packed with fish, many of which are endemic, and make for superb photo opportunities. Lava fingers running into the sea attract Chilean devil rays and pinnacle sites are home to schools of Rainbow runner and jacks. There are a handful of excellent wrecks too.
Dive operators
There are two dive operators on the island. Having been out to the islands, we chose to use Subtropic Adventures, who have been diving the islands since 2000. Owner-operator Anthony is a local with unsurpassed knowledge and experience, and his ex-pat Divemaster Paul is an experienced diver leader with many hundreds of local dives logged.
Dive boats and equipment
Diving is conducted from RIBs (Zodiacs), that can take up to 12 clients. Cylinders are steel 12-litres, with valves that can take either DIN or A-clamp regulators. The boats have an oxygen and first-aid kit in boards. Rental equipment is mainly Scubapro, wetsuits are 5mm.
Cost
Dives cost £40 GBP per dive, with cylinder, weights and weight belt.
Accommodation
There are two hotels and a few reliable guesthouses we work with on the island. Find them here.
Unlike most travel companies selling St Helena, we have been there every year since 2018, spending two months on the island to date. We know the people who run the establishments and who provide the services you will use. We know them personally, and in most cases we know their families too and have taken the time to build strong relationships with them. We know the dive sites, and we know South Africa, where you have to overnight either side of the St Helena trip, in great depth. You can see a sample dive trip for set dates in 2021 here, but we can tailor trips to your requirements for other dates, subject to availability.
Whale shark interaction
St Helena is home to the only known seasonal aggregation of adult male and female whale sharks, from January to March. They tend to frequent certain dive sites that are sea mounts or ledges. Current regulations prohibit deliberate SCUBA diving with whale sharks, but permits deliberate snorkelling and chance encounters on SCUBA.
Other dive attractions
The limestone cliffs on the leeward side of the island host some beautiful caverns, also packed with fish, many of which are endemic, and make for superb photo opportunities. Lava fingers running into the sea attract Chilean devil rays and pinnacle sites are home to schools of Rainbow runner and jacks. There are a handful of excellent wrecks too.
Dive operators
There are two dive operators on the island. Having been out to the islands, we chose to use Subtropic Adventures, who have been diving the islands since 2000. Owner-operator Anthony is a local with unsurpassed knowledge and experience, and his ex-pat Divemaster Paul is an experienced diver leader with many hundreds of local dives logged.
Dive boats and equipment
Diving is conducted from RIBs (Zodiacs), that can take up to 12 clients. Cylinders are steel 12-litres, with valves that can take either DIN or A-clamp regulators. The boats have an oxygen and first-aid kit in boards. Rental equipment is mainly Scubapro, wetsuits are 5mm.
Cost
Dives cost £40 GBP per dive, with cylinder, weights and weight belt.
Accommodation
There are two hotels and a few reliable guesthouses we work with on the island. Find them here.
St HELENA DIVE SITES
Torm Ledge
To the northwest of Jamestown, Torm Ledge is a long narrow ledge running from the shallows out to sea, the bottom quickly drops to 40m, whilst the top is around 8 metres deep. It is covered in clouds of St Helena butterflyfish, an improbable number of trumpetfish, cavalley, Almaco jacks hunting the Butterflyfish, endemic parrotfish, and sergeant-majors. It is a popular spot for whale sharks to feed, and Chilean devil rays are often spotted here.
Long Ledge
Long ledge is a reef that stretches approximately 75 metres out to a maximum depth of 23 metres. The dive begins at 12 metres where you enter in through several archways that create a shelter for marine life of all species that are found around St Helena. This site is excellent for photography in the caverns are shafts of light play on the rocks and fish filling the caverns, As you swim along the reef, you become a part of the fish that surrounds you, and with a bit of luck, a devil ray or two will cruise by.
