Despite being a Caribbean island, Saba has more mountains than beaches. The island’s major tourist attractions are its trails, the museum and its 29 designated dive sites. The Harry L. Johnson Museum, dedicated to a Dutch sea captain, showcases Amerindian hand tools, maritime documents, sextants, a collection of pottery fragments, compass and a four-poster bed with period décor.
What is it?: Saba is a small, volcanic island in the Caribbean known for its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and excellent hiking opportunities. As part of the Dutch Caribbean, Saba offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and tranquility, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, divers, and those seeking a peaceful escape.
Affordability: Saba is relatively affordable for a Caribbean destination, though it is somewhat more expensive than other nearby islands due to its small size and limited tourism infrastructure. Accommodations range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Dining is more affordable compared to luxury destinations, with local restaurants offering fresh seafood and Caribbean dishes at reasonable prices.
Safety: Saba is considered a very safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The island’s small size and tight-knit community make it easy to explore, and visitors generally feel secure walking around its towns and natural areas. As with any destination, basic safety precautions are recommended.
Popularity: Saba is not as popular as other Caribbean islands, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a peaceful, less-touristy experience. It is particularly popular with nature lovers, divers, and hikers, and has a reputation for being a quiet escape for those looking to disconnect from the busier tourist spots in the region.
Tourist Infrastructure: The tourist infrastructure on Saba is limited but well-suited to the island’s small scale. There are a few small hotels and guesthouses, along with several restaurants and dive shops. Most visitors rent cars or use taxis to explore the island. While the island is less developed than other Caribbean destinations, it offers a range of activities such as hiking, diving, and exploring its volcanic landscape.
Weather: Saba enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, although the island is cooler than most Caribbean destinations due to its higher elevation. The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and diving. The wet season, from May to November, brings occasional rain showers and higher humidity.
Best Time to Go: December–April for the best weather, ideal for hiking, diving, and enjoying the island’s natural beauty. The off-season (May–November) offers fewer tourists and lower prices but comes with a higher chance of rain.
Known For: Mount Scenery, diving, hiking, Saba National Marine Park, volcanic landscapes, quiet atmosphere, and stunning panoramic views.
Top Destinations: Mount Scenery • Saba National Marine Park • The Bottom • Windwardside • Flat Point • Saba Trail • Crispeen Trail
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Nature Buffs: Saba is a nature lover’s paradise, with dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities around Saba National Marine Park. Hiking trails such as those up Mount Scenery provide stunning views of the island and its pristine surroundings.
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History Buffs: While Saba does not have an extensive historical record, its colonial past, including its Dutch heritage, can be explored through its quaint villages like The Bottom and Windwardside. The island’s history is largely tied to its natural environment and its role in regional maritime trade.
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Beach Bunnies: While Saba is known for its dramatic volcanic terrain rather than traditional beach tourism, it offers a few small, serene beaches such as Crispeen Trail for those who enjoy solitude and natural beauty. The island’s diving and snorkeling sites are its main draws for water lovers.
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Digital Nomads: Saba’s infrastructure is quite limited for digital nomads, with few coworking spaces and unreliable internet in more remote areas. While the island’s peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty are appealing, it may not be the best choice for long-term remote work due to its limited connectivity and amenities.
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Families: Saba is an excellent destination for families, especially those looking to enjoy the outdoors. The island’s hiking trails, calm atmosphere, and snorkeling opportunities provide great activities for children and parents alike. The laid-back nature of the island makes it a safe and peaceful environment for families to relax and explore.
Saba is a tiny Dutch Caribbean island known for its dramatic cliffs, lush rainforest, and world-class diving. With no beaches and just one main road, nicknamed “The Road That Couldn’t Be Built”, Saba offers a different kind of island experience. The capital, The Bottom, and the quaint village of Windwardside are perched high in the hills, surrounded by steep trails and cloud forest. Mount Scenery, a dormant volcano, is the highest point in the Netherlands and a popular hike. Beneath the waves, Saba Marine Park protects some of the Caribbean’s best dive sites. Quiet, green, and unspoiled, Saba is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Often called “The Unspoiled Queen,” Saba is a Dutch territory that feels more like a mountaintop village than a beach destination. Most travelers come for diving, hiking, and quiet escapes. There are no large resorts, no cruise ports, and no chain restaurants, just steep green slopes, quaint cottages, and trails that climb straight into the clouds. The capital, The Bottom, sits in a highland basin, while Windwardside, the most popular village for visitors, is all red-roofed houses, stone paths, and misty mountain views.
