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Diving on Saba is a fairly recent activity, beginning only in 1981. Since diving began here, dive operators have worked with Saba's government and local fishermen to conserve the aquatic environment.
Unlike many other destinations, Saba preserved its marine life before it could be damaged, so its coral is completely healthy, and fish populations in dive areas remain undisturbed by fishermen. For divers, this provides breathtaking underwater vistas and excellent photography opportunities.
Saba's warm, clear waters make diving a pleasure. In the summertime, the water temperature averages 82-84 degrees Fahrenheit, with visibility from 75 to 100 feet. The water temperature drops to about 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the wintertime, but visibility can be more than 125 feet.
In 1987, the island's coast and surrounding waters were designated as the Saba Marine Park. Thirty-six diving buoys at the park's 30 dive sites provide mooring for boats, preventing damage to coral reefs. Depth at the mooring of these dive sites varies from 15 feet to 115 feet. Snorkeling is less practical than diving, since there are fewer shallow areas and sites must be accessed by boat, but there are still a number of areas in the region with excellent snorkeling.
Diving is permitted only with the guidance of one of the island's three dive shops: Saba Deep, Saba Divers, and Sea Saba. All three offer diving classes from beginner to advanced levels, as well as specialty courses. Three dive centers offer diving/room packages, partnering with several local hotels and cottages. Saba Deep has a restaurant in addition to their dive center. Sea Saba also has a full retail shop in the main village along with their dive center.
When considering package deals, make sure you know whether prices include transportation from the airport, the Saba Marine Park fee, diving equipment, room taxes, any meals, and how many dives. Whether you want to spend your time in between dives on land or on water may also determine which dive company you choose.
Visitors can also arrange single dives, which is perfect for those who don't want to dive every day. Expect to pay at least $50 (USD) for one dive.
There are a couple of dive services, some dive shops, and at least 26 different dive sites in the area.
The dive shops you'll be able to find are provided here:
Name | Phone | Location |
---|---|---|
Saba Deep Dive Center | (599) 416-3347 | 0.8 mi. South of Central the Bottom |
Saba Divers Dive Center | (599) 416-2526 | 0.8 mi. South of Central the Bottom |
Sea Saba Advanced Dive Shop | (599) 416-2246 | Windward Side, Central Saba |
If you're ready to dive, you might want to contact Saba Divers. Saba Divers offers an extensive list of PADI certification courses beginning with Discover Scuba for first-timers. When you're ready to dive, you'll be provided with transportation to the Fort Bay Dive Center, and head out for an adventure at the Saba Marine Park. They are situated in Windward Side, in central Saba.
Another option is Sea Saba Advanced Dive Center. Sea Saba picks up their guests at their hotel or cottage between 8:45 and 9 a.m. with enough time to get divers on the water at 9:30 a.m. They can be reached at (599) 416-2246.
A few details regarding dive service operators are shown right below.
Name | Phone | Location |
---|---|---|
Saba Divers | -- | Windward Side, Central Saba |
Sea Saba Advanced Dive Center | (599) 416-2246 | Windward Side, Central Saba |
The chart right below enables you to learn some information concerning some of the area's dive sites.
Name | Quality | Max Depth | Latitude | Longitude |
---|---|---|---|---|
Babylon | Very Good | -- | 17.62955487 | -63.2595348358 |
Big Rock Market | -- | 70.0 | 17.6142082682 | -63.22889328 |
Core Gut | Very Good | 90.0 | 17.6287692506 | -63.2172584545 |
Cove Bay | -- | 90.0 | 17.6407934451 | -63.2197475445 |
Customs House | -- | 120.0 | 17.6330517697 | -63.257818222 |
David's Dropoff | Very Good | 120.0 | 17.6208344789 | -63.2193183911 |
Diamond Rock | -- | 80.0 | 17.6498218982 | -63.2539463043 |
Green Island | -- | 65.0 | 17.6489403355 | -63.2294392589 |
Greer Gut | -- | 70.0 | 17.6119994772 | -63.2452011108 |
Hole in the Corner | -- | 75.0 | 17.6156807805 | -63.2241249096 |
Hot Springs | Very Good | 80.0 | 17.6242991681 | -63.2598996162 |
Ladder Labyrinth | -- | 80.0 | 17.6260783527 | -63.2598781586 |
Man O' War Shoals | -- | 70.0 | 17.6485421731 | -63.2517671585 |
Mt. Michel | -- | 110.0 | 17.6304052375 | -63.2675170689 |
Otto Limits | -- | 55.0 | 17.6469472416 | -63.2512950897 |
Outer Limits | -- | -- | 17.636335584 | -63.2661437779 |
Poriotes Point | -- | 75.0 | 17.6312726538 | -63.2585263252 |
Shark Shoals | -- | 120.0 | 17.6453522982 | -63.2627534762 |
Tedran Reef | -- | 100.0 | 17.620065865 | -63.2619380951 |
Tent Reef | Very Good | 65.0 | 17.6166505191 | -63.258934021 |
Tent Reef Deep | -- | 120.0 | 17.6157506568 | -63.2568955421 |
Tent Reef Wall | Very Good | 100.0 | 17.6180616579 | -63.2607579231 |
Third Encounter | Excellent | 110.0 | 17.6327773995 | -63.2670450001 |
Torrens Point | Very Good | 50.0 | 17.6442480947 | -63.2544279099 |
Twilight Zone | -- | 100.0 | 17.6341679627 | -63.265285471 |
Well's Bay Point | -- | -- | 17.6379090296 | -63.2558012012 |
For more information about diving, including helpful suggestions and tips skilled divers as well as beginners, check out this extensive guide to diving in the Caribbean.
Saba's dive sites can be grouped into six basic areas, each with its own characteristics.
Keeping the safety of yourself and marine life in mind while you're diving or snorkeling will help you enjoy your underwater explorations. See for yourself why tiny Saba is a big deal in the diving world.
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