Sea Saba Dive Center

What Sea Saba Dive Center does

Sea Saba Dive Center is a privately held scuba diving operator incorporated as Sea Saba, NV in the Caribbean Netherlands, headquartered at 66 Fort Bay Harbor in The Bottom, Saba. Founded in 1985 as Saba's first and only continuously operating dive center, the company offers a vertically integrated portfolio of guided boat dives, scuba certification courses, equipment rental, private charters, sunset cruises, and snorkel trips. It targets four primary customer segments — certified recreational divers, beginners pursuing certification, advanced and technical divers, and traveling companions — alongside a smaller group segment. Customers book directly through the seasaba.com website via the Checkfront reservation system, with personalized email and WhatsApp communication handling trip planning and custom inquiries. The 2021 acquisition by owners Chad and Katy Nuttall brought new operator-level investment while preserving the company's four-decade operational legacy.

The operational platform is built around two custom 38-foot power catamarans designed for Caribbean conditions, with shaded seating, camera tables, freshwater rinse buckets, marine heads, and large deep ladders. Technical infrastructure includes a membrane-based Nitrox system that produces consistent 32% enriched air — distributed free of charge to certified Nitrox divers — PRO-valve tanks compatible with both DIN and yoke regulators, and a high-pressure breathing air compressor maintained to IANTD standards. Maximum 8:1 diver-to-guide ratios are enforced, and a DAN-certified hyperbaric chamber is available on-island via the Saba Conservation Foundation. Certification pathways run through SDI (beginner through Divemaster) and TDI (technical diving) agencies.

Revenue is generated across six streams: per-dive excursion fees, certification tuition, private charter bookings, sunset cruises, equipment rentals, and snorkel trips. Pricing is transaction-based with progressive multi-day discounts applied to qualifying two-tank dive packages, a 25% deposit required to confirm bookings, and balance due 14 days before the trip start date. Distribution is direct-to-consumer through the website and in-person at Fort Bay, supplemented by referrals from partner hotels (Juliana's, Saba Arawak, El Momo, Cottage Club, Scenery) and inbound flow enabled by partnerships with Winair, Makana Ferry, West Indies Helicopters, and SXM Airways.

Name

Sea Saba Dive Center

Legal name

Sea Saba, NV

Website

https://seasaba.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sea Saba Dive Center operates guided scuba diving, certification courses, private charters, and equipment rental from Fort Bay Harbor in Saba. Founded in 1985, it serves certified recreational divers, beginners, technical divers, and accompanying travelers booking directly through its website.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scuba Diving Services

NAICS

Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (487210)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYTHAAAIAA

Dive Centers & Scuba Training (PADI/SSI, certifications)

Travel & Hospitality/Adventure, Amusement Parks & Ecotourism/Marine & Coastal Ecotourism (Diving, Snorkeling, Whale Watching)

SECONDARYTHAAALAC

Dive & Snorkel Guides / Dive Masters (Boat-Based & Shore-Based)

Travel & Hospitality/Adventure, Amusement Parks & Ecotourism/Adventure & Ecotourism Equipment Rental & Guiding Services

SECONDARYTHAJAJAD

Diving Experiences (Scuba Dives, Dive Trips, PADI/SSI Courses)

Travel & Hospitality/Tours, Attractions & Experiences/Marine & Water Experiences (Boat Tours, Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing)

SECONDARYTHAAAKAD

Scuba Diving & Freediving Centers (Training, Guided Dives)

Travel & Hospitality/Adventure, Amusement Parks & Ecotourism/Adventure Sports & Activity Centers (Paragliding, Skydiving, Surf Schools)

Keywords

• Scuba diving services
• Guided dive trips
• Scuba certification courses
• Private dive charters
• Snorkel excursions

