The Unspoiled Queen, for great hiking and spectacular scuba diving. A green forested tip of a dormant volcano with quaint white houses adorned with red roofs and green and white shutters. It’s much cooler up in the mountain than on St Maarten and there are no night clubs, casinos or major shops. People come here to dive, hike and relax by the pool (only 1 volcanic beach that comes and goes on an unscheduled cycle).
Diving Saba - a must for serious divers!
It is possible to make a day trip from St Maarten: By ferry you get to do 2 dives; by plane you get in an exciting 10 minute ride and a landing on the worlds shortest commercial runway, 3 dives and an island tour – well worth the visit!
As well as colourful and healthy reefs and reef fish, Saba’s waters hide dramatic walls and pinnacles which are actually the summits of underwater mountains, beginning at around 85 feet and extending into the abyss. The pinnacles draw thousands of seasoned divers from all over the world to Saba. These dive sites often have bigger fish and pelagics hanging around. When going for a deep dive, which is between 18m/ 60ft and 40m/ 130ft, it is preferable to be certified as an Advanced Open Water diver and to make the most of your bottom time Nitrox certification is highly recommended. The Saba dive shops require that you have made at least 1 dive within the last 6 months. Dive computers are mandatory on all dives. The Scuba Shop has a great selection of dive computers for sale. Rental computers are also available.
Snorkel Saba
While Saba has incredible deep dives it is a bit short on easily accessible snorkel sites; however when the weather is calm, Saba offers beautiful snorkeling at Torrens Point, where you can snorkel through a natural tunnel right through a finger of lava. Access is from the black volcanic Wells Bay beach, Saba's only beach. Another pretty site is to snorkel over the 15ft to 20ft shelf above Tent Reef. The easiest and safest way to snorkel this site is to go out by boat with one of the three dive centers on Saba. It is not suggested to make a day trip to Saba just for the snorkeling, but if you are there then why not?
How to get to Saba
Saba is just 1.5 hours by ferry (The Edge or Makena) or just 10 minutes by plane (everyday) from St Maarten and can be visited in a day.
Book Saba - Contact us for curated day and overnight trips to Saba.
Saba, the highest point of the Netherlands, with it's lush hiking in the cloud forest above and diving deep walls and pinnacles below, is a must visit for a quint, off the beaten track island. Day trip or weekend visit, a bucket list dive destination for advanced divers.
Anguilla is world-renowned for its powder-white beaches and relaxed charm, complemented by its excellent diving. The island is dotted with wrecks, many purposefully sunk to create artificial reefs that now attract vibrant coral growth and marine life. Sites like the Sarah and Kathlee H showcase Anguilla’s wreck diving heritage, while reefs around Sandy Island and Dog Island add variety for advanced divers. Snorkelers flock to Shoal Bay East Beach for its 40-minute reef trail or to the secluded Little Bay, where baby turtles and stingrays are common. A must-visit is Prickly Pear Cays, where pristine reefs meet the charm of small beachside restaurants.
St Barths, meanwhile, adds a touch of luxury to the underwater adventure. The island’s Reserves Naturelles protect diverse marine habitats, with standout dive sites such as La Baleine featuring giant barrel sponges. Snorkelers will find turtles grazing at Lorient Beach or Anse de Colombier, while Ile Fourche, an uninhabited island nearby, offers some of the most stunning and rarely visited underwater landscapes. Travel to these islands is simple—Anguilla is just a 20-minute ferry ride, and St Barths can be reached in under 90 minutes by ferry or just minutes by plane. Together, they provide a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and rich underwater life.
Statia, The Golden Rock, nicknamed after its golden trade era during the 17th and 18th century. This island has lots of its history preserved and offers great diving and hiking too. Best done as an overnight excursion.
Whether you dream of diving Saba’s pinnacles, searching for trading beads in Statia, exploring Anguilla’s wrecks, or snorkeling alongside turtles in St Barths, The Scuba Shop connects you to unforgettable island adventures just a short ride from St. Maarten. Each island offers something unique: dramatic volcanic landscapes, historic ruins, celebrity hideaways, or pristine white sand beaches. With quick and convenient ferry or flight connections, these destinations can be enjoyed as easy day trips or short overnight escapes. By partnering with local dive shops and guides, The Scuba Shop ensures that both divers and snorkelers can experience the best these islands have to offer, from deep technical dives to calm reef explorations. For reservations, equipment, and travel advice, The Scuba Shop is your trusted resource for creating island-hopping experiences that combine breathtaking underwater encounters with the charm of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands.
