Saba’s dive sites
Saba Marine Park boasts 30 different dive sites all which can be reached by boat in less than 25 minutes. The volcanic history of Saba has created impressive formations and structures both above and below the water. Beneath the waves you will find a a great diversity of marine terrains, colorful coral reefs, towering pinnacles, fields of sea grass and coral encrusted lava flows.
Different types of dive sites
In terms of topography and depth, diving in the waters of Saba is suitable for all levels of certification, from shallow bay dives to deep water pinnacles, Saba has something to offer every level of diver. Saba’s small size also gives our divers a great advantage. On most islands diving is completely is dependent on weather and ocean conditions in relation to the location of the dive center. Depending on the conditions and experience levels of our divers, we we are able to select our dive sites on a daily basis to ensure the best possible conditions for every dive.
Saba Divers’ favorite 5 dive sites
Although all of our dive sites are beautiful, we still have our favorites. While you are here with us you will get to explore some of these dive sites with us:
1. Man o War Shoals – Unique in its topography with two pinnacles rising up from the sandy sea floor Man O’ War shoals never fails to impress. With a maximum depth of 21 meters/ 72 feet, this site is great for any level of diver. Abundant coral and sponges on this dive site provide a stunning array of colors. Crabs, lobsters, sharks, rays and even frog fish are some of the marine critters you can expect to find while exploring this site.
2. Diamond Rock – An impressive result of Saba’s violent volcanic past this pinnacle reaches up from the sea floor, 24 meters or 80 feet deep, and extends high above the surface. Encrusted with coral and sponges and teeming with diverse marine life, Diamond Rocks acts like an oasis in an otherwise sandy plain. Its unique location and at times swift currents keep a steady supply of nutrients available for Diamond Rocks diverse marine life.
3. Tent reef -This sprawling reef offers a wide variety of geological diversity all in one location. A towering wall, coral reefs, boulder fields and a shallow plateau all combine together to great something truly magical. There is so much to see at this dive site you won’t know where to look first. Grazing turtles lumber across the plateau, nurse sharks sleep by day under the large boulders, Caribbean reef sharks patrol the tall wall and tropical fish cover the reef. We are confident, tent reef will be noted in your log books as one of your favorite dives of your career.
4. Hole in the corner – On the easterly facing side of Saba the waves constantly pound the rocky cliff walls, however when the conditions are right we are able to dive the breath taking drop off that these conditions have created. Ranging from 18-30m/60-100ft the drop off found at this windward side dive site will leave you in awe. Steady swell and deep water upwellings provide crystal clear visibility. Critically endangered elkhorn coral colonies thrive. Colorful and sprawling reefs extend along the slope of this site, as waves crash against the islands cliffs directly over head.
5. Third encounter AKA The Needle – A geological wounder and a image you will not soon forget. As we swim out from Saba’s little sister, an underwater plateau nearly 2 miles off shore, you begin to see it appearing in the distance. A towering spire reaching up from the depths. Crowned in brightly colored sponges and surrounded by schooling fish The Needle rises from the depths to take your breath away. A deeper site here on Saba, starting at 30m/100′, Third Encounter is reserved for experienced divers (Advanced Open Water minimum).