Blogs
The Stav: A wreck dive to fall in love with
We have dived the wreck of the Stavronikita in Barbados a number of times and it just seems to get better and better. Already one of the most popular dives in Barbados, it should be known as one of the best wreck dives in the Caribbean.
The Stav, as she is lovingly known, is over 100 m in length and sits in around 40m of water. Don’t let this depth put you off, however, as the masts sit just a few meters below the surface so there is plenty to explore in more shallow waters. This is perhaps what makes this wreck so special. It is big enough to take several dives to explore fully, but your ascent back to the surface follows the A-frame structure into the shallows and here life has fully taken hold on this artificial reef.
Sunk in 1978, nature has had time to make the Stav home. From the bow upwards every inch of the wreck is covered in corals and sponges. Beautiful gorgonians reach out into the blue, and when you shine a light on any given area the incredible colours are revealed. Schools of fish will suddenly appear, circling the mast, and then just as quickly swim off into the blue. Look more closely and you will discover small fish and critters that also call the Stavronikita home.
There are few wreck in the world with coral growth a prolific as it is here. The Stav seems to have been sunk in the perfect location. It is also testament to the local dive centers that the coral is in pristine condition. The wreck is a just short boat ride from shore, so as long as conditions and currents are good, it can be dived very easily.
On our most recent dive on the Stav we barely moved away from the mast structure. You can easily spend on hour or more here marveling at vibrant reef it has become. If you are not a photographer, bring a powerful torch to really experience the incredible colours of the marine life that lives here. You buddies will appreciate it too!
We would happily dive the Stav every day. But there are plenty more wrecks to explore in Barbados, as well as reefs, piers, coral conservation schemes and the rugged east coast. Watch out for more from Barbados coming soon.
Thank you to BTMI for making our trip possible. To find out more about visiting Barbados click here.
Thank you to Barbados Blue Watersports for looking after us so well and providing excellent models.
Blogs
Jeff chats to… Christopher Bartlett, MD of Indigo Safaris, about scuba diving in Dominica and Mexico (3 of 5)
In the third in this exclusive series of five videos, Jeff Goodman, Scubaverse Editor-at-Large, chats to Christopher Bartlett, Managing Director of Indigo Safaris, about their diving and wildlife adventures, and some of their top destinations. In this episode Christopher talks about Dominica and Mexico.
For more information, please visit www.indigosafaris.com
Rather listen to a podcast? Click on this link to listen HERE.
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…
What is your name?
Ben Williams and Kay Van Leuven
What is the name of your business?
Sunchaser Scuba
What is your role within the business?
Owner/operator
How long has the business operated for?
32 years in total and we have been here since 2010, working for the previous owner, then bought the current company from him starting in 2015.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
Ben since 2003 and he is a PADI MSDT and SDI instructor
Kay since 2010 and she is a PADI MSDT and SDI instructor
What is your favorite type of diving?
Ben loves pinnacle dives; Kay loves shallow coral dives
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 offer valet diving for a trip of your lifetime. Personal service is key in our business, together with small groups.
What is your favourite dive in your location and why?
Ben favorite dive is the Invisibles because of the amount of marine life; Kay favorite dive is the wreck of the Rhone, because of it’s historical value, marine life and the amount of coral growth on it.
What types of diving are available in your location?
We offer reef and wreck diving, rendez vous diving with your charter boat so we can pick you up straight off your boat.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
Being able to dive every day and show the underwater world of the BVI
What is your favorite underwater creature?
Ben’s favorite is sharks and for Kay it is dolphins.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
Ever rising supplier prices.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
Yes, we do treatment for STCLD, shark sightings and beach clean ups
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
The hotel we work out of is still recovering from the 2017 hurricane so more places to stay will be coming along in the future. We have an amazing local non profit called Beyond The Reef in the BVI who are always making new artificial reefs.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
We feel it is a great industry and it is very rewarding being able to teach people to dive and therefore increase awareness. One of the biggest changes that would be great to change is to be able to make things cheaper so it is more accessible to our local kids/divers and therefore increase the number of divers in our local community.
Finally, what would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
The BVI is very underrated and untouched, making it a great destination for both novice and
experienced divers.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
www.sunchaserscuba.com
info@sunchaserscuba.com
+12833442766
https://www.instagram.com/sunchaser_scuba/
https://www.facebook.com/sunchaserscuba/
Jeff chats to… Christopher Bartlett, MD of Indigo Safaris, about scuba diving in Dominica and Mexico (3 of 5)
Reefs Go Live returns for new season
Diving with… Ben Williams and Kay Van Leuven, Sunchaser Scuba, British Virgin Islands
Lovin’ Saint Lucia: Two wreck dives and a wedding (part 3)
Top 5 Caribbean Wreck Diving Destinations
Barbados – The Shipwreck Capital of the Caribbean
Caribbean Conservation in Action: Coral Conservation during Covid
Caribbean Conservation in Action: Tagging Turtles in the BVI
Jeff chats to… Christopher Bartlett, MD of Indigo Safaris, about scuba diving in Dominica and Mexico (3 of 5)
Curaçao Dive Site of the Month – Smokeys (Watch Video)
Jeff chats to… Dr Katey Lesneski from Coral Vita, winners of the Earthshot Prize (Watch Video)