SS Papanui
The Papanui was a coal carrying steam vessel that visited St Helena for water and other food supplies. On its journey to India it caught fire and ran aground in James Bay in order to save all on board. 1911 was the year that the Papanui became a monument in James Bay, lying in approximately 13 metres of water the tiller protrudes the surface occasionally as the tides moves in and out and marks one of the most popular dives sites around St Helena for both the novice and the experienced diver. Over the years the Papanui has attracted an abundance of marine life.
Buttermilk Point
Buttermilk point is the name given to this dive site, after the first commander of the battery on the point. This dive is a splendid drift dive that begins near another dive site, Dockyard. Using the natural mild current that drifts around this point it gently carries you approximately 100 meters towards Banks Battery. On your journey you can observe the marine life as they live in their habitat. Moray Eels are seen in numbers, as a re Trumpetfish hunting St Helena Butterflyfish. Towards the end of the dive there are 9 old cannons in about 6 metres of water.
Sugarloaf
Named for the shape of the small mountain overlooking the dive site, Sugarloaf is an easy, gentle drift among schools of endemic fish.There is a ledge crammed with spiny lobsters, plenty of moray eels, a large school of Pompano are often in the area too, and Chilean Devil Rays are seen here frequently.
Horse Pasture Point
The dive starts in a splendid, shallow cave going from 8 metres deep to the surface. In theory it is a swim-though. maybe 40 metres long, but the exit at the surface is rough with wash. It is possible to surface inside the cave in a large air pocket, though the main attraction, is the "air fall" in the middle of the cave, made my the waves breaking above. On exiting the cave, there is a ledge leading out to see, popular with many endemics and common fish species, and, occasionally, a Chilean Devil Ray or two.
RFA Darkdale Wreck
Sunk in the 1940’s during the Second World War by a German submarine when a torpedo entered the bow section of this fuel tanker on a cool dark night. The Darkdale has attracted an abundance of marine life, namely Bullseye, Grouper, Cavalley, as well as several endemics to St Helena such as the. Greenfish, Cunningfish, and Rockfish. Another highlight is the descent and ascent where on many occasions tuna and barracuda are encountered as well as the gentle giant the whale shark, in season.
Frontier Wreck
The Frontier was a fishing vessel that came to the Island 1997 and was held in port for possession of illegal drugs. As several years past the ship deteriorated on the surface and was sunk to the bottom in 1999. 22m metres to the top of the ship as lies on is starboard side and 28 meters to the bottom, it has now become a popular wreck dive for the advanced diver.
Billy Mayer’s Revenge
Buzzing with fish life, this ledge is very popular with Chilean Devil Rays. Also has a few swim throughs jammed with fish. One of my favourite sites, and a must-see.
Lemon Valley
Lemon Valley is gives you the opportunity to dive within the bay and enjoy a relaxing dive, or head out to the point. Various species of marine life can be seen and on many occasions Chilean Devil Rays come within the bay. Massive clouds of snowdrop-like St Helena Butterflyfish hang out on the end of the point, along with many scorpionfish and Almaco jacks looking for an easy snack. Maximum depth 20m.
Bedgellat
The Bedgellat was brought to the Island as a salvage ship and was sunk to the bottom in 1999; it sits on the bottom in up right position as if it was floating on the surface. The depth of the Bedgellat is approximately 16 metres of water and has become a new habitat to various species of fish. As you have a gentle swim towards the in land you approach a beautiful reef that is inhabited by many fish and other marine life and it creates a spectacle to remember. Chilean Devil Rays love to play here.
Barn Cap
To the northeast of Jamestown, this is an underwater hill straight off the coast by the ridge known as The Barn. The sea can be a little choppy out here, but this is one of the sites that attracts adult whale sharks in season. The nutrients coming up from the deep feed attract these ocean giants who like to ram feed here. Over 30 whales sharks have been documented here at one time. The site is also home to large schools of the endemic “cunningfish”, a.k.a the St Helena butterflyfish, cavallies and jacks. The top of the cap is less than 10 metres deep, the bottom is beyond recreational dive depths.
