To Lorna…
à Lorna…
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May 8th Dec. 25th Dec. 26th 1st week-end in December Carnival (Saba summertime festival)
Ascension Day Christmas Boxing Day Saba Days Last week in July
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Islands information…
Informations sur nos îles…
Name Nom Anguilla Antigua Dominica Guadeloupe Nevis Saba St Barths Statia St Kitts St Martin Sint Maarten
Area Superficie 91 km2 280 km2 790 km2 1779 km2 93 km2 13 km2 25 km2 21 km2 180 km2 43 km2 32 km2
Currency Devise $ EC $ EC $ EC e $ EC NAF / $US e / $US NAF / $US $ EC e / $US NAF / $US
Language Langue English English English French English English/Dutch French English/Dutch English French English/Dutch
Length…
Unités de mesure métriques…
Millimetres Centimetres Metres
Kilometres
0,03937 inches 0,3937 inches 39,3701 inches 3,2808 feet 1,0936 yards 0,54681 fathoms 0,6237 miles (land) 0,53961 miles (UK sea) 0,53996 miles int. nautical
Area…
Superficie…
Sq. mm / mm Sq cm / cm2 Sq. m / m2 Hectares Sq. kilometres
0,00155 sq. inches 0,1550 sq. inches 10,7639 sq. feet 1, 19599 sq. yards 2,47105 acres 0,3861 sq. miles
Capacity…
Volumes…
Cu. cm / cm3 Litres
0,06102 cu. inches 61,024 cu. inches 0,0353 cu. feet 2,1134 US pints 1,7598 UK pints 0,2642 US gallons Cu. mètres / m3 35,3147 cu. feet 1,30795 cu. yards 264,172 US gallons 219,969 UK gallons 6,11026 UK bulk barrels
Weight…
Poids…
Miligrams 0,01543 grains Grams 0,03527 ounces, avoirdupoids Kilograms 0,03215 ounces, troy 35,274 ounces, avoirdupoids 32,151 ounces, troy 2,204462 ounces, avoirdupoids
Température…
Temperature…
°C 34 32 31
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°F 93,2 91,4 89,6 87,8 86,2 84,2 82,4 80,6 78,8 77,2 75,2 73,4 71,6 69,8
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Winair Destinations…
Les Destinations de laWinair…
DESTINATIONS
FLIGHTS / VOLS
Anguilla Antigua Montserrat Nevis Saba St Barths Statia St Kitts Tortola
9 2 4 5 6 23 6 5 5 /week - semaine
FLIGHT TIMES / HORAIRES (from/de St Maarten) 10 min. 40 min. 39 min. 35 min. 15 min. 10 min. 20 min. 30 min. 39 min.
From Antigua to Montserrat 20 min. Flights to Montserrat are via Anguilla For our complete flight schedule, our fares, charger rates, cargo rates and more information about us, visit our web site at: www.fly-winair.com
Netherlands Antilles…
Antilles Néerlandaises…
Transfer tax: 4% on sale of real estate. There is no land tax either on non-commercial capital gain, or on share transfers. No taxes On property or on gifts and estates. On St Maarten, there are no customs duties. A tax levied on delivery of goods and services rendered was created in the Netherlands Antilles on January 1st, 1997. Its rate since January 1 st 1998 is 2%. It is levied on delivery of goods and services rendered.
promote the world marker for the local Antillean. The residency permit is generally granted within a period of six months to the individuals who can supply proof that they can support themselves. In this case, to be an owner of a dwelling house on St Maarten, or an old age pensioner whose source is outside of the Netherlands Antilles, are favorable criteria.
Individuals: For individuals an income tax has been established after large reduction and according to a progressive tariff by installments. The total income tax can reach 60%, on the basis computed however, on the overall world incomes. To settle down, a residency permit is easier to obtain than a work permit, since governmental politics
Legal entities: Corporate tax including taxable capital gain, varies generally between 36,8 and 43,47% on the taxed basis`. If the company is on shore, the overall world incomes with some exceptions is taxable. If it is off shore, the tax is limited to certain sources of WestIndian incomes. Off shore companies: Investment holding or patents, international finance or IBC if they are taxed, have the advantage of a low rate.
