Instant Reader Report
on SeaSaba Dive Center / Juliana's in
Saba / Netherland Antilles] on
2003/09
by
Thomas Daly , FL, usa
Report Number 031009112550301

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 Maine, Caymans, Cozumel, Florida, Puerto Rico including La Parguera and
Culebra island. 

Dive Conditions

One could dive their own profile within the constraints of the Dive site eg
the pinacles, one must stay within the sport diving limits, no deco diving
and monitor your computer. Dive with your buddy. On Shallower dives,
diving was permissive. Safety at all times.   

SeaSaba provides enough room to work with your cameras for the number of
people they allow on the boat. I have never seen a shortage of workspace.
They provide a salt water "camera only" rinse bucket to keep
salt from crystalizing while on the boat. A sea and sea mx10 with ys40
flash is available for rent 25/day at the shop....also available are
accessory lenses for this camera.  

Overall Rating

Seasaba owners John Magor and Lynn Costenaro do a world class job of making
our trip stress free and most enjoyable from the planning stages, to the
actual trip, and rechecking our Winair reservations for our departure
date. Their service and cheerful attitude are extraordinary. When they say
"concierge level service" they are accurate in describing
themselves.

The diving was as usual, action packed, never knowing what we would see
next. I had several opportunities to photograph smaller critters I am
still trying to identify, as well as face to face (well actually, about 10
feet away) encounters with Gray Reef Sharks at Third Encounter(pinacle
dive). Turtles were everywhere, all hawksbills I think. Caughta glimpse of
the elusive manta....no photo evidence however. The marine life was healthy
and plentiful.Schools of fish were everywhere, including the Atlantic
Spadefish. I believe I could easily spend a week on each dive site. I
always wish I could give myself two weeks, one for exploring and hiking
around the island and the other for diving.
 
Our trip was cut short due to a hurricane headed toward the islands, Lynn
kept us informed at all times as to the status of the weather and the
contingency plans. All went smoothly. The pinacles are dives not to be
missed....just wish my computer would let me stay down and explore a
little more...but this is part of the charm of Saba diving, you always
want to go back for another look. 

Juliana's has new owners, yes Franklin and Juliana are retired from the
hotel now, but you still see them around town. Franklin even makes the
occasional appearance at the hote. The new owners are a young dutch couple
(I am probably butchering the spelling of their names) Wim and Yohanna.
They are excited about their new place in paradise and are willing to do
what it takes to make you comfortable. They have added hammocks to the
guest rooms that have balconies. The cottages have air conditioning in the
bed rooms. The Hotel rooms do not. My only comment on this is it would be
nice to have the option of a/c in the rooms as well as the cross breezes.

Willards restaurant was fantastic..reserve a table for sunset on the deck,
go inexpensive with appetizers and wine and use the hot tub as night falls
or enjoy the world class cuisine. They have exptensive wine selection from
20 dollars to over 800 dollars a bottle.
 
The Brigadoon restaurant is always a favorite of our group[s. Chef/owner
Michael Chaama does all the food preparation and his wife Trish minds the
restaurant operation. They are quite fun to talk to as well. Do not miss
Michael's slide show of Saba Underwater and topside photos. If you are
Lucky, John Magor may do a slide show as well. 

Lollipops restaurant had a great Rack of Lamb...reviews were mixed about
the pizza. 

Swinging doors saloon is a great place on BBQ night. Don't miss the fun
and good food!

Saba remains in my opinion "the Mayberry" of the carribean. Slow
pace, friendly people, everyone knows everyone(and their business) and
charm. Saba remains the Unspoiled Queen 

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