St. Eustatius

Depth: 40+m/130+ft 
In the southernmost region of the island, the ocean bed plunges steeply, revealing the concealed grandeur of an underwater volcanic realm. Picture a volcanic peak that’s actually twice its visible height, with the submerged half boasting a nearly vertical drop. As you commence the dive, you’ll find yourself atop astonishing ancient lava flows adorned with a rich tapestry of deep-sea fans. Gradually, you’ll ascend a massive vertical wall, guiding you to the upper reef. Here, the scenery transforms with shallower waters, adorned by the graceful presence of sea fans, plumes, and gorgonians taking over from the deep-sea coral species. Keep an eye out for pelagic fish gracefully navigating the deep blue waters, and prepare to be mesmerized by this extraordinary underwater landscape. 

Depth: 31m/100ft 
The island of St. Eustatius made an incredible addition to its underwater landscape by acquiring the Charles Brown, a former AT&T Transatlantic cable-laying vessel, for just $1. The ship, now an artificial reef, was prepared and sunken on July 25, 2003, with enthusiastic contributions from volunteers across the island. Resting on the seabed, this immense wreck spans 100 meters (327 feet), making it one of the most remarkable and sizable wrecks in the Caribbean. As you descend, the sight is awe-inspiring. The ship’s deck and cable reels are adorned with vibrant deep-sea fans and sponges. Above the wreck, Horse-Eye Jacks form mesmerizing schools, and sizable barracudas, including the famous resident known as “Charlie,” call this underwater structure home. Diving a bit deeper reveals a bustling community of Yellow Headed Jawfish, Angelfish, and the delightful presence of Sea Turtles. Reef Sharks often patrol the area, and lucky divers may catch a glimpse of a Spotted Eagle Ray. Despite its depth of 31 meters (100 feet), the Charles Brown welcomes less experienced divers who can enjoy the upper part of the wreck, rising to about 18 meters (60 feet). Over the years, this sunken vessel has transformed into a thriving, living reef, captivating the eyes of thousands of divers. Like a fine wine, the Charles Brown only grows more enchanting with time. 

Depth: 22m/72ft  
This expansive reef stretches along with towering walls adorned with crevices and ledges, boasting an abundance of coral, sponges, and a bustling marine ecosystem. It’s a well-loved diving spot, famous not only for its numerous barracuda but also for the likelihood of spotting a relaxed nurse shark resting in the shadows of the overhangs during the day. Every crevice within the reef is a bustling residence for lobsters and other reef inhabitants, creating a lively underwater community. Among the vibrant marine life, this site boasts the highest concentration of Queen Angelfish. Grunt and Snapper schools gracefully navigate the reef, with Caribbean Reef Sharks patrolling the blue expanse. Camouflaged within the reef’s nooks, massive Green Moray Eels might surprise divers, and the possibility of encountering a Sea Turtle adds to the thrill. To accommodate the reef’s length and various underwater wonders, three different moorings are available, presenting the opportunity to transform any dive into a captivating drift along this marine wonderland if there’s a gentle current. 

Depth: 17m/55ft 
The history of the blue beads traces back to the 17th century when the Dutch West India Company produced these beads in Amsterdam for compensating the slaves on Statia. Following their emancipation, folklore suggests that the freed slaves congregated on the cliffs, jubilantly casting their beads into the sea to symbolize their newfound freedom. Situated between the old harbor and the vibrant reefs on the southern corner of the island, the Blue Bead Hole is a notable dive site. Here, a diverse underwater landscape unfolds, featuring coral heads, sandy patches, and stretches of sea grass. If luck is on your side, you might chance upon a blue bead or two, though according to the legend, the beads tend to find you, not the other way around. Even without discovering the beads, there’s a good probability of encountering a plethora of fascinating marine creatures. From Pike and Sailfin Blennies to Scorpionfish and Mantis Shrimp, this site teems with marine life waiting to be uncovered. Among the most coveted finds are the ‘Guardians of the Blue Beads,’ the Flying Gurnards, whose fins impeccably match the hue of the beads—a delightful testament to nature’s artistry. 

