Saba National Marine Park

The marine park runs right around Saba from the high-water line down to sixty metres, established in 1987 and one of the earliest in the Caribbean. Its best known sites are the pinnacles, undersea volcanic towers that rise from deep water to within thirty metres of the surface and hold large fish, sharks and dense soft coral. All diving is from boats because the island has no shore entries.

Background

The park takes in approximately 5 square miles (13 square kilometres) of sea and seabed, from the high water mark down to 200 feet. The Marine Environment Ordinance, passed when the park was created in 1987, protects its coral reefs and other sea life. Boats moor at 36 permanently anchored buoys, which keep anchors off the reefs. The Pinnacles were formed by volcanic activity and reach up to 100 feet above the ocean floor, coated in corals, sponges and other invertebrates. The Saba Conservation Foundation manages the park, the island's hyperbaric facility and land sites such as the Saba Trail network. Divers pay $3 (US) per dive on top of dive shop fees.

Source: Wikipedia, "Saba National Marine Park"

What you'll find

• The pinnacles - volcanic towers rising from deep water toward the surface.
• The large fish - sharks and schooling species drawn to the seamounts.
• The soft coral - dense growth on the deep pinnacle walls.
• The 1987 designation - one of the Caribbean's earliest marine parks.

When to go

December to April is calmest. Swell cancels boat dives at times in any season. Hurricane season runs June to November.

Practical notes

The pinnacles are deep dives and are not for beginners. All diving is boat-based and weather cancels trips. Operators are few and booking ahead matters.

Nearby

Fort Bay is the departure point, and The Bottom is above it.

Key facts