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Photo Gallery: St Eustatius
In our new Gallery feature, we let the photos tell the story… Each Gallery showcases a selection of outstanding images on a chosen theme, taken by our Underwater Photography Editors Nick and Caroline of Frogfish Photography. This week, we focus on the tiny but beautiful Caribbean Island of St. Eustatius.
St Eustatius is a Caribbean island that is very close to our hearts. We lived on this volcanic island, working as dive instructors at Dive Statia, when we first started out in the diving world. We also worked as marine park wardens for a few months at the end of our stay. We were involved in the sinking of the island’s most famous wreck, and were the first people to dive, the 100 metre long Charlie Brown. Statia (as it is fondly known) is a small island with some great diving. Almost all of its coastline is a protected marine park, and this really apparent when you head underwater and see the amazing marine life. Turtles thrive here, and are found sleeping on the artificial reefs at night. You may never have heard of St Eustatius, but once you have been there, your heart will never leave. Visit www.scubaqua.com and www.statia-tourism.com to find out more.
Image 1: A hawksbill turtle on the Charlie Brown wreck. The turtle’s flipper briefly touches my camera dome as it swims past. The wreck of the Charlie Brown has been underwater for over 10 years now and plenty of marine life has made it their home.
Image 2: Nurse sharks live in many of the overhangs that are cut into the reef and this one surprised Caroline. As you can see, fantastic visibility is common around these waters, so when we visit, we like to shoot in wide angle.
Image 3: Huge barrel sponges sit on the tops of the reef, and Caroline has posed near this one to show off its size. If you look inside these sponges you might find a turtle, porcupine fish, arrow crabs and more.
Image 4: The bow of the Charlie Brown. The odd shape of the bow is because this ship used to be a cable layer. I think this shot works very well in black and white and the diver really emphasises the huge size of this impressive wreck that lies in 30m of water.
Image 5: The reef is in fabulous condition, as it has been a marine park since 1996 with all waters protected that are 30m deep or shallower. In this shot, Caroline approaches a trumpetfish, with her fins high in the water so as not to touch any part of the reef.
Image 6: There are a whole host of wrecks that have been sunk as artificial reefs on Statia. This tug boat is one of the oldest and has amazing coral and sponge growth on it and in it. It this shot, Caroline has gone into the wheelhouse carrying strobes that fired remotely, so that Nick could light both the bow of the boat and the inside of the wheelhouse at the same time.
Image 7: A final shot of one of our favourite wreck dives – the Charlie Brown. You can see here the amazing visibility as you descend towards to the wreck in clear blue Caribbean water. We have returned to the island on several occasions, and it has been amazing to see how the marine life continues to make this into a home. I hope we can return soon.
Want to hear more?
Here is Dive Centre Owner Mike talking about Statia:
https://www.scubaverse.com/dema-2016-review-scubaverse-talks-mike-scubaqua-st-eustatius-watch-video/
For more from Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.com
Save up to $1100 on select liveaboard dive trips from June through October 2025
Explorer Ventures Fleet is turning up the heat with its new Hot Summer / Cool Prices sale. For a limited time, divers can save $1000 or more on select liveaboard departures from June through October 2025.
Whether you’re ready to dive into crystal-clear summer waters or planning a cool fall escape, this promotion offers major savings on world-class dive adventures in the Galápagos, Turks & Caicos, and the Caribbean.
Hot Summer / Cool Prices – For the Summer Dive Traveler:
From June through August, take advantage of deep discounts on summer getaways. Enjoy up to $1100 off select trips aboard the Humboldt Explorer in the Galápagos or save $1000 on select summer departures aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer Il and Caribbean Explorer II, exploring magic of Saba and St. Kitts.
Cool Fall / Hot Prices – For Travel in the Fall:
Leave the cool weather and falling leaves behind — fall is the perfect time to head south and save. Take $1000 off select departures from September through October aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer II and Caribbean Explorer II.
See all details and departure dates: www.explorerventures.com/discounts-and-specials
Space is limited – and once the trips are full, the savings are gone. Book now to secure your spot!
Looking for other dates or destinations? There are more savings available across the fleet, including liveaboard diving holidays in Indonesia, the Maldives, the Red Sea, and Palau. Explore all current deals here: https://www.explorerventures.com/year-of-savings-dive-liveaboard-specials/
Contact:
1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada) | +1.307.235.0683
About Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet
Since 1987, Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet has been delivering world-class liveaboard diving, blending authentic experiences with a commitment to safety and sustainability. Operating in some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater destinations, their fleet of well-appointed vessels ensures every guest enjoys the highest level of comfort and care.
Explorer Ventures is proud to be the first liveaboard company to collaborate with Green Fins, earning certifications on four vessels: Caribbean Explorer II, Turks & Caicos Explorer II, Tiburon Explorer, and Humboldt Explorer. Notably, Tiburon Explorer and Humboldt Explorer are the only PADI Eco Centers designated in the Galápagos, underscoring their dedication to sustainable and responsible diving practices. With exceptional destinations, a global array of itineraries, and diver-focused design across the fleet, every voyage is crafted for comfort, convenience, and adventure—both above and below the surface.
The Shark Trust Great Shark Snapshot is back for its 4th year! And this time the Shark Trust are asking you to Make Every Dive Count!
The Shark Trust Great Shark Snapshot is back for its 4th year! And this time the Shark Trust are asking you to Make Every Dive Count! The last week of July will see the return of the Shark Trust’s citizen science initiative: The Great Shark Snapshot. It encourages divers and snorkellers, all around the world, to record the sharks and rays that they see. This year it takes place between the 19th and 27th July. Get ready to dive in!
The event is back for its 4th year, and it is happening in “Shark Month”, more commonly known as July! To coincide with a series of events that celebrate all things shark and ray, including Shark Week and the 50th anniversary of Jaws.
Divers, clubs, centres, charter boats and liveaboards are all encouraged to show their support by organising dives and events throughout the week. As well as gathering vital data, the event will provide a chance to celebrate the incredible shark and ray species that live in our ocean.
Information about the species and numbers of sharks and rays the participants find over the week will be added to the Shark Trust’s Shark Log. This global shark census will, over time, allow shark scientists to build a picture of species distribution and any changes that occur
Caroline Robertson-Brown, Marketing Manager at the Shark Trust said “It is great to see this popular citizen science event back for its 4th year. We are asking divers to Make Every Dive Count this year. To identify. Count and Record every shark, ray and eggcase they see during the week-long event. To organise dives especially to take part. Whether you are diving your local dive site, or on a trip of a lifetime, we want divers to join in on the Great Shark Snapshot in July.”
It is easy to join in. Just go diving between 19th and 27th July and record every shark, ray, skate or eggcase that you and your dive group sees. If possible, take photos and some video footage too. Then make sure that you record your sightings on the Shark Trust Shark Log recordings website or by using the Shark Trust app.
This year we have created a digital guide that puts all the information you need in one handy online guide. Which can be downloaded from the website.
The Great Shark Snapshot is a way for divers to get together, go diving, and do something to help shark conservation. Why not dive in?
Find out more here: www.sharktrust.org/snapshot
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