Scuba Diving Saba, the Caribbean island you’ve never heard of. 

Amazing Saba scuba diving

What do the highest point in the Netherlands, the shortest runway in the world, and the 1933 film King Kong have in common? They all originate on the Caribbean island of Saba! 

Saba is a tiny island full of big adventures. A special municipality of the Netherlands, it’s a unique hybrid of old Caribbean culture, modern amenities, and lush mountainous terrain. Covering only 13 square kilometers, the island towers dramatically over deep blue seas with a volcanic peak defining its center. As steeply as Saba’s peak thrusts skyward, its cliffs plunge into the ocean, often reaching depths of more than 1000ft only half-mile from shore. Protected as a marine park for over 32 years – since the very month that the original Caribbean Explorer first arrived – diving here is extraordinary with spectacular views above and below the waterline.  

Due to the jaggedness of the coastal zone, there are no beaches or shore diving. Accessing the Saba Marine Park must be done by boat, and Caribbean Explorer II is the only liveaboard to reside here. Hopping on board with the Explorer Ventures Fleet is the best option for avid divers who like to maximize their bottom time, as up to 5 dives are offered daily. Plus, divers and non-divers can adventure ashore on optional land tours throughout their holiday. If you’ve never heard of Saba (or Caribbean Explorer II), you’d better put them on your must-do list!  

 Learn more about this island and itinerary below.   

Overlooking town of The Bottoms on the Saba land tour. Photo: Rachel Huber

Dive the Saba Marine Park 

Established in June 1987, the Saba Marine Park protects and preserves the marine environment encircling the entire island from the high-water mark to a depth of 60m (200ft). Claiming status as the first ‘self-sustaining marine park in the world’, it raises revenue through donations, visitors’ fees, and souvenir sales. The Saba Marine Park offers multiple commercial and recreational zones, including one-third specially designated for diving. Covering 1300 hectares, a network of permanent moorings facilitates diving and tourism and prevents damage to coral reefs. Locals are able to use the park for free and visitors pay a minimal fee, allowing all to experience Saba’s 25 prominent dive sites, rich biodiversity, and unique underwater topography.  

Underwater in Saba, Caribbean Explorer II.

Scuba Diving Saba’s Best Sites 

Saba is most known for its submerged offshore pinnacles. Divers can explore a blend of coral-encrusted volcanic structures including boulders, crests, apexes, and lava tubes. Jagged peaks tear from the surface at dive sites like Diamond Rock and Torren’s Point, both ranking as divers’ favorites. The pinnacles also reach far below the surface to 300+ feet at sites like The Pinnacle, more famously known as Third Encounter / Eye of the Needle. This site is a deep underwater plateau, often challenging to access but highly rewarding to explore. Venturing closer to shore, the most notable area is Tent Reef which can be completed as three different dives. It’s an aquarium-esqe site with healthy corals, swim-throughs, and an abundance of fish including reef sharks, sea horses, frog fish, green turtles, snake eels, groupers, grunts, and rays.  

Saba Spice, Famous Homemade Liquor of Saba. Photo By Rachel Huber

Land-Based Attractions on Saba 

Adventures on Saba always start nervously on ‘The Road,’ an engineering marvel. Drive from the pier at Fort Bay up the steep, narrow and sharply winding road to the three main villages near the top: The Bottom, Windwardside, and Hell’s Gate. Once in the clouds, whatever the desire, there is an experience for everyone. Top attractions include: 

• Trying a taste of Saba Spice, a velvety homemade liquor concocted on island from local ingredients. The flavor varies from village to village, so try them all! 
• Hiking stunning Mt Scenery, the famous volcanic peak with a lava dome at the center of the island. Capture Instagram-worthy images to make your friends green with envy. 
• Souvenir shop at Jo Bean’s Glass Shop, where you can discover many ocean-inspired creations. Specially designed dive flag jewelry is also for sale.  
• Climb the 800 stone steps from the shore at Ladder Bay to the Customs House– up which everything arriving on the island had to be carried until the 1940’s.  

Liveaboard Caribbean Explorer II

More About Caribbean Explorer II 

The Saba – St. Kitts liveaboard itinerary, combining diving and optional island access, has always been unique within the liveaboard diving industry. The Explorer Ventures Fleet has operated this itinerary for more than 30 years, and Caribbean Explorer II  is the only liveaboard diving in this extraordinary region. The itinerary includes: 

• 8 days / 7 nights aboard Caribbean Explorer II 
• Up to 27 dives during the trip, including night dives 
• Accommodation, delicious meals and snacks, and alcohol/non-alcohol beverages 
• Opportunities to explore both Saba & St. Kitts on 2 optional land tours  
• Around the clock service from a friendly, fun, and experienced liveaboard crew 
• Onboard diving amenities including a large dive deck, Nitrox, rental equipment, camera tables, easy entry/exit platforms, and experienced English-speaking dive staff 
• Easy access through direct flights from USA and Canada to international airports  
• Approximate Cost $2,195 USD per person – See Pricing Here. 

Travel Tip: A special snorkeller and non-diver rate is available for 10% off the regular package. This liveaboard is a great option for divers with a non-diving partner as guests can head ashore for sightseeing throughout the week.  

Let us show you the best sides of Saba, above and below!  

Ready to Book? Contact Us!

Email: info@explorerventures.com
Phone Enquiries: 1-307-235-0683