Impôts : 4% sur les ventes de biens immobiliers. Il n’y a pas d’impôt sur le foncier, ni sur les plus-values non-commerciales immobilières ou sur cessions d’actions. Pas d’impôts sur le patrimoine, ni de droits sur les donations et successions. A Sint-Maarten, il n’existe pas de droits de douane. Une taxe est prélevée sur la livraison des marchandises et les services rendus a été instaurée dans les Antilles Néerlandaises le 1er janvier 1997. Son taux depuis le 1er janvier 1998. est de 2%. Elle est prélevée sur la livraison des marchandises et les services rendus. Personnes physiques : Pour elles, l’impôt sur le revenu est établi après de larges déductions et selon un barème progressif par tranche, l’impôt total peut atteindre 60% de la base calculée retenant toutefois l’ensemble des revenus mondiaux. Pour s’installer, un permis de séjour seul est beaucoup plus facile à obtenir que le permis de travail car la politique gouvernementale favorise le marché du travail pour les antillais
locaux. Le permis de séjour est généralement accordé dans un délai de six mois aux personnes pouvant fournir notamment la preuve qu’elles peuvent prendre en charge leur coût de la vie. Dans ce cas être propriétaire d’une maison d’habitation à Sint-Maarten ou d’une retraite provenant de l’étranger sont des critères favorables. Personnes morales : L’impôt sur les bénéfices y compris les plus values taxables, varie généralement entre 36,8 et 43,7% de la base imposée. Lorsque la société est résidente, c’est l’ensemble des revenus mondiaux sous réserve de quelques exceptions qui est imposable. Lorsqu’elle est nonrésidente, l’imposition est limitée à certaines sources de revenus antillais. Les sociétés off shore : Société holding de placements ou de brevets, société de finance internationale ou de commerce international, lorsqu’elles sont imposées bénéficient d’un taux faible égal à 1/10 ème du taux normal.
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Heleen Cornet - 1990
The Montagne Cloud Forest covers about 8 ha (20 acres) with the dominant tree being the (1) Mountain Mahogany. (2) Epiphphytes grow on trunks, branches and leaves of other plants. (3) Orchids are among the most common epiphytes present. They have special structures that allow them to absorb water quickly when available. Other epiphytes include (4) Liverworts, (5) Bromeliads, (6) Mosses and (7) Ferns. In addition, (8) Mountain cabbage or palm and several species of shrubs including (9) Wild plantain, (10) Tree ferns and Mountain manna are very common. At present the low cover and height of the trees a result of severe
disturbances by hurricanes. Just below the top, but still high on the mountain, are Mountain palms and different species of Tree ferns. (11) Elephant ears and Wild plantain trees are abundant. Lower down on the slopes, the fairly tall vegetation usually shows no distinction between the tree and shrub layers. The average cover and number of species are considerably less than that of the vegetation higher on Mt. Scenery. Redwood and (12) Mountain fuchsia are wild tree species that grow in this zone. Cactus species including the (13) prickly pear cactus and (14) Sea grape trees with edible purple fruits can also be found.
Hibiscus found in gardens, to wild flowers and orchids in the rainforest. The (19) Wild begonia and (20) Wild raspberry are also common along the rain forest trails.
during courtship, while the females are smaller and usually a drab olive colour. The non-poisonous and harmless (22) Racer snake is a common encounter along the trails and roadsides. Although it tipically disappears quickly into a nearby bush, it will sometimes remain undistributed waiting to stalk prey and you can approach it quite closely. The species is only found on Saba and St. Eustatius.
Reptiles and Amphibians The island’s small lizards seen along footpaths from sea level up to the top of Mt. Scenery are a species of (21) Anoles lizard found only on Saba. The colour differences between males and females are unique. The male has black leopard spots and displays an orange-yellow dewlap
Large Iguana lizards are also sometimes seen along the roads and most often on a hike to Old Booby Hill. (23) The Coquee is a tiny tree frog that is more often heard than seen. After sunset, the sounds of the tree frogs blend harmoniously with the distinctive noises of crickets.
Grassy meadows with scattered shrubs are mainly found on the lowest southern and eastern slopes of Saba. This small patch of meadows to the northeast of the old sulphur mine differs from the other meadows of this species-composition. The grass Botriochloa pertusa is the most abundant. Shrubs such as Marron and Baye withe are found scattered in this zone. Steep cliffs surround the island of Saba and are mostly baren slope: partly rubble and partly rocky. The steep terrain, sheer bluffs dropping almost straight down to the ocean’s edge prevents the formation of
mangrove swamps or the establishment of much shore zone vegetation.
