For a short time each year, large numbers of whale sharks gather in the waters of St Helena Island, ensuring an incredible and intimate experience for the fortunate few who manage to travel this far.
Led by the charismatic marine conservationist and multimedia expert Danny Copeland and supported by local marine conservation experts, this group trip is timed to coincide with the aggregation of whale sharks in this remote region.
Staying in Jamestown, your action packed itinerary includes diving, whale shark snorkelling and land tours, providing a unique opportunity to uncover the mysteries of St Helena with experts and like-minded individuals.
To learn more about diver and marine conservationist Danny Copeland, check out his blog.
Typical Itinerary
-
Day 1:
Depart for South Africa
-
Day 2:
Arrive Johannesburg, overnight stay
Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy the tranquil surrounds of the Safari Club SA, a relaxing oasis located a convenient distance from the airport.
-
Day 3:
Discover St Helena
Fly to St Helena this morning, where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Located in the heart of Jamestown, the Mantis St Helena is a short walk from the seafront. Check-in for a seven night stay. You’ll meet tour leader Danny Copeland here, and also be introduced to the rest of your group.
-
Day 4:
Diving and whale shark encounters
Your dive pack begins this morning. Local dive sites harbour hugely abundant and varied marine life, and are characterised by sea mounts, caverns and numerous historic wrecks.
This afternoon, head out again on the water to search for whale sharks. The appearance of whale sharks around St Helena has been increasing in recent years, and research has shown that they visit in an equal male to female ratio, suggesting they visit the waters to mate. This has attracted the attention of scientists the world over.
-
Day 5:
More diving and Plantation House tour
Make two more dives this morning. In the afternoon, enjoy a private tour of St Helena’s Plantation House and estate.
With a little luck, you will also have the opportunity to meet the oldest living animal on planet Earth. Jonathan is one of four tortoises residing here, and is an extraordinary 192 years old, and counting.
-
Day 6:
Continue diving and search for whale sharks
After another morning exploring St Helena’s superb and varied dive sites, head back out this afternoon to search again for whale sharks.
Aggregations of up to 20-30 whale sharks are possible, while these waters also play host to numerous species of dolphin.
-
Day 7:
Dive and relax
Enjoy a further two dives this morning around the island. As well as abundant marine life on the reefs, these waters are known for pelagic species such as wahoo, tuna and dorado. Chilean devil rays are also commonly seen in these waters and are a highlight for divers.
This afternoon will be left free for you to explore the island and its history at your own pace.
-
Day 8:
A final day at sea
Enjoy your final two dives this morning, plus the last opportunity this afternoon to snorkel with St Helena’s majestic whale sharks in blue water.
-
Day 9:
Coffee plantation and distillery tour
After a morning at leisure, discover more of St Helena itself this afternoon with a coffee plantation tour.
-
Day 10:
Depart for South Africa, overnight stay in Johannesburg
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Johannesburg where you will spend a further night due to flight schedules.
-
Day 11:
Depart for the UK
After a day at leisure, return to the airport for an overnight flight back to the UK.
-
Day 12:
Arrive UK
Please note: This trip includes a donation to marine conservation in St Helena to protect and conserve this special place.
