Antigua · Antigua and Barbuda · Reef
The Pillars of Hercules
An enormous 17th-century anchor below eroded cliff pillars
The Pillars of Hercules lies just outside English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard, below cliffs eroded into pillar-shaped formations. The headland of Shirley Heights breaks the waves, so the surface stays relatively calm even on rougher days, and spotted eagle rays pass most often in winter.
Also known as Pillars of Hercules.
Where it is and how deep
17.0011° N, 61.7612° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The dive runs from 4 to 15 m (13 to 50 ft) over large coral-covered boulders below the cliff face, where erosion has cut pillar-shaped formations. The enormous 17th-century anchor is almost always found, a resident green or hawksbill turtle is sometimes seen, and in winter a number of spotted eagle rays often pass.
Marine life and season
- Eagle rays
- Sea turtles
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Prime |
Season follows Antigua: Spotted eagle rays gather here most often in the winter months.
Dive videos
Pillars of Hercules, Antigua · TheSunnySailor on YouTube
Sources
- Antigua Scuba Dive Sites | DiveCarib — DiveCarib
- OpenStreetMap — OpenStreetMap
More dive sites in Antigua
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A resident great barracuda patrolling coral-covered boulders
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Yellowhead jawfish living in the rubble patches
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Caribbean reef sharks on most dives
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Huge barrel sponges among sea fans and sea plumes
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Large adult nurse sharks along a reef of overhangs
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Very large tarpon under an overhanging rock
Similar dives elsewhere
Coral bommies from 15 to 24 m, with eagle rays and garden eels
Maze-like swim-throughs between coral heads from 12 m
Huge coral-covered rocks under the Nags Head cliff
Green and hawksbill turtles over seagrass by the Blue Lagoon