In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…

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What is your name?

Craig Yon

What is the name of your business?

Dive Saint Helena

What is your role within the business?

Director and Founder

How long has the business operated for?

10+ years

How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?

17 years, Padi MSDT 306289 /8 Instructor Specialties.

What is your favourite type of diving?

Deep Diving and Videography.

If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?

We have a friendly operation giving you the best St Helena has to offer which very few divers have experienced!

What is your favourite dive in your location and why?

The wreck of the RAF Darkdale; its an old war grave wreck, yet still intact with a lot of history behind it. Very good for photography.

What types of diving are available in your location?

Reef, wreck, cavern, swim throughs, pinnacles, overhangs, pelagics and, best of all, snorkelling with the Whale Sharks.

What do you find most rewarding about your current role?

Introducing new divers to our wonderful ocean and offering visitors an experience of a lifetime.

What is your favorite underwater creature?

The Chilean Devil Rays.

Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?

Yes! The introduction to nitrox and the arrival of a recompression chamber.

As a centre what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?

Lower diver numbers due to the cost of flights to St Helena.

Is your centre involved in any environmental work?

Yes we work very closely with the local marine department. We are also involved with other organisations like Blue Marine Foundation and for several years we have worked with Georgia Aquarium carrying out Whale Shark research. We are also involved in local clean up projects along the coastline.

How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkelling industry overall? What changes would you make?

Personally, I think it is already well managed, However I would like to promote free diving a little more.

What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?

I have dived in quite a few places in the world and really believe that St Helena should be ranked as one of the top 10 best dive destinations worldwide.

Where can our visitors find out more about your business? 

• www.divesainthelena.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/divesthelena
• Tel: 00290 61400
• Email: craigiyon@helanta.co.sh