Saba is undoubtedly a nature lover's paradise, both above and below the water. Located southwest of Puerto Rico, Saba is a less developed island than others within the Windward Islands. However, this quiet island, with only 1,400 inhabitants offers a genuine alternative to the busier resorts in throughout the rest of the Caribbean.
The geography of Saba, both underwater and above land is shaped by its volcanic past. The peak of a submerged volcano, Saba is essentially one large mountain rising out of the sea. Underwater, large pinnacles and shallow coral reefs shape the environment around this small island.
The Saba Marine Park offers a total of 29 permanently moored dive sites, which are all relatively close to the shore and which are grouped around the more sheltered south and west coasts. Amongst the better known dive sites on Saba are the Pinnacles, a series of seamounts which rise from the depths to within 85 feet of the surface. Twilight Zone, Third Encounter and Shoal Sharks are a few of these, and here a large variety of marine life can be seen. Regular inhabitants include jacks, barracudas, groupers and a variety of sharks. More fortunate divers may be lucky enough to encounter Humpback whales, Manta Rays or even whale sharks here.
Other popular dives sites around Saba include Ladder Bay and Tent Bay, both of which offer a wide variety of dive sites including shallow reefs and swim throughs. In both of these areas, there is chance to do some good night diving. On the windward side of the island there are also a smaller number of dive sites, although more care should be taken with the weather when diving on this side of the island.
The climate in Saba is fairly constant most of the year, with the water temperature averaging around 25 - 29 degrees C. The hottest months in Saba are between May to August, which is followed by the Hurricane season which runs until the end of November.
Diving in Saba has the advantage of a favourable underwater geography, and with the formation of the Saba National Marine Park in 1985, the future seems positive for diving in Saba.
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