Saba: The Hidden Caribbean Gem with the Shortest Runway
Language: English, Dutch
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Power Plug: Type A/B/F (110V/220V)
Time Zone: AST (GMT-4)
Tipping: Not mandatory, but appreciated (5-10%)
Tap Water: Safe to drink
Saba is a tiny island in the Caribbean Sea, covering just 13 square kilometers with about 1,900 residents.
Fun Fact
Saba is home to the shortest commercial runway in the world—just 400 meters long at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport! Only specially trained pilots are allowed to land here, making every flight to Saba an unforgettable adventure.
Have you ever wondered the secret behind this exact length?
A Different Caribbean Experience
Unlike the typical Caribbean image of turquoise beaches and long sandy shores, Saba offers a unique island experience. Here, diving, hiking, and pure relaxation take center stage.
Saba is also famous for its “disappearing beach” at Well’s Bay, a seasonal wonder visible only from June to October. For those who love the ocean, the island is a true diver’s paradise waiting to be explored.
Travel Vlogs From This Trip
Our Saba Adventures
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How to Get to Saba
Traveling to Saba can be done either by ferry or by air. We highly recommend flying to Saba to experience landing on the world’s shortest commercial runway. However, if you prefer the ferry, prices vary. For a day trip, expect to pay $100 per person, including port fees, while a one-way ticket costs $85 per person. The ferry operates only on certain days. Here is the schedule.
Flying from SXM airport to Saba takes around 15-20 minutes, and the flight itself is an unforgettable experience you’ll cherish forever. In the peak season of the Caribbean, December through April, expect airfares and hotel rates to be higher.
Where We Stayed on Saba
During our stay on Saba, we stayed at the charming Selera Dunia Boutique Hotel. The guesthouse faces Mount Scenery, giving us the perfect view of the island’s most iconic sights, including the world’s shortest runway where planes take off and land. It was a fascinating experience.
The hotel is full of history, with spacious, beautifully decorated rooms. Our favorite part was the balcony. From there, we could enjoy breathtaking views that made us feel like we were on top of the world, almost touching the low clouds. Birds filled the air with their songs, dancing through the mist. The scene was so peaceful that Mount Scenery often disappeared behind the fog.
If you’re looking for more places to stay on Saba, check out El Momo Cottages and Saba Arawak Hotel for other memorable experiences.
Magical Mornings in Saba
Mornings on Saba felt like stepping into a fairytale. When we walked out onto the balcony, the view was breathtaking. The clouds seemed close enough to touch, and the sound of birds created a magical atmosphere. It was a calm and enchanting start to the day—like living in a storybook.
Breakfast at Selera Dunia Boutique Hotel
Breakfast at Selera Dunia Boutique Hotel was a delight. Every dish was crafted with care and personal attention. The cornbread, especially with butter, was outstanding. The scrambled eggs, made with fresh local eggs, were rich and full of flavor.
We enjoyed our meal on the balcony, soaking in the mountain views as we planned our next trip to St. Eustatius. Energized and satisfied, we were ready to hike the tallest mountain in the Netherlands.
Peaceful Garden Retreat
Outside the hotel was a small pond filled with water lilies and golden fish. We loved spending time in the garden, where the calm surroundings and soft sounds of nature created the perfect place to relax. The peaceful setting made our stay even more enjoyable, giving us a quiet escape and a chance to fully take in the soothing environment.
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3 Best Things to Do in Saba
1. Hiking Mount Scenery
Hiking Mount Scenery, the highest mountain in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is one of the top things to do in Saba. You can either join a guided tour or explore on your own.
Guided hikes get excellent reviews because local guides share detailed information about the volcano and the trail. We chose a solo journey, climbing through Saba’s lush landscape to the summit of the Netherlands’ highest peak.
If you prefer extra insight, we recommend booking a guided tour for the best experience.
The Mount Scenery Hiking Experience
Despite the steep climb, the hike is rewarding from start to finish. As you ascend, you’ll walk through clouds, lush greenery, and colorful mountain flowers. Curious lizards, playful goats, and even chickens often cross the path, while birds fill the forest with their songs.