Cavalley Point
Cavalley Point is a spectacular dive that involves swimming through archways that takes you down and up to various levels as you swim through them. Its maximum depth is approx 18 meters where Bullseye can be seen in huge numbers, Crayfish, Cunning Fish, Soldiers and Cavalley, hence Cavalley point. The Cavalley are seen swimming around the entrance of the archways in great numbers, on some visits to this site only a few are seen but they are always there.
Egg Island
Egg Island is a popular nesting site for various species of sea birds that are found around St Helena and it is also a dive site which is approx 20m in depth, with a wide range of marine life. It takes approx 15-20 minutes by boat.
Red Island
With a maximum depth of 18 meters it is a very popular dive to local divers as it provides divers the opportunity to explore the volcanic reef structures that many species of marine life live upon. Bullseye are seen in great numbers with the odd crayfish or two, Soldiers, Cunning Fish, Jacks (Grouper) and many others. Manta Rays are also seen on this site.
Ladies’ Chair
Ladies Chair lies just before Egg Island which takes approx 15-20 minutes by boat. It has a maximum depth of 18m, where you arrive at the entrance of a cave. Crayfish and large numbers of Bullseye can be seen inside of this cave. As you swim around outside of the cave you are able to observe other species of marine life that are found around the Island including fish that are endemic to St Helena.
Robinsons
Robinsons is situated near Lemon Valley Bay. It has a maximum depth of 16m. With all species of marine life to be seen
South West Point
At South West Point the marine life is abundant as they feed on the nutrients that are swept around the point Several caves and reefs provide great shelter to huge numbers of different species of fish at a depth of 16m. Currents on this site can be strong and should only be dived with a very mild current.
Thompson's Valley Island
Thompson Valley Island is situated neat South West Point and takes approx 20-25 minutes by boat. There are a lot of small caves and reefs that can be explored with an abundance of marine life to be seen around this small Island. Maximum depth 18m.
Witte Leeuw (White Lion) Wreck
The WITTE LEEUW, “White Lion”, a 16th centenary sail ship lays approx 35 meters in depth. (Learn more about it's fascinating history here.) The ship has broken down quite a bit over the years, however the ribs of the ship are frequently seen as well as the canons that were carried by the vessel. The marine life isn’t as popular as the other mention wrecks, however a great highlight from a personal point of view is that the well known Jaques Questoe has dived this wreck many times when he visited the Island in the 1970’s.
Dock Yard
Maximum depth of 18m, large numbers of Crayfish can be seen as you enter a cave that goes a few meters under cliff. An abundance of marine life has gathered to this site, which makes it a very nice dive. Sea conditions must be favourable to go on this dive.
Artificial Reef
The artificial reef consist of old car structures and frame works that local owners has no further use for and has kindly gave their property to be a part of the artificial reef. The artificial reef is situated just to the west of James Bay. It’s has a maximum depth of approx 30 meters and has attracted all species of marine life that can be seen around the Island, including the Islands endemics namely Greenfish, Rockfish and many others. Chilean devil rays are also frequent visitors, however they are not seen on every dive.
Cat Island Main
Maximum depth of 18m
On this particular dive there are a few caves and arch ways that can be explored, filled with Soldierfish, Bigeyes, and Bullseyes.
Cat Island
An Island that sits approximately 100m off shore. Depth starts at 16m and increases to 35m
To the northwest of Jamestown, Torm Ledge is a long narrow ledge running from the shallows out to sea, the bottom quickly drops to 40m, whilst the top is around 8 metres deep. It is covered in clouds of St Helena butterflyfish, an improbable number of trumpetfish, cavalley, Almaco jacks hunting the Butterflyfish, endemic parrotfish, and sergeant-majors. It is a popular spot for whale sharks to feed, and Chilean devil rays are often spotted here.
