Diving with Sea Saba
Professional boat diving in Saba's Marine Park since 1985
Sea Saba has been introducing divers to Saba since 1985. As the island's only continuously operating dive center, we combine decades of local knowledge with small groups, comfortable boats, and personalized service.
The Sea Saba Experience
Since 1985, generations of divers have explored Saba with Sea Saba. Our custom 38-foot catamarans are built for Caribbean conditions and designed around diver comfort, with spacious shaded decks, camera tables, freshwater rinse buckets, large ladders, and experienced local crews.
- ✓Complimentary taxi pickup anywhere on Saba
- ✓Free 32% Nitrox for certified divers
- ✓Saba's only continuously operating dive center since 1985
- ✓Maximum 8 divers per guide on recreational dives
- ✓Large stable catamarans with shade and marine heads
- ✓Equipment rinsed and delivered back to your accommodation
Dive Options
Choose the experience that fits your certification level and schedule.
Classic 2-Tank Dive
THE CLASSIC SEA SABA EXPERIENCE
Two relaxed dives in Saba's Marine Park. Perfect for most certified divers and our most popular option.
Advanced 2-Tank Dive
FOR EXPERIENCED DIVERS
Explore deeper pinnacles, walls, and seamounts with dramatic underwater terrain.
Afternoon 1-Tank Dive
A RELAXED AFTERNOON DIVE
A single afternoon dive to one of Saba's signature sites. Great for adding another dive or enjoying a lighter day.
Afternoon Snorkel Trip
SURFACE EXPLORATION
Enjoy Saba's reefs, turtles, and marine life from the surface while divers explore below.
Private Charter
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
Private diving aboard our custom Caribbean-built catamarans with flexible schedules and personalized itineraries.
SDI / TDI Courses
PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION
From Discover Scuba to Divemaster, learn with experienced instructors in one of the Caribbean's most rewarding diving environments.
What Diving Saba Is Like
Saba is a dormant volcano rising straight out of deep water, and the diving reflects it. Instead of flat coral gardens, the sites are built from volcanic rock: pinnacles climbing toward the surface, walls, boulder fields, and lava-flow ridges. Everything we dive is inside the Saba Marine Park, a short boat ride from Fort Bay Harbor.
Volcanic Terrain, Real Variety
Saba's dive sites include offshore pinnacles, walls, boulder fields, and lava-flow ridges. Third Encounter, Shark Shoal, and Twilight Zone are among the deeper-water sites, while sites closer to shore, like Tent Reef, start shallow and step down into ledges and walls. Man O' War Shoals and Diamond Rock rise just as dramatically, though both sit close to shore. Depths and profiles vary enough that a week of diving doesn't repeat itself.
Conditions Vary by Site and Day
Saba sits in open ocean, so conditions are real. Exposed pinnacles can carry current, leeward sites are usually calmer, and the east side is only diveable in settled weather. Our crew chooses each day's sites for the actual conditions and the experience aboard. Not every site suits every diver or every day.
Most dives use the Marine Park moorings, but we also run drift dives when conditions call for it or when it gives us a better dive. That might mean drifting from one mooring to another, starting from a mooring with a live pickup, or making both a live drop and pickup. Entries remain from the boat, and our large deep ladders make getting back aboard straightforward.
What to Expect
Select a dive option to see the day schedule.
10:00 AM
Be ready for taxi pickup
10:30 AM
Boat departs Fort Bay Harbor for two relaxed dives in Saba's Marine Park (~70 ft / 21 m)
Bring Your Own Lunch
Lunch availability in Fort Bay Harbor isn't reliable, so pack something before you arrive. The trip runs through midday with no stop.
3:00 PM
Return to Fort Bay Harbor
Pickup times are when taxi pickups begin — please be ready; actual arrival varies with the route. All times are approximate and may vary depending on conditions.
