Saba Island & Beach Hopping Day from St. Maarten (Tuesday & Friday Only)
Saba Island Beach Hopping Day – One-Day Adventure from St. Maarten
Overview
This one-day island hopping adventure combines volcanic landscapes, cultural exploration, and a classic Caribbean beach finale. Operated via Aquamania’s Edge ferry, visitors travel to Saba, hike Mount Scenery, explore Windwardside, and return to St. Maarten for sunset at Kim Sha Beach. This experience is only available on Tuesdays and Fridays, when same-day ferry service operates. It is ideal for stayover visitors at resorts, villas, or hotels. Cruise passengersncould attempt the trip but are not recommended due to fixed ferry times and limited flexibility. Booking in advance is strongly advised, especially during the winter season. Visitors should also check cruise ship schedules, as busy port days can affect transfers around Simpson Bay.
Best Days to Do This Day Plan
Tuesdays and Fridays only, when Aquamania operates the morning ferry to Saba and returns in the afternoon.
Morning Departure – Simpson Bay to Saba
8:00 – 8:50 AM | Arrival and Check-in
Arrive at Simpson Bay Resort’s Marina by 8:00 AM for check-in and border formalities. Boarding closes at 8:50 AM. Bring your passport, as Saba is part of the European Netherlands. Light breakfast options are available nearby.
9:00 AM | Ferry Departure to Saba
The Edge ferry departs at 9:00 AM, crossing open waters for approximately 90 minutes. Expect stunning views of Saba’s cliffs and Caribbean Sea.
Exploring Saba – Fort Bay and Windwardside
10:30 – 10:50 AM | Arrival at Fort Bay
Arrive at Fort Bay, Saba’s harbor. Taxis are available to transport visitors to Windwardside or other destinations. Fort Bay is also the island’s diving hub for those interested.
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM | Windwardside and Mount Scenery
Travel by taxi to Windwardside, Saba’s tourism hub, with white houses, museums, and local craft shops. Hike Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Netherlands. A sign on the rim of the crater marks the 2010 change from Vaalserberg to Mount Scenery as highest point of the Netherlands. Visitors can collect a summit certificate at the Windwardside tourism office on the way back.
1:30 – 2:15 PM | Lunch and Village Time
Lunch in Windwardside at a local restaurant. Explore the village, scenic viewpoints, and small shops after your meal.
2:15 – 3:15 PM | Return to Fort Bay
Prepare to leave Windwardside for Fort Bay. The journey takes about 10 minutes once you locate a taxi, but taxis are not constantly waiting. Arrive at Fort Bay with buffer time to ensure you catch the 3:30 PM ferry.
Return to St. Maarten
3:30 PM | Ferry Departure Back to St. Maarten
The Edge ferry departs Fort Bay at 3:30 PM, arriving at Simpson Bay around 5:00 PM. Enjoy open-water views and the fading silhouette of Saba.
Sunset Beach on St. Maarten
5:00 PM – Evening | Kim Sha Beach
End your day at Buccaneer’s Beach Bar at Kim Sha Beach, a sandy spot close to the marina. Swim, relax, or enjoy sunset photos at the iconic heart-shaped gate. Beach clubs serve food and drinks into the evening. Cruise passengers may need to skip this stop to return to port.
Practical Notes for Visitors
- Ideal for stay over visitors with flexibility.
- Cruise passengers are not recommended due to tight ferry schedule.
- Advance booking is strongly advised, especially in winter.
- Check cruise ship schedules for busy port days.
- Bring a passport for international travel.
Continue Exploring St. Maarten
Pair this day trip with the existing One Day, Five Day, or Seven Day itineraries on visitstmaarten.com to explore beaches, culture, and adventure across both the Dutch and French sides of the island. If you feel like more island hopping ideas, see Statia, Anguilla and St. Barths information.
