St. Kitts, St. Eustatius & Saba

St. Kitts, ST. EUSTATIUS & SABA Diving

Experience the captivating fusion of Dutch, British, French, and indigenous cultures across the picturesque islands of the Caribbean's Northeastern region.

Dive into the diverse underwater world, featuring an array of coral colours on shallow pinnacles, walls, sandy gullies, and deep marine sea mounts with fantastic opportunities for wreck diving too. On land, you'll find charming coves with brightly coloured fishing boats, laid-back villages, and lush rainforests that provide a taste of Caribbean life. 

Diving in ST. KITTS

The usual entry point for visits to St. Eustatius, St. Kitts also has diving opportunities. The wreck of the M.V. Corintian (known as The Tug) rest at a comfortable depth of 18–20 metres, adorned by a delightful reef encasing the bow and extending toward the water's surface.

Situated near Basseterre's harbour, the M.V. Talata features a modest volcanic vent that adds an extra layer of warmth to the surroundings. This wreck lies at a depth of less than 18 metres, offering a captivating diving experience close to the capital.

Diving in ST. EUSTATIUS ('STATIA)

This laid-back island offers a lovely mix of above and below water beauty. Voted the 'Best Caribbean Diving Destination' by National Geographic in 2022, the island has until now escaped the attention of most divers. The waters of St. Eustatius are protected by a marine park established in 1996, encircling the island, prohibiting fishing and boat anchoring. The 'Statia National Marine Park is home to 35 dive sites, all marked with mooring buoys, which ensures there’s an abundance of healthy corals. The uniqueness of diving in Statia lies in the quantity, diversity of marine life, and gently sloping colourful drop-offs. To add to the scene, stunning lava flows evidence of the island's volcanic origins. 

Marine life highlights include angelfish, moray eels, barracudas, seahorses, octopus, eagle rays, nurse sharks and numerous sea turtles. Both green and hawksbill turtles are well-protected by the marine park, with nesting beaches closely monitored. 

The waters of St. Eustatius are also home to numerous wrecks dating from different eras. The oldest, represented by anchors only, date back to the 17th century. Their density around the island testifies to 'Statia's rich history as a maritime trading port. More recent wrecks can also be explored. 

Diving in SABA 

Saba, encompassing Saba Marine Park and Saba Sea Mounts, offers diverse diving experiences with vibrant coral colours, walls, sandy gullies, and deeper sea mounts at 20–30 metres. Sponges and sea fans can be found in a shallow forest, creating a sheltered environment for macro species and schools of fish. Saba provides access to 30 serene dive sites, all situated within the park's boundaries.

The marine life provides divers with multiple sightings of moray eels, hawksbill turtles, jacks, barracuda, and southern stingrays. Divers will also find frogfish, seahorses, and nudibranchs buried in the reefs. In 1987, after three years of collaborative efforts involving Tom van t'Hof (a pivotal figure in the establishment of Bonaire's marine park in 1981), the Saban government, local residents, dive shops, and fishermen, Saba's Marine Park was officially founded. This initiative has significantly contributed to the preservation of the island's coral reefs, achieving a notable level of conservation, with notable positive impacts on fish populations. Additionally, the park is equipped with a hyperbaric chamber.

STATIA DIVERS

Statia Divers are based at the Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort and offers daily diving and courses in St Eustatia.

The diving around St Estatius has been nominated by National Geographic as the best Caribbean diving destination. Formed in 1996, the well managed marine parks surround the island and ensure vibrant soft corals and marine life. There are over 36 dive sites to enjoy, all within 3 miles of the harbour and offering a variety of habitats from shallow coral reefs to deeper walls, along with lava flows and wrecks for experienced divers. Historic anchors, cannons and other archaeological relics add to the variety and appeal.

Underwater highlights include sightings of reef sharks, rays and turtles, plus 18th century shipwrecks. A must-see is the Chien Tong, an old fishing boat sunk to create an artificial reef. Known as the 'turtle hotel' it is resident to lots of hawksbill and green turtles.

DIVE PACKS

A six dive package is from £450 per person, while a ten dive package is in the region of £800 per person. Nitrox is complimentary for all suitably qualified divers. We recommend booking a combined diving and accommodation package for the best value. Statia dives caters only to guests staying at the resort.

DIVE COURSES

In addition to diving for certified divers, the experienced dive team offer a range of PADI courses, including the Open Water course and the Advanced course. A unique feature of the hotel is the huge made-made ocean-fed lagoon, which is ideal for training. You'll even have the opportunity to dive an American school bus sunk in the lagoon!

Please enquire for an itinerary including your chosen scuba diving course.

GROUPS

Groups are welcome, with incentives available for groups of 11 divers or more. Contact us to book.

EXTRAS IN RESORT

• Marine park fee of $30 per person
• Equipment rental $50 for a full set of equipment

GETTING AROUND

Taxis, car hire, and local excursions can easily be arranged through the hotel, your local agent representative or the liveaboard boat crew.

CLIMATE

Average 27ºC (air) year round.

Light, informal clothing may be worn all year, though a light layer may be required for evenings in the winter months. You may want a relaxed outfit if dining in plantation restaurants. Guests should not wear skimpy clothing whilst visiting towns and villages.

WATER TEMPERATURE

Slightly cooler during the Winter months at 24ºC, rising to 29ºC during the Summer.

CURRENTS & VISIBILITY

In general, with the exception of a few dive sites, currents are gentle. Water visibility is usually very good year round at 20+ metres

TIME

GMT -4 hours

CURRENCY

£1 - $1 = 1.52

Eastern Caribbean Dollar in St. Kitts also accepted. 2.7 XCD = 1 USD

• Saba - ATMs are located in Windwardside and The Bottom
• St. Kitts & Nevis – ATMs are located in Basseterre

Credit cards are widely accepted.

TIPPING

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Tip around 10% of the boat cost is recommended.

ACTIVITIES

Other activities include museums, horse riding, Mount Scenery walk, island crafts, beaches, small villages to wander around, bird life.

Flights

Flights are with British Airways and depart on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Gatwick. The flight has a touchdown in Antigua.

For guests on the Caribbean Explorer II liveaboard, a flight from St.Maarten to St. Kitts on LIAT Air or similar will be arranged on the day of disembarking as part of your package.

Flight Duration: 9½ to 10 hours

Departure tax: $20 - $30. Please refer to airline notes on confirmation.

Passports & Visas

Please always check your own entry requirements, regardless of your nationality. Your passport should always have at least 6 months validity on date of return travel.

British Nationals are currently granted a 1-month tourist visa on entry.

Always check for last minute changes in entry requirements on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. 

Nationalities other than British citizens should check with their own consular office.

Vaccinations

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. For the most up-to-date advice, please consult your travel clinic or GP. Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider. 

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to St. Kitts, St. Eustatius & Saba, but we always recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.

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