Headquarters

HQ city

Sabá

HQ country

Honduras

HQ region

Latin America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Scuba Diving Trips: Core revenue from guided scuba diving excursions including Classic 2-Tank Dives, Advanced 2-Tank Dives, and Afternoon 1-Tank Dives. Multi-day progressive discounts reward continuous diving schedules. Revenue is transaction-based per dive or package.
2. Scuba Certification Courses: SDI and TDI professional training courses from Try Scuba through Divemaster and technical diving. eLearning materials are issued upon registration. Deposits required to confirm bookings.
3. Private Charters: Exclusive private diving experiences aboard custom catamarans with flexible schedules and personalized itineraries for up to 8 guests.
4. Sunset Cruises: Both shared and private sunset cruises along Saba's coastline. Shared cruises require minimum 8 paying guests to operate.
5. Equipment Rental: Full rental equipment packages including BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, and dive computer. XDeep backplate and wing systems also available for technical divers.
6. Snorkel Trips: Afternoon snorkel trips for non-certified guests, running alongside dive boats with equipment included.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Sea Saba Dive Center provides guided boat scuba diving trips, scuba certification courses from beginner through technical levels, private charters, snorkel trips, sunset cruises, and equipment rental from its Fort Bay Harbor base on the island of Saba. The company operates a fleet of custom dive catamarans that access 30+ protected dive sites within the Saba Marine Park, serving individual recreational, advanced, and technical divers as well as groups.

Product overview

Sea Saba Dive Center is a single-location scuba diving operation offering a unified portfolio of dive experiences and professional training. The core offering consists of guided boat diving experiences (Classic 2-Tank Dives, Advanced 2-Tank Dives, Afternoon Dives) and snorkel trips from Fort Bay Harbor, supplemented by private charters and sunset cruises. Professional training spans from beginner (Try Scuba, SDI Open Water Diver) through professional (SDI Divemaster) and technical levels (TDI Technical Courses), all taught under SDI and TDI agencies. Supporting services include equipment rental, complimentary 32% Nitrox for certified divers, and island-wide taxi shuttle service. The portfolio is designed as a single integrated vacation experience rather than modular add-ons.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Classic 2-Tank Dive Two relaxed guided dives in the Saba Marine Park for certified divers, departing at 10:30 AM and returning about 3:00 PM, with depths to approximately 70 ft / 21 m. Free 32% Nitrox included for certified Nitrox divers.
• Advanced 2-Tank Dive Two-tank guided dive for experienced divers exploring deeper pinnacles, walls, and seamounts. Departs at 9:00 AM, returns about 1:00 PM. Dive 1 reaches approximately 110 ft / 33 m with mandatory Nitrox; Dive 2 reaches approximately 70 ft / 21 m. Requires AOW + 20 dives OR OW + 50 dives.
• Afternoon 1-Tank Dive Single afternoon guided dive to one of Saba's signature sites. Departs at 1:00 PM and returns about 3:00 PM, up to approximately 70 ft / 21 m. Minimum certification: Scuba Diver.
• Afternoon Snorkel Trip Unguided afternoon surface snorkel trip exploring Saba's reefs, turtles, and marine life. Departs at 1:00 PM and returns about 3:00 PM. Equipment included. Open to non-certified guests.
• Private Charter Exclusive private diving experience aboard custom Caribbean-built catamarans with flexible schedules and personalized itineraries. Half or full day options for up to 8 guests with dedicated captain and flexible departure times.
• Try Scuba Full-day beginner experience for first breath underwater. Includes skills introduction in Fort Bay Harbor followed by a supervised boat dive on the reef, with all equipment provided. Maximum 2:1 instructor-to-student ratio. No prior experience or certification required.
• SDI Open Water Diver Course Three-day beginner certification course. Academics are completed via SDI eLearning before arrival, followed by confined water sessions in Fort Bay Harbor and four boat dives in the Saba Marine Park. Maximum 3:1 instructor-to-student ratio.
• SDI Advanced Adventure Diver Course Two-day intermediate course with five boat dives and eLearning completed in advance. Builds confidence through adventure and specialty training; Deep Diver and Navigation are mandatory. Maximum 3:1 instructor-to-student ratio.
• SDI Computer Nitrox Diver Course One-day specialty course for enriched air (Nitrox) certification with eLearning completed before arrival. After certification, divers receive free 32% Nitrox on qualifying Saba dives.
• SDI Rescue Diver Course Two-to-three-day advanced course covering recognition, prevention, and management of underwater problems. Includes rescue scenarios and emergency management skills. Requires current First Aid/CPR certification.
• SDI Divemaster Course

