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Does Saba only offer deep diving?
Is Nitrox good to use on Saba?
When is the best time to come to Saba?
What are average water temperatures to be expected on Saba?
Is Saba experiencing any problems related to the Montserrat volcano?
What's the best way to get to Saba?
Why can’t my travel agent obtain Winair tickets?
What are dining costs like on Saba?
Are there any concerns regarding flying and hiking after diving on Saba?
What's the weather like now?

If you're looking for more answers to frequently asked questions about Saba, try our Deja.com search on Saba related discussions... it's deja vu all over again!

Does Saba only offer deep diving?

Absolutely not! There are 28 permanently moored sites within the Saba Marine Park. Of these, only a handful are considered true advanced deep dives. Ladder Bay offers 4 dive sites from Hot Springs to Lou’s Ladder where the reef gently slopes between 20 and 150 feet. The island's windwardside also offers several sites that can be conducted as shallower divers within the 30 to 60 foot range. Saba offers diverse sites that are perfect for multilevel profiles which extend your bottom time through the proper use of a dive computer. These include Diamond Rock and Man O' War Shoals. At the same time both novice and experienced divers enjoy Torrens Point which is regarded as the Saba Marine Park's nursery with depths between 20 and 40 feet that allow you to rack up some major bottom time.

As a matter of fact, only our four famous pinnacle dives, Third Encounter, Twilight Zone, Outer Limits and Shark Shoals are true deep dives where the reef begins at 90’ and is virtually bottomless. Even so, we conduct these dives in a controlled and safe manner. The boat is secured to a permanent mooring line which is used as a descent and ascent line. Prior to the dive you'll receive a detailed and thorough dive briefing regarding the site. One instructor will be in the water leading the dive while another remains on board to offer surface support in case its needed. We have a hangbar as well as extra tanks available for your mandatory safety stops. We test for current prior to the dive and simply do not dive the pinnacles in adverse conditions or with divers who are not yet ready. Still not comfortable with deep dives, ask about our Deep Diver specialty course so you can enjoy these world renowned sites while on Saba. Check out our clickable dive site map where you'll find descriptions of each of Saba's dive sites.

When is the best time to come to Saba?

Right now! Because simply stated, Saba is an island for all seasons. While the winter months between December and April are the most popular for the "snowbirds" escaping harsh winters, those same months generally bring cooler water and air temperatures, better underwater visibility and sometimes rougher surface conditions. The summer months bring less crowds, warmer water and air temperatures, slightly decreased underwater visibility due to plankton rich waters and calmer surface conditions. The varying underwater conditions insure a steady stream of diverse seasonal marine life. Even the months of September through November which are considered peak hurricane season, frequently bring very calm surface conditions as storms pass and generally insure less crowded topside conditions. At the same time, throughout the year, you'll find special events around which you can plan your visit including Saba's Summer Festival and Carnival or Saba Day.

What are average water temperatures to be expected on Saba?

During the winter months you'll generally find water temperatures that range between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas water temperature in the summer months reach a toasty 82 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. But don't worry, should you fail to bring along the proper exposure protection, our Fort Bay facility has a large selection to choose from --- although at last check we didn't have any dry suits available!  See our Travel Tips page for more details from packing tips to air temperatures.

Is Saba experiencing any problems related to the Montserrat volcano?

While the situation at the Soufriere Hills volcano on Montserrat has had a devastating impact on that once beautiful island and its people, its effects on Saba have been minimal and are no cause for concern since we are some 90 miles away. During the fall of 1997, increased volcanic activity on Montserrat did result in some light ash falling on Saba but for us it was only a minor inconvenience compared to the fate of those on Montserrat; and here it was quickly washed away with the next rain. At that same time, we were able to clearly observe the activity from Saba as the ash clouds rose to between 30,000 and 40,000 feet. Several weeks later we even encountered some small bits of lava floating in the waters surrounding Saba which were quickly scooped up by locals and our guests as souvenirs.

