Page 524 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles
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lthough pelagics are not as common at HE LADDER BAY AREA (5 dive sites): were brought to the island by landing long
boats on the rocky shoreline with stout and
A these shallower pinnacles, more bot- T The original steps that Sabans used to hearty Sabans carrying the goods by foot
up the nearly vertical stairway before reach-
tom time let’s you absorb and explore the access the island is known as The Ladder. ing the road leading to the village of The
many nooks and crannies that are home to Prior to the building of the Fort Bay harbor, Bottom. As such, dive sites off this shore are
every imaginable species. The currents, that goods were brought by boat to the rocky referred to as Ladder Bay: Custom House,
sometimes prevent diving these sites, yield shore of the leeward coast. Sabans carried Porites Point, Babylon, Ladder Labyrinth,
plankton rich waters for the inhabitants the cargo by foot up the nearly vertical Hot Springs, Ray ‘n’ Anchors. Volcanic lava
that line the cylinder style walls of these stairway to the village. Diving in this area flow has created a natural labyrinth of spur
two pinnacles. Schools of blue tangs, big unveils Saba’s volcanic origins. A natural and groove formations. If you still ques-
eyes and juvenile barracuda frequent these labyrinth of groove formations and protru- tion Saba’s volcanic origins, you can place
areas. The dark volcanic sand around these sions developed as a result of lava flow. your hands into the sulfur stained sand
sites is home to many interesting critters If you bury your hand in the sand where and feel the warmth of this now dormant
including flying gurnards, batfish, industri- it is yellow/brown color, the temperature volcanic island. Nurse sharks, turtles, mated
ous sand tile fish and jawfish. If you were differences of the sea floor become quite whitespotted filefish and even the occa-
limited to only one dive on Saba, either of evident. Large boulders and grey sand sional tarpon are some of the larger animals
these sites will be the best representation dominate the area and the most common you may meet face-to-face on the leeward
of the healthy reefs and abundance of ma- species of coral are Star coral, Brain coral coast. The sea grass on the perimeter of the
rine life that the waters of the Saba Marine and Gorgonian. Curious Barracudas may reef provides sustenance for Saba’s healthy
Park offer. In addition, each of these sites approach divers very closely. Traveling sea turtle population as well as garden eels,
offers the opportunity for increased bottom in a westerly direction down our leeward spotted eagle ray or seahorses. Ladder Bay
time when conducted as a multi-level pro- coast brings you to that area referred to is also one of our favorite areas for night
file with long slow spirals upward around by Sabans as The Ladder. Perched precari- dives.Saba’s Tent Bay Turtle
these minor seamounts. ously on a steep cliffside are the original
steps used by islanders to access Saba. The
original custom house remains. Prior to
the building of the Fort Bay harbor, goods
