OK, you've been hearing about Saba and Statia for a long time and you're ready to book the dive package.  You want the best price, right?  Well, sort of...you want the best price and the best quality for this trip you've been waiting to take.  Before I tell you specifics about dive shops, I want to explain a few things about diving Saba and Statia.  Unlike say Cayman where there's a difference of diving East End or 7-mile beach, Saba is only 5-square miles with most dive sites within 15 minutes of the harbor.  Statia is only 8-square miles, also with close dive sites all on the leeward side.  In essence, the three dives shops on each island have the ability to dive the same dive sites.  But there are differences to consider before booking your dive trip.  From scheduling to styles and personalities, each dive shop offers a unique experience.  Then of course, there's pricing.  Dive prices can vary from $5 to as much as $35/day-- when you consider transfers, rentals, etc.  On Saba, all accommodations require transport for diving; whereas on Statia, there are some you can walk from the hotel to diving.  I know the owners and players on both islands.  Call me and let me advise you which shop may be best suited to handle your diving needs.

Both Saba and Statia offer fine Caribbean diving with no crowds and a protected marine environment.  Only 18 miles apart, the underwater topography is as different to each other as the topside.  Saba is more known for its dramatic dropoffs and famous pinnacles while Statia's reputation is about history, wrecks and sloping lava flows.  Can't decide?  Discover two unique Caribbean islands with one of my special combination packages.

If I still need to sell you on what each island offers for diving, I recommend you check out the All About Diving page on Sea Saba's website as well as Dive Locations on the Golden Rock site.  Check my Island Updates page for specials, news and unique underwater sightings.   

Don't forget to check and see if your diving insurance is up-to-date.  If not, utilize this link to D.A.N. to renew or register automatically before traveling. 

Sea Saba I have to say my loyalty lies with Sea Saba.  Sea Saba began in 1985 but my relationship goes back to 1993 when John taught my husband and me to dive.   Since then, John and Lynn and their  dive team have continued to maintain an excellent reputation with new and return customers.  Recently I had a customer tell me "we never go for the big name dive shop at a destination" because they assume this is a big place with too many divers and you become a number.  This is just another thing that makes Saba different.  Sea Saba is the known name on the island and certainly the most popular.  But, even though they have the largest boats on the island, they continue to stand by their word of no compromises and no crowds--and knowing their customers.  Sea Saba's is now a National Geographic Dive Center.  This means they can offer you a National Geographic certification but more importantly the accreditation is in line with Sea Saba's diving philosophy.  Most importantly, there's a genuine effort to provide the best dive experience possible whether you're interested in continuing education or just appreciate a competent guide who knows their stuff and is willing to share it with you.  Sea Dragon and Giant Stride are 40' Delta dive boats, large diesel-powered boats built to accommodate 25 divers but they only put a max of 10 divers on board for individual bookings.  Check out their comprehensive website (it's over 150 pages, so I do mean comprehensive) for information from island activities and dive site descriptions to crew profiles and more great photos of Saba.  Their nitrox price is hard to beat at only $59/week unlimited.  A workshop is located at the Fort Bay harbor facility but Sea Saba's office and retail location are in the center of Windwardside at Lambee's Place..  Stop by and double check the identification of the critter you saw on a dive or ask for their advice on where to have lunch in St. Maarten on your way out.  Lynn, Mel, Nick and Lauren are dedicated to making certain your trip goes as smoothly as possible.  Sea Saba prides itself on offering top notch quality--from service to dive briefings to their well known reputation for great clothing.  

Two Great Boats	Convenient Shop on the Main Corner	The Love Puppy

Saba Deep
Mike Myers has been running Saba Deep for over 23 years.  Having been for sale for a number of years, he transferred the reins to Tony and Sherry in late March 2008.  Tony and Sherry are living the dream---giving up their coporate east coast lifestyle to head to the Caribbean, they promise to bring new energy to this facility.  Tony is a divemaster and Sherry recently became a PADI instructor.  Located in the Fort Bay harbor, the shop has 2 gasoline powered boats:   Mystery @ 22' and MTwo at 26'.  One dive instructor per boat runs 3 dives per day.  Nitrox mixes available upon request @ $15/tank.   In Two Deep (just above their dive shop) serves great lunches and has a boutique as well.  Saba Deep has no Windwardside location but a full facility at the Fort Bay Harbor.  Look for either "Big Mike" (a former military guy who is quite the character), or Steve or Kevin, both English, to be running a boat to one of Saba's famed dive sites..   

Saba Divers
Saba Divers is the 'younger' dive shop on the island (Feb 2000).  Wolfgang and Barbara Tooten operate the German-run hotel, bar, restaurant and dive shop.   Big Blue and Blue Star, are  32' and 36' diesel-powered vessels run by their crew.  This dive shop's new campaign is 'nitrox for free'.  Their office and retail facility are in the same area as the hotel (Scout's Place), bar and restaurant.  They also have a Ft. Bay facility.  The operation is geared toward the European market in their diving style and facilities.  A weekly Karaoke Night has now evolved to an annual Saba Idol contest which the locals and the staff take pretty seriously.  .  
            

Golden Rock Dive Center  is owned by Glenn and Michele Faires, an enterprising young American couple.  They run "Easy Goin'", a 42-catamaran which brought a new standard of diving to Statia.  They still utilize "Stumpy" for smaller groups and special excursions.  Golden Rock's slogan remains "We do what you want".  With the addition of Easy Goin', it only means they can do it more comfortably.  Golden Rock has two great local guides (Rinaldo and Mikey) to provide local color and topside entertainment.  They have German, French and Dutch languages covered by two ohter instructors who are of Dutch and Canadian descent. Visit Glenn and Michelle at their seafront shop or at their new retail facility at The Old Gin House, the icon hotel and restaurant of the island.  Golden Rock offers nitrox tanks at the rate of $10/tank or 10 tanks for $89.  Glenn and Michele now also manage The Old Gin House so everything is that much more convenient.

New "Easy Goin"	The Faires	Ole Faithful "Stumpy"

Dive Statia  Rudy and Rinda have been living on Statia since 1994.  With a small but professional staff, they run a laid back and fun operation on Statia's waterfront (All three diveshops are in the same area, a sort of 'boardwalk').  Dive Statia's 32' catamaran is a comfortable vessel.  Dive packages are normally with Kingswell Inn but can also be arranged with The Old Gin House.  Rudy has been in the business for over 20 years and is a delight to dive with.  Nitrox is available at $10/tank.

Scubaqua was started by Rainald, "Ronnie", a Swiss gentleman who catered to the European market.  He has recently sold the shop to a Swiss couple Ingrid and Menno Walter so that he can focus more on his new venture: Statia Lodge and The Blue Bead Restaurant.  Subaqua offers affordable packages with locally owned Golden Era Hotel as well as Statia Lodge, private house rentals or, of course, The Old Gin House.  In the summer of 2007, a new addition is in place:  Menno and Ingrid's beautiful baby girl!  Their gasoline powered boat is quick and more than adequate for the nearby sites.  Nitrox is available at no cost.

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