Experience whale sharks in untouched St Helena.

Spend February 21 to March 1, 2020 in St. Helena diving and snorkeling with Whale Sharks.

St. Helena is an island and British overseas territory located about 1,200 miles west of the southwestern coast of Africa. It is home to the only known seasonal aggregation of adult male and female whale sharks, from January to March. They tend to frequent certain dive sites that are seamounts or ledges. Current regulations prohibit deliberate SCUBA diving with whale sharks, but permits deliberate snorkelling and chance encounters on SCUBA.

Whale Sharks:

On this trip, we have two planned whale shark snorkels, and will dive sites frequented by the whale sharks. If they appear on a dive site whilst we are diving, we are free to stay and enjoy. If the whale sharks happen to be on the dive site when we arrive, we will snorkel with them, and dive after.

Diving:

The diving on St Helena is diverse and very interesting. The limestone cliffs on the leeward side of the island host some beautiful caverns, also packed with fish, many of which are endemic, and make for superb photo opportunities. Lava fingers running into the sea attract Chilean devil rays and pinnacle sites are home to schools of Rainbow runner and jacks. There are a handful of excellent wrecks too.

Accommodations:

Accommodation will be two and three-bedroom cottages in Half-Tree Hollow, built in 2014, located above Jamestown with a magnificent view of the coast and the ocean. Each cottage has a small lounge, kitchen and a bathroom. Single occupancy guests will share a three-bedroom cottage.

The trip is escorted by pro-UW photographer Christopher Bartlett, owner of Indigo Safaris. Christopher has been involved in whale shark conservation since 2009. He has led trips to the Galapagos and the Maldives with Dr Simon Pierce, founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, adviser to the IUCN on whale shark conservation status, and regarded by his peers as the leading whale shark researcher in the world.

Includes:

1 night in Johannesburg, 7 nights on St Helena, the final night in Johannesburg, 10 dives over 5 days, 2 whale shark snorkeling trips, a full day 4x4 land tour, 6 days vehicle hire, and transfers, weights & tanks.

Itinerary:

Day 1: After clearing immigration in Johannesburg, transfer to the Aviator Hotel, conveniently 10 minutes from the airport.

Day 2: Return to the airport for the 0900 flight to St Helena, arriving 1330 local time. After clearing immigration, you will be transferred to your accommodation. After-dinner drinks at the Standard pub recommended for a bit of local colour and music.

Day 3: Two dives, at sites popular with whale sharks. Afternoon visit of Jamestown.

Day 4: Full day island 4x4 tour to visit the key historic sites and viewpoints of the island.

Day 5: Two reef or wreck dives in the morning, whale shark snorkeling in the afternoon.

Day 6: Two dives, at sites popular with whale sharks.

Day 7: Two dives, at sites popular with whale sharks.

Day 8: Two reef or wreck dives in the morning, whale shark snorkeling in the afternoon.

Day 9: Morning free, transfer to the airport at midday for the 1430 flight to Johannesburg. Transfer to Johannesburg accommodation at the Aviator Hotel. Dinner at your cost.

Day 10: Transfer to the airport.

Not Included: