If you’re looking for a franchised resort, casinos, shopping malls and direct flights from every major city, Saba is not for you. If you’re looking for a unique experience on an island where 50 tourists is a busy week, hiking and relaxing are considered things to do and there’s world class diving, read on! Although the little island of Saba is considered a remote, exotic destination it is by no means “third world.” Saba is old fashioned but not impoverished or considered a risk destination. The best way to describe this unique island with only 1,400 people is to list the “have nots.” Saba has no crime, no high rises, no traffic or traffic lights, no pesty insects, no crowds, no fast food restaurants, no casinos, no cruise ships. Although there is no ATM and perhaps your cell phone won’t work here, Saba has a fiber optic phone system, its own ISP, and even a “high speed” internet cafe. Oh, and we almost forgot, no beaches. Instead Saba’s guests enjoy a choice of small, family-run hotels and private cottages within quaint villages among friendly locals. Diving is conducted under the auspices of the Saba Marine Park, a model park recognized for its success in protecting the marine environment. A six-man hyperbaric facility is located at Fort Bay Harbor only 10-15 minutes from most dive sites. “Steep” is a word often used to describe Saba diving, with breathtaking pinnacles rising to within a hundred or more feet of the surface, surrounded by a seemingly bottomless ocean. There are a wide variety of marine creatures and plenty of opportunity for photography, video or underwater sightseeing. Topside Saba is protected by the Saba Conservation Foundation with only a small percentage of the island “developed” for residential and commercial needs. Ten to fifteen restaurants offer an array of cuisine from outdoor barbeques to fine dining, all at reasonable prices. Contact me at todd@scubava.com, or 703-263-0427. http://www.scubava.com/travel/start/081004_saba.html