A Day with Sea Saba
Before the Dive
- ✓Complimentary transportation between your accommodation and the dive center
- ✓Crew assistance with equipment setup, tank changes, and gear handling
- ✓PRO valves compatible with both DIN and yoke regulators
- ✓Detailed dive briefings covering conditions, marine life, and site highlights
- ✓Oxygen, first aid, spare equipment, and Save-a-Dive kits onboard
On the Boat
- ✓Custom 38-foot power catamarans designed and built for Caribbean conditions
- ✓Shaded seating, spacious decks, bow lounging areas, and Fin & Tonic's upper observation deck
- ✓Camera tables, integrated freshwater rinse tanks, and freshwater hoses
- ✓Large deep ladders for easy exits
- ✓Filtered drinking water and Gatorade available onboard
- ✓Relaxed pace with experienced local crews
After the Dive
- ✓At the end of your final dive day, simply leave your equipment with us
- ✓Sea Saba rinses, stores, and delivers equipment back to your accommodation
- ✓Spend more time enjoying Saba instead of hauling wet gear around the island
- ✓Cold drinks are available at the dive center, including local juices, sodas, water, and Deep Dive Brewing Co. beer
Experience & Certification
Sea Saba offers several dive options partly so each diver is matched to sites and profiles that fit their training and experience. Pick the trip that fits you, not the one with the most dives.
Open Water certified? Start with the Classic.
The Classic 2-Tank Dive suits most certified divers: two guided dives at sites in roughly the 70 ft / 21 m range, at a relaxed pace. The Afternoon 1-Tank Dive works the same way when you want a single dive and a lighter day.
Want deeper profiles? That's the Advanced trip.
The Advanced 2-Tank Dive runs earlier, dives deeper on the first dive, and requires Nitrox on Dive 1. Eligibility: AOW + 20 logged dives OR OW + 50 logged dives. It's a combined certification-and-experience rule, not just a card check.
Scuba Diver certified? You're welcome here.
Scuba Diver is a supervised-level certification, so it doesn't qualify you to dive autonomously with a buddy the way Open Water does. You can still book the Classic 2-Tank Dive or Afternoon 1-Tank Dive with no logged-dive minimum; you'll simply dive with a private guide. Contact us when booking so we can arrange it.
Not certified yet, or it's been a while?
Try Scuba and full certification live on our Courses page. If it's been more than 1 year since your last dive, we recommend a refresher to get comfortable again. Past roughly 3 years, expect one to be required. It's not a hard line, though. Which option fits best is at Sea Saba's discretion, based on your actual experience, recent dive history, comfort level, and the diving you have planned. Sometimes a private guide is the better answer. Mention it when you book or send us a note and we'll suggest the right arrangement.
Diving Together at Different Experience Levels
Usually, yes. It just takes a little planning. How it works depends on the difference in experience.
- ✓Open Water + Advanced-certified partners. You have options:Book the Classic 2-Tank Dive together and share both dives.Or the qualifying diver starts earlier on the Advanced 2-Tank Dive (Dive 1), then shares Dive 2 with the Classic group. Adding the afternoon dive gives them a three-dive day, with Dives 2 and 3 shared with their partner. The afternoon dive can usually be added the same day, space permitting.
- ✓Scuba Diver + autonomous divers. A private guide can accompany the Scuba Diver-certified member of the party on the same boat. The group stays together while each diver dives within their certification.
- ✓A diver and a snorkeler. The Afternoon Snorkel Trip shares the boat with the Afternoon 1-Tank Dive, so non-diving friends can spend the afternoon on the water with the diver.
- ✓Larger or unusual groups. A private charter keeps everyone on one boat and provides more flexibility with the schedule and itinerary.
Every group is different. If you're unsure which arrangement fits, tell us your certifications and logged dives and we'll suggest the right setup. Contact us or message us on WhatsApp.
Traveling with young divers? See Diving with Kids & Junior Divers below.
Diving with Kids & Junior Divers
Diving with young divers is something we know personally. Our own two kids were certified at 10 and grew up diving Saba with us. Junior divers are welcome on our trips and dive within the depth, supervision, and other limits of their certification.