Birds Saba is home to about sixty species of birdies, many of which are sea birds. Bridled terns, Sooty terns, and Brown noddies breed every year in late spring on Green Island, a small Cay just off the north coast. Red-billed and White-tailed tropic birds nest in the holes and crevices of the high cliffs while Frigate birds and Brown boobies soar near the coast. Saba’s diverse vegetative zones provide habitat for a wide variety of land birds.
Five species of doves and pigeonslive on the island and several others have been known to visit. The small Common ground dove can be found at the dry lower elevations whereas the secretative Bridled quail dove frequents the higher wet forest. Red-tailed hawks can be seen on the lowerslopes while Thrashers, Hummingbirds, and Banana quits can be found at higher elevations. The (24) Pearly-eyed thrasher is one of the most common birds seen both in the villages and in the forests.
Sabas’s plant life is a mixture of species brought in by the early colonists and native species. Introduced species include Mango, Avocado, (15) Sour lemon and other fruit trees that now grow wild. Saba’s national flower, (16) the Black-Eyed Susan, is a native of South Africa probably brought in by Dutch colonists and is commonly found along the trails. The wide variety of flowering plants range from prolific (17) Oleander and (18)
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A. The Ladder Hiking time: 40 minutes one-way Difficulty: Moderate The stairway begins near The Bottom, a short distance past the hospital. From the lookout at The Gap, continue downa teep road through a residentialarea. The Ladder begins where the steps veer off to the left. The Ladder was used until the 1970s to bring up cargo from Ladder Bay to The Bottom. Highlights: Views of coastal bluffs, old Custom’s House, and ocean vistas. B. Crispeen Track Hiking time: 30 minutes to Crispeen, one hour to Rendezvous from The Bottom. Difficulty: Moderate The Crispeen Track begins a short distance past the dormitory in The Bottom and is well marked. Follow the signs to either Bud’s Mountain Trail or the Bottom Hill Trail. The trail to rendezvous begins above the last house on the left. The trail continues into pasture land and on to the junction with the Mt. Scenery Trail. Access to Crispeen Track from Mt. Scenery/Windwardside is via Rendezvous trail. Highlights: Views of The Bottom and secondary rain forest. C. Maskehorne Hill Trail Hiking time: 10 minutes one-way Difficulty: Moderate Look for the trailhead signboard on your left as you head up to Mt. Scenery from Windwardside. The route passes through landscape with lush vegetation thick with Elephant ears and climbs past tall boulders. Highlights: Views of Windwarside.
D. Mt. Scenery Stairway Hiking time: 1 1/2 hours one-way Difficulty: Difficult The stairway to the top of Mt. Scenery begins just west of the trail Shop in Windwarside. Appropriate footwear is necessary as the steps are often slippery. Highlights: Secondary rain forest, fascinating changes in vegetation along the way, abundant bird life and spectacular views of neighbouring islands. E. Sandy Cruz Trail Hiking time: 2 hours one-way Difficulty: Moderate The trail extends from Upper Hells Gate to Troy Hill. Highlights: Secondary rain forest, abundant bird life and spectacular views. F. Sulphur Mine Track Hiking time: 40 minutes one-way Difficulty; Moderate From the Winwardside, as you pass
the church at Hell’s Gate, make a sharp left at the second road to your left (which leads to The Gate House Hotel). The trail begins at the end of the road. An unpaved path goes past a wooden house to your left and connects with the original path, which leads across the hillside forwards another house before turning steeply downhill. At the trail junction, follow the sign and continue down to your right. Once you reach grassy area overlooking the sea, a short scramble down the sulphur deposit will lead you to the mine entrance. Exploring the mine is possible, but flashlights are essential. Temperatures and humidity inside the mine are high. Enter at your own risk. Highlights: Views of Green Island, the Pirate Cliffs above the airport, and the steeply eroded North Coast. Se bird watching is exceptionnally rewarding in this area.
G. Flat Point Hiking time: 15 minutes one-way Difficulty: Moderate A road just before the airport building goes down to Cove Bay and Flat Point. At the bottom of the road, walk out to the bluff overlooking the ocean. There is no trail as such. Highlights: Tide-pools and views of the remains of the sugarcane boiling house. H. Spring Bay Trail Hiking time: 2-3 hours one-way Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous From English Quarter, walk down the road to the right of the Agricultural Station. At the end of this oad, the trail stars on your left. Continue down the path to Old Booby Hill and further down to Spring Bay. Take enough water and use sun block. Highlights: Spectacular views of the ocean, the airport, and the island.
