Page 520 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles
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aba’s volcanic origins have blessed her see at different dive areas, attend “Making are always possible in Saba’s waters includ-
the Most of Your Saba Experience”. This ing frequent shark encounters.
S waters with spectacular formations and casual and fun photographic presentation is
given every Monday night in a ‘happy hour’ V isibility ranges from a minimum of 20
structural diversity. From shallow patch environment at The Brigadoon restaurant. meters (60 feet) to virtually unlimited.
reefs to deep water seamounts, Saba offers Swells and heavy rainfall may influence
interesting diving at each depth and for S aba’s dive tourism, which started in the visibility, but typically it clears again very
every diver’s experience level. The Saba early 1980s, introduced scuba enthu- quickly. Due to the steep coastal zone,
Marine Park (“SMP”) was established in siasts to the wealth of Saba’s underwater shore diving is virtually impossible. There-
1987. One of the few self-sustaining marine world. The establishment of the Marine fore, all diving is done safely from a boat
parks worldwide, it’s important to note Park in 1987 assured the continuing health with one of Saba’s licensed dive centers.
that it was not established to help repair a of the undersea environment and thus You can dive in the Saba National Marine
damaged environment and ecosystem, but the sustainability of dive tourism. Today Park only under the guidance of one of
rather to safeguard and ensure the contin- eco-tourism is a major contributor to the the local dive shops. For more information
ued quality of an extraordinary resource. island’s economy. The reefs are populated please visit their website: Sea Saba, Saba
Experienced dive operators will take you with schools of tropical fish and healthy Deep, Saba Divers. There are different types
to the best dive site for the day’s condi- coral. Sheer close-to-shore walls are cov- of dive sites around Saba, each with their
tions and match your diving ability to the ered with sponges of all sizes and the heav- own unique character.
selection. With the variety of diving that is ily encrusted deep-water seamounts attract
offered, plan at least a few days of diving pelagic creatures that are not normally seen
to enjoy a real sampling of the Saba Marine by divers. Unusual and exciting sightings
Park’s diversity. To learn more about the
origins of Saba’s reefs and what to expect to
