Pin and Read Later
📌 Short on time? Pin this post for later! 🌍 Unveiling a world of thrilling adventures, mouthwatering local food, and unforgettable escapes. Dive into unique cultural experiences, seek out hidden gems, and create memories to last a lifetime. Save now, explore later, and let your next extraordinary journey begin! ✈️🌟
Unlike the typical Caribbean image of turquoise beaches and long stretches of sand, Saba offers a different kind of island experience—one where diving, hiking, and relaxation take center stage. Additionally, Saba is known for its “disappearing beach” at Well’s Bay, a seasonal wonder visible only from June to October. And for those drawn to the ocean’s depths, Saba offers a diver’s paradise awaiting exploration.
Best Time to Visit Saba
The optimal time to visit Saba is typically in late March and April, just before the onset of the wet season, which begins in May. However, our personal experience in June proved to be enjoyable despite the warmer weather than anticipated.
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.
What language is spoken in Saba
The official languages of Saba are English and Dutch, but many locals also speak Spanish. Alongside Dutch, which is the official language, the island features a unique Caribbean English dialect known as Saban English, reflecting its diverse cultural influences.
Where to Stay in Saba
During our stay on Saba, we had the pleasure of staying at the incredibly charming Selera Dunia Boutique Hotel. With views directly facing Mount Scenery, the guesthouse offered the perfect vantage point to take in the island’s iconic sights, including the shortest runway where planes gracefully took off and landed—a truly fascinating experience. The hotel itself was full of history, with spacious rooms that were beautifully appointed. Our favorite part of the stay was the balcony, where we could bask in the breathtaking views and feel as though we were on top of the world, almost touching the low-hanging clouds. The birds serenaded us with their sweet songs, dancing through the clouds, and the scene was so peaceful that we could barely see Mount Scenery through the mist.
If you’re looking for more beautiful places to stay on Saba, consider checking out El Momo Cottages, Queen’s Hotel Saba, and Saba Arawak Hotel for other memorable experiences.
Mornings in Saba feel like stepping into a fairytale. When we stepped out onto the balcony, the beauty of the island was breathtaking, with the clouds seemingly within reach and the melodies of birds creating a magical ambiance. It was a serene and enchanting start to the day, as if we were living in a storybook.
Breakfast Selera Dunia Boutique Hotel was a delightful experience, crafted with care and personal attention. The cornbread, especially when paired with butter, was exceptional, and the scrambled eggs, made with fresh eggs from local chickens, were rich and flavorful.
We enjoyed our meal on the balcony, taking in the stunning views as we planned our next adventure to St. Eustatius. Energized and satisfied, we were ready to tackle the hike up the tallest mountain in the Netherlands.
Most hotels in Saba serve the traditional bread pudding, but if you find yourself somewhere that doesn’t, make sure not to miss out. This local delicacy, made with island ingredients and spices, is a rich and flavorful dessert that embodies the true essence of Saba. It’s often overlooked but is essential for a complete taste of the island.
Outside the hotel, a charming pond adorned with water lilies and shimmering golden fish. We loved spending time in the garden, where the peaceful surroundings and gentle sounds of nature provided an ideal backdrop for relaxation. The serene ambiance greatly enhanced our experience, offering a tranquil escape and allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the soothing environment.
Feeling adventurous? 🌍 Book your dream vacation and let the excitement begin! ✈️
3 Best Things to Do in Saba
1. Hike to the Summit of Mount Scenery
Hiking Mount Scenery, the highest mountain in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, offers two options: guided tours or going solo. We’ve heard nothing but praise for the guided tour, as it provides you with so much information about the volcano and the entire trail. However, we opted for a solo journey to conquer the highest peak in the Netherlands, surrounded by Saba’s lush landscape. If you prefer a guided tour, we recommend this particular one for the best experience.
Despite the challenges, the hike is incredibly rewarding. As you ascend, you’ll find yourself enveloped in clouds, surrounded by lush greenery, mountain flowers, curious lizards, playful goats, funny chickens and the sweet melodies of birdsong. Along the way, there are a few benches where you can catch your breath and take in the scenery.
