St Martin/Saba trip report

[teamoctopus]

Thanks for writing this awesome review about www.octopusdiving.com

If you return to St.Martin / St.Maarten be sure to email in advance to reserve your space - we always book really fast!
Also, we have just bought a 30 foot 450 horsepower Catamaran - this thing is awesome and will eliminate the roll, unlike that of a monohull leaving your Wife feeling fine - no more Triptone!!

With our contstant re-investment and attention to detail we strive to better our already 5 star operation.

We are glad that our reccommendation of Saba Deep worked out well and that Tony and Cheri looked after you.

If anybody has any questions regarding diving in St.Martin followed by a trip to Saba please email and we will be happy to help in any way we can.

Thanks,

Teamoctopus

 

[wrybosome]

Chris/Sally-

Congrats on the new boat. Are you going to be running both boats?

 

[teamoctopus]

Yeah, we are opening a SNUBA operation which starts on November 1st 2009. It will probably be the only VIP Snuba operation in the world - instead of dedicating it to the masses it will be 4 people per trip and focused 100% on Customer service - just like Octopus Diving.

We have staff in place to operate it and the new boat should be here in a few weeks - can't wait!!
The new website www.octopussnuba.com will go live in a few weeks so keep checking!!

Next time you dive you will love the new boat !!

Thanks

Chris and Sally.

 

[divesergeant]

Thanks for the report.

We're kind of eying Saba for a trip. Luggage is always a concern, though. Might have to pare down the packing a bit!

It looks like there aren't really any resorts with on-site dive ops on Saba. Is that right?

DS

 

[diverrex]

Thanks for the report.

We're kind of eying Saba for a trip. Luggage is always a concern, though. Might have to pare down the packing a bit!

It looks like there aren't really any resorts with on-site dive ops on Saba. Is that right?

DS

Those that have actually been/live there will know better than me but from my research there iaren't any resorts on Saba on the water, hence no on-site dive ops. But many lodging places cooperate with the dive ops and visa versa to arrange lodging and diving. With a total population only around 1,500 it's not hard to image they all know each and all cooperate.

 

[wrybosome]

Thanks for the report.

We're kind of eying Saba for a trip. Luggage is always a concern, though. Might have to pare down the packing a bit!

It looks like there aren't really any resorts with on-site dive ops on Saba. Is that right?

DS

Diverrex and you are correct. The harbor is very small and has the existing dive ops plus the electric generation plant for the island. However, the op I used partnered with cab drivers on the island to provide trasport. This is a bit different from taxi services in the US. Our driver was available for our use all day, and based his schedule on ours. We had no trouble at all with getting around the island with his help. The couple of resorts i saw on Saba were also different from what you might be expecting, both smaller and more personal than usual.

If I were going again (and I will be) I would just get a cottage near Windwardside, or at the ecolodge, and work with the dive op and the taxi to get me back and forth. Standard rate seems to be $40 US per day for unlimited ferrying about.

 

[divesergeant]

All in all, it sounds like we're really going to dig Saba. We prefer smaller organizations, businesses and such so we'll feel right at home.

Thanks for your input!
DS

 

[jcbreitbach]

Great review very helpful. My wife and I (both new to diving) are going to SXM in Dec. and could use any contacts and or tips about the area you can provide. I think the resort we are staying at (La Vista Beach) is close to where you were. Also who should I talk to at Octopus diving and did they set up your trip to Saba? How much did Saba cost with transportation and diving? We are very excited to go there and checking it all out.

 

[Jersey]

Breitbach -I believe there is a link for Octopus diving above. For additional info on SXM, see TTOL website Traveltalkonline. There are a bunch of hardcore SXM travelers there with current info -things like which restaurants are open, etc. Dec will be early high season, so most island should be open & crowded! Rent a car. Leave plenty of time to get around. I was there Dec 2003 - Jan 2004 & weather was great - temps 70's -80's, low humidity, no rain but really strong winds - blowing seas up to 15 feet. I was recovering from pneumonia so not much diving that trip. Like anywhere, leave nothing in car regardless of value, avoid being alone after dark on dark stretches of road, use common sense, keep doors locked at all times. Bring a smaller cooler along to visit the numerous public beaches, pack beverages & snackies & rent a chair for the day when not diving. Dutch side is less expensive, I love jewelry shopping in Phillipsburg - be careful as the shops ply you with beer or wine to entice you to lighten your wallet! Alcohol is cheap - Bombay Sapphire is about $10 a litre there - $27 here. I have a timeshare at Pelican Resort & go down probably every other year. Have fun, search for other trip reports in this section & feel free to PM if you have specific questions.