I. North Coast Trail Hiking time: 4 hours one-way Difficulty: Extreme - must be accompanied by a guide Access the North Coast Trail from the main trailhead in Lower Hell’s Gate. This trail continues beyond the boundaries of the Saba National Park to mary’s Point and Wells Bay. Only guided hikes are allowed beyond the All Too Far junction. Highlights: Spectacular views of the ocean, ruins of Mary’s Point. J. All Too Far Trail Hiking time: 1 1/2 hours Difficulty: Moderate From the Windwardside: begin at Mt Scenery trail, follow Crispeen Track to Rendezvous. At junction take right turn and follow path to Troy Hill. May also begin trail at Queens Garden Hotel. Highlights: Secondary rainforest and views of The Bottom.
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L. Bud’s Mountain Trail Hiking time: 1/2 hours Difficulty: Moderate From Windwardside: begin Mt Scenery trail and follow the trail to Crispeen Track. Take right at Rendezvous junction and then next right a little further on. Highlights: Views of Windwardside, St. Johns and secondary rainforest. For your safety : Hiking and other strenuous activities in extreme heat can be hazardous. Pace yourself and rest often! Carry plenty of drinking water with you. The heat of the tropical sun force you to increase considerably your normal fluid intake! Protect yourself against sunburn or sunstroke by wearing a broadbrimmed hat and high-strength sun-block lotion! Sturdy walking, running or tennis shoes are sufficient for the trails. However, hiking boots will provide an additional level of comfort and security on the more strenuous trails! As you gain elevation and enter the rainforest, the temperature may drop markedly. You may want to bring alonga light jacket or anorak! Trails can frequently be slippery, especially in the rainforest. A hiking stick can provide an extra level of confidence and can be rented or purchased at the Trail Shop!
A. The Ladder Durée : 40 minutes (aller) Difficulté : Modéréee L'escalier commence dans le Bottom, un peu après l'hôpital. Depuis la table d’orientation à The Gap longer la route au travers du quartier résidentiel. The Ladder commence quand les marches virent à gauche. The Ladder a été utilisée jusqu’en 1970 pour remonter les marchandises de cargo de Ladder Bay au Bottom. B. Crispeen Track Durée : 30 minutes jusqu’à
Crispeen, 1 heure jusqu’à Rendezvous depuis The Bottom. Difficulté : Modérée Le sentier de Crispeen commence peu après le dortoir au Bottom et est très bien indiqué. Suivez les panneaux d’indications pour le sentier Bud’s Mountain ou pour le sentier “Bottom Hill”. Le sentier pour Rendezvous commence au dessus de la dernière maison sur la gauche. Le chemin continue ensuite au travers de pâturages et croise la jonction pour le Mt Scenery. A découvrir : Vues sur le Bottom et forêt tropicale. C. Maskehorne Hill Trail Durée : 10 minutes (aller) Difficulté : Modérée Cherchez le panneau trailhead sur votre gauche au pied du Mt Scenery à Windwardside. Vous découvrirez une végétation luxuriante. A découvrir : les Vues de Windwarside. D. Mt. Scenery Durée : 1 1/2 heure (aller) Difficulté : Difficile L'escalier allant au sommet du Mt. Scenery commence juste à l'ouest du Magasin Trail shop à Windwarside. Des chaussures appropriées sont nécessaires car les marches peuvent être glissantes. A découvrir : forêt tropicale humide, changements fascinants de végétation le long de la voie, vie d'oiseaux abondante et vues spectaculaires sur les îles voisines. E. Sandy Cruz Durée : 2 heures 1/2 (aller) Difficulté : Modéréee Le sentier part de Upper Hells Gate et se termine à Troy Hill. A découvrir : forêt tropicale, vie d’oiseaux abondante et vues spectaculaires. F. Mine de souffre Durée : 40 minutes (aller) Difficulté : Modéréee Du Winwardside, quand vous passez l'église de Hells Gate, prenez la 2ème route à gauche (qui mène à l'Hôtel Gate House). Le sentier commence à la fin de la route. Un chemin non pavé passe devant une maison en bois sur
