Are you kids ready to dive?
So you can't wait to share your love of scuba diving with children in your life... it's easier than ever!
Most organizations in the industry allow scuba diving training to begin as early as 10 years old (8 in confined water only). With this age limit comes different and specific teaching methods, training ratios, and depth restrictions to assure the utmost safety. At Sea Saba, we address children and diving on a case-by-case basis. As parents, we hope you appreciate that we look at the maturity level, interest, and attention level to assess if diving at a younger age is right for your child. The first diving experience for all divers should be a great one that encourages the new diver to want to continue to explore the underwater world. We feel it's better to think of the long term and wait a year or two if the child is not ready yet. Our goal is that the kids are excited to see the underwater world! This can be through snorkeling, doing a PADI Bubblemaker Course, or a PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course.
Saba's dive sites and kids...
When we take your child diving, there are definite depth limitations. Junior Open Water divers age 10-11 can only dive with a parent, guardian, or PADI professional and to a maximum depth of 40 feet (12 m). Junior Open Water Divers age 12-14 years old can dive with a certified adult other than a parent, guardian, or PADI professional, and they may dive to 60 feet (18 m). Sorry, no exceptions. Saba has famous deep water sites that are not necessarily conducive for all ages, so please let us know if you are going to be diving with a Junior. We want all Juniors to have the best experience possible, so we offer to take families on the 2nd and 3rd dive of the day (11:00 a.m. start) or just the afternoon dive. These are always to shallower sites, typically with calmer surface conditions so this works fine for beginner divers and snorkelers.
Saba as a family destination...
Saba is probably the most unique island in the Caribbean and perhaps even on a grander scale. Beautiful both topside as well as below, exotic but safe. Our first-hand experience has taught us that anyone can have a great time on Saba as long as you know what to expect. Our steep terrain, no beach and considering how small of a community Saba is, we recognize that it is not for everyone. Saba doesn't have fast food restaurants, casinos, night clubs, shopping, etc. Every business on Saba is family owned. We hope you are realistic when determining if Saba is the right destination for you and your family.
The best of both worlds...
Saba offers an array of adventures for the junior explorer. A variety of hikes can be done from 1-4 hours with supervision. Sea Saba can arrange a professional guide or an enthusiastic 'babysitter' depending upon the situation. Explore a real Sulphur mine; hike down to the tide pools, summit Mt. Scenery, or just take a safe walk after dark for star gazing. We have found our junior divers can be readily entertained in the mornings while parents are enjoying Saba's renowned pinnacle dives. The afternoons offer shallow, easier sites to be explored diving or snorkeling. Families also love a hot glass lesson with Jo Bean.
