Flora & Fauna: In the Water
Saba’s coral reefs — protected by the National Marine Park that encircles the entire island — are a haven for unbelievable species richness.
Featured Species (see all below)
Within Saba’s many reefs and seagrass beds, green sea turtles — the largest hard-shelled turtle in the world —thrive.
Green sea turtle
Giant barrel sponge
These incredible, cylindrical sponges can grow to be 6 feet in diameter and almost 8 feet in height.
Favorite activity? Hovering over the sea floor and using suction to vacuum smaller prey into their mouths.
Known for massive pectoral fins that are striking, phosphorescent blue along the borders.
In Saba’s crystalline waters, forests of branching corals — featuring structures reminiscent of the antlers on an elk — thrive.
These critically endangered fish occur large numbers around Saba.
Flying Gurnard
Nurse shark
Nassau grouper
Elkhorn coral
Explore all marine species
Critical coral reef residents that help maintain balance in the ecosystem.
These incredible, cylindrical sponges can grow to be 6 feet in diameter and almost 8 feet in height.
Atlantic long-spined urchin
Giant barrel sponge
Longsnout seahorse
Princess parrotfish
Most active during the day, but spot them anchored onto seagrass or corals through the night.
Even in places as vibrant as Saba’s coral reefs, the princess parrotfish still shines.
Elkhorn coral
Great barracuda
In Saba’s crystalline waters, forests of branching corals — featuring structures reminiscent of the antlers on an elk — thrive.
Their silver, torpedo-shaped bodies are capable of short bursts of speed reaching 43 km/h (27mph).
Nassau grouper
Queen conch
These critically endangered fish occur large numbers around Saba.
This charismatic marine snail thrives in the warm, tropical waters around Saba, and throughout the Caribbean.
Flying Gurnard
Green sea turtle
Known for massive pectoral fins that are striking, phosphorescent blue along the borders.
Within Saba’s many reefs and seagrass beds, this species — the largest hard-shelled turtle in the world —thrives.
Nurse shark
Spotted eagle ray
Favorite activity? Hovering over the sea floor and using suction to vacuum smaller prey into their mouths.
A magnificent sight to see soaring through the reefs of Saba, for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse.