Depth: 40+m/130+ft 
Beyond the remarkable drop-off known as “the cliff,” this deep diving spot in the southern part of the island offers much more to discover. Before reaching the dramatic wall, you’ll glide over the reef’s top, a gathering spot for schools of creole wrasse. Here, in this vibrant expanse, elusive lettuce sea slugs occasionally make an appearance, and the possibility of encountering various hamlet species adds to the intrigue. Don’t forget to cast your gaze into the azure depths—the area often plays host to regular visitors like Caribbean reef sharks, eagle rays, and oceanic triggerfish. As you descend along the vertical cliff, you’ll find it adorned with stunning deep-sea fans and intricate wire coral, adding to the awe of this diving experience. 

Depth: 17m/55ft 

Picture a quintessential reef—a vibrant maze of ancient lava adorned with flourishing coral and sponges. This underwater wonder offers a delightful blend of coral gardens, sandy stretches, and captivating overhangs, creating a feast for the eyes. Amidst the vast sandy area, you’ll observe the lively presence of yellow head jaw fish, peacock flounder, and queen conch. The lobsters share their habitat with spotted drum fish and moray eels, adding to the marine spectacle. During a single dive at this location, it’s common to come across four distinct species of angelfish. Pillar corals here are home to yellow tail damselfish, and if you keep a keen eye, you may spot a small Caribbean reef shark gracefully patrolling its domain. 

Depth: 18m/60ft

Named in honor of a colossal, ancient French anchor adorned with coral growth from the years 1750-1775, firmly embedded in the neighboring reef, this site is a treasure. Among the 200 anchors in Statia, this one stands out for its stunning appearance. As you approach the anchor, a captivating swim-through awaits, and atop it lies a bustling cleaning station frequently visited by Spanish hogfish. Further into the dive, you’ll traverse an arena-like expanse, adorned with crevices and overhangs—residences for both drumfish and lobsters. The reef’s pinnacle resembles a forest of barrel sponges, accentuated by tube sponges and diverse coral species. Caribbean reef sharks gracefully patrol this domain, on the lookout for an effortless meal. Various species of moray eels are a common sight, and if luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive sharptail eel. 

Depth: 18m/60ft
Double Wreck, despite its name, offers a unique and distinct wreck diving experience. The remnants of ships lost nearly 300 years ago are subtly marked by a few ballast stones and two impressive anchors. These ballast stones have since transformed into vibrant ecosystems, now adorned with flourishing sponges and coral growth. Despite its relatively compact size, this dive site provides ample opportunity to meticulously explore the crevices and corals in search of captivating marine life. 

Among the attractions are thriving colonies of tiny blennies, utilizing one of the ancient anchors as their vertical abode. As divers draw near, curious heads pop out, creating an endearing underwater encounter. The entire vicinity is overseen by serene, expansive southern stingrays, allowing divers to approach them cautiously and appreciate their graceful presence. Numerous cleaning stations offer glimpses of cleaner shrimp diligently at work. This macro paradise often reveals hidden treasures like seahorses and elusive frogfish. Encounters with green turtles are a common occurrence, adding to the allure of this fascinating dive site. 

Depth: 40+m/130+ft 
While the volcano ‘The Quill’ presents a stunning sight above the ocean, its true hidden treasure lies beneath the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Situated in the southwestern part of the island, the submerged slopes of the volcano showcase ancient lava flows descending into the deep, dark ocean. This area features steep walls and canyons, forming surreal seascapes. One notable dive site in this region is the ‘Grand Canyon,’ characterized by sharp lava flows adorned with narrow crevices, inviting divers to explore. It’s a common occurrence to spot pelagic species such as Spotted Eagle Rays and Caribbean Reef Sharks gracefully patrolling these walls. Adorned with deep-sea fans and wire coral, the walls also serve as a habitat for clusters of lobsters. Divers often conclude their underwater exploration in the shallows at another dive site called ‘Humps,’ allowing for a complete multi-level dive profile. 

