A different Caribbean
For those travelers looking for the quiet Caribbean, an island with old-world charm, look no further. The island of Saba proudly declares itself "The Unspoiled Queen" referring to her unspoiled nature and inhabitants. Saba is different; Saba is safe. The best way to describe this unique island with less than 2,000 residents is to list our have nots: Saba has no crime, no high rises, no traffic lights, no crowds, no fast-food restaurants, no casinos, no cruise ships. Oh, and we almost forgot, no beaches. Instead, Saba's guests enjoy a choice of small, intimate hotels and private cottages within quaint villages among friendly locals.
Safe, clean, and green...
Topside Saba is protected by the Saba Conservation Foundation with only a small percentage of the island 'developed' for residential and commercial needs. Our family owned restaurants offer an array of cuisine from outdoor barbecues to fine dining, all at reasonable prices. Saba has two ATMs, decent cell phone coverage, and island-wide WiFi. Saba is popular for single travelers, families, couples, or groups. We hope you will find our comprehensive website answers your many questions--see you soon on Saba!
Info on Saba:
5 things you should know about Saba Island.
1. Where is Saba?
The island of Saba is located 17°38′N 63°15′W, 28 miles to the Southwest of its international hub St. Maarten/St. Marten. On a clear day, you can see the islands of St. Maarten, St. Barthelemy (St. Barths), St. Eustatius (Statia), St. Kitts, Nevis, and even Montserrat (from the summit of Mt. Scenery).
2. Which country is Saba affiliated with?
Saba is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Although a Public Entity of the Netherlands, Saba's first language is English and the island's currency is the US dollar.
3. What's the name of Saba's airport?
Saba is home to Juancho E. Yrausquin airport which boasts the world's shortest commercial runway! Shorter than an aircraft carrier, "the landing" is when the adventure begins!
4. Which ferries travel to Saba?
Saba is accessible via two ferries: The Edge and the Makana. The Edge travels from Simpson Bay, St Maarten, while the Makana departs from Philipsburg, St Maarten. The Makana also connects to Statia! See the Traveling to Saba page of our website for more information.
5. Why go to Saba?
SCUBA Diving is the top attraction of Saba. The Saba Marine Park protects 30 dives sites around the island of Saba. Saba boasts some of the best diving in the Caribbean with unique structure to go along with a healthy reef.
Snorkeling
Let us introduce you to the underwater world. Join the fun with a snorkel trip! As there is not safe shore access on Saba, the easiest way to explore our healthy reefs is while snorkeling from a comfortable Sea Saba boat with our competent dive crew. Daily afternoon trips go out as long as the weather cooperates. We'll arrange a taxi pickup for you and any equipment needed. Sea Saba's boats are large and comfortable with shade as well as a sundeck. We always have a qualified dive instructor who stays on board to supervise the snorkelers. First time snorkeler? We can arrange a private guide to accompany you in the water. In addition, we have a full range of equipment including snorkel vests, a drift line, and wetsuits to add to your comfort and safety.
Hiking
Most of Saba's hiking trails are the original footpaths used for hundreds of years before The Road was created. Imagine the life of the local islanders as you travel from one village to the next. Saba offers a variety of hiking and nature trails over diverse terrains from tide pools up to Saba's cloud forest: Mt. Scenery. The trails are continuously maintained by the Saba Conservation Foundation. All trails can be done on your own but are greatly enhanced with one of the park's guides. Learn more about Saba's flora and fauna and loads of Saban lore to share as well. Visit the Saba Trail Shop in Windwardside (adjacent to the Sea Saba shop) for more information on hiking choices, maps or to find out when you can schedule your customized hike.
Shopping
Looking for a unique souvenir? Take a wander down "Main Street" in Windwardside and meet a friendly shop owner, visit an artist or have a smoothie at the Snack Shop, or pop into Sea Saba's Dive Shop which is great for Saba branded clothing and dive-related equipment. At Juliana's Hotel you'll find a small gift shop, carrying the popular "Unspoiled Queen" clothing line, artist-in-residence Anna Keene’s creations, Saba Finds creations, and locally made products by Saban Rock Living. The Five Square Gallery is the island's art gallery. The Everyt'íngs shop is just that... a little bit of everything!
Arts & Crafts
Heleen Cornet
Saba's most popular artist and former president of Saba Foundation for the Arts, Heleen Cornet sometimes offers art lessons. Heleen took two years to complete the project we have dubbed, "Saba's Sistine Chapel". The alter of the Catholic Church in The Bottom has been transformed to a biblical Saban rainforest scene. Heleen's timeless art can be viewed any day of the week. Be sure to ask your taxi driver to stop in for a peek or catch it on the way down after hiking the Sandy Cruz trail. Heleen and other artists' paintings are displayed and sold at Five Square Gallery in Windwardside.
Anna Keene
The Studio at Juliana's Hotel is a place where artists can come together for various workshops, where they can share techniques, tips & tricks during workshops. Every art form from Shibori, indigo dying, eco-dying, weaving, sewing, jewelry making, painting (watercolors, acrylics, oils,) to textiles and even photography..... the world is at your fingertips.
Bird Watching
Schedule a tour that takes you from sea to summit to encounter endemic bridled quail dove, brown trembler, grass quit, hummingbirds, and the largest population of red-billed tropicbirds on the planet. We recommend an outing that is part taxi tour, part hiking which takes you to a variety of habitats to observe Caribbean birds and those that are rarely accessed elsewhere.