votre gauche et se connecte avec un autre chemin qui traverse la colline. A la jonction du sentier, suivez le panneau et continuez en bas sur votre droite. Une fois que vous atteignez une zone herbeuse donnant sur la mer, prenez la descente qui vous mène la mine de souffre. La mine peut être explorée, mais les lampes torches sont de rigueur. Attention, la température à l’intérieur sont très haute.Entrez à votre risque propre. A découvrir : vues de Green Island, des Pirate Cliffs au dessus de l’aéroport et de la côte nord. G. Flat Point Durée : 15 minutes (aller) Difficulté : Modéréee Une route juste avant l'aéroport descendez à Cove Bay et Flat Point. Au bout de la route, allez vers la falaise surplombant la mer. Il n’y a pas de réel sentier. A découvrir : piscine naturelle et les restes d’une plantation de canne à sucre. H. Spring Bay Trail Durée : 2 heures 1/2 (aller) Difficulté : Modérée Depuis le English Quarter, descendez la route à droite de la Station Agricole. À la fin de cet route, le sentier sera sur votre gauche. Continuez jusqu'en bas du chemin jusqu'à Booby Hill et plus loin jusqu'à Spring Bay. Prenez assez d'eau et utilisez une lotion solaire. A découvrir : les vues spectaculaires de l'océan, l'aéroport et l'île.
I. North Coast Trail Durée : 4 heures (aller) Difficulté : Extreme. Guide indispensable. Accéder le sentier de la côte nord depuis le sentier principal de Hell's Gate. Ce sentier continues au-delà des frontières du Parc national Saba de Mary's point et Wells Bay. Adécouvrir : les vues spectaculaires de l'océan, les ruines du Mary's Point. J. All Too Far Trail Durée : 1heure 30 min. Difficulté : Modérée De Windwardside, commencez au sentier du Mt Scenery, suivez la Piste de Crispeen à Rendezvous. À la jonction prenez à droite et suivez le chemin pour Troy Hill. Vous pouvez également commencer à l'hôtel Queens Garden. A découvrir : forêt tropicale humide et vues du Bottom. L. Bud’s Mountain Durée : 30 min. Difficulté : Modérée De Windwarside, commencez au sentier du Mt Scenery,. Prenez à droite à la jonction de Rendezvous et ensuite encore à droite un peu plus loin. A découvrir : les vues de Windwardside, St. Johns et forêt tropicale. Pour votre sécurité : Les randonnées et autres activités difficiles à des températures élevées peuvent être hasardeuses. Reposez-vous souvent et emmenez beaucoup d’eau avec vous.
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Datura/Datura
Lobster claw/Heliconia
Waterlily/Nenuphare
Alamanda/Alamanda
Black Eyed Susan/”Susane aux yeux noirs”
Orchid/Orchidée
Frangipani/Frangipanier
Pink hibiscus/Hibiscus rose Honey plant/Herbe à miel
Anthurium/Anthurium Red hibiscus/Hibiscus rouge Coral vine/Liane corail
Cannaceae/Canna
Wild plaintain/Balisier des Caraïbes
Bougainvillea/Bougainvillier
African tulip tree/Tulipier WaterYacinth/Jacynthe d’eau
Croton/Croton
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Grenade/Grenade
Passion fruit/Fruit de la passion
Coconut tree/Cocotier
Indian fig Opuntia Figue de Barbarie
Papaya/Papaye
Corossol/Corossol
Tamarin tree/Tamarin
Banana/Banane
Cape gooseberry/Cage d’amour
Custard apple/Pomme cannelle Local Aprikot/Abricot pays
Pineapple/Ananas bouteille
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Carambola/Carambole
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Fish Poissons Rock beauty/Suédois
French Angelfish Portugais noir
Nurse Shark/Requin nourrice
Longjaw squirrelfish Rouge blanc
Pudding wife/Paroquette
Spotted trunkfish Coffre Zinga
Squirrelfish/Rouge brule
Whitespotted filefish Bourse jaune
Smooth trunkfish Coffre rond
Bermuda Chub Sarde à petite gueule
Spotted Goatfish Barbarin Rouge
Male interminal phase Mâle en phase terminale
Graysby/Grive
Chain moray/Murene à gueule pavée
Yellowfin grouper
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Redband parrotfish Cacabelli blanc
Rockhind/Grand Gueule noir
Blackbar soldierfish Rouge Mombin
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Photos: Saba Deep
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Photo: D.R.
