The Secrets of St Helena

Whale sharks, devil rays & endemic fish

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 on our group trip to St Helena.

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 is not only of growing conservation importance, but also consists of the largest and most inquisitive individual whale sharks I’ve ever encountered. Snorkelling with more than one shark, near-motionless in the water beside you, is the sort of encounter that marine life enthusiasts’ 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, tropical 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 to 25-minute RIB journey out of Jamestown. Oh, and let’s not forget the ridiculously clear visibility that’s only possible in deep, midocean 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 remote destination, but St Helena holds so many treasures for those willing to make the voyage.

© Danny Copeland

I hope many of you will join me on my next adventure to this secret of the South Atlantic.

Join Danny in St Helena in 2023. This small group tour is timed to coincide with the annual aggregation of whale sharks.

Dive & Discover St Helena

Travel to this remote island destination with Danny Copeland during peak whale shark season and discover plenty of South Atlantic marine life including numerous species of dolphin, wahoo, tuna, dorado and Chilean devil rays. The trip includes morning dives and at least two days’ snorkelling with whale sharks where aggregations between 20 to 30 individuals are possible, a chance to explore the island, plus the opportunity to uncover the mysteries of this special island.

Departs 9 Feb 2023

Group size: 12 11 days from £3,995 (single supp. £450)