Scuba Diving in Saint Helena
Diving the Lonely Sentinel of the South Atlantic
Scuba diving in Saint Helena is a journey to one of the most remote and pristine corners of the Atlantic Ocean. This volcanic outpost offers incredibly clear waters with visibility often exceeding 30 meters, where divers can encounter a unique mix of tropical and temperate marine life. The island's signature experience is swimming with whale sharks, which visit in significant numbers during the summer months. Because of its extreme isolation, Saint Helena boasts a high percentage of endemic species that are found nowhere else on Earth. The underwater topography is characterized by dramatic volcanic formations, including intricate arches, caves, and tunnels that provide shelter for a wealth of life. Historic shipwrecks, such as the Papanui, lie in shallow waters, offering easy access to maritime history. The island's status as a remote peak rising from the deep ocean means that pelagic encounters are common, with various shark species, tuna, and large jacks often seen patrolling the reefs. For those seeking a diving destination that combines isolation, endemic biodiversity, and world-class whale shark encounters, Saint Helena is an unparalleled choice.
Diving Highlights
- ✓Reliable whale shark encounters in crystal-clear waters (January–April).
- ✓Exceptional biodiversity with many endemic species found only around the island.
- ✓Dramatic volcanic topography featuring arches, caves, and deep walls.
- ✓Accessible historic shipwrecks like the 'Papanui' and the 'Darkdale'.
- ✓Pristine, uncrowded dive sites in a truly remote Atlantic setting.
Travel Essentials
Entry & Visa
All visitors require a Saint Helena Entry Permit, which can be applied for online (eVisa) before travel. Proof of medical insurance including aeromedical evacuation is mandatory.
Currency
Saint Helena Pound (SHP), which is at parity with the British Pound (GBP). GBP is also widely accepted.
Language
English is the official language. The local 'Saint' dialect is a unique and melodic version of English, reflecting the island's multi-ethnic history.
Safety
Tap water is generally safe to drink, though many visitors prefer filtered or bottled water.
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History
Saint Helena's history is defined by its extreme isolation. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, it remained a secret for decades, serving as a vital watering station for ships returning from the East Indies. The British East India Company eventually took control in 1657, fortifying the island as a strategic Atlantic outpost. Its most famous resident was Napoleon Bonaparte, who was exiled here after his defeat at Waterloo in 1815 until his death in 1821. The island also played a significant role during the abolition of the slave trade, serving as a base for the West Africa Squadron and a refuge for 'Liberated Africans.' Today, the island maintains a deep connection to its maritime heritage, with numerous wrecks and fortifications dotting the coastline, reflecting its long history as a lonely sentinel in the vast South Atlantic Ocean.
Geography
Saint Helena is a small, rugged volcanic island located roughly 1,200 miles from the coast of Africa and 1,800 miles from South America. Its geography is characterized by dramatic contrasts; the coastline consists of sheer, towering cliffs that rise abruptly from the deep ocean, while the interior is surprisingly lush and green, featuring rolling hills and ancient cloud forests. Diana's Peak, the island's highest point at 823 meters, offers breathtaking views of the entire archipelago. The island's volcanic origins have created a unique underwater landscape of arches, caves, and tunnels. Because it is an isolated peak rising from the abyssal plain, the surrounding waters drop off rapidly to extreme depths, attracting large pelagic species while the shallow reefs provide shelter for a high percentage of endemic marine life found nowhere else on Earth.
Climate
The climate of Saint Helena is surprisingly mild and temperate for its tropical latitude, thanks to the cooling influence of the South East Trade Winds and the Benguela Current. The island experiences two main seasons: the summer, from December to May, and the winter, from June to November. Summer temperatures typically range between 20°C and 27°C, with relatively calm seas and excellent underwater visibility that can exceed 30 meters. This is also the peak season for whale shark sightings. The winter months are slightly cooler, with temperatures between 17°C and 22°C, and can bring more wind and rain, particularly to the higher elevations. The coastal areas, including the capital Jamestown, remain significantly warmer and drier than the lush interior. For divers, the period from January to April offers the most reliable conditions and the warmest water temperatures, usually around 24°C.
People & Culture
The people of Saint Helena, known as 'Saints,' are a warm and resilient community with a diverse heritage. Their ancestry is a unique blend of European settlers (mostly British), African slaves, and Chinese and Indian indentured laborers, all of whom were brought to the island during the East India Company era. This cultural melting pot has created a distinctive identity and a strong sense of community. Despite the island's small population of approximately 4,500, Saints are known for their exceptional hospitality and friendliness toward visitors. Life on the island moves at a relaxed pace, influenced by the isolation and the rugged environment. The community is deeply connected to the land and the sea, with many families maintaining traditional practices such as fishing and small-scale farming. Social life often centers around community gatherings, music, and the island's unique traditions, reflecting a culture that has thrived in solitude for centuries.
Languages
English is the official language of Saint Helena and is spoken by the entire population. However, visitors will quickly notice the unique 'Saint' dialect, which is a fascinating variation of English with its own distinct rhythm, vocabulary, and pronunciation. This local creole reflects the island's multi-ethnic history, incorporating influences from early 17th-century English, as well as elements from the various cultures that have settled on the island over the centuries. While the dialect can sometimes be challenging for outsiders to follow during rapid conversation, Saints are adept at switching to standard English when interacting with visitors. The local accent is often described as melodic and soft, contributing to the island's charm and providing a linguistic link to its storied past as a global maritime crossroads.
Food & Cuisine
The cuisine of Saint Helena is a flavorful reflection of its diverse cultural roots, combining British traditions with spicy influences from Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. One of the most iconic dishes is 'Plo,' a hearty one-pot meal made with rice, meat (usually bacon or chicken), and vegetables, seasoned with a distinct local curry powder. Fish is a staple of the Saint Helenian diet, with tuna, wahoo, and the local 'stump' (a type of spiny lobster) featuring prominently in many meals. Fishcakes, made with fresh fish and mashed potatoes seasoned with herbs and chili, are a ubiquitous local favorite. Another unique specialty is Saint Helena coffee, which is considered one of the rarest and most expensive coffees in the world, grown from green tipped Bourbon Arabica seeds first brought to the island in 1733. The island's isolation means that much of the produce is locally grown, leading to a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients that give the food an authentic, home-cooked feel.
Hotels & Resorts in Saint Helena
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