St. Maarten and Saba

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divedadepths

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Hello everybody-

I will be going to St. Maarten in about a month with my family. I was certified there about 3 years ago, and returned 2 years ago. I have heard that the neighboring island of Saba has much better diving, because of the protection from hurricanes and the marine park. The problem is i am only 16 and nobody else in my family dives. Does anybody know of a source of reliable transportation from St. Maarten to Saba and back for a day of diving. My mom isnt really into the idea of me diving in St. Maarten, so some good information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.


Max
 
I don't know about diving and flying the same day. Bad idea. Be careful.
 
yea i wondered about this aspect of the trip also. I read on one of the websites that people have been doing it for years and it has not been a problem because the flight is only 12 min and it rarely goes above 2,000 ft. I plan on diving nitrox, to also reduce the risk
 
I have done the plane thing. We all lived. You do decompress for 3-4 hours prior to takeoff. Also remember staying in saba, you will be 1000-2000 feet up over night in the hotel. There is a 90 minute ferry ride.
 
Hey Max....

My friend Kat works at SeaSaba... this was her reply to your question..

Yea there's the Edge which routinely takes divers over for the day, its a catamaran ferry, leaves SXM at 9 and arrives at 10:30, we usually pick divers up at 11 and take them out for two dives and back at the dock in time to catch the ferry back at 3:30. Its $75 plus port fees ($12). The flight is a little less reliable, WinAir is notorious for bumping people and not bringing bags over so I'd say the better bet is the Edge. Aqua Mania - ...just add water! - Saba

Hope this helps. We are heading there in May for a few days. Let me know how your trip goes!
 
The cab ride from the dock to the airport on the other side of the island goes past the town of Windwardside, which is indeed almost 2000 ft. altitude (1700+ is what sticks in my mind). Winair flights sometimes go up to 3000 feet, but if you go to the pilots and ask them nicely if they can keep it low because you just dove, they usually will keep it at around 2000.
 
Hello Max!
Flying - I think the distance is 17 miles, barely enough for wheels up before landing again. The pilots know we are divers & keep altitude low. I've never heard of problems. If your parents are concerned (rightfully) they can take you to gate & arrange for someone in Saba to meet the plane, take you to the dive shop. Saba is small - everyone knows everybody!

The Edge is a rough ride. The nice thing about the ferry is it drops you in port & you can literally get off the ferry, walk across the dock & put gear on the dive boat. Typically someone from the shop you are diving with will meet you at the ferry. Again - a parent can see you off from the dock at Pelican Resort (where the Edge departs from), arrange to have someone meet you on the ferry & head right to the shop. You will never really be alone for that long a time and it is reliable. If you do take the ferry, be sure to take your dramamine, ginger ale & ginger cookies - it is called the Vomit Comet for a reason!

As for a shop to dive with, I like the guys at Saba Deep, Big Mike & Little Mike are very established, serious, safe & fun guys. Their website is Saba Deep.

Why is your mom not keen on you diving on St. Marteen? Is it the time it takes, safety concerns or something else? If it is the safety 'diving is dangerous' thing, it certainly isn't any less dangerous on Saba. Saba is typically more advanced and intense. Yes, it is better protected and entirely a marine park and diving is 'different' as there are no beaches, run off, fewer inhabitants to contribute problems, less traffic, sand etc...

Not sure who you certified with on SXM or where you will be staying, but Ocean Explorers on Kimsha Beach and Aqua Mania at the Pelican Resort are both reputable and safe groups to dive with on SXM. The marine water park established off the point @ Divi resort is very safe, protected & shallow - used for check out and tune up dives, about 35 - 40 deep at max (not checking log book, just memory), some attractions, some fish.

Feel free to PM if you (or mom) have any questions. Good luck! Lin
 
Thanks for the post Jersey! I am actually staying at Divi Little bay, so i will do some diving at the new marine park. I have pretty much decided on the plane, because i found some pretty cheap tickets ($75 round trip). It is not that my mom thinks Saba is better, she just thinks diving in general is dangerous, because she doesent know a lot about it. It is that I want to go to saba!

Just another question. I plan on carrying my gear on. However, a knife would obviously not be allowed on board. Should i just leave my knife at SXM, or should i check a small bag, or should i bring shears? Would shears be allowed on the plane?

Thanks
 
Everything areound Saba is marine park. Your chances of seeing any fishing line much less becoming entangled are nominal. I would skip the knife and shears or check a bag.
 
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