Diving The most unique structure not to be missed is the Eye-of-the-Needle, a pinaccle that rises up to 17m (90ft) just off in the deep blue waters from Third encounter. From Torrens Point to Diamond Rock The large spires at Wells Bay and Torrens Point form a protected cove an ideal location for snorkelling or shallow diving. Underwater caves and tunnel are interesting structures to explore and the diver can encounter many aquatic life forms. Schools of Blue tangs, Goatfish, and Parrot fish are characteristic in this area. Man’O War Shoals and Diamond Rock appear to be submerged and semi-submerged extensions of Torrens Point headland. They do not exceed depths of 25 (80ft), allowing for more bottom time to explore the rich waters and enjoy the magnificent fish life that abounds. Schools of Black-durgons and Barracudas swarm around the mooring lines while Black-tip sharks merge into the blue. Sting rays hover over the grey sandy bottom. Walls and rocks are covered with colourful sponges, smaller corals and Sea fans. Caution is advised while diving around Diamond Rock because of strong currents. While this site may present challenging diving conditions, it also attracts abundant fish life. The Ladder Bay area The original steps that Sabans used to access the island is known as The Ladder. Prior o the building of the Fort Bay Harbour, goods were brought by boat to the rocky shore of the leeward coast. Sabans carried the cargo by foot up the nearly vertical stairway to the village. Diving in this area unveils Saba’s volcanic origins. A natural labyrinth of groove formations and protrusions developed as a result of lava flow. If you bury your hand in the sand where it is yellow/brown colour, the temperature differences of the sea floor become quite evident. Large boulders and grey sand dominate the area and the most common species of coral are Star coral, Brain coral and Gorgonian. Curious Barracudas may approach divers very closely. Tent Reef Area Just west of the ort Bay harbour is another unusual geological structure known as Tent Reef. It is an extended rock ledge that starts at only 4 m (13ft) deep but becomes progressively deeper as you head northwest. The edge is deeply undercut at some points, providing shelter to large snappers. It turns into a sheer wall that gradually becomes garmented
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and appears as a series of steep coral outcroppings separated by deep sand channels. Tubular sponges, Elephant ear sponge and Black coral dominate the steep wall. Tent Reef is also a favourite site for night dives with frequent octopus, sleeping turtles Spiny sightings. East side diving Diving on this ide of the island depends on suitable weather. However, visibility tends to be exceptional when the weather is calm. Most of Saba’s diving offers views of coral encrusted boulders of volcanic origin, but only Greer Gut and Giles Quarter are true coral reefs (i.e. made out of limestone). Diverse species of reef fish and other marine life along with the white sand covering the sea floor provide a very different diving experience compared to Saba’s other sites. Exposure to the Atlantic side yields the development of hard coral structures more often than soft coral. Close to shore, well-developed Elkhorn coral formations occur although the risk exists of periodic destruction by wave action and storms. The coral branches are fragile, but they ten to recover quickly due to high growth rates. In 1990, the Saba National Marine Park became the only marine park in the world to manage its own hyperbaric facility. It was donated to the island by the Royal Dutch Navy and is the official hyperbaric facility in the region to treat diving related injuries. The four person chamber features a double lock system and full monitoring and is located at Fort Bay. A hyperbaric team consists of a supervisor, driver, administrator and series of tenders, under the direction of a hyperbaric physician. Saba Hyperbaric teams are on a 24 hour call schedule to handle diving emergencies. Any revenue generated from the treatment is put into a separate fund dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of the facility. The island’s commercial diving business, which started in the early 1980’s introduced scuba enthusiasts to the wealth of Saba’s underwater world. The establishment of the Saba National Marine Park several years later assured the health of the undersea environment and thus the sustainability of dive tourism economy. Saba plunges below the sea as steeply as it rises above it. From shallow patch reefs to deep underwater seamounts, Saba offers dive sites suitable for every diver’s level of experience. Past volcanic activity has created spectacular formations and structures. Underwater lava flows and hot springs are the most obvious evidence of Sabas volcanic origins.