Saba is moderately priced, especially for travelers who value nature over luxury. There are no all-inclusives, just small guesthouses, eco-lodges, and boutique inns. Meals are simple but good, with local catches like snapper, tuna, and lobster served fresh, often alongside Caribbean or European fare. The island is proud of its Saba Spice liqueur, homemade preserves, and sustainable living practices. Nightlife is quiet, mostly sunset drinks or dinner by candlelight.
Getting to Saba is half the adventure: you’ll arrive by ferry from St. Maarten or land on the world’s shortest commercial runway at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport. Getting around the island is by taxi or on foot, as it’s only 5 square miles and incredibly walkable, if you’re okay with hills. English is the main language, and Saba is extremely safe. Locals are famously friendly, and it’s not uncommon to be on a first-name basis with half the island after a few days.
- Capital: The Bottom
- Population: ~1,900 (Density: ~150 people per km², ~389 per mi²)
- Area: 13 km² (5 mi²)
- Official Language: Dutch
- Common Languages: English (widely spoken), Spanish
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- Time Zone: UTC-4
- Electricity: Plug Type A, B (110V, 60Hz)
- Emergency Contacts: Police 911, Ambulance 912, Fire 919
- Drives On: Right
- Religions: Christianity ~80% (Catholic, Anglican, Methodist), Other beliefs ~20%
- Government: Special Municipality of the Netherlands
- Map Links: Google Maps | Apple Maps
- Coordinates (for GPS): 17.6350, -63.2400
Why Go to Saba?
- Hiking Mount Scenery: Climb through the cloud forest to the top of Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- World-Class Diving & Marine Life: Dive steep underwater walls, pinnacles, and volcanic formations in the Saba Marine Park, a diver’s dream.
- Small Village Charm: Explore Windwardside, The Bottom, and St. John’s, each filled with tidy gardens, gingerbread houses, and friendly faces.
- No Crowds, No Chains: Enjoy a truly peaceful atmosphere, no cruise ships, no fast food, and almost no traffic.
- Local Crafts & Culture: Shop for Saba lace, taste Saba Spice, and meet artists, weavers, and storytellers preserving the island’s traditions.
- Sustainable & Slow Living: Experience eco-conscious tourism with a focus on conservation, minimal impact, and authentic connections.
- Cool Weather & Mountain Air: At higher elevations, enjoy cooler temps and lush vegetation that feel more like the highlands than the tropics.
Who Might Not Enjoy Saba?
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Beach-Centric Travelers: Saba has no natural sandy beaches. The island is rugged and mountainous, and while it offers spectacular views and diving, it’s not a destination for beach lounging or swimming in calm surf.
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Travelers Seeking Resort Luxury: Saba is charming and rustic, with a handful of small hotels and guesthouses. There are no big resorts, all-inclusives, or high-end spa experiences. The island caters more to eco-tourism than indulgence.
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Nightlife Seekers: Saba is quiet after dark. There are a few local bars and restaurants, but no real nightlife scene. Those looking for clubs, live music, or parties will find the evenings very subdued.
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Tourists Wanting a Wide Range of Activities: Saba is primarily focused on hiking and diving. If you’re not into outdoor adventure or underwater exploration, the list of things to do is short.
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Travelers Without a Tolerance for Steep Terrain: The island is steep, with winding roads and lots of stairs. Those with mobility issues or who dislike hiking or climbing hills may find it physically challenging.
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Shoppers or Cruise Tourists Expecting Variety: There’s very little in terms of shopping, dining variety, or day excursions. It’s not designed for fast-paced or commercial tourism.
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Visitors Seeking Easy Access: Saba is remote. It’s accessible only by a short flight on a small plane or a boat from Sint Maarten. The airport is famously short and dramatic, exciting for some, stressful for others.
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Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: The island’s small size and limited dining scene make plant-based eating more difficult. While some accommodations may offer options, choices are fewer than on larger islands.
What’s Cool
Incredible diving and marine biodiversity, unique volcanic landscapes, Mount Scenery (highest point in the Netherlands), quiet and peaceful atmosphere with no crowds, friendly and tight-knit community, charming villages with red-roofed cottages, safe and walkable island, great hiking trails through cloud forests, strong eco-tourism focus, fresh local cuisine and seafood, no fast food chains or high-rise development, rich Dutch and Caribbean cultural blend, excellent conditions for snorkeling and nature photography.