Long Ledge
Long ledge is a reef that stretches approximately 75 metres out to a maximum depth of 23 metres. The dive begins at 12 metres where you enter in through several archways that create a shelter for marine life of all species that are found around St Helena. This site is excellent for photography in the caverns are shafts of light play on the rocks and fish filling the caverns, As you swim along the reef, you become a part of the fish that surrounds you, and with a bit of luck, a devil ray or two will cruise by.
SS Papanui
The Papanui was a coal carrying steam vessel that visited St Helena for water and other food supplies. On its journey to India it caught fire and ran aground in James Bay in order to save all on board. 1911 was the year that the Papanui became a monument in James Bay, lying in approximately 13 metres of water the tiller protrudes the surface occasionally as the tides moves in and out and marks one of the most popular dives sites around St Helena for both the novice and the experienced diver. Over the years the Papanui has attracted an abundance of marine life.
Buttermilk Point
Buttermilk point is the name given to this dive site, after the first commander of the battery on the point. This dive is a splendid drift dive that begins near another dive site, Dockyard. Using the natural mild current that drifts around this point it gently carries you approximately 100 meters towards Banks Battery. On your journey you can observe the marine life as they live in their habitat. Moray Eels are seen in numbers, as a re Trumpetfish hunting St Helena Butterflyfish. Towards the end of the dive there are 9 old cannons in about 6 metres of water.
Sugarloaf
Named for the shape of the small mountain overlooking the dive site, Sugarloaf is an easy, gentle drift among schools of endemic fish.There is a ledge crammed with spiny lobsters, plenty of moray eels, a large school of Pompano are often in the area too, and Chilean Devil Rays are seen here frequently.
Horse Pasture Point
The dive starts in a splendid, shallow cave going from 8 metres deep to the surface. In theory it is a swim-though. maybe 40 metres long, but the exit at the surface is rough with wash. It is possible to surface inside the cave in a large air pocket, though the main attraction, is the "air fall" in the middle of the cave, made my the waves breaking above. On exiting the cave, there is a ledge leading out to see, popular with many endemics and common fish species, and, occasionally, a Chilean Devil Ray or two.
RFA Darkdale Wreck
Sunk in the 1940’s during the Second World War by a German submarine when a torpedo entered the bow section of this fuel tanker on a cool dark night. The Darkdale has attracted an abundance of marine life, namely Bullseye, Grouper, Cavalley, as well as several endemics to St Helena such as the. Greenfish, Cunningfish, and Rockfish. Another highlight is the descent and ascent where on many occasions tuna and barracuda are encountered as well as the gentle giant the whale shark, in season.
Frontier Wreck
The Frontier was a fishing vessel that came to the Island 1997 and was held in port for possession of illegal drugs. As several years past the ship deteriorated on the surface and was sunk to the bottom in 1999. 22m metres to the top of the ship as lies on is starboard side and 28 meters to the bottom, it has now become a popular wreck dive for the advanced diver.
Billy Mayer’s Revenge
Buzzing with fish life, this ledge is very popular with Chilean Devil Rays. Also has a few swim throughs jammed with fish. One of my favourite sites, and a must-see.
Lemon Valley
Lemon Valley is gives you the opportunity to dive within the bay and enjoy a relaxing dive, or head out to the point. Various species of marine life can be seen and on many occasions Chilean Devil Rays come within the bay. Massive clouds of snowdrop-like St Helena Butterflyfish hang out on the end of the point, along with many scorpionfish and Almaco jacks looking for an easy snack. Maximum depth 20m.
Bedgellat
The Bedgellat was brought to the Island as a salvage ship and was sunk to the bottom in 1999; it sits on the bottom in up right position as if it was floating on the surface. The depth of the Bedgellat is approximately 16 metres of water and has become a new habitat to various species of fish. As you have a gentle swim towards the in land you approach a beautiful reef that is inhabited by many fish and other marine life and it creates a spectacle to remember. Chilean Devil Rays love to play here.
