Saba Marine Park
Saba · Caribbean
Saba is a 13-square kilometer volcanic island in the Dutch Caribbean — the diving is on submerged pinnacles around the island, with the Saba Marine Park strictly protected since 1987. Healthy coral, sharks, and a true frontier feel above water.
How this reef is doing
ⓘ How we measure thisReef state
Saba Marine Park manages diver impact tightly. Reefs are in better shape than most of the Caribbean.
Coral cover
Fish life
Heat
Warmer than usual right now, but not hot enough to bleach.
Fishing
Quiet water, and the protection is actively patrolled.
Sources · AGRRA and GCRMN reef surveys · NOAA Coral Reef Watch · Global Fishing Watch and reef gravity
Coral cover over time
Live coral cover, by survey year
Across surveys in 2014 and 2024, live coral cover here has fallen from 31% to 26%. Every point is a real survey reading, never a projection.
Live coral cover, percent by year
| Year | Coral cover |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 31% |
| 2024 | 26% |
What you will see
17 species across the dive sites here
Red-Bellied Racer
Seen 26 days ago
at Tent Reef
Vulnerable
Saban Anole
Seen 26 days ago
at Tent Reef
Near threatened
Caribbean reef shark
Seen 2 months ago
at Diamond Rock
Endangered
Hawksbill turtle
Seen 2 months ago
at Tent Reef
Critically endangered
Schooling horse eye jack
Seen 2 months ago
at Diamond Rock
Horse-eye jack
Seen 4 months ago
at Third Encounter
Least concern
Schooling horse-eye jack
Seen 4 months ago
at Diamond Rock
Least concern
Caribbean Land Hermit Crab
Seen 5 months ago
at Tent Reef
Red-Billed Tropicbird
Seen 6 months ago
at Tent Reef
Least concern
Coney
Seen 6 months ago
at Tent Reef
Least concern
Spotted eagle ray
Seen 6 months ago
at Diamond Rock
Endangered
Barracuda
Seen 6 months ago
at Diamond Rock
Least concern
Nurse shark
Seen 6 months ago
at Tent Reef
Vulnerable
Yellowtail snapper
Seen 9 months ago
at Third Encounter
Nassau grouper
Seen 12 months ago
at Third Encounter
Critically endangered
Queen triggerfish
Seen year round
at Tent Reef
Near threatened
Manta ray
Seasonal visitor
at Third Encounter
Endangered
Dive sites
What divers say
Saba has the Caribbean's best protected reefs and basically no people. The math works.
Good to know
Park fee
$3/dive marine park fee.