Reaching the summit is a triumph in itself. At the top, you’ll encounter three different viewpoints, each offering breathtaking panoramas. Be sure to visit them all and soak in the beauty from every angle. It’s an experience that leaves you feeling accomplished.
Claim Your Free Summit Certificate: A Unique Souvenir from Saba
Once you’ve completed your hike from the summit, be sure to stop by the trail shop to pick up your certificate. It makes for a great souvenir, and the best part is, it’s free! If shopping isn’t your thing, this certificate will be your only souvenir from Saba, so don’t miss out on this unique memento.
2. Walk Through Saba’s Four Charming Villages
Exploring Saba’s four main villages offers a delightful glimpse into the island’s diverse charm. Start in The Bottom, the capital and administrative hub, where you’ll find local government buildings and a lively atmosphere. Wander through Windwardside, the island’s top spot for tourists, featuring charming streets, unique shops, and an excellent selection of restaurants and hotels. Hell’s Gate provides a peaceful retreat with its picturesque landscapes, perfect for a tranquil stroll. Lastly, St. John’s showcases Saba’s rural side, offering a serene experience and insight into traditional island life. Each village has its own character, making a walk around Saba a rich and rewarding adventure.
3. Explore the Best Dive Spots in Saba
Divers flock to Saba to explore its 30 protected dive sites in the Saba Marine Park, all just minutes from the harbor. The island features dramatic drop-offs and walls that plunge into deep blue depths, stunning seamounts rising from the ocean floor, and impressive pinnacles offering breathtaking underwater vistas. Saba’s healthy, gradually sloping reefs are teeming with vibrant marine life, while unique muck diving spots and coral nurseries offer opportunities for fascinating discoveries and citizen science. Be sure to visit renowned dive sites like Tedran Wall, Greer Gut, Babylon, Ladder Labyrinth, and Core Gut, each showcasing incredible corals and a variety of marine species. With its well-preserved and diverse underwater environments, Saba is a must-visit destination for dive enthusiasts.
Where to Eat in Saba
Saba has a few restaurants, although they typically open only in the evenings. During the day, you can visit some local cafes for a quick bite. One dining experience we particularly enjoyed was at Brigadoon, where we were warmly greeted by the owner, who shared fascinating insights about the island. The food was exceptional, with options available for vegetarians as well. We especially loved the cauliflower soup and their salads. Another noteworthy spot is The Hideaway, a bar and restaurant situated in the heart of Windwardside village. Be sure to try their delicious gelato! If you’re in the mood for pizza or burgers, Long Haul Grill is a great choice.
10 fun facts about Saba
- No Natural Rivers: Saba lacks natural rivers due to its volcanic formation. Instead, rainwater is collected in cisterns for use by residents.
- Caribbean’s Only “Real” Island: Unlike many Caribbean islands, Saba is a true island with no land bridge connections to other islands, ensuring its unique ecosystem and isolation.
- Home to the Saba Cactus: The island is known for its Saba Cactus, which thrives in the arid, rocky parts of the island and adds to its distinctive landscape.
- Distinctive Local Cuisine: Saba’s local cuisine features unique dishes like “Saba Pepperpot,” a spicy stew made with local spices and ingredients, reflecting the island’s rich culinary traditions.
- Historic Windmill: The island features a historic windmill, known as the “Saba Windmill,” which was used for grinding corn and sugar cane in the past.
- Cultural Festivals: The island hosts unique cultural events like the “Saba Carnival,” which celebrates local traditions, music, and dance, reflecting its vibrant cultural heritage.
- No Traffic Lights: Saba has no traffic lights due to its small size and low traffic volume, creating a more relaxed and scenic driving experience.
- World’s Shortest Commercial Runway: Saba boasts the world’s shortest commercial runway, measuring just 1,312 feet (400 meters), offering a unique and thrilling landing experience.
- Volcanic Origin: The island is volcanic, with Mount Scenery standing at 2,910 feet (887 meters) — the highest point in the Netherlands.
- Hollywood Connection: Scenes from the original King Kong movie were filmed on Saba, adding a touch of classic Hollywood to the island’s allure.
