Saba Island
Saba i a tiny little island in the Caribbean Sea and can easily be missed on a map. But this is one of the reason that Saba I without mass-tourism and has been allowed to develop acone of the Caribbeans hidden gems. Saba is a Cone-shaped volcan is island rising more than 800 m straight up out of the deep blue sea.
Saba lies just 45 km southwest of St. Maarten and is the smallest of three islands that make up the Caribbean Netherlands. Only 2.000 inhabitants lives at the island.
Saba is a unique paradise, with an authentic atmosphere of the how the Caribbean used to be. The stunning nature – both above and below the water – along with friendly inhabitants and a relaxed pace of life make it an ideal vacation retreat. No wonder the Sabeans call their island ‘The Unspoiled Queen’.
Ladder Bay This set of 900 rugged steps once formed the only connection between the sea and Saba’s interior. With a steep and jagged coastline the only place to come ashore was on the small beach of Ladder Bay. From here an almost vertical staircase was hewn out of the solid rock. Everything and everyone that came to the island would have gone via this narrow stairway. Food, building materials and household goods were lugged by hand from small boats all the way up by the Saban men. On the way from The Bottom to Well’s Bay you’ll come across the old customs house which sits perched against the steep cliff atop The Ladder. From here you’ll have a fantastic view of Diamond Rock and a chance to climb the steps yourself.
The Road is a hand-built causeway that carves its way across the island connecting the four main villages of Windwardside, The Bottom, Hell’s Gate and St. Johns – which affords some spectacular coastal views and amazing panoramas. Spend some time meandering through the villages, with their authentic gingerbread houses and immaculate gardens.
Tide Pole Flats is the closest thing that Saba has to a beach, a visit to these saltwater pools is a unique experience. Next to the airport – with the world’s shortest commercial runway – is a path that leads down to a series of natural enclosures which, when filled with seawater, form crystal-clear tidal pools.
A natural swimming pool has been created by placing rocks in the cove and, with artificial sand brought in from St Maarten, makes an ideal spot to cool down and relax when not hiking or diving. There’s a small playground for children too. Water-shoes recommended.
Souvenir You can pick up a souvenir of locally made rum – Saba Spice – or perhaps some Saban Lace from one of the local artisan studios. Saba has produced a number of artists, whose works can be viewed and purchased at the Peanut gallery in Windward side. But what it’s most famous for is the intricate needlework designs known as Saba Lace. This handicraft, brought to the island in the late 19th Century, soon became a cottage industry for the local women, a tradition that has carried on through the ages. The Saba Artisan Foundation is a great place to see examples of the island’s trademark lacework as well as pick-up a souvenir or two.
Windward side is Saba’s second largest village and main tourist hub. At 1,700 feet (500m) above sea-level it’s home to the Saba Museum, as well as the Saba Tourist Board, and is the starting point for one of the most popular hiking routes – the Mount Scenery Trail.
It’s also where you’ll find the best selection of accommodation on the island, with almost half the island’s hotels, guest houses and cottage rentals located in and around the village. With a great variety of restaurants and cafes, Windwardside is popular with tourists and locals alike. You’ll also find a supermarket, Saba’s only art gallery and a collection of gift shops for souvenir hunters. And with themed buffet nights, occasional live music and several bars it’s also the place to be after dark.
Saba National Land Park
The 43-hectare big Saba National Park is a true paradise for walking and hiking fans. You will encounter an huge variety of sights, and different hiking and walking trails for all levels. Mt. Sceneru is 2855 feet high and from the top you have an incredible view and visitors can follow the tail rigth to the top. The land park also features hot springs and various forest areas, including the Elfin Forest Reserve a montane cloud forest on top of Mount Scenery. Once you reach the clouds, the scenery changes into a rainforest.
Saba National Maine Park
Saba is a scuba diving paadice. The whole coastline is under the protection of the Saba Marine Park, and divers are rewarded with crystal-clear waters, colorful reefs and an abundance of marine life, from brightly coloured sponges and corals to schools of tropical fish, sharks, turtles and much more. Saba’s volcanic past has created an amazing underwater landscape, from shallow patch reefs to close-to-shore walls and lava tunnels. One of the main underwater attractions are the rare deep-water pinnacles that rise straight-up from unfathomable depths and form a labyrinth of heavily encrusted seamounts, which are not only visually spectacular, but also attract unusual pelagics and other marine creatures.
With around 30 dive sites to choose from, Saba offers something for all levels of diving ability. The island’s three dive centres operate daily dive excursions as well as snorkelling trips, and with water temperatures rarely dropping below 77°F (26°C) diving is a year-round activity.
