Saba Eco-Tour

"Scuba and Hike the Dutch Caribbean"

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A tiny jewel in the midst of the sparkling Caribbean Sea, the Island of Saba is one of the most pristine and ecologically protected destinations in the Caribbean. With less than 25,000 visitors per year, and a government and community committed to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the island and surrounding waters, Saba affords visitors an opportunity to experience the Caribbean at its most unspoiled. The entire island of Saba is surrounded by the Saba National Marine Park, one of the most successful marine parks in the world, with 30 dives sites that have become must-see destinations for the world’s diving enthusiasts.

These stunning dive sites completely protected from human impact and damage feature colorful reefs, breathtaking drop-offs, soaring pinnacles, and boulder labyrinths. The pinnacles, basically underwater mountains, rise up 100 feet from the ocean floor and their sponges, corals and invertebrates attract an astonishing variety of sea life, including sharks, rays, sea turtles, schooling fish, large groupers, and pelagic fish. Ladder Bay features a labyrinth created by ancient lava flows, and the Marine Park is studded with caves, tunnels, and rock walls. Turtles and rays of all kinds call the steep walls home, and some of the most breathtaking fish encounters are common, such as octopus, barracuda, shark, stingray, spiny lobster, parrotfish, grouper, and more. Saba is a true diver’s paradise.

Our Saba Adventure Tour is a 6 day/5 night exploration of the Island of Saba. We will enjoy at least 6 dives, and have ample opportunity to hike through the unspoiled wilderness areas, as well as explore the quaint towns and shops dotting this charming and pristine island paradise.

Arrival and Check in at Resort

Because the Saban Airport has the shortest international runway in the world, guests will fly into St. Maarten and then board a small airplane or ferry to travel the 27 miles south to Saba. Upon arrival, guests will be met at the airport by a member of the resort staff and taken to the Scout’s Place hotel on the windward side of the island. That evening, after settling in, guest will meet up with their guides to get acquainted and discuss the adventure ahead. The rest of the evening guests are free to relax and explore the resort.

Diving and Optional Hike, Snorkel or Self-guided Island Exploration

Enjoy a continental breakfast at the resort before our first SCUBA excursion. We will head to the dive shop around 9 am, get geared up, and head to one of the many outstanding dive sites on the island. Our tour guides and the dive staff are passionate and knowledgeable of local conditions and strive to give you the best dive experience possible.Drinks and a boxed lunch will be provided on the boat between dives. After lunch we will head back in the water for the second dive of the day, after which we will head back to the hotel around 2 pm.

The afternoon itinerary is really up to you. If you would like, our staff can guide you on an island hike, take you snorkeling, or possibly arrange a third dive. If you would like to try a night dive, we can accommodate you. If you are tired from the morning’s dive activity, you are welcome to relax at the resort pool, or explore the island on your own. Everyone is on their own for dinner tonight. The resort had a terrific restaurant, or if you prefer, 5 other restaurants are within walking distance. A short cab ride can bring you into town where 15 other dining establishments are available to you. After dinner, relax and rest up for the next day’s adventure.

More Fantastic SCUBA and Optional Activities

Our SCUBA exploration of the pristine Saba National Marine Park continues on days 3 and 4 with at least 2 dives per day. Boxed lunches and drinks are provided. You may wish to undertake one of the other afternoon activity options- hiking, snorkeling, or island exploration- on these 2 free afternoons. Of course, lounging by the pool is always welcome! If you haven’t yet tried a night dive, this is a great opportunity.

Rainforest and Volcano Crater Hikes

Today will be a dive-free day in preparation for the next day’s flights. After breakfast we will begin our day with a 3 hour hike around the higher elevations of the island’s north side. This hike features breathtaking scenic views, as well as a primary rainforest and secondary rainforest where you will see all manner of tropical plants and birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of local wildlife. Examples of the wildlife inhabiting the island are bats, iguanas, anoles and red-bellied racer snakes, as well as over 60 species of tropical birds. We will return to the resort for a satisfying lunch before hiking to the 877 meter (2877 ft.) summit of Mt. Scenery Volcano to explore the summit crater. The volcano crater contains a rainforest jungle with ferns, tropical flowers and mahogany trees. We will spend the afternoon exploring the rainforest and taking in the spectacular views. We will return to the resort in the late afternoon where you will be free to plan the rest of your day.

Check-out, Goodbyes, and Departure to St. Maarten

After breakfast we will check out of the resort and depending on your travel arrangements guests will be driven to the airport of ferry dock for the journey to St. Maarten. You may wish to schedule time to spend a day in St. Maarten, a very friendly and beautiful island in its own right.

Trip Details

What we provide: We will provide transportation to and from the resort, airport and ferry dock, as well as transportation for all dive and hiking excursions. We also provide sun block and a medical kit for emergencies. We will take video/photographic documentation of all dives and hikes with a GoPro professional digital camera and will provide each guest with a disk of their adventure.

What to bring:

We ask that you bring climate appropriate clothing (temperatures range from mid to high 70’s at night to mid to high 80’s during the day), hiking shoes and any personal dive gear you wish to bring. Optional gear include a camera, binoculars, sunglasses and sunhat.

Rental equipment is available for an additional fee:
  • Dive equipment: $15/day
  • Dive computers; $5/day
  • Flashlights: $10/day
  • Snorkel equipment: $20/day
  • Underwater camera: $25/day without flash, $35/day with flash
  • Images burnt to disk: $10