Scuba diving in Saba

Scuba diving in Saba takes place entirely within the protected Saba Marine Park, where strict regulations have preserved the island’s reefs and underwater structures in excellent condition. Dive sites are accessed by boat and are known for dramatic volcanic formations, deep walls, and offshore pinnacles rising from the ocean floor.

The Third Encounter is one of Saba’s most famous dive sites and is especially popular with experienced divers. This site features a massive underwater pinnacle that rises from deep water to recreational depths. Stronger currents are common and attract large schools of fish, reef sharks, barracudas, and eagle rays, making it a dynamic and exciting dive.

Diamond Rock is another advanced dive site characterized by steep walls and deep drop-offs. The site is known for excellent visibility, strong currents, and frequent encounters with large pelagic species. Divers can expect dramatic scenery, sponge-covered rock faces, and active marine life.

Man o’ War Shoals offers a series of underwater pinnacles and ridges that rise from deep water. The depth and exposure make this site best suited for confident divers. Marine life here is abundant, with groupers, sharks, jacks, and rays commonly seen.

Tent Reef is one of the most beginner-friendly dive sites in Saba. It features sloping reef structures, calmer conditions, and excellent visibility. The site is rich in marine life and is often used for training dives and relaxed exploration.

Torens Point offers gentler profiles compared to Saba’s deeper sites. With gradual depth changes and vibrant reef life, it provides a comfortable environment for newly certified divers while still showcasing Saba’s signature sponge formations and healthy coral.

Outer Cove is another suitable site for beginners, offering protected conditions and manageable depths. The area is home to schools of reef fish, turtles, and colorful sponges, allowing new divers to experience the beauty of Saba’s underwater world without challenging conditions.

Scuba diving around Saba is generally priced at a premium compared to many Caribbean destinations, reflecting the island’s high-quality dive operations, protected marine environment, and boat-based access to most sites. Divers should expect professional service and well-organized dive logistics.

A typical two-tank dive with a local dive operator ranges from approximately $120 to $170 USD. This price generally includes tanks, weights, weights belt, dive guide, and boat transportation. Because most dives are done by boat and involve travel to offshore pinnacles and walls, costs are often higher than shore-based dives on other islands.

Full equipment rental may be included in some dive packages, but in other cases it can add an additional $30 to $50 USD per day, depending on the quality and brand of the gear. Private dives or small-group customized trips may also carry a surcharge.

Certification courses such as Open Water Diver typically range from around $400 to $550 USD, including instruction, training materials, confined water sessions, open water dives, and certification processing. Advanced and specialty courses, such as Advanced Open Water or Nitrox, are priced separately and vary by dive center.

Many dive operators on Saba offer multi-dive packages or extended dive week rates that help reduce the average cost per dive for travelers planning several days of diving. Although Saba is considered one of the more expensive dive destinations in the Caribbean, the pristine conditions and exceptional underwater experience are often cited as excellent value by divers.