Families with younger divers often do best with their own guide. We especially recommend considering a private guide when diving with children under 12: it lets the family set its own pace and dive profile instead of matching the rest of a group.
Every young diver is different, so tell us about their certification, experience, and comfort in the water and we'll help you choose the right arrangement. Contact us or message us on WhatsApp.
Equipment, Tanks & Dive Computers
Bring your own kit or rent everything on-island. Both are normal here. The crew handles setup and tank changes; you handle your certification card and your computer.
What You Need
- ✓Certification card or digital certification
- ✓A dive computer is required on every dive; rentals are available if you don't own one.
- ✓Logbook or digital dive history
Tanks & Gas
- ✓AL80 tanks standard; AL100s available on request
- ✓PRO valves work with both DIN and yoke regulators
- ✓Complimentary 32% Nitrox for certified divers (details in the Nitrox section)
Rental Equipment
- ✓Full rental packages: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins
- ✓Dive computer rentals available
- ✓Let us know your sizes when booking so gear is ready on arrival
For the full packing list, including reef-safe sunscreen and dry bags, see What to Bring on the Plan Your Trip page.
Free Nitrox for Certified Divers
Sea Saba provides complimentary 32% Nitrox to all certified Nitrox divers: no extra charge, no rental fee. Please bring proof of Nitrox certification.
Why Nitrox on Saba?
Saba's dive profiles can be deeper than average. Volcanic pinnacles like Third Encounter and Shark Shoal can take divers to around 30 m / 100 ft. On a multi-day diving schedule with two dives per day, many divers appreciate the additional no-decompression time that Nitrox provides at these depths.
Nitrox also works well with Saba's repetitive diving schedule, helping reduce nitrogen exposure compared with air on the same dive profile.
Our Air Quality Standard
Sea Saba fills all tanks, air and Nitrox, using high-pressure breathing air compressors maintained to IANTD standards. Our fill station is regularly tested to ensure clean, dry, safe breathing gas. We produce our 32% Nitrox with a dedicated membrane system rather than blending with industrial oxygen.
- Free 32% Nitrox on all qualifying dives
- Membrane system produces a consistent, clean mix
- Proof of Nitrox certification required
- SDI/TDI Nitrox courses available on Saba
Not yet Nitrox certified? View our SDI Nitrox course to get certified before your next dive trip and start using free Nitrox on Saba from day one.
The Saba Marine Park
Everything we dive is inside the Saba National Marine Park, established in 1987 and managed by the Saba Conservation Foundation. The park circles the entire island from the high-water mark down to 60 m (200 ft), and it's one of the few self-sustaining marine parks in the world. Visitor fees, souvenir sales, and donations fund the moorings, patrols, and conservation work that keep the reefs healthy.
Park Rules That Apply to Every Diver
- ✓No gloves, which removes the temptation to touch the reef
- ✓Look, don't touch; corals, sponges, and marine life are protected
- ✓No collecting, no spearfishing on scuba, no feeding fish
- ✓Good buoyancy matters: practice before diving close to the reef
How Sea Saba Dives the Park
- ✓Boats tie to permanent moorings, so nobody anchors on the reef
- ✓Guided diving only; no solo diving
- ✓Recreational trips stay within no-decompression limits
- ✓Sites are chosen each day for the conditions and the group aboard
Diving carries a conservation contribution of $4 per diver, per dive: $3 goes to the Saba Marine Park and $1 to the island's hyperbaric chamber fund. Snorkeling is $3 per person. These fees are set by the park and the chamber, not Sea Saba, and they directly fund the moorings, patrols, and emergency coverage described above.
For the full park rules and the story behind the park, visit the Saba Conservation Foundation.
Dive More. Save More.
Stay longer. Experience more.
Most guests spend several days exploring Saba's world-famous pinnacles, walls, and reefs. Multi-day pricing rewards continuous diving schedules, and complimentary 32% Nitrox is included on qualifying dives.
