Saba or Statia?

[billt4sf]

Without a doubt Saba, have dove both a lot. Sea Saba definitley.

Could you give me some idea what Saba is like for diving? I have seen GREAT reviews for Statia, I am ready to go there -- but not much for Saba. What am I missing?

We are novice divers. Statia appeals because it is so untouched (they say).

Thanks,

Bill

 

[vicky-g.]

why you dont have a look on tripadvisor, for example here Sea Saba Advanced Dive Center - Windwardside - Reviews of Sea Saba Advanced Dive Center - TripAdvisor
saba is very untouched, too-its called the unspoiled queen!

 

[dontaskme]

check out Saba Divers - Caribbean Diving and Scout's Place Hotel on Saba island : Your all-in-one resort on Saba in the Dutch Caribbean - Saba cottage rental! - Saba Divers und Scout's Place Hotel - Dive Saba, Saba Scuba Diving centre - tauchen und wohnen in d great crew !!!
and the Flamboyant cottage Flamboyant Cottage

and if you cant catch a flight, the green boat has Adult beverages for the ride over to Saba

 

[drrich2]

Bill:

I've never been to either but am interested in both. I'm told Saba entails pinnacle diving; underwater mountain tops extending up into recreational depths (but can still make for deep dives), if I understand correctly, and it's pretty much all boat diving.

If I were you, I think I'd spell out what kind of diving I like to do. Do you like long, shallow to deep coral reef like swimming along Bonaire's west coast sites? Do you enjoy drift diving in Cozumel and like to see larger animals? Is there some animal, such as a shark, you're eager to see? Do you especially like low current waters? Would Saba and Statia diving tend to differ on average depth of sites chosen? I ask because an air hog might like shallower diving, if one or both didn't have ready access to larger-than-80 cf tanks.

Perhaps those familiar with Saba, or especially both, can comment with that in mind.

Richard.

P.S.: Haven't I read somewhere that the plan landing on Saba can be a little 'exciting?' If so, do you enjoy excitement? I hope my recall of reading about it in the past isn't wrong; if so, somebody can call me on it.

 

[billt4sf]

Bill:

I've never been to either but am interested in both. I'm told Saba entails pinnacle diving; underwater mountain tops extending up into recreational depths (but can still make for deep dives), if I understand correctly, and it's pretty much all boat diving.

If I were you, I think I'd spell out what kind of diving I like to do. Do you like long, shallow to deep coral reef like swimming along Bonaire's west coast sites? Do you enjoy drift diving in Cozumel and like to see larger animals? Is there some animal, such as a shark, you're eager to see? Do you especially like low current waters? Would Saba and Statia diving tend to differ on average depth of sites chosen? I ask because an air hog might like shallower diving, if one or both didn't have ready access to larger-than-80 cf tanks.

Perhaps those familiar with Saba, or especially both, can comment with that in mind.

Richard.

P.S.: Haven't I read somewhere that the plan landing on Saba can be a little 'exciting?' If so, do you enjoy excitement? I hope my recall of reading about it in the past isn't wrong; if so, somebody can call me on it.

Yes I totally agree Richard and I hope someone will comment on the differences in diving between the two islands. I got the price lists for both and they are almost exactly the same prices.

We are novice divers -- about 50 dives each by the time we get there -- so we pretty much enjoy all diving that is safe for us. We like to stay above 60 ft depths, and we are not used to current (but we want to get some more experience with small currents). We'd like to try extending our experience slowly into things we haven't done yet (if well-guided). We'd love to see large pelagics. I'm a bit of an air hog because I am 6'6", 240 lbs.

As far as the exciting air flights -- we have done several small-plane trips in Africa and enjoyed them!

Thanks,

Bill

 

[vicky-g.]

well, mostly the dives on saba are at least 60 ft deep. you can stay a little shallower, if you like to. but all the first morning dives are normally with any operation at least 100 ft. if you want to slowly further your skills, you might wanna choose to hire a private guide and try maybe something a little deeper? if you wanna see pelagics, the pinnacles are the place to go, but the shallowest they get are 80 ft.

 

[dontaskme]

Vicky-g has pretty much nailed it, but most dive ops take you deep first dive. I do know that on my trip to Saba I had several first,......firsts: Slipper Lobster, day-time Octopus, night-time squid flashing crazy cool colors, grass eels, the BIGGEST lobster I have ever seen just walking around in a "field of grass eels", and several pea boxfish. Im sure you can talk to your capt, and try to customize your dives to what is best for your experience....if you do end up on Saba, make sure you get a pizza at Guidos, and try the "Meanest Burger in Town" at Scouts Place (and tell Jade "HI" from Las Vegas)

 

[billt4sf]

well, mostly the dives on saba are at least 60 ft deep. you can stay a little shallower, if you like to. but all the first morning dives are normally with any operation at least 100 ft.

I think because of the depth to see the good stuff we will choose Statia. We like to stay under 60 ft at this time.

Thanks, your comments were really helpful!

- Bill