There are also a few benches along the way, giving hikers a chance to rest and enjoy the beautiful views before reaching the summit.
Claim Your Free Summit Certificate: A Unique Souvenir from Saba
Summit Souvenir
After conquering Mount Scenery, you can claim a free summit certificate at the Trail Shop in Windwardside. It’s a quirky and unique souvenir from Saba — proof that you reached the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands!
2. Exploring Saba’s four main villages gives you a true feel for the island’s character.
- The Bottom is the capital and home to government buildings. Its lively atmosphere makes it the heart of local life.
- Windwardside is the island’s most popular tourist spot. Here you’ll find cozy streets, unique shops, and some of the best restaurants and hotels on Saba.
- Hell’s Gate is peaceful and scenic. With its quiet trails and beautiful views, it’s the perfect place for a tranquil walk.
- St. John’s shows the island’s rural side. It offers a serene setting and a glimpse into traditional island life.
Each village has its own personality, making a walk around Saba a rewarding and memorable adventure.
3. Explore the Best Dive Spots in Saba
Divers from around the world visit Saba Marine Park, home to more than 30 protected dive sites only minutes from the harbor. The island is famous for its dramatic drop-offs, steep walls, and deep blue seamounts that rise from the ocean floor. Pinnacles add to the thrill, creating breathtaking underwater vistas.
Saba’s reefs are healthy and full of life. Gradually sloping coral gardens shelter vibrant fish, while muck diving spots and coral nurseries invite fascinating discoveries and even citizen science projects.
Don’t miss top sites such as Tedran Wall, Greer Gut, Babylon, Ladder Labyrinth, and Core Gut. Each offers spectacular corals and diverse marine species. With its well-preserved underwater world, Saba is a must-visit destination for dive enthusiasts.
Travel Tips
- Pack good hiking shoes – Trails are steep, rocky, and often wet from passing clouds.
- Carry cash (USD) – U.S. dollars are the official currency, but many small shops and taxis don’t take cards.
- Book early – Hotels and guesthouses are limited and fill up fast during diving season.
- Plan flights in advance – Saba’s runway is the shortest in the world, and flights are small and limited.
- Try local food – Don’t miss Saba’s traditional bread pudding and fresh seafood dishes.
- Bring a light jacket – Higher spots near Mount Scenery can be cool and misty.
Where to Eat in Saba
Saba has only a few restaurants, and most open in the evenings. During the day, you can stop by local cafes for a light meal or snack.
One of our favorite experiences was dinner at Brigadoon. We were warmly welcomed by the owner, who shared stories about the island. The food was excellent, with plenty of vegetarian choices. The cauliflower soup and fresh salads were especially good.
Another spot worth visiting is The Hideaway, a bar and restaurant in the center of Windwardside village. Don’t miss their homemade gelato.
If you’re craving pizza or burgers, head to Long Haul Grill, a casual spot with great comfort food.
10 Fun Facts About Saba
- No Natural Rivers – Rainwater is collected in cisterns since Saba has no rivers due to its volcanic formation.
- Caribbean’s Only “Real” Island – Saba has no land bridge connections, giving it a unique ecosystem and isolation.
- Home to the Saba Cactus – This cactus thrives in rocky areas and is part of Saba’s distinctive landscape.
- Distinctive Local Cuisine – Dishes like spicy Saba Pepperpot showcase the island’s culinary heritage.
- Historic Windmill – The “Saba Windmill” once ground corn and sugar cane.
- Cultural Festivals – Events like Saba Carnival celebrate music, dance, and tradition.
- No Traffic Lights – With few cars, Saba needs no traffic lights, keeping driving relaxed and scenic.
- World’s Shortest Runway – Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport has a runway only **1,312 feet (400 m)** long.
- Volcanic Origin – Mount Scenery rises **2,910 feet (887 m)**, the highest point in the Netherlands.
- Hollywood Connection – Scenes from the original King Kong were filmed here.
