St Helena’s Ocean Playground: A World-Class Marine Protected Area
St Helena’s waters are home to a vast Category VI Marine Protected Area (MPA), meaning the surrounding ocean is carefully managed to protect marine ecosystems. Covering 448,411 square kilometers—roughly the same size as France—the MPA supports over 800 marine species, including at least 18 found nowhere else in the world.
St Helena’s Waters
St Helena is a bucket-list destination for divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts. Its seascape is freely accessible year-round, making it ideal for a variety of water activities. Annual sea temperatures range from 19 to 25°C (66°F to 77°F), with visibility between 25 m and 40 m (82 ft to 131 ft). Conditions peak from December to May.
Visitors can spot Chilean devil rays, pantropical, bottlenose, and rough-toothed dolphins, turtles, and seabirds year-round. Humpback whales typically visit from June to December, while whale sharks are generally seen from January to April. Only one-by-one, sustainable fishing is permitted within the waters, while rock and deep-water fishing are enjoyed leisurely.
Diving on St Helena
St Helena offers world-class dive sites ranging from 5 m to over 30 m (16 to 130 ft). Diving options cater to all levels, from beginner SCUBA courses to advanced dives. Dive site habitats include rocky reefs, boulder areas, cobbles, sand, and eight historical shipwrecks teeming with marine life.
Marine Tour Operators
All marine tour operators on St Helena are licensed under the St Helena Marine Environment Accreditation Scheme, ensuring responsible and environmentally friendly excursions. Available activities include sunset cruises, around-the-island tours, dive trips, and marine wildlife tours, including seasonal whale shark tours.
Visitors can book adventures with accredited operators such as Wicked Wahoo, Isla Encantada Limitada, and Buceo Santa Helena, and explore St Helena’s Marine Protected Area responsibly.