Depth: 24m/80ft 

Originally a Taiwanese long-line fishing trawler, the vessel underwent significant bow damage, rendering it unfit to pass insurance survey. Extending an impressive 52 meters (170 feet) from bow to stern, the ship now rests upright on the seabed of Orange Bay at a depth of 24 meters (80 feet). Sunk intentionally in 2004 to serve as an artificial reef, it has transformed into an ‘Oasis in the desert,’ drawing a diverse array of marine life. Visitors commonly encounter Horse-eyed Jacks, Barracudas, and Southern Stingrays. During times of current, Spotted Eagle Rays gracefully glide above the wreck, adding to the spectacle. The Chien Tong wreck holds a special allure for night divers. As the sun sets, the underwater realm comes alive with the arrival of giant Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles seeking a peaceful night’s rest. Bright red Teardrop Crabs, Sponge Crabs, and Slipper Lobsters can be observed crawling amidst the wreck. The Orange Cup Coral unfolds to reveal its vibrant hues, transforming the wreck into an enchanting ‘Alice in Wonderland’ experience. This night dive is a must-not-miss adventure, promising an unforgettable underwater journey. 

Depth: 19m/62ft 

The coral atoll known as Sinclar Blair takes its name from a well-known Statia fisherman. Despite its modest size, this reef is a paradise for macro diving enthusiasts. The northern section of the reef showcases a vertical wall where one can frequently observe young smooth trunkfish and spotted drumfish nestled within the various cracks and crevices. Lobsters are so abundant here that trying to count them would likely be an exercise in futility. Schools of snappers and grunts often congregate in this area, accompanied by numerous barracudas. It’s a common occurrence to encounter Hawksbill turtles gracefully gliding through these waters. 

Depth: 20m/60ft 
Situated adjacent to the Chien Tong, Stenapa offers a dive experience like no other. The dive is anchored near a substantial sunken barge, whose deck is gradually being reclaimed by sponges over time. Nearby, a lengthy pipe, a generous contribution from the nearby oil terminal, accompanies the barge. The stern and bow segments of the Dundalk wreck host a plethora of small marine creatures, while the hull’s ribs are adorned with corals and sponges. A delightful discovery on the southern end of the site is a compact tugboat. Inside the wheelhouse, an explosion of yellow sponges and Orange Cup coral creates a vibrant display. These submerged ‘wrecks’ serve as a haven for various juvenile fish species. Within the sandy spaces between these structures, you’ll encounter expansive colonies of Garden Eels and numerous Southern Stingrays. Additionally, Stenapa proves to be a promising location to spot Octopus; keep an eye out for discarded mollusk and clam shells, potential indicators of a nearby den.

Depth:16m/52ft 

Named after colossal coral-covered lava bombs and lava fingers, remnants of volcanic eruptions from the Quill, this site offers a captivating contrast. The coral-encrusted fingers and bombs stand out against the backdrop of expansive white sand fields. Being relatively shallow, it’s an ideal diving spot for beginners, yet seasoned divers equally appreciate its charms. For enthusiasts of macro marine life, the main attractions include pike blennies, orange-sided gobies, and decorated neck crabs. Meanwhile, various species of grouper lurk in the reef’s nooks and crannies, employing ambush tactics to catch their prey fish. 

Depth:18m/60ft 
Nestled amidst a vast expanse of sand and sea grass, this rocky formation allures marine life akin to an oasis in the desert. The sandy stretches play host to colonies of garden eels and southern stingrays. The entire rock surface is adorned with sponges, coral, and abundant anemones nestled within the crevices. This diverse habitat is home to spotted morays and scorpion fish. Atop the rock, numerous sergeant majors are often seen feasting on plankton, and it’s a common occurrence to encounter turtles in this vicinity. While the phenomenon remains a mystery, this dive site boasts an exceptional abundance of nudibranch, surpassing any other location in Statia.

Depth: 20m/65ft 
Located in the northernmost part of the island, this massive rock offers a truly distinctive diving experience. Positioned at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, it stands out for its shallow depths adorned with an abundance of deep-sea fans. Schooling barracudas vigilantly patrol the vicinity, and one stands a good chance of encountering the stunning jackknife fish. En route to and from the rock, divers traverse substantial boulders, a favored resting spot for nurse sharks. In the shallower sections of this site, vibrant gaudy clown crabs can be spotted, adding a burst of color to the underwater landscape.