Saba offers year-round diving with seasonal differences in water temperature and surface conditions. The approximate water temperature varies between 26°C and 28°C (77°F84°F). Visibility ranges from a minimum of 20m (60ft) but can be virtually unlimited. Poor weather conditions and heavily rainfall may influence visibility, but it typically improves again very quickly in Saba. Due to the steep coastal zone, shore diving is virtually impossible. Therefore, all diving is done safely from a boat with one of Saba’s licensed dive centres. Their expertise contributes to a safe convenient, and informative diving experience. Fortunately, Saba’s dramatic coastline naturally limits coastal development. Pressure on marine resources has always been modest even as the island population has increased without runoff or sewer problems. The quality of the marine environment, strong coral communities, and rich and varied fish life continue to lure diver to Saba’s unspoiled waters. Tiger grouper The grouper is an excellent indicator species for fishing impact; the larger
they are, the less pressure from fishing exists. In Saba, groupers are often found in the deep waters and tiger grouper are the most common species sighted. Grey reef shark Sharks have been feared and exploited for centuries, but as leader of the food chain it is important that we understand their role in marine ecosystems. Shark encounters occur frequently in Saba, especially around The Pinnacles. Nurse sharks and Black Tip sharks are the most common species, but Grey Reef sharks, Bull shark and Hammerhead sharks can also be seen. Hawksbill turtle Sea populations are declining throughout the Caribbean. Domestic and international laws have been established to protect these endangered species. In Saba, Hawksbill and Green turtles are the most common. The turtles find good feeding grounds around the island. Ths SMP minimizes impact on sea grass beds, the Green turtles’ favourite food, by requesting yachts to utilize moorings or anchor in deeper waters only. Long snout seahorse Seahorse sightings are considered to be an incredible find among divers. The presence of this unique sea creature is not only a great tourist attraction, but it also signals the health of the ecosystem, coral reef, and supporting seabed. The two species found in Saba are the Long snout seahorse and Lined seahorse.
Photos: D.R.
The reefs are populated with schools of tropical fish and healthy coral. Sheer close-to-shore walls are covered with sponges of all sizes, and the heavily encrusted deepwater seamounts attract pelagic creatures that are not normally seen by divers. Unusual and exciting sightings are always possible in Saba’s waters including frequent shark encounters.
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Photos: D.R.
A ne pas manquer, le pinacle "Eye-of-the-Needle" qui monte jusqu'à 17m (90ft).
La plongée dans ce secteur dévoile les origines volcaniques de Saba. Attention aux courants assez fort.
De Torrens Point à Diamond Rock Wells Bay et Torrens Point forment une crique protégée, un emplacement idéal pour la plongée avec masque et tuba ou la plongée peu profonde. Des cavernes sous-marines et le tunnel sont des structures intéressantes. Man’O War Shoals et Diamond Rock n'excèdent pas 25 m (80ft) de profondeur. Les murs et des roches sont couverts d'éponges colorées et de coraux.
Ladder Bay Cette zone révèle les origines volcaniques de Saba. Un labyrinthe naturel formé par les coulées de lave. Si vous passer votre main sous le sable, vous ressentirez une différence très nette de température. Grands rochers et sable gris dominent ce secteur et l'espèce la plus commune de corail est le Star coral, le Brain coral et le Gorgonian. Les barracudas y sont très présents et s'approchent souvent des plongeurs.
Tent Reef est le site privilégié pour les plongées de nuit pendant lesquelles on remarque souvent la présence de poulpes et de tortues.
La plongée côté Est La plongée de ce côté de l'île dépend du temps. La visibilité est exceptionnelle par temps calme. La faune y est très diversifiée et rend ce site très différent. Près du rivage, le corail Elkorn est très développé, mais est dépendant de l'action des vagues et d’éventuelles tempêtes. En 1990, le Saba National Marine Park est devenu le seul parc marin dans le monde doté d'un équipement hyperbare suite à une donation du Royal Navyland (NL) afin de traiter les blessures dues à une plongée. L'équipe hyperbare est active 24 heures sur 24 en cas d'urgence.
Photos: D.R.
Tent Reef A l'Ouest de Fort Bay se trouve une structure géologique connue sous le nom de Tent Reef, qui commence à 4m de profondeur, mais qui devient de plus en plus profonde et découvrant des cavités où se logent divers poissons. Au cours de cette plongée, vous découvrirez toute une gamme de coraux, des éponges tubulaires, des éponges "Oreille d'Éléphant".
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Photos: Scout Divers
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