Saba Travel Guide

Renowned as the “unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean, Saba is one of the more unique islands in Central America. The island is actually part of the Netherlands despite being many thousands of miles away from the European nation. It is found upon an active volcano called Mt Scenery. As a result, the landscape is lusciously green, with sparkling townships located around the mountain. Tourism is the center of the island’s economy. Over the past decade, eco-tourism has become the forefront of Saba’s global recognition.

Saba is famous for its unique landscape. Unlike other islands in the Caribbean, Saba has a coastline which is extremely rocky, instead of sandy. This led to its late colonization, as sailors refused to moor their ships close to the dangerous coast. Nevertheless, since colonization by the Dutch, Saba has continued to grow, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that modern developments brought tourism to the island. Roads and ports made it possible for tourists to explore the natural richness of this tiny Caribbean jewel. Today, Mount Scenery is the heart of the island’s tourism industry. However, diving is also popular, and so too is hiking. However, eco-tours are now the main focus of many travelers to Saba.

There is a small selection of resorts on the island and numerous cottages that can be rented out by the day or week. Most of the accommodation is found in the towns of Windwardside and The Bottom. For cheaper options, there are guesthouses which have shared common rooms, but are still very comfortable. The nightlife doesn’t usually go on all night, with relaxation rather than pumping music the focus here. The food in Saba is tremendous. Seafood is fresh and delicious, but so too are the Western, European, and Asian cuisines found on the island. Whatever you eat, don’t forget to wash it down with the local rum.

Saba is in the Caribbean Sea, and experiences a tropical maritime climate. Like other islands in the Leeward Antilles, Saba has hot summers and mild winters. During the year, an average temperature of 80°F blankets the island. The summer months are from June to August and are generally much hotter, more humid, and rainier than the winter months (December to February). Winter temperatures can fall to around 80°F, sometimes even lower. Rain falls more frequently between May and September, this period is prone to cyclones, which occur on a yearly basis around Saba and the Leeward Antilles.

The airport serving Saba is among the world’s most fascinating. The runway is short, and only experienced pilots are recommended to fly here. Nevertheless, there are dozens of take-offs and landings every day. Flights connect to the larger Caribbean island of St Maarten, which is just a 15 minute flight away. American travelers cannot directly reach the island by air, but transfers are possible in both Antigua and St Maarten.

The island is small, but extremely beautiful. Therefore tourists are advised to take an hour or two to explore Saba upon ‘The Road’. This is the only roadway on the island, which can be traveled by motorbike, car rental, taxi, or scooter.

Highlights

Explore the island by motorbike
Discover the underwater marvels along the wall dive sites
Hike up Mount Scenery for the best views of the island
Splash around in the Flat Point Tidal Pools
Relax with a massage at the Hilltop Retreat