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Visitor Information Saba National Marine Park PO Box 18, The Bottom Anchorage Saba Saba, Netherlands Antilles www.sabapark.org The Saba National Marine Park (SMP) was established in 1987 with the objective to preserve and manage Saba's marine resources. The SMP was not founded to repair a damaged environment but rather to ensure the continued quality of an extraordinary resource for the benefit and enjoyment of everyone in perpetuity. The SMP surrounds the entire island and extends from the high-water mark down to a depth of 60 metres (200 feet), including the seabed and overlying waters. The SMP is administered by the Saba Conservation Foundation, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to contribute to the development and preservation of Saba's natural and cultural heritage. The SMP raises revenue through visitor fees, souvenir sales and donations, and is one of the few self-sustaining marine parks in the world. Christopher Columbus sighted Saba during his the island became known as the 'Island of second voyage to the west on 13 November Women' during this period. In the early days of 1493. The island fell under Spanish rule for navigation, boats were built on Saba at Tent Bay almost 150 years, although according to Spanish and Wells Bay. Some weighed as much as 60 records, there is no indication that colonization 'We landed thereafter on the gross tons. Saba also had a navigation school, was ever attempted. It is assumed that during the island of Saba; there is a very founded by Capt. Frederick Simmons that started years of Spanish rule, ships passing Saba may large rock, where very large in 1909 and lasted until 1922. Schooners were have landed from time to time to explore the later purchased in the United States and sailed island. In 1632, a group of Englishmen who and palatable lizards are; back to Saba to pursue the Caribbean trade. shipwrecked on Saba claimed that they found the several sea-turtles come to Later, Saban vessels carried many Caribbean island uninhabited. A Frenchman claimed the shore there. A group of 'wild island workers to employment at the oil refineries island for the King of France in 1635 and around people' live there, that are in Curaçao and Aruba. This trade proved to be the year 1640, Holland sent some Dutch from the very profitable, and owners of these vessels Bringing cargo ashore was not always easy as can be seen in After the cargo was brought to shore it still had to be carried up neighbouring island of St. Eustatius to take up Skooner 'The Mayflower' anchored at the Fort Bay, 1928. named Igniris and who live in became very wealthy. Saba has seen many this picture from 1964 the steep hills to The Bottom. residence on Saba. The island changed caves' changes since it was first settled by the nationality several times until Holland finally took most favourable depository for these outcasts, make a living from the sea. They engaged in Europeans in the 17th Century. Saba remained Park in 1987 enhanced the island's diving possession of Saba in 1816. and most were deported to Jamaica. Later, legitimate trade that put them in contact with quite isolated until the development of business, which has become a major source of African slaves proved to be more abundant and From: Histoire et Voyages des Indes other islands. This resulted not only in trading reasonable harbour facilities and 'The Road' was tourism income contributing to an improved It is believed that many Sabans of European productive and gradually replaced the outcasts. Occidentales et de plusieurs autres relations, but also in marriages. Wives and built. In recent years, it has developed very island economy. Conservation efforts have ancestry are descendants of Jamaican pirates, Consequently, many European indentured regions. husbands were constantly sought from overseas. quickly both socially and economically. The successfully protected Saba's virtually unspoiled who had captured the island in 1665. During the servants turned to piracy for survival. For many As St. Eustatius grew into an important completion of the island's 400 metre (437 yard)- resources, resulting in a perfect destination for Reformation, England underwent both religious years, Saba served as a refuge for the spoils of by: Cuillaume Coppier, 1645 commercial centre, Saban men found landing strip in 1963 launched a regular air Caribbean travelers looking for unique land and and economic transformation and transported the pirates driven there from other islands by the employment as sailors and captains on both service to St. Maarten. sea adventures. the unemployed and ‘undesirables’ to settle the colonists. The legacy of the pirates served locally owned and foreign schooners. In the early colonies. The West Indies was considered the Sabans well in later years as they continued to 1900s, Saban men spent long periods at sea and The