Barn Cap
To the northeast of Jamestown, this is an underwater hill straight off the coast by the ridge known as The Barn. The sea can be a little choppy out here, but this is one of the sites that attracts adult whale sharks in season. The nutrients coming up from the deep feed attract these ocean giants who like to ram feed here. Over 30 whales sharks have been documented here at one time. The site is also home to large schools of the endemic “cunningfish”, a.k.a the St Helena butterflyfish, cavallies and jacks. The top of the cap is less than 10 metres deep, the bottom is beyond recreational dive depths.
Cavalley Point
Cavalley Point is a spectacular dive that involves swimming through archways that takes you down and up to various levels as you swim through them. Its maximum depth is approx 18 meters where Bullseye can be seen in huge numbers, Crayfish, Cunning Fish, Soldiers and Cavalley, hence Cavalley point. The Cavalley are seen swimming around the entrance of the archways in great numbers, on some visits to this site only a few are seen but they are always there.
Egg Island
Egg Island is a popular nesting site for various species of sea birds that are found around St Helena and it is also a dive site which is approx 20m in depth, with a wide range of marine life. It takes approx 15-20 minutes by boat.
Red Island
With a maximum depth of 18 meters it is a very popular dive to local divers as it provides divers the opportunity to explore the volcanic reef structures that many species of marine life live upon. Bullseye are seen in great numbers with the odd crayfish or two, Soldiers, Cunning Fish, Jacks (Grouper) and many others. Manta Rays are also seen on this site.
Ladies’ Chair
Ladies Chair lies just before Egg Island which takes approx 15-20 minutes by boat. It has a maximum depth of 18m, where you arrive at the entrance of a cave. Crayfish and large numbers of Bullseye can be seen inside of this cave. As you swim around outside of the cave you are able to observe other species of marine life that are found around the Island including fish that are endemic to St Helena.
Robinsons
Robinsons is situated near Lemon Valley Bay. It has a maximum depth of 16m. With all species of marine life to be seen
South West Point
At South West Point the marine life is abundant as they feed on the nutrients that are swept around the point Several caves and reefs provide great shelter to huge numbers of different species of fish at a depth of 16m. Currents on this site can be strong and should only be dived with a very mild current.
Thompson's Valley Island
Thompson Valley Island is situated neat South West Point and takes approx 20-25 minutes by boat. There are a lot of small caves and reefs that can be explored with an abundance of marine life to be seen around this small Island. Maximum depth 18m.
Witte Leeuw (White Lion) Wreck
The WITTE LEEUW, “White Lion”, a 16th centenary sail ship lays approx 35 meters in depth. (Learn more about it's fascinating history here.) The ship has broken down quite a bit over the years, however the ribs of the ship are frequently seen as well as the canons that were carried by the vessel. The marine life isn’t as popular as the other mention wrecks, however a great highlight from a personal point of view is that the well known Jaques Questoe has dived this wreck many times when he visited the Island in the 1970’s.
Dock Yard
Maximum depth of 18m, large numbers of Crayfish can be seen as you enter a cave that goes a few meters under cliff. An abundance of marine life has gathered to this site, which makes it a very nice dive. Sea conditions must be favourable to go on this dive.
Artificial Reef
The artificial reef consist of old car structures and frame works that local owners has no further use for and has kindly gave their property to be a part of the artificial reef. The artificial reef is situated just to the west of James Bay. It’s has a maximum depth of approx 30 meters and has attracted all species of marine life that can be seen around the Island, including the Islands endemics namely Greenfish, Rockfish and many others. Chilean devil rays are also frequent visitors, however they are not seen on every dive.
Cat Island Main
Maximum depth of 18m
On this particular dive there are a few caves and arch ways that can be explored, filled with Soldierfish, Bigeyes, and Bullseyes.
Cat Island
An Island that sits approximately 100m off shore. Depth starts at 16m and increases to 35m