Just the same, the Montserrat situation has resulted in an increased awareness on Saba since we are situated along the same volcanic chain and Saba itself is a long dormant volcano. Studies and monitoring of Saba's volcanic activity show that there is no evidence to suggest that Saba's volcano will awaken any time soon. Evidence of Saba's volcanic origins is easily seen at the Hot Springs dive site where you can warm your cold fingers at the end of the dive by placing them in the sulfur stained sand that you'll easily spot there.

What's the best way to get to Saba?

Saba’s airport (airport code SAB) currently receives 5 to 6 daily flights from St. Maarten via Windward Island Airways (Winair). The flight takes approximately 12 minutes unless stopping on St. Eustatius first. The last flight of the day departs St. Maarten at approximately 5:00 PM. Major carriers such as American, Continental, US Airways, Air France, AOM, ALM and Liat provide regular daily service to St. Maarten with easy connections to Saba via Winair so you can be here in time for dinner. Winair's early morning flight from St. Maarten when coupled with a late afternoon return flight is well-suited to a day trip to Saba for diving. At the same time, there is regular ferry service Wednesdays through Sundays aboard the Edge. Departing St. Maarten at 9:00 AM with a late afternoon return, it is also well suited to a day trip to Saba, but the schedule generally requires and overnight stay in St. Maarten for those arriving by international flights on St. Maarten. Check out our Getting Here page for more detailed information.

Why can't my travel agent obtain Winair tickets?

Your travel agent should have no problem in writing your Winair tickets. Simply provide your agent handling your international flights with the airline code for Winair, WM. Winair tickets can generally be issued via United Airlines well in advance of your departure. At the same time, it's possible to make reservations directly with Winair and pick up your tickets on arrival in St. Maarten. Don't be overly concerned that you don't receive a seat assignment on your Winair flight --- they aren't used. Again, check out our Getting Here page for more detailed information. If your still having problems, contact us and we'll make sure you get here one way or another! 

What are dining costs like on Saba?

Dining out on Saba is surprisingly affordable by most Caribbean standards. As a general guideline, allow between $9.00 and $22.00 for dinner entrees at Saba's full service restaurants. You'll find a surprising variety in this range from pasta to imported steaks, and of course, local fresh fish and lobster entrees. On a budget?  Theme nights are the answer.  Monday thru Friday, a different restaurant, a different great entree--only $10!  You'll even find two high-end restaurants on Saba where prices are not out of reach. So when packing, be sure to bring your appetite and be sure to check out our dining out page, A Taste Of Saba, for more detailed information on Saba's restaurants.  If you're booking a group and want to include dinners at a great price, check out the Sea Saba Dine Around Program.  

For those more self-sufficient travelers having kitchen facilities at their disposal, the Big Rock Market located in the heart of Windwardside (you really won't miss it, it's the one with the big rock out front and its a favorite meeting place at the end of the day on Saba) is very well-stocked and offers an alternative for budget-minded visitors. 

Are there any concerns regarding flying and hiking after diving on Saba?

The flight from St. Maarten to Saba can be taken after a day of diving provided your flight on an international carrier is not within 12 hours of your last dive. As a general rule, you should follow the rules of your certifying agency. The flight between Saba and St. Maarten reaches a maximum altitude of 2500’ (generally even lower) and the aircraft is un-pressurized. Strenuous exercise is never a good idea before or after diving as you may remember from your certification course. Therefore, defer your hike up Mt. Scenery until an off day of diving and only if you've completely off-gassed or your dive computer says its safe to fly. For more detailed information, see our Diving, Hiking, Flying page, complete with a link to the report from D.A.N.

What's the weather like now?

Simply click on the Yahoo! Weather button that appears at the bottom of each of our pages. Within seconds, you'll not only know what the current weather is but also receive a five day forecast direct from Saba's Jauncho Yrausquin Airport. At the same time you'll find links to maps and satellite images for our little corner of the Caribbean from Yahoo! once there.  Don't miss our Travel Tips page for information from packing to how to best deal with the St. Maarten airport.

This page last updated on 06/03/2004 from our Windwardside office.