Better Daily Rates
Multi-day packages lower your daily cost.
Free 32% Nitrox
Included on qualifying dives for certified divers.
Flexible Schedule
One rest day is allowed without resetting package pricing.
Build Your Own Package
Add afternoon and night dives to customize your stay.
Rental Equipment Available
Full rental packages are available if needed.
Full-Service Convenience
Equipment rinsed and delivered back to your accommodation.
Flying Back to St. Maarten After Diving
One of the most common questions we receive is whether it's safe to dive on Saba and fly back to St. Maarten the same day.
Unlike a typical commercial airline flight, the Winair Twin Otter route between Saba and St. Maarten is a short inter-island flight. The aircraft reaches approximately 2,000 feet for only a few minutes before descending for landing.
A Different Kind of Flight
For decades, divers have routinely flown between Saba and St. Maarten as part of their dive vacations. Sea Saba has operated these schedules since 1985, and many guests fly back to St. Maarten after diving under our normal operating schedule.
This short, low-altitude flight is fundamentally different from a typical commercial jet flight, which is pressurized to a much higher cabin altitude for a considerably longer period.
As with all dive planning, every diver is ultimately responsible for making decisions based on their own health, dive profile, and the guidance of their physician or DAN if they have medical concerns.
Things to Keep in Mind
- ✓The Winair flight is a short, low-altitude island flight.
- ✓Plan a conservative dive profile.
- ✓Stay well hydrated.
- ✓Follow your dive computer.
- ✓If you have medical concerns, consult DAN or your physician before diving.
Do Not Hike Mt. Scenery After Diving
Although the flight to St. Maarten is part of many divers' normal travel plans, hiking Mt. Scenery after diving is not recommended.
The trail involves significant physical exertion while climbing to Saba's highest point at approximately 2,910 feet (887 m). Combining strenuous exercise with increasing elevation after diving can increase decompression risk.
If you plan to hike Mt. Scenery during your visit, schedule it on a non-diving day.
DAN (Divers Alert Network) has published research regarding inter-island Caribbean flights, and Sea Saba can provide additional information to guests who would like to read the research.
This information is provided for planning purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Follow your dive computer, physician, and DAN recommendations.
Technical Diving
Saba's dramatic underwater landscape offers exceptional opportunities for experienced technical divers. Deep volcanic pinnacles, sheer walls, and pristine reefs extend well beyond recreational depths, making the island one of the Caribbean's most unique technical diving destinations.
Technical diving is available for appropriately certified divers and should be arranged in advance.
Deep Volcanic Pinnacles
Saba's deep pinnacles and walls are well suited to experienced decompression divers. Sites such as Third Encounter, Outer Limits, and Tent Wall offer dramatic vertical profiles, excellent visibility, and the kind of volcanic topography that draws technical divers from across the Caribbean.
- ✓Deep pinnacles rising from the abyss
- ✓Dramatic wall dives
- ✓Excellent visibility
- ✓Unique volcanic topography
- ✓Ideal for experienced decompression divers
Technical Equipment Support
Sea Saba provides cylinder and gas support for technical diving, including backmount doubles, sidemount cylinders, stage and decompression cylinders, and pure oxygen fills. Rebreather divers will also find small oxygen cylinders and a booster pump capable of filling oxygen to 3000 psi.
- ✓Four backmount doubles
- ✓Aluminum sidemount cylinders
- ✓Aluminum 40 cu ft stage/decompression cylinders
- ✓Oxygen fills up to 100% for decompression cylinders
- ✓Four small oxygen cylinders suitable for rebreathers
- ✓Oxygen booster capable of boosting oxygen to 3000 psi
Divers should bring their own BCD, harness, regulators, computers, and other personal technical diving equipment.
Dive Planning
Technical dives on Saba are conducted in small groups with personalized planning. Experienced local knowledge helps match each dive to conditions, experience level, and the profiles you want to explore.
