North Eastern Caribbean
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- Seldom dived area
- Up to 5 dives a day
- Dive Saba reserve
- Great snorkeling
- Unusual Caribbean species
The North Eastern Caribbean itinerary commences at either St Kitts or St Maartens and as you journey between these two end points the nature reserve of Saba stands out. This wildlife haven is just as impressive underwater. The Eye of the Needle is a is a single tower that rises up perfectly straight from the deep. The walls dive are breathtaking, dropping off into spine tingling blue. Needlefish in their thousands swirl round and reef sharks patrol. Diamond Rock juts above the sealevel but beneath the waves you will find eagle rays and turtles alongside rich macro life (blennies in particular) hiding amid the enormous sponges. As coral fingers creep across the sea bed you can look for nurse sharks and gargantuan groupers resting. Everywhere you look profusion's of jacks, snapper and goat fish chase across the reef. The angel fish pose politely for photos as drums dart about. Dive over wreckage form unidentified ships - were these the feared pirate ships of the past? Then there are the caves and swim throughs where the reef plates have cracked. Wend your way through as you take in an endlessly changing landscape before your eyes.
This itinerary will suit divers looking for that hidden paradise in the Caribbean. The diving is varied and does suit all experience levels although there are a few drift dives during the trip so some experience in this is helpful. There is a chance to go ashore and explore an island during the week and the snorkelling is excellent so non divers are welcome on board and will enjoy the cruising as the boat moves from one idyllic scene to the next. The photo and video opportunities are plentiful and well suited for wide angle or macro lovers. The islands and dive sites you visit over the course of your North Eastern Caribbean itinerary each have their own individual flavour and are quite unlike anything else you will find in the wider Caribbean. This is a slice of paradise that is just waiting to be discovered.
Quick Facts
- Average Water Temp: 22 - 30 C
- Average Air Temp: 22 - 32 C
- Average Visability: 20m
- Good for: Sharks, rare species, drop offs
- Suitable for beginners: Yes
Highlights
- Few divers explore this area so enjoy isolation as you hop from one glamorous island to the next taking in the unique identity of the dive sites, not least the awe inspiring Saba reserve.
Testimonials
- "The crew as exceptional!! From breakfast in the morning all the way to turning in at night there was always somebody asking what they could do to make our trip more enjoyable..."Julie Smith
This is a typical example of the North Eastern Caribbean itinerary. The schedule is subject to change according to prevailing weather conditions and is only given as a example of what you would usually encounter during your holiday.
Day 1
Depending on your flight arrangements, you may need to catch a local flight to arrive in St Kitts. You will then be met and transferred to your liveaboard in the afternoon where you can then settle into your cabin. Dinner is on board before the Captain's briefing. The first night on board is spent in the harbour.
Day 2
Start your morning and check dive at Monkey Shoals. This is a reef dive well worth repeating once you have found your feet on the check dive so will normally be repeated for the second dive! There is a black sea horse that hides on the reef so eagle eyes are needed. Spanish hogs, creole wrasses and arrow crabs are some of the highlights. Jacks, parrot fish and snapper are some of the larger inhabitants. The White hole and Hurricane reef are ideal dives in the afternoon before the night dive completes a wonderful first day in the water.
Day 3
Staying around St Kitts, splash in for a couple of dives at Paradise Reef. Here you will find a lot of the usual faces of the Caribbean (the beautiful French and Gray angel fish are so photogenic), but there can also be a school of barracuda. In the afternoon Anchors Aweigh is another photogenic site where a coral encrusted anchor dates back to possibly the 17th century! The mystery of the wreckage is still unsolved... perhaps it was a pirate! The night dive is planned after dinner and is a chance to see rays darting across the sand. There will be an opportunity to go ashore too.
Day 4
Moving round to St Eustatius, Barracuda Reef awaits. This is a lavish reef with impressive colours and masses of lobster. Ledges too boasts plenty of crustaceans and eels too find hiding away from prying eyes. Double Wreck is an interesting site - there is not so much wreck to dive but the ballast and anchors are still visible and home to goat fish, snappers and puffer fish. There is a forth day dive and night dive planned around the area before the action at Saba the next day begins.
Day 5
Saba is the favourite for many divers on this itinerary and 2 fulls days are spent here. Eye of the Needle is one of the area's best dive sites. Formed by volcanic activity, everywhere you look there is marine life in spades and opulent corals and sponges. Third Encounter is a dramatic coral plateau with plunging walls around. Reef sharks can be seen here. Diamond Rock can be tricky with changing currents but is prolific with jacks, reef sharks and flying gurnards. Hole in the Corner is a good afternoon dive with white spotted filefish, coneys, graysbys and red hinds, that will flash you as you approach. Ladder Labyrinth is another must see site was shrimp of every kind. The night dive takes places here - watch nurse sharks feed.
Day 6
Staying in Saba for the day you dive at Tent wall first thing. This is another plunging wall so pick your depth and enjoy. Green turtles, morays and grunts are the star attractions here. Customs House has long been the shore point for arriving boat traffic so there is all manner of curious artifacts that were dropped to discover. The mutton snapper are especially large here. Head into the Twilight Zone where a string of pinnacles hide trumpet fish, groups and an occasional reef shark. Hot Springs is the shallowest sites - warm water bubbles through the sea bed and you can find schools of tangs floating in the currents. There is also a night dive to complete the day.
Day 7
As the boat heads for St Maarten, you can dive again in Saba - repeat sites your particularly loved or try somewhere new! There are 2 dives planned before the boat heads into harbour. During the crossing watch out for passing dolphin. You will have the afternoon at leisure and dinner is ashore. The last night is spent on board.
Day 8
Wake up to breakfast before departing the boat around 9:00. You will then be transferred to the airport for any connecting flights you may require and return journey home.
If you would like to add an extension, combine this with another product or tweak the itinerary give us a call so we can discuss your dream diving holiday.
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