Saba travel guide
The "Unspoiled Queen": a steep green volcano with cloud forest trails and world-class diving.
Saba rises straight out of the sea as a single volcanic peak. There are no real beaches, and that is exactly why it stays so peaceful. Instead you get rainforest and cloud forest, tidy villages with white houses and red roofs, and a marine park that divers rank among the best in the region. Like Statia, Saba is a special municipality of the Netherlands.
Open Saba on the map- Capital
- The Bottom
- Highest point
- Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Status
- Special municipality of the Netherlands (Caribbean Netherlands)
- Currency
- US dollar
- Languages
- English and Dutch
- Getting there
- Short flights or ferries from St. Maarten
Why visit
Saba is small, safe and community-focused. For decades engineers said a road across the island was impossible; islanders built one anyway, and "The Road" now winds from the airport through every village. The island's landing strip is famous as one of the shortest commercial runways in the world, which makes arrival an experience in itself.
Top things to do
- Climb Mount Scenery: a long staircase of steps leads up through changing forest to the summit. On a clear day the views reach neighbouring islands; on a cloudy day the misty cloud forest is just as memorable.
- Hike the island's marked trail network, which ranges from easy village walks to steep coastal routes. Check trail conditions with the local trail shop before setting out.
- Wander Windwardside and The Bottom for small galleries, cafés and Saba lace, a traditional local craft.
- Join a guided nature walk to learn about the island's plants, birds and reptiles.
Diving
The Saba Marine Park surrounds the whole island and has been protected for decades. Volcanic pinnacles rise from deep water and attract big schools of fish, sharks and turtles. Diamond Rock and Man O' War Shoals are two well-known sites close to the island's north-west coast. Many sites are deep, so they suit divers with some experience; dive centres also run courses for beginners.
All diving is with licensed operators, who handle the marine park fee and moorings.
Getting there and around
Flights from St. Maarten take only a few minutes. Ferries also run between St. Maarten and Saba's Fort Bay harbour; the crossing can be rough, so take seasickness precautions if you are sensitive. Check current schedules before travelling.
On the island, taxis and rental cars use The Road. Hitchhiking is a long-standing local habit, but always use your own judgement.
Good to know
- There is little flat ground and no sandy beaches. Bring good walking shoes.
- Evenings can be cool at higher villages; pack a light layer.
- Book accommodation and dives in advance during busy periods; capacity is small.
Schedules, prices and opening hours change often. Always confirm details with operators before you travel.