Secrets of the South Atlantic
The little-known, far-flung island of St Helena is fast gaining a reputation for extraordinary whale shark encounters, huge shoals of fish and endemics. Marine conservationist and multimedia expert Danny Copeland describes what to expect after leading our group trip to St Helena earlier this year…
Having spent over six weeks working with conservationists and scientists on the remote island of St Helena, I can say wholeheartedly that this magical island is one of the most unique and breathtaking destinations on the planet.
It boasts a remarkable population of adult whale sharks that are not only of growing conservation importance, but are the largest and most inquisitive I've ever encountered. Having more than one shark, near-motionless in the water beside you, is the sort of encounter that divers’ dreams are made of!
St Helena’s dive sites are varied and exciting in their own right, offering far more than you might expect to see in a mid-Atlantic, subtropical corner of the ocean. Visitors will be treated to wrecks, beautiful caverns, squadrons of devil rays, and schools of endemic butterfly fish – all within a 10-25-minute RIB journey out of Jamestown. Oh, and let’s not forget the ridiculously clear visibility that’s only possible in deep, mid-ocean waters such as the ones that wrap around the island.
Back on land, St Helena has a unique history that is worth extended time topside. Sculpted by breathtaking volcanic mountains and cloud forest valleys, its vistas and varied habitats are looked after by a community of ‘Saints’, who are more endearing and welcoming than any group of people I’ve ever visited.
It may be a fantastically remote destination, but St Helena holds so many treasures for those willing to make the voyage. I hope many of you will join me on my next adventure to this secret of the South Atlantic.
Join our Dive & Discover St Helena trip with Danny Copeland on 28 Jan 2021. Register your interest today!
