Saba Travel Guide (Lesser Antilles/Caribbean/North America)

A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Saba: Caribbean’s Hidden Gem

Nestled in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean, Saba is a pristine island known for its rugged cliffs and stunning views. Often referred to as the “Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean,” Saba is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In this comprehensive travel guide to Saba, we’ll explore the island’s must-see attractions, the best outdoor adventures, where to stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Saba

Saba boasts an array of attractions for travelers seeking a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Here’s a list of places you should consider visiting:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Saba Heritage Center: Discover the history and culture of Saba at this museum, featuring a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits.
Saba Museum: Learn about Saba’s history from the Arawak Indians to present day, including the island’s turbulent past with pirates and slavery.
Harry L. Johnson Museum: This restored 19th-century house, located in Windwardside, serves as a tribute to one of Saba’s most influential politicians.

Natural Attractions of Saba: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mount Scenery: Climb to the peak of Saba’s highest mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the island and surrounding seas.
The Bottom: This charming village in the heart of Saba offers picturesque views of the island’s stunning landscapes.
Tent Reef Wall: Go scuba diving to explore this impressive underwater wall, home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and colorful fish.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saba

Saba is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a diverse range of hiking and biking trails. Some of the best routes include:

Sandy Cruz Trail: This hike takes you through lush greenery and offers stunning views of Saba’s rolling hills.
The Road: For a more relaxed walk, take a stroll down the island’s only main road, where you’ll be greeted with scenic views of the ocean and hillside.
Saba Trail: Biking enthusiasts will love this challenging trail, which features steep inclines and breathtaking views.

Best Things to Do in Saba: Activities and Tours

Saba Divers: Saba’s waters are perfect for scuba diving, and Saba Divers offers some of the best guided dives on the island.
The Saba Trail: For an extensive hiking experience, sign up for a guided tour of this historic trail.
Saba Island Tours: Discover the island’s unique culture and history with a guided tour that takes you through the village of Windwardside and other Saba hotspots.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saba

Travelers with a week to spare in Saba can follow this comprehensive itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Saba and settle into your accommodations. Explore the local area around your hotel or guesthouse.
Day 2: Spend the day exploring Saba’s natural beauty with a hike through Mount Scenery or Sandy Cruz Trail.
Day 3: Take a tour of the island’s cultural attractions, including the Saba Heritage Center and Harry L. Johnson Museum.
Day 4: Dive into the underwater world of Saba with a scuba diving tour.
Day 5: Take a day trip to one of the nearby Caribbean islands, including St. Eustatius or St. Maarten.
Day 6: Spend the day biking along Saba Trail, a challenging yet rewarding route.
Day 7: Wrap up your trip with a relaxing day at the beach or explore Saba’s local food and drink scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Saba

Saba’s culinary scene is a mix of Caribbean and Dutch influences, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Saba Lobster: Freshly caught and cooked to perfection, this seafood dish is a must for any seafood lover.
Johnny Cakes: These fluffy and sweet fried cakes are a popular breakfast staple in Saba.
Saltfish and Chips: This classic dish is a Saba favorite, featuring salted cod fish and crispy fried chips.

Local Beverages

Saba Spice: A blend of local spices and rum, Saba Spice is a popular local drink with a spicy kick.
Ting: A refreshing and sweet grapefruit soda, Ting is a popular soft drink on the island.
Saba Scrub: Made with local orange peel and sugar, Saba Scrub is a sweet and fragrant liqueur perfect for sipping on a cool evening.

Where to Stay in Saba: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Saba offers several accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the best options for travelers include:

Juliana’s Hotel: This quaint and comfortable hotel is located in the heart of Windwardside and features stunning views of the island’s natural beauty.
Queen’s Gardens Resort & Spa: This luxurious resort offers guests a serene getaway with beautifully designed rooms and amenities like a spa and pool.
The Cottage Club Hotel: This budget-friendly option is perfect for travelers seeking a comfortable and charming guesthouse experience.

