Connect with us

Overview

St Helena is a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic. This small, 5 by 10 mile volcanic island is one of the most remote in the world, over 1200 miles from the nearest major landmass.  The tropical climate is tempered by the Benguela Current and trade winds.

St Helena also has an incredible history and rich culture; thankfully the friendly locals are happy to share their proud heritage with visitors.  A truly unique place, the island hosts an amazing 400 endemic species, including the Cunningfish, a small species of butterflyfish.  You can also meet the oldest living terrestrial animal in the world, Jonathan, a giant tortoise over 180 years old!

St Helena is reached by air or sea, and fortnightly flights run from Johannesburg with Airlink.  A range of accommodation from hotels to self catering is available but should be booked prior to arrival.  Jamestown has a variety of restaurants, pubs and coffee shops and other eateries are found in Half Tree Hollow, Longwood and Sandy Bay.  The local St Helenian cuisine reflects the many historical influences and are recognisable variants of international dishes, often with an added spicy twist!

Fact File

Capital

Jamestown
Population

6,111
Languages

English
Time

GMT
International Dialling Code

+290
Currency

St Helena Pound, British Pound Sterling can also be used. Credit cards are not widely accepted.
Tourist Board

Home
International Airports

St Helena Airport (HLE)

About The Diving

The first thing you will notice as you descend is the sheer volume of fish, though common on all dives here, the sight is astounding against the backdrop of the volcanic landscape.  The power of the Atlantic has created both dramatic seascapes and wrecks.

There are 8 easily accessible wrecks on the leeward side of the island, representing different era in St Helena’s history.  From the Witte Leeuw, the oldest shipwreck sunk in 1613 to the Darkdale, a second world war casualty to deliberately scuttled artificial reefs like the Bedgellt there is plenty to explore.

As well as artificial reefs the islands rocky reefs are home to masses of fish and 700 marine species have been spotted here.  With both unique endemic species to wonder at and pelagics such as wahoo, tuna, mobula rays, turtles, dolphins and whale sharks the waters around St Helena make for some unforgettable diving.

Video

Dive Highlights

Papanui

The Papanui is a passenger ship that sank in the harbour after a fire in 1911.  The maximum depth is 12m, making it accessible for all divers, and giving lots of no deco time to explore.  It is home to an abundant array of marine life.

Darkdale

A British Royal Navy Auxiliary Fleet Ship, sunk by a German U-boat in 1941 with loss of life, the Darkdale lies in 33-42m of water just off the Jamestown harbour.  Though sombre, the wreck remains an impressive sight and the superstructure is covered in fish.  A deeper site, this wreck is for more experienced divers.  There is no hyperbaric chamber on St Helena so conservative dive profiles are recommended.

Long Ledge

One of the coast’s finest examples of topography is Long Ledge, a cave boasting some mind boggling biodiversity.  Rose lace and orange cup coral adorn the walls, while nudibranchs, razor fish and crayfish inhabit the nooks and crannies.  Night divers will be rewarded with octopus antics and visitors between January to June may be joined by green turtles and devil rays.

Whale shark safaris

Possibly the most unforgettable experience you can have here is the opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks.  While not scuba diving, snorkelling with these gentle giants is a highlight of any visit.  Every year between December and March fully mature male and female whale sharks gather off St Helena, leading experts to think the island may be an important breeding ground.  Several local tour operators run ethical whale shark safaris, where up to 30 sharks may be spotted in a single day.

When To Go

January to March offers the best opportunity to see whale sharks and the weather is at it’s finest.  June to December see the annual migration of humpback and sperm whales.

Dive Centres & Resorts