Diving in Statia
Though smaller than many Caribbean islands, Statia has plenty to offer divers. The Statia National Marine Park surrounds the island from the high water mark to a depth of 100 feet, protecting some 14 square miles of prime marine habitat. Surveys confirm that more than half of all reef surfaces are covered in live corals or sponge growth, and anchoring and fishing bans are in place to ensure dive sites remain in pristine condition. Underwater landscapes take on a variety of forms. To the north, underwater evidence of a long extinct volcano includes finger-shaped lava flows that radiate from shore to form ledges, canyons and caverns. Also in evidence are fractured blocks of solidified igneous rock and the distinctive dome-shaped “lava bomb” formations that formed when red-hot flows of molten rock erupted from subterranean vents to meet the cooling waters of the sea. Over thousands of years, these structures have gained thick overgrowths of corals and sponges. To the south, reefs take on familiar spur-and-groove profiles, with coral ledges alternating with sand channels that run perpendicular to the shore. Many sites begin shallow, and as depth increases, formations often transition into steeper slopes and walls that continue on to depths beyond 200 feet. Reefs are home to an expected cast of Caribbean creatures, including rays, sharks turtles, angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and spotted drums, with crevices holding moray eels, octopus and lobster, and closer looks revealing seahorses and frogfish. Sites on the edge of deep water may see passing migrations of dolphin and whales in winter months. Areas of volcanic sand bottom also hold one of Statia's signature finds, the flying gurnard. Wrecks are another signature feature of Statia's underwater scene. It is estimated that more than 200 historic shipwrecks rest in the island’s waters, but this number is somewhat deceiving, because most of these wooden vessels have long-since deteriorated into little more than piles of ballast rock and rusting anchors. Several historic wrecks sites are visited on a regular basis, with a favorite being the Double Wreck. There is scant evidence of the vessels themselves, and the emphasis is actually on the marine life that hides among the coral-encrusted debris, and the numerous southern stingrays that prowl the adjacent sand flats. Another popular dive into history takes place at Blue Bead Hole, where the sea floor holds lost items such as clay pipes and pottery, along with the site's namesake blue beads, which were once used as currency during the days of the slave trade. Historic artifacts are not to be disturbed at this site, but divers lucky enough to find one of the iconic blue beads are allowed to keep them. Statia also has several modern wrecks, including the 330-foot former cable layer Charlie Brown, and the 174-foot Chien Tong. Both wrecks are now covered in sponges and coatings of bright orange cup corals, which add a blaze of color when illuminated by dive lights during a night dive.
The majority of the 36 official moored dive sites within the marine preserves are suitable for divers of all abilities. A number of sites offer shallow to mid-range depths that allow for long bottom times. But advanced and adventurous divers are also accommodated with canyons, walls and pinnacles that add drama to the dive plan, and offer the chance for big animal sightings and exploratory-style drifts on un-named formations.