establishment of the Saba National Marine Value of the Coral Reefs Activities Coral reefs are very important for humankind collapse ecologically within this century. from an economic, scientific, and recreational Increased awareness of the importance of point of view. They act as a valuable food source conservation activities will become an urgent for millions of people, a protector of land, a priority to ensure the safety of such an dwelling place for thousands of marine organisms extraordinary marine resource. and a naturalist's paradise. While visiting the Saba National Marine Park, you They may appear sturdy, but coral reefs are in fact can help prevent anchor damage to coral by very fragile. Human activities constitute the making use of the available mooring system. greatest threat and have resulted in the decline of coral reefs. Fast population growth, dense coastal Scuba diving Snorkeling Hiking Villages settlements, and destructive fishing techniques Saba is endowed with beautiful scenery on both Serene coral reefs and varied fish life forms. You can choose to explore the small A leisurely walk through the village of threaten coral reefs and their associated land and sea. While visiting the island, there are characterize Saba's underwater world. The caves or swim through the tunnel that leads Windwardside of Saba features narrow paths resources. Coastal and marine pollution also a number of activities to enjoy that will allow Pinnacles are considered one of the most you to the northern side of Torrens Point. bordered by flower-draped walls and neat threaten the well-being of coral reefs and cause you to experience the natural and cultural intriguing features of Saba's marine picket fences. The architecture is a vivid chronic stress to the marine eco-system. heritage of this paradise. From world-class environment. They rise from the ocean floor to On shore, Saba offers a variety of hiking and expression of Saba's cultural heritage. Well- scuba diving and snorkeling to a very wide depths of 30m (100ft). Nourished by deep walking excursions. The numerous nature trails kept cottages with their red shingled roofs, In recent years, coral reefs have suffered a variety of walking and hiking opportunities, ocean currents, the pinnacles are heavily will bring you in close contact with the natural white sidings, green shutters and gingerbread Saba offers a unique environment that leaves encrusted with corals, sponges, and other and historical features of the island. Saba's trimmings exemplify the traditional building dramatic decline around the world. About 20% guests deeply impressed by her splendid invertebrates and attract teeming fish life. best known hiking adventure is Mt. Scenery. style. The peaceful surroundings and friendly may already have been degraded beyond beauty. This well-marked trail meanders through atmosphere will leave you with long-lasting recovery. Unless an effective management system One of the favourite snorkeling sites is Torrens secondary rain forest to the almost-pristine memories. is implemented, it has been predicted that more From shallow patch reefs to deep water Point. Its protected nature and shallow water Elfin Forest at its peak. than two-thirds of the world's coral reefs may seamounts, Saba offers interesting diving at provide an excellent spot to encounter colourful each depth for every diver's experience level. tropical fish, turtles and many other aquatic life Anchorage Saba Ladder to Wells Bay Anchorage Zone Safety Regulations Yacht Mooring located within the Ladder While visiting the Saba to Well's Bay anchorage area specifically Ladder Bay to Wells Bay for use by visiting boats up to 20m (60ft) National Marine Park, please 1 long or max. 50 tons. Diamond Rock conform to the following The anchorage area from Ladder Bay to Wells 25m Diamond Rock regulations for your personal Bay has very beautiful views and is adjacent to 80ft Mooring specifically for licened diving 25m safety as well as the safety of high cliffs embedded with huge rock. vessels up to 16m (50ft) long. 80ft our valuable marine Aside from the attractive surroundings, Ladder resources. Mooring specifically for licened diving Bay to Wells Bay offers the best anchorage area Man O'War Shoal vessels up to 32m (110ft) long. under normal conditions, with eight yellow 5m ! All SCUBA diving must be moorings available. For yachts larger than 20m 15ft done with one of Saba's (60ft) or heavier than 50 tons, anchorage at licensed dive centres. seaside of the yellow moorings is Cave of recommended. This area provides excellent 30m Rum Bay ! Spear fishing, turtle holding in clear sand and offers plenty of (100 ft) catching, or conch collecting swinging room. 40m 20m is not allowed. (130 ft) 2 When anchoring in this area, be sure to stay (60 ft) 50m clear of the reef and boulder areas close to the ! Water skiing, jet-skis or (165 ft) fishing is not permitted in the OK shore.