Diving At St Helana

St Helena Island is an attractive snorkeling and scuba diving destination, known for its clear, warm waters, shipwrecks, and rich marine life. Dive sites range from rocky reefs with caves and boulders to cobbles and sandy areas, all close to Jamestown wharf. Numerous coastal wrecks also provide popular dive and snorkel sites.

Sea temperatures range from 66–75°F (19–25°C), with visibility between 16 and 130 feet (5–40 m), best from December to May. Dive depths vary from about 40 to 130 feet (5–30 m+), offering options for different experience levels. Divers must follow local regulations, including no wreck penetration and strict rules for whale shark interactions. Popular sites include Buttermilk Point, Cat Island (and Cat Island Main), Cavalley Point, Egg Island, Ladies Chair, Long Ledge, Robinsons, and Thompson’s Valley Island.

Most dive sites lie on the island’s leeward side, where mild surge may occur but strong currents are absent, making dives suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. Certified divers should bring their certification and logbook. Two dive operators on the island offer PADI courses, dive trips, and marine tours, supported by the active St Helena Dive Club.

Snorkelling nature trails are available at Jamestown wharf steps and Lemon Valley, with guided tours for those not scuba-qualified. Marine life includes numerous fish species (16 endemic), many endemic invertebrates, sea turtles, devil rays, resident dolphins, and seasonal visitors such as humpback whales from June to December.

January and February are the warmest months and coincide with fish spawning and the arrival of whale sharks, which can grow over 40 feet (12 m). These gentle animals can be observed and swum with under strictly regulated conditions, offered only by accredited local marine tour operators.