- ✓Small groups
- ✓Personalized dive planning
- ✓Flexible scheduling when practical
- ✓Experienced local knowledge
- ✓Advance coordination for gas and equipment requirements
Advance Planning Required
Technical dives should be coordinated before arrival so the team can prepare the proper cylinders and support equipment. Contact Sea Saba in advance to discuss certifications, experience level, planned dive profiles, equipment requirements, cylinder configuration, and oxygen needs.
Sea Saba uses Multideco for technical dive planning.
Technical Diving Requirements
Technical diving is available only to appropriately certified divers. Sea Saba does not provide technical training or rental technical BCDs and harness systems.
Divers are expected to bring their own life-support equipment, including:
- ✓Technical BCD or wing system
- ✓Regulators
- ✓Dive computers
- ✓Exposure protection
- ✓Personal accessories
Sea Saba provides cylinders and oxygen support as described above.
Planning a Technical Diving Expedition?
Whether you're planning deep volcanic pinnacle dives, decompression dives, or CCR exploration in the Caribbean, we'd be happy to discuss logistics and help determine whether Saba is the right destination for your next adventure.
Contact Us About Technical DivingEmergency Preparedness
Saba is well equipped to support safe recreational diving. In the unlikely event that advanced treatment is ever required, the island is home to a DAN-certified hyperbaric chamber located at the Saba Conservation Foundation facility in Fort Bay.
Sea Saba's captains and dive professionals are trained in emergency response procedures, every dive boat carries emergency oxygen and first aid equipment, and our team maintains established emergency action plans in coordination with local medical services.
While serious diving incidents are extremely rare, knowing these resources are available provides additional peace of mind for both new and experienced divers.
Safety Resources
- ✓DAN-certified hyperbaric chamber
- ✓Located at Fort Bay
- ✓Emergency oxygen on every dive boat
- ✓First aid equipment onboard
- ✓Experienced professional dive staff
- ✓Emergency action plans for all dive operations
Common Questions
Which dive trip should I choose?
Most certified divers book the Classic 2-Tank Dive. If you meet the experience requirement and want deeper profiles, the Advanced 2-Tank Dive runs earlier. For a single dive and a lighter day, choose the Afternoon 1-Tank Dive. Not certified yet? See our courses.
Can I dive with Sea Saba if I'm Scuba Diver certified?
Yes. Scuba Diver-certified guests can book the Classic 2-Tank Dive or Afternoon 1-Tank Dive with no logged-dive minimum, and you'll dive with a private guide. Contact us so we can arrange it.
Do I need my own dive computer?
Yes. A dive computer is required on every dive, and rental computers are available if you don't own one.
Do I need Nitrox certification?
No. Nitrox certification is not required for most trips. Certified Nitrox divers get complimentary 32% Nitrox. Nitrox is required on Dive 1 of the Advanced 2-Tank Dive, so you'll need Nitrox certification for that trip.
Can we dive together if our experience levels differ?
Usually, yes. The right arrangement depends on the gap. See Diving Together at Different Experience Levels above, or just ask us.
What happens if conditions make a planned site unsuitable?
Sites are chosen each day for the actual weather and current, so the crew may swap a planned site for a better one. You still get the same trip and the same number of dives.
What should I bring?
Certification card, dive computer, logbook, swimwear, and a towel; everything else can be rented. Full list: What to Bring.
Do you always dive from a mooring?
Most dives use the Marine Park moorings, but not all of them. We also run drift dives when conditions call for it or when it gives us a better dive. A drift may run from one mooring to another, from a mooring to a live pickup, or use both a live drop and pickup.
Dive Accident Insurance Recommended
Sea Saba carries oxygen and first aid onboard, but we strongly recommend all divers carry personal dive accident insurance. Short-term coverage through DAN covers a single trip and is available right up until departure. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is also strongly recommended.
Ready to dive Saba?
Pick the trip that fits, tell us your certification, and we'll take care of the rest: taxi, tanks, and the route to the right sites.
Not sure which trip fits? Ask us before you book. Arriving on your own boat? See our yacht visitors' guide.