Dive· Antigua· Leeward Islands
Pillars of Hercules Dive Site
17° 0.1′ N · 61° 45.7′ W
The classic first dive in English Harbour: coral-covered boulders beneath the eroded pillar-shaped cliffs at the harbour mouth, with spotted eagle rays, turtles, octopus and a huge old anchor on the bottom, three minutes by boat from the Dockyard.
Practical
Position is the PADI dive-site listing. Depth 13-50 ft (DiveCarib; PADI gives a 49 ft maximum; Dockyard Divers gave 20-45 ft). DiveCarib keeps a permanent mooring about 100 ft offshore in 30 ft; the Shirley Heights headland breaks the waves, so it stays relatively calm even when the forecast swell is above average. Eagle rays are most common in winter. A coral nursery programme started here in 2021 (PADI). Inside Nelson's Dockyard National Park: the private moorings belong to the local dive operators, so book a dive with them rather than tying up yourself, and take nothing. Snorkellers can reach the shallow end from the south end of Galleon Beach in calm conditions; keep clear of boat traffic in the entrance channel.
Best for
An easy, sheltered reef dive or snorkel at the English Harbour entrance
Season
Year-round; calmest in settled easterlies