Saba or Belize???

[bubbleslan]

I am having a difficult time trying to decide on my next week-long dive trip...My choices are going to Saba and staying on land or on a live-aboard (Aggressor) and diving Belize. I know both places are supposed to be spectacular, but I have to decide on just one for now because the trips are scheduled only weeks apart and I can't afford to do both so close together

Which would you choose and why?

 

[DocVikingo]

Saba is, on balance, my favorite place to dive in the Caribbean, although there are no beaches or much topside action if those are important. You'll get 3 dives a day.

Again on balance, I don't find Belize diving anything special, although it certainly is worth getting wet if you're there. You'll get 4-5 dives a day on the Aggressor if you want.

Depends on what you're looking for.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[donacheson]

Two very distinct choices!

Saba offers not only very good diving, it's an interesting island to visit. It's mostly vertical, the few almost level spots being occupied by the few villages on the isalnd. Flying in there is an experience in itself, especially when one looks down from the road to Windwardside to the airport! In addition to the diving, hiking is an attraction. Good restaurants are available, the dive operators enjoy good reputations, but as Doc noted it doesn't rock to the wee hours.

While I've never been aboard the Belize Aggressor, I'd expect it to be pretty like the other Aggressor boats I've been on - OK accomodations, OK food, good service, and lots of diving offered.

You'll enjoy either one.

 

[bubbleslan]

Thanks for your input! I put the deposit down for the Saba trip today, so now I am just counting down the days until I leave...61 days to be exact.

 

[scubaberdi]

Thanks for your input! I put the deposit down for the Saba trip today, so now I am just counting down the days until I leave...61 days to be exact.

Hi Bubblesan:

If you still have to choose your hotel and dive centre, I'll recommend spending your time at Scout's Place and Saba Divers. It is run by Barbara and Wolfgang, very dedicaded to what they do. (I have been working there)
Nice part of diving with them is that, If you have air (or nitrox) left and somebody down there you do not have to surface directly.

Than after diving, they have a good kitchen and a nice bar to spent some time. The hotel is very nice, you'll like it.
On arrival tell them Berdi said HI (p.s. I do NOT get commision)

enjoy your time on "THE ROCK"
Berdi

 

[5615mike]

Two very distinct choices!

Saba offers not only very good diving, it's an interesting island to visit. It's mostly vertical, the few almost level spots being occupied by the few villages on the isalnd. Flying in there is an experience in itself, especially when one looks down from the road to Windwardside to the airport! In addition to the diving, hiking is an attraction. Good restaurants are available, the dive operators enjoy good reputations, but as Doc noted it doesn't rock to the wee hours.

While I've never been aboard the Belize Aggressor, I'd expect it to be pretty like the other Aggressor boats I've been on - OK accomodations, OK food, good service, and lots of diving offered.

You'll enjoy either one.

Yea, what he said. Saba much better choice IMO. If you like wall diving you'll love Saba. Outstanding place. Would not go back to Belize myself.

 

[bubbleslan]

Berdi,
Actually it is a group trip that I am going on with my dive shop and they have already chosen the hotel and dive shop. We are staying at Juliana's and diving with Sea Saba. I will try and check out Saba Divers while I am there though.
Thanks!

 

[Tom Winters]

agree with the Saba choice.

 

[Rob5019]

Saba. By far. Dove both last year.

Ambergris Caye diving is WAY overrated. Fished out, except the marine reserve and around Shark Ray Alley. If you go, keep on f=going out to Lighthouse Reef and dive The Aquarium and Blue Hole. There is great stuff out there.

Saba may be the best diving anywhere in this hemisphere. Diamond Rock and Man O' War are unsurpassed (the pinnacles). You get the pelagics at the bottom (rays and reef sharks), turtles and schooling fish as you move up. Beautiful, sunlit golden coral at the top (about 17 feet dow, with swarms of durgon, tang, angels and sgt. major feeding without regard for you.

If you like the beach (Saba has none) or cruises (no deep water port--that's why it is pristine), skip Saba. If you want the best diving, go.

 

[Rob5019]

Saba is, on balance, my favorite place to dive in the Caribbean, although there are no beaches or much topside action if those are important. You'll get 3 dives a day.

Again on balance, I don't find Belize diving anything special, although it certainly is worth getting wet if you're there. You'll get 4-5 dives a day on the Aggressor if you want.

Depends on what you're looking for.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

I have posted elsewhere in depth about my Saba experience. Going back in July. I have been everywhere in this hemisphere and the Galapagos, and Saba is unsurpassed. Between the GREAT diving and the great food and fun at Brigadoon and the Swinging Doors, you can't ask for a better non-liveaboard experience.

Cheers, Rob