Dive-site story
Situated along the deeper reef tract of Sint Eustatius National Marine Park, Valley of the Sponges features rolling coral spurs punctuated by wide sand channels. True to its name, colossal barrel sponges and dense stands of tube and rope sponges dominate the undulating volcanic ridges. Divers drift along the edges of the drop-off where pelagic visitors often pass in the blue, while macro critters shelter inside the sponge crevices and sea fans.
Extensive gardens of massive giant barrel sponges and yellow tube sponges
Spur-and-groove reef structure leading down to a sloping sand plain
Regular sightings of reef sharks and resting southern stingrays in the channels
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Diving is accessible year-round, with the calmest sea conditions typically occurring between late winter and mid-summer.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant barrel spongeXestospongia muta | Common | ||||||||||||
| Caribbean reef sharkCarcharhinus perezii | Common | ||||||||||||
| Hawksbill sea turtleEretmochelys imbricata | Common | ||||||||||||
| Southern stingrayHypanus americanus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Queen angelfishHolacanthus ciliaris | Common |
Marine forecast
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