Saba – often called the “Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean” – is a hidden gem in the Lesser Antilles. Despite being just 13 square kilometers, this small island has a personality all its own. Unlike some of its neighboring islands, Saba has preserved much of its natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a magnet for ecotourists and adventurous travelers.
Characterized by its steep, lush mountains, dramatic cliffs, and unspoiled forests, Saba offers a slower pace of life and a more intimate experience with nature. The island’s unique topography and volcanic origins make it a haven for hikers, divers, and anyone seeking a genuine Caribbean experience beyond the typical resort scene.
Saba is a special municipality of The Netherlands, which explains its well-maintained infrastructure and strong focus on environmental conservation. It is known for its clean streets, charming villages, and friendly locals who are proud to share the history and traditions of their island.
Saba’s history is as fascinating as its landscape. The island was first settled in the 17th century by Europeans, but life here remained relatively isolated for centuries due to its steep cliffs and rugged terrain. In fact, the island’s first road wasn’t built until the mid-1930s, making it one of the last places in the Caribbean to be fully connected by modern transportation.
This winding road itself has become a tourist attraction. Lined with carefully stacked stone walls, it twists and turns along the mountainsides, offering breathtaking views at every corner. Early Saban life revolved around agriculture, with residents cultivating crops on terraced hillsides and fishing in the surrounding waters.
Over time, the island began attracting visitors looking for untouched beauty and adventure. Saba’s commitment to environmental preservation has remained strong, resulting in strict regulations on development, fishing, and tourism. Today, visitors can explore a landscape that is virtually unchanged from centuries past, from dense tropical forests to the peaks of Mount Scenery, a dormant volcano and the highest point in the Netherlands at 2,910 feet.
Reach the top of Saba’s 2,910-foot Mount Scenery, a dormant volcano and the highest elevation in the Netherlands, and you’ll be rewarded with a certificate attesting to your hiking prowess. It’s free at the Saba Tourist Bureau in Windward side. “Just show us a picture of the mud on your shoes,” says the director of tourism. The office is open Monday THROUGH Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saba boasts some of the best diving in the region. Strict regulations on fishing and diving mean that you’re able to see a wide variety of sea life. Turtles and lobsters are regular visitors to this spectacular underwater haven, and if you’re lucky, you may just get to hear or see a whale or two. If you are more into the history of the island, then you’ll enjoy making your way through charming villages, past picturesque homes with red roofs and well-tended gardens. Along the way, you will meet up with a variety of friendly locals who will be happy to tell you all about their distinctive home.
For travelers interested in history and culture, Saba’s villages provide a glimpse into the island’s past. Charming homes with red roofs, carefully tended gardens, and narrow streets create a welcoming environment. Visitors often have the chance to meet locals who share stories about the island’s traditions, history, and the efforts made to preserve its unique environment.
Saba also offers delightful culinary experiences. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood and Caribbean specialties, often prepared with ingredients sourced directly from the island.
Journey to Saba aboard a high-speed ferry offered by Aqua Mania Adventures. You can book your 90-minute trip on Edge from Simpson Bay or online before you arrive. Packages include taxi tours around the island, with a tasty lunch poolside, hiking excursions with lunch and transfers, and guided adventures with local guides.
With regularly scheduled service to Saba, Great Bay Express, based at Bobby’s Marina in Philipsburg, will get you there fast. The high-speed ferry offers competitive prices, online booking and a shuttle service. No matter what you decide to do once you have arrived in Saba, it is certain that you will leave with a new appreciation of history, nature and the efforts that this tiny island has made to preserve it all.
Despite its small size, getting around Saba can be a bit of an adventure due to the island’s steep terrain.
The island’s main road, built in the 1930s, connects the villages and key sites. Many visitors opt to hire local taxis or use guided tours to navigate the island safely. Hotels often provide shuttles for guests, especially for pre-arranged site visits, hikes, or excursions.
Walking is often the best way to explore Saba’s villages and natural landscapes. Trails are well-marked, and many paths are shaded by dense forests. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain, but the effort is rewarded with unparalleled views and encounters with wildlife.
Guided tours are another popular way to experience Saba. Local guides offer insight into the island’s ecology, history, and culture, ensuring visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the community and its conservation efforts.
Saba is an island located south-west of St Maarten. Find Saba on the map below!
If you are on an island hopping spree, also consider day trips to explore St. Eustatius / Statia or Anguilla.
