Scuba Diving Trips in Saba

Rising straight up from the abyssal depths, this rugged, volcanic island is like a piece of the Pacific teleported to the Caribbean. With a quaint, European charm above the waterline and pristine diving below, Saba calls itself “The Unspoiled Queen.” Healthy reefs with incredible visibility and marine life-covered pinnacles are all protected by Saba Marine Park.

On land, the Saba Conservation Foundation protects the unspoiled wilderness. As you’d expect from a volcanic island, underwater structures and seamounts offer amazing views.

Complemented by shallow patch reefs, Saba has a nice mix of dives ranging from exhilarating drifts over “bottomless” drop-offs to mellow dives on sites full of juvenile fish and interesting invertebrates.

Saba’s culture is a unique blend of Caribbean, Dutch and English influences, characterized by a strong sense of community and pride in heritage. The island has a special charm to it with art, fishing and agriculture all being important aspects to daily life. The island is also full of natural beauty with the lushness of Mount Scenery and surrounding turquoise waters. Saba’s culture is shaped by the island’s history, geography and close-knit community, making it a unique and vibrant destination.

Dive Ladder Bay

Divers and snorkelers can enjoy an abundant area known as Ladder Bay. This area has natural labyrinths and groove formations created by volcanic lava flow. Here, visitors can see nurse sharks, sea turtles, eels and tarpon. With healthy coral formations and surrounding seagrass, marine life is abundant in Dive Ladder Bay.

Dive Insurance

Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN dive insurance.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.

Water Temperature

Saba offers year-round diving with seasonal differences in water temperature and surface conditions. The water temperature varies between 77º-84ºF. Visibility ranges from a minimum of 60ft to virtually unlimited. Swells and heavy rainfall may influence visibility, but typically it clears again very quickly.

Weather

Daytime temperature on Saba averages around 81°F. Easterly trade winds and the mountain create ever-changing cloud movements. Temperatures will always be cooler on the top of Mt. Scenery. 

Electricity

Electricity on the islands is the US Standard, 110 volts. For American electronics, there is no need for a converter.

Courtesy & Dress

Casual sportswear is an appropriate dress anytime on Saba. Bathing suits are not appropriate within the villages. Being shirtless in any of Saba’s villages is actually against the law.

Language

Everyone speaks English, although Dutch is the official language.

Currency, Taxes & Tipping

Saba uses the US dollar. There are ATMs in Windwardside and the Bottom. Credit cards (including foreign cards) are accepted at larger establishments. Service charges are included on restaurant bills, so no further tipping is necessary. However, gratuity is not included at Tropics Cafe, so tipping will be necessary there. At hotels, a 10% to 15% service charge is generally at the discretion of the guest. Tipping taxi drivers and guides are at the visitors’ discretion.

Getting to Saba

All travel to Saba happens through St. Maarten, so a hopper flight is needed to get to the island. Only a twelve-minute flight, but what a twelve minutes they are! On takeoff, you’ll soar gracefully upward banking hard right to swing around in the direction of Saba. Out over the turquoise sea, that sharp silhouette in the distance with clouds atop is your destination! The runway at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is only 400m in length and is reputed to be the shortest commercial airstrip in the world. You’ll get the real sense of landing on an aircraft carrier as you’ll see the waters of Cove Bay to the left and the Caribbean Sea to the right of the runway. The approach is practically at a cliff, the rugged terrain of Saba blocks out the entire sky as you peer over the shoulders of your pilots. Then it’s a sharp bank left and a gentle touchdown.