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Dive Review of Saba Deep in
Saba

Saba Deep, Apr, 2012,

by Genia Ply, CA, US ( 1 report). Report 6543.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations N/A Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments My hubby, Jim and I have 45 dives each and look forward to many more. We took the ferry from St. Maarten (Dutch side) to Saba which takes approx. 1hr 15 min. The sea was a little rough towards the middle of our journey. Next time I think we will fly as it takes less then 15 minutes. However, be warned, Saba's airport is not for the meek.

We had an amazing experience from the moment we stepped off the ferry. Saba Deep operates from the harbor and Cheri (Cheri & Tony are the owners) met us at the ferry and picked-up our scuba gear while we proceeded through "customs". This is a make shift cargo container you pass through to get your passport scanned and stamped (at least it was air conditioned). Saba is in the process of constructing a new customs building. Saba Deep is located at the end of the harbor road before you head to town and is a very short walk from customs.

As were were running late due to a small problem with the ferry, we had no time to waste to get in our two dives before the ferry departed back to St. Maarten. The boat was clean and tidy and Gary and Kayla , our crew, were very nice, helpful, knowledgeable and professional. All our gear was set up for us immediately so we could get out to our first dive. As I think all divers should, we always re-check our gear, including o-rings and have taught our kids to do the same. Everyone in the end should be responsible for their own equipment.

I wear a 5mil full length suit as I find that I often get cold during my second dive. The first dive was a little choppy with visability around 50ft. Our second dive was a slight drift wall dive that was amazing (70 ft. vis). The highlight of that dive for me was seeing a two frog fish. Kayla and Gary were very helpful both below water and on the boat and we could not have asked for a better crew. The only minor inconvenience for me was that the boat had no cover for shade. I suffer from migraines and heat and direct sun are a main contributor, but I'm not going to give up diving because there was no shade. I powered through. Snacks and drinks are not provided on the boat. Not a problem for us, as we always pack our own.

During dives you will come back to the harbor so they can switch out tanks as there is not a great deal of "extra" space on board the boat. Most dives are kept to 6 to 8 people, which makes for a great time. After our dive, Gary and Kayla rinsed all our gear and hung it out to dry while we headed upstairs to Cheri and Tony's restaurant above their dive shop for a great meal before heading back to St. Maarten. If you place your order with Cheri before you leave on your dive, they will have it ready for you upon your return.

My hubby and I have already decided that we will definitely going back to Saba to stay a few days and dive with Saba Deep again. The entire crew was very welcoming, friendly, professional and make you feel at home. Be forewarned that the harbor is not at all beautiful. However, I hear that once you proceed over the hill into town it is amazing and there is great food and some awesome hiking.

There is a dive called "the church" that we have been told is a must see. However, to do this dive you must be there in the morning (boat leaves at 9 for that dive).
Websites Saba Deep   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 26-50 dives
Where else diving Cozumel, Great Exhuma, Turks & Caicos, Fiji, California, St. Maarten
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm
Water Temp 78-82°F / 26-28°C Wetsuit Thickness 5
Water Visibility 50-70 Ft/ 15-21 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile ?
Enforced diving restrictions There were only 5 of us on the boat that were going with the DM and 2 kids making their first dive as part of the junior program.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 4 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish N/A
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter N/A Boat Facilities N/A
Overall rating for UWP's N/A Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments I didn't bring a camera so did not make myself aware of the facilities they have for the gear.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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