What’s Not
Very small and remote, limited entertainment and nightlife, expensive and infrequent flights, limited beaches (mostly cliffs and rocky shorelines), few options for shopping or non-nature activities, basic public services, no public transport (walking or taxis only), high cost of living and dining, quiet to the point of feeling isolated for some, strong winds and sudden weather changes, steep terrain can be challenging for mobility, early closing hours for most businesses.
Saba is a special municipality of the Netherlands located in the northeastern Caribbean, just southwest of Sint Maarten and north of Saint Eustatius. It’s part of the Lesser Antilles and is the smallest territory in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, both in area and population. Often called the “Unspoiled Queen”, Saba is known for its steep terrain, lush cloud forest, and diving rather than beaches. The main town is The Bottom, and the only airport is on one of the world’s shortest commercial runways.
Saba is essentially a single dormant volcano rising steeply from the sea. The entire island covers just 13 km² (5 mi²) and is dominated by Mount Scenery (887 m), the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The terrain is steep and rugged, with no natural beaches. Instead, you’ll find jungle-clad slopes, coastal cliffs, and coral-rich waters. The climate is humid and tropical, cooler than much of the Caribbean due to elevation, with regular cloud cover in the mountain forests.
Saba is geared toward eco-tourism, hiking, and world-class diving, with strict environmental protections and no large-scale resorts.
Travelers reach Saba via flights from Sint Maarten (Winair’s 15-minute hop into Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport) or ferry services like The Edge from Sint Maarten’s Simpson Bay. There are no international flights. The island has only one main road, nicknamed “The Road,” carved through cliffs and hills. Taxis and local buses serve the island, but many places are walkable if you don’t mind hills.
The Bottom
The capital and administrative center, located in a valley surrounded by steep cliffs.
- The Bottom: Home to government offices, schools, and a few quiet guesthouses.
- Sacred Heart Church: A hilltop Catholic church overlooking the village.
- Saba University School of Medicine: Adds an international student presence to the town.
- Saba Trail Shop: A useful spot to get hiking maps and trail permits.
- Harry L. Johnson Museum: Located nearby in Windwardside, but often associated with visits from The Bottom.
Windwardside
The most tourist-friendly town, known for charming cottages, restaurants, and access to trails.
- Windwardside: A scenic village with gingerbread houses, cafes, and mountain views.
- Mount Scenery Trailhead: Starts from Windwardside, climbing through rainforest to the island’s peak.
- JoBean Glass Art Studio: A small studio offering handmade jewelry and classes.
- Saba Artisan Foundation: Promotes local crafts and art in a traditional wooden house.
- Saba Dutch Museum: Preserves Saban heritage and displays 19th-century home furnishings.
Hell’s Gate (Zion’s Hill)
The first settlement visitors see when arriving by air, home to historic buildings and trails.
- Zion’s Hill (Hell’s Gate): A cliffside community with Dutch colonial history and views of the airport.
- Holy Rosary Church: A stone church in a peaceful village square.
- Mary’s Point Trail: A lesser-traveled hike to ruins of an old settlement.
- Airport Overlook: A viewpoint where you can watch planes land on Saba’s famously short runway.
- Breadline Plaza: A small café plaza built by students, great for a bite with a view.
Fort Bay
Saba’s only harbor, used for ferries, fishing, and dive boat departures.
- Fort Bay: The island’s gateway for all marine traffic and the starting point for dive trips and sea excursions.
- Saba Marine Park: Surrounds the island and offers diving with sea turtles, reef sharks, and deep drop-offs.
- Sea Saba Dive Center: One of several local operators offering guided dives and equipment rentals.
- Harbor Restaurant: A relaxed spot for seafood and sunset views.
- Ladder Bay Trail: A steep historic trail once used to haul supplies up from the sea.
Mount Scenery and Surrounding Trails
The core of Saba’s hiking and nature tourism, offering rainforest, cloud forest, and panoramic views.
- Mount Scenery: The highest point in the Dutch Kingdom, reached by 1,064 steps through the jungle.
- Elfin Forest: A unique high-altitude ecosystem with moss-draped trees and orchids.
- Mas Cohone Trail: A lush route with switchbacks, ferns, and quiet lookouts.
- Sandy Cruz Trail: Crosses the island east to west, with forest cover and bird sightings.
- Spring Bay Trail: Leads to remote ruins and coastal cliffs near the marine park boundary.
The climate is generally pleasant and there isn’t much difference between the summers and winters of Saba as average monthly temperature is around 27°C.
Saba receives direct flights from neighboring Caribbean islands like St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and St. Barts. The ports at Saba can only handle small boats, yachts and dinghies, not large cruise liners.