What to Buy in Saba: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some popular souvenirs and local products to bring home from Saba include:

Saba Lace: This delicate handmade lace is a trademark of the island and makes for a unique and beautiful souvenir.
Saba Island Candles: Made with natural beeswax and fragrant essential oils, these candles are a popular handmade product in Saba.
Saba Spice: A popular local drink, Saba Spice can be purchased in bottles to bring home as a unique island souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Saba

Saba’s culture is a unique blend of Caribbean and European influences, with a strong focus on preserving the island’s natural beauty and heritage. Some of the local customs and traditions to be aware of include:

Respect for the Environment: Saba residents are fiercely dedicated to preserving the island’s pristine environment, and visitors are encouraged to do the same.
Quiet Lifestyle: Saba locals live a quiet lifestyle, and visitors are expected to be respectful of this and keep noise levels low.
Friendly and Welcoming: Saba locals are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and visitors should expect a warm and hospitable reception throughout their stay.

Best Time to Visit Saba

The best time to visit Saba is between December and April, when the weather is dry and mild, with low humidity and fewer mosquitoes. However, the island is a popular year-round destination, with many visitors enjoying the lush greenery and natural beauty during the rainy season between May and November.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saba

When visiting Saba, there are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

Be Respectful of the Island’s Natural Beauty: Saba is famed for its unspoiled natural beauty, and all visitors should be respectful of the environment and help preserve it for future generations.
Take Advantage of the Island’s Outdoor Adventures: Saba is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with endless hiking and biking trails to explore, as well as watersports and diving adventures to be enjoyed.
Experience the Local Culture: Saba’s unique blend of Caribbean and Dutch influences is evident in everything from the food to the art, and visitors should take advantage of the opportunity to explore and experience the island’s local culture.

Don’t:

Litter the Island: Saba is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the island, and visitors should take care not to leave trash or litter behind.
Be Loud or Disruptive: Saba locals live a quiet lifestyle, and visitors should be respectful of this by keeping noise levels low and not disrupting the peaceful atmosphere.
Take Coral or Other Marine Life: The coral reefs and marine life of Saba are a vital part of the island’s ecosystem, and visitors should not take any coral or marine life as souvenirs or keepsakes.

Safety and Health

Saba is a safe and welcoming island, with a low crime rate and a generally healthy population. However, visitors should take some precautions to stay safe and healthy when visiting Saba:

Safety in Saba

Stay Away from Active Volcanoes: Saba is located near several active volcanoes, and visitors should avoid any areas that are marked as a potential danger zone.
Be Careful on Hiking Trails: Some of Saba’s hiking trails can be steep and challenging, and visitors should take care to wear appropriate footwear and stay on marked paths.
Be Mindful of Sun Exposure: The Caribbean sun can be intense, and visitors should wear sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid sunburn and other skin damage.

Health in Saba

Drink Bottled Water: Tap water in Saba is generally safe, but visitors may want to drink bottled water to avoid any potential gastrointestinal issues.
Check for Mosquito-Borne Diseases: The Caribbean is known for mosquito-borne diseases like Zika and dengue fever, and visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and check for any symptoms during and after their trip.
Be Aware of Altitude Sickness: The high altitude of Saba’s Mount Scenery can cause some visitors to experience altitude sickness, and visitors should take care to adjust slowly to the higher elevations.

Getting to Saba: Transportation Options and Logistics

Saba is accessible by air and sea, with several options for transportation:

Airports Near Saba

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport: Located on Saba, this is the primary airport for visitors to the island.
Princess Juliana International Airport: Located on the nearby island of St. Maarten, visitors can take a short flight to Saba from this airport.

Other Options

Ferry: Visitors can take a ferry from the nearby island of St. Maarten to Saba.
Private Boat: Visitors can also rent a private boat to travel to Saba from nearby islands.

How to Get Around in Saba

While Saba is a small island, there are several options for getting around the island:

Taxi: Taxis are available throughout the island and can be convenient for short trips.
Rental Car: Visitors can rent a car to explore the island at their own pace.
Walking/Biking: Saba is a walkable and bikeable island, with several hiking and biking trails to explore.

Where to Go Next from Saba: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Saba is located near several other beautiful Caribbean destinations, including:

St. Eustatius: Also known as Statia, this island is home to several historic sites and natural wonders.
St. Maarten: This bustling island is a popular destination for shopping, nightlife, and other activities.
Anguilla: This stunning island is famed for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Conclusion

Saba is a hidden gem in the Caribbean, offering visitors a tranquil escape to a pristine island paradise. With a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures, it’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable getaway. Use this comprehensive travel guide to Saba to plan your ultimate tropical vacation.