Quantifiable outcome

• 4.8/5 combined Google and TripAdvisor rating
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SDI (Scuba Diving International)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSea Saba teaches under SDI (Scuba Diving International), an internationally recognized training agency. Courses include Open Water Diver, Advanced Adventure Diver, Computer Nitrox Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster certifications.
• TDI (Technical Diving International)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSea Saba offers TDI technical diving courses for experienced divers ready to push beyond recreational limits. Training focuses on proper procedures, gas management, and equipment configurations suited to Saba's deeper pinnacles and walls.
• First Response Training InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Response Training International is one of the training agencies Sea Saba works with for emergency response and safety training courses.
• ScubaprocoreTechnology or IntegrationScubapro is listed as an equipment partner, providing the rental and training equipment used at Sea Saba including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, masks, fins, and dive computers.
• CheckfrontcoreTechnology or IntegrationCheckfront is the reservation and booking system used to process secure dive trip, course, and charter reservations on the Sea Saba website.
• Saba Conservation FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSea Saba operates within the Saba Marine Park guidelines established by the Saba Conservation Foundation. The island is home to a DAN-certified hyperbaric chamber at the Foundation facility in Fort Bay.
• Dutch Caribbean Nature AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization protecting and promoting the extraordinary marine environments around Saba and the Dutch Caribbean.
• ReefGrazersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization working to protect coral reef ecosystems. Sea Saba staff like Lionel participate in REEF surveys and lionfish hunting initiatives.
• Sea & Learn FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaba's annual Sea & Learn program in October, which Sea Saba participates in as part of their conservation and education outreach.
• WinaircoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWinair operates the most popular route from St. Maarten to Saba aboard a 19-seat DHC-6 Twin Otter. Approximately 12-minute flight with multiple departures daily. Primary transportation for most visitors.
• Makana FerrycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMakana Ferry provides comfortable and scenic ferry service between St. Maarten and Saba. Approximately 90-minute crossing with air-conditioned cabin and open sun deck.
• West Indies HelicoptersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLuxury helicopter transfers from St. Maarten and St. Barths aboard Airbus H125/AS350 helicopters. Up to 5 passengers, approximately 20-25 minute flight.
• SXM AirwaysminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScheduled flights between St. Maarten and Saba aboard 9-seat Britten-Norman Islander aircraft. Classic island-hopper experience with reliable regional service.
• Dive St. MaartenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDive operator in St. Maarten that regularly works with Sea Saba or complements trips to the island.
• Scuba Shop (St. Maarten)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScuba shop in St. Maarten that works with Sea Saba for equipment needs and dive travel coordination.
• Public Entity SabaminorOthersSaba's government entity that Sea Saba works with as part of the island's tourism and conservation ecosystem.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Dive Friends Bonaire: Multi-location Bonaire dive operator with a focus on small-group guided boat diving, certifications, and equipment rental; competes in the same small-island Caribbean dive experience segment as Sea Saba.
• Buddy Dive Resort: Bonaire-based dive operator and resort offering guided boat dives, PADI/SSI training, equipment rental, and a similar small-group, multi-dive-day model — directly comparable in Caribbean dive center operations and customer profile.
• Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas: Nassau-based Caribbean dive operator offering 2-tank boat dives, shark dives, certification courses, and equipment rental at larger scale; comparable in core product mix and direct-to-consumer model.
• Divetech (Grand Cayman): Grand Cayman dive operator running guided boat dives and technical/recreational training (PADI/TDI/SSI) — highly comparable in product mix, technical diving offering, and small-group positioning.
• Captain Don's Habitat: Long-established Bonaire dive resort with guided boat dives, PADI training, and a focus on conservation — closely mirrors Sea Saba's boutique, conservation-oriented, training-plus-dive-excursions model.
• Don Foster's Dive Cayman: Grand Cayman dive operator with 2-tank boat dives, PADI training, and small-group focus — directly comparable boutique Caribbean dive experience and customer segment to Sea Saba.
• Ocean Encounters (Cayman): Cayman Islands dive operator offering guided boat dives, certification courses, and equipment rental on a similar small-group Caribbean model with comparable target customer (certified recreational divers).

Others

• PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors): Global dive certification agency and ecosystem leader; comparable in the training/certification business layer Sea Saba uses via SDI/TDI, and shapes the addressable market for dive training and resort diver flows.
• Saba Snorkel & Dive: Adjacent watersports/snorkel operator on Saba providing complementary shore-based snorkeling; less of a direct competitor (no comparable boat diving fleet) but operates in the same island waters and benefits from the same Saba Marine Park ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• Red Sail Sports: Multi-island Caribbean dive and watersports operator (Cayman, Aruba, Grand Cayman) offering boat dives, courses, and excursions at larger scale; broader portfolio but overlapping Caribbean dive center offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@sea_saba
• Facebookfacebook.com/sea.saba
• Instagraminstagram.com/seasaba
• Xx.com/seasaba
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sea-saba-dive-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sea Saba Dive Center