Saint Eustatius is a diving paradise that very few people have come to know. Its diverse eco-system coupled with fascinating underwater volcanic fissures have played with the imaginations of those that have walked on its quite streets and felt its warm crystalline waters caress their bodies. With its golden selection of dive sites, tourists and divers that visit the island are never bored. Added to this is the boost of adrenaline the quiet island gives to those that are looking for adventure and want to enjoy all the wonderful things that nature has to offer. People that are interested in diving will be able to see corals, pinnacles, dive walls, ship wreck sites and much more. Of particular interest is the possibility of diving with flying gurnards—a rare fish that is found in very few Caribbean countries.
What are Flying Gurnards?
Flying gurnards are often confused with flying fish, but their overall skull structure and bodies differ from these types of fish. They have large pectoral fins that serve as wing-like structures to the back. The opercle gill does not have a spine, while the preopercle gill has sharp spines. Despite bearing the name ‘flying gurnard’, these types of fish cannot fly and often ‘walk’ on sandy sea floors. They are also known as helmet gurnards and belong to the Dactylopteridae family of fish. They are found in warm and tropical seas and are considered to be relatives of the sea robin.
Where Can Flying Gurnards be found in Saint Eustatius?
Whether you are interested in the Atlantic or Caribbean side of Saint Eustatius, it will be possible to find the strange looking flying gurnards ‘walking’ on the sandy floors looking for food or just moving from place to place. You will be able to see flying gurnards in the Southern Marine Park, Northern Marine Park and wreck sites. Diving rules will vary from place and buoys have been placed throughout the parks to safeguard the diverse marine life that is found in these areas.
There are three diving areas in the Southern Marine Park and are considered to be the island’s deepest sites. Here, divers will be stricken with the awesome coral fingers, lava formation and sponges that have decorated the many dive sites making them an interesting place to visit and explore. The Northern Marine Park has four sites, but two of which are better for diving and snorkeling.
The wreck sites in Saint Eustatius also have flying gurnards and though most of the wrecks have not withstood the degradation caused by currents and water, they are nonetheless part of the rich history of the island. The Triple Wreck/Supermarket (50ft-60ft) has faded with time, but the presence of coral algae and ballast stones have become the natural habitat for a number of fish. You will also be lucky to find the strange helmet gurnards at this site.
Another interesting wreck site to visit is the Double Wreck (55ft-60ft). This site is the perfect place for those looking to capture lovely pictures of the underwater world. There are a number of ballast stones that have uniquely been outlined to form the shape of a ship.
Stingray is another popular dive site and this one is between 40ft to 50ft deep. A large number of stingrays can be found at this site full of ballast stones that have been left behind due to the tragic end of some ancient ship. Despite, the name ‘stingray’ there are a number of different kinds of marine life that can be appreciated at this dive site and flying gurnards is just one of them.
City Wall is a shallow diving site that is perfect for amateur and experienced divers. It is not considered a dive site by the operators on the island due to the very few options that are present. However, the surrounding sand is filled with flying gurnards to reward anyone that has taken the initiative to embark on an adventure. So if you are looking to dive with one of these unique marine creatures, Saint Eustatius may be the place for you.